Description
Take adventure to new heights with this Helicopter Glacier Ice Climbing Tour in Juneau, an unforgettable experience that combines scenic flightseeing with hands-on glacier exploration. Your journey begins with a breathtaking helicopter flight over the lush Tongass National Forest, winding river valleys, and the vast expanse of the Juneau Icefield. From the air, you’ll gain a true sense of the scale and beauty of Alaska’s glacial landscape before touching down on a remote section of ancient ice inaccessible by foot.
Once on the glacier, professional guides outfit you with specialized climbing gear and provide clear, supportive instruction tailored to your experience level. Over the course of roughly two hours, you’ll learn and practice fundamental ice climbing techniques, including proper foot placement, balance, and tool use. The terrain varies from gentle ice terraces to steeper frozen walls, allowing you to progress at a comfortable pace while building confidence on the ice. Throughout the experience, your guides share insights into glacier formation and movement, deepening your appreciation for this dynamic environment.
Surrounded by shimmering blue ice, towering crevasses, and rugged alpine scenery, you’ll enjoy incredible photo opportunities and a true sense of accomplishment. After your glacier adventure, the helicopter returns you to base, completing an extraordinary Alaskan experience few travelers ever get to enjoy.
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need ice climbing experience?
No. Guides provide full instruction and adjust climbs to your ability level.
How physically demanding is this tour?
This tour requires sustained movement, climbing, and balance. Participants must be physically fit.
What is included in the gear?
Helmet, harness, crampons, ice tools, boots, rain gear, gloves, water, and a light snack.
What happens if weather is poor?
Tours are operated with safety and quality in mind. If canceled, rescheduling or a full refund is offered.
Why don't I see any tours available for my travel dates?
If you’ve entered your travel date and group size and do not see any tours available, the tours are most likely sold out, not operating that day, or the schedule has not yet been released for booking. If the specific helicopter tour you wanted is missing from the results, that usually means it is not available for your selected date, time, or group size.
Helicopter tours are among the most popular Alaska shore excursions and can sell out months in advance, especially during peak cruise season. If you’re visiting by cruise ship, many tours also require a 45–60 minute buffer to ensure you make it to and from your ship on time, so departures too close to your arrival or all-aboard time won’t appear. For the best chance of securing your preferred tour, date, and departure time, we recommend booking as soon as your travel itinerary is confirmed.
Our live availability calendar is the most accurate and up-to-date source for open departures. If no helicopter options appear after you enter your details, we recommend checking other available tour types for your port or adjusting your group size if your party can split across separate departures or activities.
For future-season travel, schedules are released gradually, most often in the fall as cruise schedules are finalized. If you’re searching for next season and do not see availability yet, that usually means those departures have not been released, not that they are already sold out. We recommend checking back later as more schedules become available.