Anchorage: 90-min Flight with 2 Landings

Adventure over the Chugach Mountains: Anchorage’s 90-Minute Flight with 2 Landings

This 90-minute helicopter tour from Alpine Air Alaska offers an exhilarating glimpse into Alaska’s rugged backcountry. Starting from Girdwood, the flight takes you deep into the Chugach Mountains, with two unforgettable landings—one on a glacier and another on a remote alpine ridge or mountain lake. For families, photographers, or nature lovers, this tour provides a perfect combination of spectacular scenery and adventure.

While the tour includes multiple landings and breathtaking views, it does require a minimum of 2 passengers to operate. Solo travelers should call ahead if the tour time isn’t full. Roundtrip transportation from Anchorage is optional and available for an additional fee. No matter your experience level, this trip delivers stunning vistas and close-up encounters with Alaska’s icy wilderness.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Duration: 1.5 hours, including two landings on glacier and mountain locations
• Departure Point: Alpine Air Alaska hangar in Girdwood
• Highlights: Glacier exploration, alpine ridge views, wildlife spotting opportunities
• Landings: 30-minute stop on glacier ice and a second on remote mountain ridge or lake
• Suitable for: Families, photographers, and adventure seekers
• Safety & Group Size: Small groups limited to 3 participants

Starting Point in Girdwood: The Alpine Air Alaska Hangar

This scenic helicopter tour begins at the Alpine Air Alaska hangar in Girdwood, located at 60.9678, -149.1190. Travelers are advised to arrive 15 minutes early for a safety briefing before the flight departs. The small group size of just up to 3 participants ensures an intimate experience, allowing for personalized attention from the pilot.

The departure location is convenient for those staying in Girdwood or nearby areas. The tour does not include roundtrip shuttle service from Anchorage, but transportation can be booked for an extra fee by calling the tour provider.

The Scenic Route: Over the Girdwood Valley into the Chugach Mountains

From the Girdwood Valley, the helicopter climbs into the Chugach Mountains, offering sweeping views of glacier-carved valleys and towering peaks. This flight showcases Alaska’s diverse wilderness, with the snow-capped mountains and icy landscapes unfolding beneath the helicopter.

The flight duration ensures ample time to appreciate both the aerial scenery and the first landings. The route provides stunning photo opportunities of the rugged terrain, with the chance to see meltwater pools that appear as vibrant blue patches across the ice during spring and summer.

Landing on the Glacier: Exploring the Icy Landscape

The first significant stop on this tour is a 30-minute landing on a glacier. Surrounded by towering peaks and blue-tinged ice formations, this terrain feels truly remote. The blue meltwater pools are particularly striking during warmer months, adding vivid color to the icy landscape.

During the on-foot exploration, travelers can take photos, admire the serene silence, and get a sense of Alaska’s glacial environment up close. The ice is ancient, and the setting offers dramatic visuals that make for unforgettable images.

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The Second Landing: Alpine Ridge or Mountain Lake

Following the glacier experience, the helicopter heads to a second landing spot—either a remote alpine ridgeline or a mountain lake. This vantage point provides panoramic views of glacier valleys and the untouched wilderness.

This stop offers an excellent photo opportunity and a chance to spot wildlife such as moose, mountain goats, or even bears in the distance. The high vantage point enhances the feeling of being in the heart of Alaskan wilderness, away from civilization.

Wildlife Viewing and Nature Encounters

While the tour emphasizes spectacular scenery, the chance to see wildlife like moose, bears, and mountain goats adds to the adventure. These animals are often spotted from the air or during the landings in their natural habitat.

The areas visited during this tour are known for undisturbed nature, making wildlife encounters possible if conditions are right. The remote locations and untouched landscapes make this experience especially appealing for photographers seeking wildlife shots and landscape images.

Safety and Professional Guidance from Alpine Air Alaska

With more than 30 years of experience, Alpine Air Alaska is recognized as the region’s safest helicopter tour provider. The expert pilots guide this journey, prioritizing safety and comfort throughout the experience.

Participants are required to arrive early for a briefing, ensuring everyone understands safety protocols. The small group format allows for personalized attention and an intimate experience with Alaska’s backcountry.

Logistics: Booking, Group Size, and Additional Options

The tour is limited to 3 participants, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a more personalized adventure. To reserve a spot, at least 2 passengers must be booked; solo travelers should call ahead if the desired time isn’t filled.

Roundtrip transportation from Anchorage is available but not included. Travelers can contact the tour provider to arrange this service for convenience. The tour can be canceled with a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance, adding flexibility to the booking process.

Comparing this Tour to Other Alaska Glacier Adventures

This helicopter experience offers a more personalized alternative to larger boat or cruise-based excursions. Unlike glacier cruises, the airborne perspective provides unmatched views of the mountainous wilderness and close-up glacier access.

Other experiences, like glacier cruises or wildlife tours, often include different environments or activities. This tour’s standout feature remains the combination of aerial sightseeing and on-ground exploration, making it a comprehensive way to experience Alaska’s icy terrain.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This scenic helicopter trip is ideal for families, photographers, and adventure lovers eager to witness remote glaciers and mountain vistas. It’s suited for those comfortable with helicopter flights and eager to explore Alaska’s wilderness from above and below.

Since the group size is limited, participants receive a more personal experience with the pilot, which enhances the enjoyment and safety of the adventure. The two landings make this tour more immersive than a typical flightseeing experience.

Final Thoughts on the Anchorage 90-Minute Flight with 2 Landings

This helicopter journey from Girdwood offers a remarkable vantage point on Alaska’s glaciers and mountains. The two landings provide unique opportunities to explore on foot, take photos, and enjoy the silence of the icy wilderness.

The expert guidance from Alpine Air Alaska and the small group format ensure a safe, personal, and memorable experience. While transportation from Anchorage is optional, the stunning scenery and glacier close-ups make it a worthy addition to any Alaska itinerary.

This tour appeals most to those who want to see Alaska’s icy terrain up close, capture spectacular images, and experience the thrill of flying over some of the world’s most impressive landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the helicopter tour?
The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, including two landings on a glacier and remote mountain location.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from the Alpine Air Alaska hangar in Girdwood, AK.

Is transportation from Anchorage included?
No, roundtrip shuttle service is not included but can be arranged for an additional fee.

What is the minimum number of participants?
A minimum of 2 passengers is required to book the tour. Solo travelers should call ahead.

What can I expect at the glacier landing?
You get 25-30 minutes on glacier ice, surrounded by towering peaks and blue ice pools, perfect for photos.

Is wildlife visible during the tour?
Yes, there is a good chance to see wildlife like moose, mountain goats, and bears from the air or during the landings.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby