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Helicopter Glacier Trek

4 ¼ Hours Duration

From pick-up to drop-off

Scenic Helicopter Flight

Over the Juneau Icefield

Limited Seats Available

Book early for this high-demand tour

Guided Glacier Walk

Two hours on the glacier

Description

Like most of Alaska, the Juneau Icefield is largely inaccessible without taking to the skies. Therefore, the Helicopter Glacier Trek is a perfect choice to immerse yourself in the raw beauty of this breathtaking land. Soar over glaciers and snow-capped peaks for incredible views that you won’t soon forget! Then, adventure awaits you on ancient ice that transforms the terrain daily in this popular Mendenhall Glacier helicopter tour. With two-hours of exploration, this trek satisfies those looking for fun off the beaten path. Mendenhall is one of the most well-known glaciers, with thousands of visitors catching just a glimpse of it from below. But you can be one of the few that explores the surreal landscape from above on this Mendenhall Glacier helicopter tour! Finally, check walking on an Alaskan glacier off of your bucket list with this once-in-a-lifetime experience that brings excitement and joy to every traveler!

Your tour kicks off right from the cruise docks, with round-trip transportation on this 4 hour and 15-minute helicopter glacier trek. Upon arrival at the helicopter base, gear-fitting and instruction on proper use of the equipment are provided. In preparation, the highly experienced guides will explain the different glacial features and safety requirements. This way you’ll be sure you are ready to explore many remote areas on the glacier. After this, you’ll finally fly over the stunning Juneau Icefield, getting more excited as you anxiously await your first steps on the glacier. It will feel as if you’re in another world, and certainly far away from the crowds, as you explore the frozen rivers of ice, moulins, and deep crevasses.

No experience is required on this helicopter glacier trek! However, guests must be comfortable walking approximately two miles over uneven and sometimes steep terrain. This Mendenhall Glacier helicopter tour is perfect for those looking for an in-depth glacier experience, with the ease of accessing it by helicopter!

Looking for a glacier experience paired with dogsledding? Check out the Helicopter & Dogsled Glacier Excursion!

What's Included

Roundtrip transportation

Knowledgeable Guides

Gear Provided: Rain Pants, Rain Jacket, Gloves, Harness, Mountaineering Boots, Crampons, Ice Axe, Helmet

Light Snack & Water

Guide Gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I need extra help on the tour?

Your pilot will be with you the entire tour, so they’ll be happy to lend a helping hand whenever necessary. This tour does require a moderate level of fitness in order to load/unload the helicopter and navigate on icy/uneven terrain. If you require extra assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us ahead of your tour and discuss your particular needs.

What should I wear?

Dress warmly and in layers as the temperature on the glacier is often colder than you are used to. We recommend long pants, a hat, mid-height athletic socks, and sunglasses! The following equipment is provided: Rain and wind-proof jacket and pants, hard shell mountaineering boots, crampons, gloves, helmet, harness, trekking pole, and pack with tissues, water, and a granola bar. Remember to bring your camera and an appetite for adventure!

What happens if the weather is too bad to fly?

If the weather is just not cooperating and the pilots determine that it’s too bad to fly, we’ll do our best to reschedule you to a later time of day that works for you. If you choose not to reschedule or we can’t find a time that works for you, we will refund you.

How many passengers per helicopter?

Each helicopter can seat up to 6 passengers, provided the weight and balance calculations work out in each aircraft.

What if my tour group is larger than 6 people?

There are several helicopters available at the base and can make accommodations for larger groups with advance notice. If your group exceeds 6 passengers and requires the use of multiple aircraft, we instruct the pilots to coordinate landing locations on the glacier so that you can have your landing time together.

Will the pilot get out with us?

Definitely. Your pilot will act as your guide for your entire helicopter tour, including the time you’ll spend on the glacier. This allows for a truly focused tour experience.

Know Before You Book

Minimum Age: 12 years old

Maximum 6 guests per helicopter.

Not wheelchair accessible.

Individuals weighing 250lbs or more are subject to additional fees.

Approximately 25 minutes of flight time and approximately 2 hours trekking on glacier.

Guests must be comfortable walking about 2 miles over uneven, steep terrain.

Higher than average cancellation rates due to weather. Cancellations are determined by the tour operator.

Cancel up to 14-days before the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 14-days of the tour. If for any reason your tour is canceled, or if your cruise ship's schedule changes, you will receive a refund. Refunds do not include any non-refundable fees. Contact us by phone or email to request a cancellation.

Quick Facts

City

Juneau

Itinerary • 4h 25min • 4 activities

Guides will meet you at your cruise pier or downtown hotel for transport to the airport.

Duration

20 minutes

Get geared up in the glacier boots provided and meet your pilot/guide for a brief safety orientation. You can leave behind unneeded items for pickup later.

Duration

40 minutes

Lift off and fly over the Juneau Icefield for a short flight to basecamp. Once you arrive you'll begin your 2 mile adventure that is equal parts discovery, ice trekking & exploration.

Duration

2 hours 20 minutes

Return flight to the helicopter base to grab any belongings before boarding the van back to the cruise docks and downtown Juneau.

Duration

55 minutes