Please be advised this tour must begin at least 1 hour after your arrival to Juneau if traveling by cruise ship.
Our Helicopter Glacier Trek provides you with two hours on the glacier to learn basic glacier travel techniques, explore, take pictures, and appreciate the magnificent surroundings. The adventure begins with a short drive from Mt. Robert's Tram building to our base located next to the Juneau International Airport. You will be outfitted in state-of-the-art trekking equipment and given a safety briefing before boarding one of our A-Star helicopters.
Once loaded and ready, you will have an opportunity to explore Juneau's incredible range of ecosystems while soaring 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 to make it easier to walk on the icy terrain. As you begin your trek, our guides will demonstrate different techniques for glacier travel and allow time for practice as you become comfortable walking on the ice. You will have ample opportunity to capture unique once-in-a-lifetime photos while your well-trained guides teach you about the history and geology of the area. After your tour, our comfortable vans will bring you back to town.
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: 4.25 hours (Flight time: 30 minutes. Glacier Trek Time: 2 hours)
Inclusions:
- Roundtrip transportation
- Protective layers: rain pants, rain jackets, gloves, harness, and boots
- Trekking equipment
- Hip pack to carry small personal items during the tour
- Water and a light snack (you may carry in your hip pack and have the opportunity to refill your water bottle with glacier water at some point on the tour)
Recommendation:
- Long socks, long pants, and warm layers
- Bring your sunglasses and camera
Requirements:
- Minimum age: 12 years old
- Guests must be able to walk for 2 hours over uneven and moderately steep terrain
- Signed liability waiver
Duration: 4.25 hours. Tour times below are approximate:
- 15~20 minutes - transfer in a van from the meeting location (Mt. Robert's Tramway) to heliport base
- 30~40 minutes - gearing up, restroom and safety briefing
- 15~20 minutes - helicopter flightseeing tour over Juneau Icefield
- 2 hours - guided hike 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 Mt. Robert's Tramway
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 12 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 for 2 hours over uneven and moderately steep terrain.
What type of clothing should I wear?
Layered clothing, hats, gloves and sunglasses are strongly recommended.
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Customer Reviews
Sep 2022 - Vikas R.
Amazing experience, worth every penny, and a truly, once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Would recommend it to family and friends without hesitation.
Aug 2022 - Tiffany S.
This was one of the highlights of our trip!! In addition to the amazing experience and views, our guides were so knowledgeable and helpful. We have been telling everyone that they HAVE to take this excursion!!
Jul 2022 - Joanne A.
Highlight of our Alaskan trip. Great guides that take special care of all that participated. I would highly recommend them.
Aug 2021 - Yvonne C.
This is a really great tour with an up close and personal experience to see the glacier. Our guide is very knowledgeable and caring. I am quite clumsy and he watched out for me and sometimes lent me a helping hand when we trekked on the ice field. This should be on a bucket list for anyone who likes to see glacier.
Aug 2019 - Lori C.
Saved $$$ by booking through Alaska Excursions instead of through the cruise ship for the very same excursion. This particular tour was amazing and well beyond my expectations. Fabulous flight with a great pilot Christine, and extraordinary hike with our guide Iris. Amazing views of glacial waterfalls and Ice Caves. I've traveled the world and this is an absolute 'don't miss' and highly highly recommended.
Aug 2019 - Mark M.
Unbeleiveable! Everyone should do this tour at least once in their lifetime.
Jul 2019 - NARAYANA B.
Oh wow!!!! what an amazing experience. The highlight of our Alaska trip. They were so organized from the beginning to the end. Fantastic pilot and guides for the trek. The experience was like none other. The trek is a must do!! Highly recommended
Jun 2019 - Chris P.
This was a wonderful trip.
The whole experience was awesome. Our helicopter pilot and the ground staff organising everything were great.
Our guide on the glacier was the best. Thank you for a once in a lifetime experience.
Jun 2019 - Tammie M.
Staff was wonderful from our pilot Tracy to the ground crew. Connor was also an excellent guide very patient and gave great instruction on ice trekking skills. Awesome experience being on Mendenhall Glacier highly recommend!
