Anchorage: Helicopter Glacier Dogsledding Tour

Unique Glacier Dogsledding Adventure with Helicopter Flight from Anchorage

The Anchorage: Helicopter Glacier Dogsledding Tour offers an exhilarating mix of aerial scenery and snowy thrills, all within 1.5 hours. Starting from Girdwood, this tour combines a scenic helicopter flight over the Chugach Mountains with a landing on Punchbowl Glacier, sitting at 3,200 feet above sea level. It’s designed for those eager to see Alaska’s stunning glaciers from above and get up close to Alaskan Huskies trained by the renowned Seaveys IdidaRide Kennel.

The tour includes a dogsled ride guided by a musher, who takes you through the icy landscape while surrounded by glaciers and mountains. As a bonus, there’s the chance to play with adorable sled dog puppies and learn about the musher lifestyle during a quick camp tour. With small group sizes limited to 10 participants, this experience feels personal and immersive.

While the tour is fast-paced and packed with activities, it’s important to note that larger groups may be split across multiple helicopters, and weight restrictions could mean an extra fee for those over 250 lbs. The roundtrip shuttle from Anchorage is available for an additional fee, making logistics easier for visitors staying in the city.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• 1.5-hour combination experience of helicopter flight and dogsledding
• Fly over the Chugach Mountains with breathtaking aerial views
• Land on Punchbowl Glacier at 3,200 feet altitude for a genuine snow experience
• Meet Alaskan Huskies trained by the Seavey family, renowned for Iditarod success
• Enjoy a guided dogsled ride amid glaciers and mountains
• Play with puppies and get a tour of the sled dog camp

Scenic Helicopter Flight Over the Chugach Mountains

The adventure begins with a helicopter flight that delivers spectacular views of the Girdwood Valley and the Chugach Mountains. The Astar B3e helicopters used are operated by Alpine Air Alaska, known for their safety focus and local expertise spanning over 30 years. This flight offers panoramic vistas that capture the rugged beauty of Alaska’s snow-capped peaks and glaciers, a highlight for anyone eager to see the region from above.

The flight duration provides ample time to take photos and appreciate the vastness of the landscape. The landing on Punchbowl Glacier makes this experience particularly memorable, allowing visitors to step onto a massive snowfield high in the mountains, in a truly Alaskan environment.

Punchbowl Glacier: A Snowfield at 3,200 Feet

Arriving on Punchbowl Glacier, visitors find themselves on a vast expanse of snow at 3,200 feet altitude. This spot offers stunning views of glaciers and mountain peaks all around. The setting is ideal for getting close to nature and feeling the scale and silence of Alaska’s icy wilderness.

This glacier landing is the perfect backdrop for the upcoming dogsled adventure. The snowy terrain is abundant and ideal for sled dog activities, offering an authentic taste of Alaska’s winter sports culture. The area is also where visitors meet the mushers and their team of Alaskan Huskies.

Meet the Huskies Trained by the Seaveys

The musher guides are associated with Seaveys IdidaRide Kennel, run by Mitch Seavey, a three-time Iditarod Champion. The Huskies are trained specifically for sled pulling and are known for their strength and speed. Visitors get to see how the mushers select dogs for the sleds, offering insight into the training and care of these athletic animals.

Meeting the friendly Huskies provides a personal connection to Alaska’s dog-mushing traditions. The dogs are living on the glacier and are used to the cold environment, making them adorable companions for playtime after the ride.

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Dogsled Ride with a Skilled Musher Guide

The dogsledding segment is led by an experienced musher, who guides the sled across the snow. Participants have the option to stand on the runners or sit back on the sled, depending on comfort and interest. The scenic ride takes you through glaciers and snowy mountains, providing an up-close view of Alaska’s icy terrain.

The musher shares stories and insights about sled dog life, making the ride both exciting and educational. This guided experience emphasizes the authenticity of the Alaskan sledding tradition and offers a thrilling adventure for outdoor enthusiasts.

Playtime with the Sled Dog Puppies

After the sled ride, visitors can spend time playing with puppies born to the working sled dogs. This puppy playtime offers a heartwarming contrast to the rugged landscape, letting participants interact with adorable pups in a safe and supervised environment.

The puppies are often a highlight for animal lovers, and this part of the tour allows for fun photos and cuddles. It’s also an opportunity to learn about the care and upbringing of sled dog puppies in the Alaskan winter environment.

Tour Camp and the Lifestyle of Mushers

The tour includes a brief tour of the sled dog camp, where visitors get a look into musher life. Guides explain how dogs are cared for, the training routines, and the day-to-day operations of a working sled dog kennel. This insight adds depth to the overall experience, making it clear how integral sled dogs are to Alaska’s culture.

The camp tour is short but informative, perfect for those who want to understand the reality behind the romantic image of sled dog teams.

Logistics, Group Size, and Additional Fees

The tour operates in small groups, capped at 10 participants, to ensure a personal experience. The helicopter seats up to 5 passengers per aircraft, and larger groups may be split into multiple flights. For anyone over 250 lbs, an additional comfort fee of $150 applies, reflecting FAA guidelines.

The roundtrip shuttle from Anchorage is not included but can be added for an extra fee. Guests are advised to call ahead for transportation arrangements. The tour starts at the Alpine Air Alaska hangar at Girdwood Airport, with clear instructions on what to bring — warm clothing and a camera — to enjoy this outdoor adventure.

Safety and Booking Flexibility

Alpine Air Alaska is recognized for their expert pilots and strong safety record, giving visitors confidence in their helicopter experience. The tour offers free cancellation if canceled 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for flexible travel plans.

Reservation options include pay later, allowing booking flexibility without immediate payment, which is particularly helpful for planning Alaska trips.

Who Will Most Enjoy This Tour?

This glacier dogsledding adventure appeals most to outdoor lovers and adventure seekers who want a multi-faceted experience—flying over glaciers and engaging in dog mushing. The small group size makes it suitable for those who prefer a more personalized environment.

While the tour is relatively short, the intensity of activities and stunning scenery make it worth considering for a memorable Alaska experience. However, those with mobility issues should be aware that the experience involves outdoor snow terrain.

Final Thoughts on the Anchorage Glacier Dogsledding Tour

The Anchorage: Helicopter Glacier Dogsledding Tour stands out for its combination of aerial and snowy adventures, offering a rare chance to see Alaska’s glaciers from above and sled through icy landscapes. The inclusion of puppy playtime and a camp tour adds heartwarming moments to an already impressive experience.

This tour provides excellent value for those eager to combine scenery, culture, and activity in a compact timeframe. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to see glaciers from above and experience sled dog life firsthand. The limited group size and safety focus further enhance its appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation from Anchorage included?
No, roundtrip shuttle is not included but is available for an additional fee.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs for 1.5 hours.

What should I bring?
Guests should wear warm clothing and bring a camera for photos.

Are there weight restrictions?
Yes, guests over 250 lbs typically need to pay a $150 comfort fee.

Can children participate?
Children older than 2 years must have their own seat. It’s advisable to contact the tour provider if traveling with young children.

Is the helicopter flight safe?
Yes, Alpine Air Alaska has a strong safety record and the flights are operated by experienced pilots.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 10 participants, with helicopters accommodating up to 5 guests each.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

What makes this tour unique?
The combination of helicopter flight, glacier landing, sled dog ride, and camp tour provides a comprehensive Alaska experience in a short time frame.

Who is this tour best suited for?
It’s ideal for adventure lovers, nature enthusiasts, and families seeking a thrilling, scenic, and educational experience in Alaska’s icy landscapes.

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