Please be advised this tour must begin at least 1 hour after your arrival to Juneau if traveling by cruise ship.
This Extended Helicopter Glacier Trek is for adventure seekers wishing to maximize their time on the glacier, explore more territory, and learn basic ice climbing techniques. The adventure begins with a short drive from the Mt. Robert's Tram building to our base located next to the Juneau International Airport. You will be outfitted with mountaineering boots, a climbing harness, gaiters, and appropriate rain gear, as well as gloves, a backpack, water, and a granola bar.
Once everyone is ready, you will receive a safety briefing before boarding one of our A-Star helicopters for a flightseeing tour over old-growth trees of the Tongass National Forest, dramatic mountain ranges, and expansive flows of ice that change from white to brilliant shades of blue. Flight routes and landing locations are pilots' choice depending on conditions to give you the best views of the day. You may visit any of the following glaciers: Mendenhall, Taku, Norris, Herbert, Gilkey, Battle, or Thiel.
Upon landing at our base camp on the glacier, your guide will outfit you with crampons, a helmet, and an ice axe and provide instruction on how to properly use the equipment for safe glacier travel. Once familiarized with the gear, you will hike across the rugged terrain past moulins, deep crevasses, and crystal blue rivers, as you make your way into the glacier's most remote areas. Your climbing destination is a massive 300-ft ice wall where you will learn ice climbing techniques and have the opportunity to practice your skills on a portion of this towering feature while on belay.
After an educational exploration of the stunning glacier features and ample photo opportunities, your pilot will return you on a short, scenic flight back to our heliport. Our comfortable vans will then return you to your pick-up point.
Please note: Persons weighing 250lbs or more must pay an additional $150 surcharge for safety reasons. Please purchase the "250lbs+ Adult" ticket if this is the case. 2022 Health & Safety Notice Facemasks are required for all passengers and staff in vehicles, facilities, and helicopters. For the safety of all guests and crew, enhanced cleaning and COVID-19 mitigation protocols will remain in place for the summer of 2022.
Duration: 5.25 hours (Flight time: 30 minutes. Glacier Trek Time: 3 hours)
Inclusions:
- Roundtrip transportation
- Protective layers: rain pants, rain jackets, gloves, harness, and boots
- Trekking equipment
- Water and a light snack
- Hip pack to carry small personal items during the tour
Recommendations:
- Long socks, long pants, and warm layers
- Bring your sunglasses and camera
Requirements:
- Minimum age: 15 years old
- Guests must be able to walk unassisted for 3 hours over steep and uneven terrain
- Signed liability waiver
Duration: 5.25 hours. Tour times below are approximate:
- 15~20 minutes - transfer in a van from the dock to heliport base
- 30~40 minutes - gearing up, restroom and safety briefing
- 15~20 minutes - helicopter flightseeing tour over Juneau Icefield
- 3 hours - guided trek on the glacier
- 10~15 minutes - reboard helicopter and flight back to the heliport
- 15~20 minutes - arrive at heliport, de-gear and visit the gift shop
- 15~20 minutes - transfer in a van from the heliport to dock
Meeting Instructions:
- This tour meets in front of the Mt. Robert's Tramway building. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.
ADA Accessibility of Tour:
- This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible.
How many passengers ride in the helicopter together?
There is a maximum of 6 passengers per helicopter. If your party is larger than 6 passengers, multiple helicopters will take your group and land together.
What is the seating arrangement in the helicopter?
There are two front seats and four rear seats; FAA safety guidelines require seating positions to be assigned based on weight and balance of all passengers for each helicopter.
What is the temperature on the glacier?
The average temperature is between 15-20°F cooler than on the ground.
Will I see any wildlife or bears on this tour?
Wildlife is abundant in Southeast Alaska and sightings are possible on any tour, however this is not a designated wildlife tour and nothing can be guaranteed.
Are there any age restrictions for children?
The minimum age for this tour is 15 years old.
Can I bring a backpack?
Backpacks cannot be accommodated on this tour. Secure storage is available at the helicopter base where you can pick up items upon your return. We provide a hip pack to carry small personal items during the tour. Due to safety protocol, we do not allow selfie sticks, iPads, or drones on this tour.
Can I bring my own food or drink?
Food and drink are not allowed during this tour.
Are food and drink included?
Water and hot beverages are available at the helicopter base, no food or drink is provided while on tour.
Are there any physical requirements for this tour?
Guests must be able to walk unassisted for 3 hours over steep and uneven terrain.
What type of clothing should I wear?
Layered clothing, hats, gloves and sunglasses are strongly recommended.
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Customer Reviews
Sep 2021 - Ambika S.
This was a dream fulfilling experience. The tour guides were amazing and made sure we enjoyed our time on the ice while being safe. I would highly recommend this trek!
