Glacier Landing Tour from Girdwood

Discover the Glacier Landing Tour from Girdwood for an Unmatched Alaskan Adventure

The Glacier Landing Tour from Girdwood offers an extraordinary chance to see the stunning Chugach Mountains and glaciers from above and right on the ice itself. For $677 per person, this approximately 1-hour experience combines a 45-minute helicopter flight with a walk on an ancient glacier, making it a standout way to explore Alaska’s icy landscapes. The tour is highly rated, with a perfect 5.0 stars from 126 reviews and a strong recommendation rate of 98%.

This tour departs from Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, a scenic ski town about 40 miles south of Anchorage. It’s suitable for most travelers, with a weight limit of 290 lbs per passenger and a maximum of 12 participants per flight. The experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making the logistics smooth. While weather conditions can affect the schedule, the tour’s safety and professionalism shine through, ensuring a memorable adventure whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor.

Key Points

• Private helicopter flight over the Chugach Mountains provides breathtaking aerial views.
• Walk on a 40,000-year-old glacier and explore its surface on foot.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off included for convenience.
• Tour duration is about 1 hour, with 45 minutes of flight time.
• Most travelers find this experience to be unforgettable and well worth the price.
• The tour operates most days, but is weather-dependent; cancellations for poor weather are fully refundable or can be rescheduled.

Starting Point at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood

The adventure begins at Alyeska Resort’s hangar, where safety briefings are provided before boarding the helicopter. Travelers arrive 15 minutes early to prepare for the scenic flight. The departure is from Girdwood’s airport, a location known for its stunning mountain scenery and access to outdoor activities. After the flight, visitors can continue exploring Girdwood’s hiking trails or visit Resort Alyeska to extend their outdoor experience.

The Chugach Mountains: A Glacial Wonderland

The Chugach Range is one of the most heavily glaciated regions in North America. During the helicopter flight, you’ll fly over spectacular glaciers and rugged peaks, capturing incredible views from the aircraft’s large windows. Many reviews praise the knowledgeable pilots who explain the landscape and highlight notable sights, including wildlife such as moose and black bears. The flight offers a bird’s-eye view of the pristine wilderness that’s difficult to access from the ground.

Flying in State-of-the-Art Helicopters with Large Windows

Alpine Air Alaska operates with modern aircraft equipped with large windows, allowing for excellent sightseeing opportunities. This focus on quality ensures that every passenger gets clear, unobstructed views of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. This tour is designed to give everyone a comfortable, safe, and stunning perspective of the Alaskan scenery, making it ideal for photography and simply soaking in the vistas.

The Glacier Landing: Walking on 40,000-Year-Old Ice

The highlight of this tour is the landing on a glacier, where you’ll have time to walk on the ice surface. The glacier is estimated to be around 40,000 years old, offering a sense of walking on a truly ancient and pristine environment. Walking on the glacier allows for close-up views of the ice’s unique features, such as crevasses and streams, some of which are formed by glacial streams. Many reviews mention how clean and deep the glacier water is, and some guests even drink glacier water during the visit.

Detailed Itinerary and Stops

The tour begins at Alpine Air Alaska’s hangar at Girdwood airport with a brief safety briefing. After boarding the helicopter, the flight takes approximately 45 minutes, during which you fly over Alaska’s glaciers and mountains. The main stop is the glacier landing site, where you are free to explore on foot for a set amount of time. This part of the experience often garners praise for the magnificent scenery and the opportunity to stand on ancient ice. The tour concludes with a return flight to Girdwood, where hotel pickup and drop-off are provided if needed.

Logistics: Ease and Accessibility

The tour offers round-trip shared transfers from any Girdwood hotel or B&B, simplifying travel arrangements. The meeting point is Alyeska Resort, a central location in Girdwood. Participants must be aware of the weight limit of 290 lbs per passenger; some reviews mention disappointment for those who exceed this limit, as no exceptions are made due to FAA safety regulations. The tour can accommodate most travelers, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Weather Conditions and Cancellation Policies

Since the Alaskan weather can change rapidly, the tour is subject to favorable weather conditions. Cancellations due to poor weather are common but are fully refundable or can be rescheduled. Passengers are advised to cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Tours canceled less than 24 hours before departure are not eligible for refunds.

The Experience of the Pilot and Guides

Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable and friendly pilots, with names like Scott, Christian, John, and Robbie frequently mentioned. Pilots are praised for their professionalism, explanations of the landscape, and ability to spot wildlife. The guides are also noted for making the experience more engaging and safe. Several reviews mention the pilot’s skill in taking photos and explaining the scenery in a clear, friendly manner.

The Unique Value of the Glacier Landing

Walking on a 40,000-year-old glacier combined with a scenic helicopter flight makes this tour a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Many reviewers rank it among the best things they’ve ever done in Alaska, with spectacular views, close encounters with wildlife, and the thrill of being on the ice. The photos taken during the walk are often described as amazing, though some wish they could capture more on the glacier surface.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is perfect for adventure seekers who want to see Alaska from above and on the ice. It appeals to nature lovers, photographers, and those looking for a unique experience that combines flightseeing with glacier exploration. Participants should be comfortable with small aircraft and limited walking on uneven glacier terrain. The tour offers accessible logistics but is weather-dependent, so flexibility is advisable.

Final Thoughts on the Glacier Landing Tour from Girdwood

The $677 price tag reflects the rare opportunity to fly over the Chugach Mountains and stand on an ancient glacier. The stunning scenery, expert pilots, and well-organized logistics make this tour a top choice for travelers eager to see Alaska’s icy wilderness. The positive reviews emphasize the professionalism of the staff, breathtaking views, and the unforgettable walk on the glacier surface.

While weather conditions can cause cancellations, the safety and quality of experience remain the priority. For most visitors, this glacier landing and helicopter flight offers a rare glimpse into Alaska’s natural beauty that’s hard to match with other tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a minimum age for this tour?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, but specific age restrictions are not detailed in the provided information.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price includes the helicopter flight, glacier landing and exploration, and round-trip shared transfer from Girdwood hotels.

How long is the helicopter flight?
The flight time is approximately 45 minutes, offering plenty of scenic views over the glaciers and mountains.

What is the maximum weight allowed per passenger?
The weight limit per passenger is 290 lbs, with a combined maximum of 600 lbs for 3 passengers.

How do I know if the weather will permit the tour?
The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to weather, options include a full refund or rescheduling.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Is the tour suitable for photographers?
Absolutely. The large windows and scenic views make it ideal for photography, especially during the glacier walk.

Are there wildlife sightings during the tour?
Yes, some guests report seeing moose, black bears, and bald eagles during the flight.

How accessible is the tour for people with mobility issues?
The information provided does not specify accessibility features. Participants should be comfortable walking on uneven glacier terrain.

What should I bring for the glacier walk?
While not specified, bringing appropriate clothing for cold, windy conditions and camera equipment is recommended to capture memories.

This Glacier Landing Tour from Girdwood combines adventure, scenic beauty, and a rare chance to step onto ancient ice—an experience many travelers rank among their most memorable Alaskan moments.