A Glacier Landing Tour with Alpine Air Alaska is more than just a scenic helicopter flight—it’s a chance to step into Alaska’s high alpine world and experience a glacier up close. From soaring over rugged mountains to standing on ancient ice with an expert pilot-guide, this adventure offers an unforgettable perspective of Alaska’s wilderness.
The Scenic Flight to the Glacier
Your experience begins the moment you lift off and head into Alaska’s remote backcountry. Almost immediately, expansive views open up below—towering peaks, winding valleys, icefields, and massive glaciers stretching deep into the Chugach Mountains.
Your pilot serves as both aviator and guide, pointing out fascinating geographic features shaped by thousands of years of glacial movement. Wildlife sightings are always possible along the way, so keep your eyes open for moose in the valleys below, mountain goats and Dall sheep on steep ridgelines, and—on select routes—coastal wildlife like seals or even whales in Prince William Sound.
Landing on the Glacier
Touching down on a glacier is a moment you won’t forget. Once safely on the ice, your pilot will escort you out for approximately 20-25 minutes of exploration.
Glacier conditions can vary, so your pilot-guide is equipped with microspikes and will assess footing to ensure everyone can move comfortably and confidently—even if the ice is slick. From there, the experience is flexible and tailored to your comfort level. You can:
- Join your pilot for a short hiking tour to explore glacier features up close
- Hike a bit farther to feel the scale and texture of the ice beneath your feet
- Or stay close to the helicopter, soaking in the views and focusing on photography
Exploring the Ice with an Expert Pilot-Guide
Standing on a glacier offers a rare, immersive look at Alaska’s ever-changing landscape. You may see deep crevasses, sculpted ice formations, and—when conditions allow—brilliant blue meltwater pools glowing against the white ice.
Your pilot will share insights about how glaciers move, how they shape the surrounding mountains, and why these icy giants are such an important part of Alaska’s ecosystem. If blue pools are open and it’s safe to do so, your pilot may even help you collect fresh glacier water to taste—one of the purest sips you’ll ever experience.
A Scenic Farewell Flight
After your time on the ice, you’ll load back into the helicopter and say goodbye to the glacier. The return flight is still part of the adventure—your pilot may take a slightly different route, highlighting additional ridgelines, hanging glaciers, icefalls, and other striking geographic features.
Keep watching below for wildlife on the way back, as sightings are often just as likely on the return flight.
What to Bring for Your Glacier Landing Tour
Dressing appropriately helps ensure you’re comfortable and able to fully enjoy your glacier landing experience. Here’s what we recommend based on the season.
Summer Glacier Landings
Alaska’s mountain weather is dynamic, even in summer.
- Dress in layers. It may be warm and sunny at our base, but temperatures on the glacier can be 10–15 degrees cooler. A light jacket or insulating layer is always a good idea.
- Footwear: Comfortable tennis shoes or athletic shoes are perfect. For safety reasons, no open-toed shoes or high heels are permitted.
- Essentials:
- Sunglasses to protect your eyes from glare off the ice
- A fully charged phone or camera—photo opportunities are endless!
Winter Glacier Landings
Winter glacier landings are breathtaking and serene—but require dressing for winter conditions.
- Dress for the elements. Wear warm layers, including a heavy winter coat, as temperatures on the glacier are often colder than at our base
- Winter footwear is essential. Glaciers are typically snow-covered in winter, so insulated winter boots are important.
- Cold-weather essentials:
- A hat and gloves
- Sunglasses to reduce glare from snow and ice
- A fully charged phone or camera
Your pilot will always assess conditions and guide you throughout the experience to ensure a safe and enjoyable landing.
Want More Time in the Air or on the Ice?
Every Glacier Landing Tour is an unforgettable introduction to Alaska’s glaciers—but if you’re looking to spend more time exploring, there are enhanced options available.
If you want more flight time and expansive scenery, the Prince William Sound Tour includes a full hour of flight time paired with a 30-minute glacier landing, flying over dramatic coastal mountains, tidewater glaciers, and remote wilderness that few visitors ever see.
If you’re looking for even more landings, the Glacier Discovery Tour includes two separate landings, allowing you to explore multiple glacier environments or combine a glacier landing with a remote alpine ridge for even more variety and photo opportunities.
Book Your Glacier Landing Adventure!
A helicopter glacier landing is often described as the highlight of an Alaska vacation—and for good reason. With expert pilot-guides, exclusive access to remote glaciers, and breathtaking scenery from takeoff to landing, this is an experience you’ll never forget.
Book your Glacier Landing Tour with Alpine Air Alaska today, or give our friendly reservations team a call. We’re always happy to help you choose the perfect flight and share local recommendations to make the most of your time in Alaska.