Anchorage: Heli Snowshoe Adventure

Thinking about adding a winter adventure to your Alaska trip? This Heli Snowshoe Adventure promises a mix of high-flying scenery and snowy exploration just outside Anchorage. It’s a tour that’s perfect for those who want a little bit of everything — the thrill of helicopter flight combined with the peacefulness of walking through a glacier-covered wilderness.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how accessible and well-organized it is, especially for travelers who might not have hours to spare but still want a memorable taste of Alaskan winter. The scenic helicopter ride over the Chugach Range and Knik Glacier offers jaw-dropping views, and the guided snowshoe hike lets you get up close to the icy landscape.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and it’s a fairly pricey outing at $617 per person. But for those who are excited about a short but action-packed adventure, it can be well worth the cost. If you’re into outdoor activities or want a unique way to see Alaska’s stunning glaciers, this could be a great fit.

This tour is best suited for adventure seekers, photographers, or anyone eager to experience Alaska’s winter wilderness from a new angle — literally. It might not be ideal if you’re traveling with very young children or if you prefer a slow-paced, leisurely experience, but if you’re looking for a thrill with breathtaking scenery, it’s definitely worth considering.

Key Points

• Scenic helicopter flight offers incredible views of the Chugach Range and Knik Glacier
• Includes a guided 1.5-hour snowshoe hike through a snow-covered landscape
• Limited group size (up to 3 participants) for a more personalized experience
• All necessary gear like snowshoes and trekking poles are provided
• Duration is just 2 hours, making it a quick but impactful adventure
• Not suitable for wheelchair users and requires warm clothing and a camera

You can check availability for your dates here:

What’s This Tour All About?

This Heli Snowshoe Adventure is a compact, action-packed outdoor experience that combines the thrill of a helicopter flight with the serenity of snowshoeing in some of Alaska’s most stunning scenery. It’s a lot to pack into just two hours, and that’s part of its appeal — you get a taste of the wild, rugged beauty of the Knik Glacier and surrounding mountains without needing a full day or more.

The Helicopter Ride: A Scenic Flights Highlight

The journey begins with a 20-minute helicopter flight that’s designed to be as much about the views as the actual transportation. You’ll soar over the Chugach Range, Lake George, and the Knik River Valley, which means you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of some of Southcentral Alaska’s most iconic landscapes. Many reviews mention how breathtaking the scenery is, with some describing it as an “ unforgettable perspective on the mountains and glaciers.”

The helicopter will lift you just above the treeline, giving you an aerial perspective that’s both exhilarating and awe-inspiring. The pilot’s narration is often praised for being knowledgeable and engaging, adding context to the scenery you’re flying over. If you love panoramic vistas or are a photographer, this part of the tour will likely be a highlight.

The Snowshoeing Experience: Close-Up Wilderness

After landing near the glacier, you’ll don snowshoes, with guidance from an experienced guide. If you’ve never used snowshoes before, don’t worry — the guide offers tips to get you started, making it accessible even for beginners. The guided 1.5-hour hike takes you into a pristine winter wonderland, where you can spot icy formations, snow-covered trees, and possibly some wildlife tracks.

Travelers appreciate how the guide takes time to stop and point out interesting sights, as well as offering photographic opportunities. We loved the idea of having a local expert who can share insights about the landscape, making the experience both fun and educational. The snowshoeing itself feels like a gentle walk, but with the added bonus of being in an extraordinary environment.

The Logistics: What You Need to Know

The entire experience lasts around 2 hours, which includes the flight and snowshoeing. It’s scheduled either in the morning or afternoon, giving you some flexibility. The small group size — limited to three participants — ensures more personal attention and a quieter, less rushed experience.

Provisions include snowshoes, trekking poles, and winter gear if needed, so you won’t have to worry about bringing your own. The tour also offers a snack courtesy of Kats Epic Trail Bites, which is a nice touch, especially after some physical activity in the cold.

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Pricing and Value

At $617 per person, this tour isn’t cheap. But considering what’s included — a scenic helicopter flight, guided snowshoe hike, gear, and a snack — it can be a good value for those wanting a luxury outdoor adventure in Alaska. Keep in mind, the limited group size and personalized experience add to the overall value, especially if you’re looking for something more intimate than a large tour bus.

What Travelers Say

While I haven’t been on this specific tour myself, reviews highlight a few key points. Many mention the stellar guides who make the experience both fun and informative, emphasizing the knowledgeable narration during the flight. Several reviewers note that the scenery is absolutely stunning, with some describing the helicopter views as “breathtaking” and “worth every penny.”

Some reviews point out that the experience is fast-paced — perfect for those who want a brief but intense taste of Alaska’s wilderness. Others have commented that the snowshoeing route is somewhat straightforward, suitable for beginners, but that the real star is the aerial view of the glacier.

A couple of reviews mention the importance of dressing warmly, as outdoor winter gear is recommended. It’s worth noting that this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, which might be a consideration for some travelers.

The Bottom Line: Who Is This Tour For?

This Heli Snowshoe Adventure offers a well-rounded taste of Alaska’s winter landscape, especially for those who want a unique combination of flight and outdoor activity. It’s ideal for adventure lovers, photographers, or anyone eager to see glaciers from an unforgettable perspective. Because of its limited group size and personalized approach, it’s particularly suitable for travelers seeking a more exclusive experience.

However, it’s not the best fit if you’re on a strict budget or traveling with someone who has mobility challenges. Also, if you’re expecting a longer or more leisurely outdoor experience, this might feel a bit rushed. But if you’re after a short, impactful, and beautifully organized adventure, this tour will likely leave you with some incredible memories.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the snowshoeing portion is guided, and tips are provided for those new to snowshoes, making it accessible for beginners.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing, a camera, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle are recommended. The tour provides winter gear if needed.

Can children participate?
The information doesn’t specify age restrictions, but given the physical activity and helicopter ride, it’s more suited to older children and adults.

Is there any flexibility in timing?
The tour is usually available in the morning and afternoon, giving some options to fit your schedule.

How long does the entire experience last?
Approximately 2 hours, including the flight and snowshoeing.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the helicopter flight, snowshoes, trekking poles, winter gear if needed, and a snack from Kats Epic Trail Bites.

Is the experience suitable for those with mobility issues?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the activity and terrain.

What makes this tour special?
The combination of aerial views of glaciers and mountains with an up-close snowshoe experience in a pristine landscape makes it truly unique.

If you’re craving an adventure that combines stunning views with a touch of winter wilderness, this helicopter and snowshoe combo near Anchorage might just be perfect. It’s a short but memorable burst of Alaskan beauty that’s hard to beat for anyone looking to add a bit of thrill to their trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: