If you’re dreaming of seeing Alaska’s incredible glaciers from a bird’s-eye view, a helicopter tour like this one might be right up your alley. It’s an experience that promises not just jaw-dropping scenery, but the thrill of landing on a glacier to explore its icy landscape. We’ve looked into a tour offered by Alpine Air Alaska that combines scenic flight and glacier exploration, and here’s the lowdown to help you decide if it fits your travel plans.
What we really appreciate about this tour is the combination of a scenic flight with the chance to touch down on a glacier, offering a tangible connection to the remote wilderness. The knowledgeable pilot commentary adds an educational touch, making it more than just a pretty ride. Plus, the small group size (limited to 3 participants) ensures a more personalized experience, often a bonus in such exclusive adventures.
One thing to keep in mind is that the price of $585 per person isn’t cheap, but considering the one-hour flight plus glacier landing, it could be seen as a solid value if you’re craving a unique, high-impact experience. Still, it’s important to weigh whether this adventure aligns with your budget and expectations for an Alaskan trip. This tour is best suited for those who love adventure, stunning scenery, and don’t mind heights or cold conditions.
If you’re after a memorable, intimate perspective on Alaska’s glaciers and mountains, and are comfortable with the idea of flying in a small plane to a remote icy landscape, this could be a fantastic choice. It’s especially appealing for travelers eager to see the vast wilderness from above, with the added thrill of stepping onto a glacier.
Key Points
- Stunning Views: You’ll get a scenic flight over glaciers and mountains, with extensive vistas of Alaskan wilderness.
- Glacier Landing: A rare opportunity to step onto a glacier and explore for 15-20 minutes, bringing the scenery to life.
- Wildlife Watching: Keep your eyes peeled for moose, bears, and mountain goats below.
- Expert Commentary: The pilot provides informative insights, enriching your understanding of the landscape.
- Small Group: Limited to three participants, creating a more intimate experience.
- Flexibility: Book now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
A Closer Look at the Experience
Planning more time in Girdwood? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Flight Itself
From the moment your helicopter lifts off from the Alpine Air Alaska hangar in Girdwood, you’re in for a visual feast. The flight duration is about an hour, but it feels like much less because of the rapid succession of incredible sights. We’re talking towering glaciers, expansive ice fields, and jagged peaks that seem to stretch endlessly. If you’re lucky, the pilot’s commentary will highlight interesting features, wildlife, or geological facts, helping you understand what you’re seeing.
The scenery during spring and summer can be particularly vibrant, especially with meltwater pools that shimmer in shades of blue across the ice. These pools are a reminder of how dynamic and constantly changing the landscape is, adding an extra layer of beauty to your flight.
Landing on the Glacier
The highlight of this tour is the glacier landing. Once you touchdown, you’ll step out onto the ice, usually for about 15-20 minutes, to explore the rugged terrain. Walking on a glacier is an awe-inspiring experience—you feel the crunch of ice beneath your feet and see the sheer scale firsthand. It’s an incredible way to connect more intimately with nature, standing on ice that’s thousands of years old.
While exploring, you might catch sight of wildlife like moose, bears, Dall sheep, or mountain goats navigating the rocky and icy terrain below. The terrain can be uneven and cold, so proper footwear and clothing are recommended. Keep in mind, this is a brief stop, but enough to leave a lasting impression.
The Scenic Flight and Commentary
The pilot isn’t just there to fly; they’re also your guide, providing interesting facts about the glaciers, mountains, and local ecosystem. Many reviews mention how knowledgeable and friendly the pilots are, making the experience more engaging. The views from every seat are excellent, with large windows designed for optimal sightseeing.
More Great Tours NearbyPractical Details
Transportation to the helicopter departure point is included, with round-trip transfers from any Valdez location, which simplifies logistics. The overall experience lasts about an hour, making it a manageable addition to your day. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes early for a safety briefing, and note that bookings require a minimum of two passengers. Solo travelers should call ahead if the tour isn’t yet booked for a specific time.
Cost and Value
The $585 price tag might seem steep, but it covers the entire experience: a scenic flight, glacier landing, expert narration, and transportation. If you’re someone who dreams of seeing glaciers from above and touching down on one, many might find that this cost is justified, especially given the small group size and personalized service.
What Users Say
Reviewers consistently highlight the stunning scenery and the knowledge of the pilot as major positives. One mentioned that the views “felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” while another appreciated that the tour felt very personalized due to the small group size.
A few reviewers noted that the glacier landing is brief, but that’s understandable given safety and logistical constraints. Still, the opportunity to step onto a glacier and explore even for a short time leaves a strong impression.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This helicopter and glacier landing combo is ideal for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—they want to engage with Alaska’s wilderness. It suits those comfortable with flying, cold temperatures, and small-group adventures. If you’re traveling with a sense of adventure, a love of wildlife, or a desire to see glaciers up close, this experience will likely meet your expectations.
However, if you’re on a strict budget or prefer more leisurely tours, this might not be the best fit. Also, if you’re prone to motion sickness or terrified of heights, the helicopter ride could pose some discomfort.
The Sum Up
The Valdez helicopter tour with glacier landing offers a unique way to see Alaska’s glaciers and mountains while adding the thrill of touching down on icy terrain. The views are stunning, the pilot’s commentary brings extra insight, and the small group setting ensures a more intimate experience. While it’s an investment, many find the opportunity to explore a glacier on foot, combined with aerial views, well worth the price.
This is a trip best suited for adventurous travelers eager for a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience—one that will give you stories to tell and photos to cherish for years. If you’re ready to elevate your Alaskan adventure and don’t mind spending a bit more for a high-impact day, this tour could be just the thing.
Valdez: Helicopter Flight with Glacier Landing
FAQ
How long is the entire experience? The total duration is around 1 hour, including the scenic flight, glacier landing, and transportation.
What’s included in the price? The price covers a 60-minute scenic helicopter flight, a glacier landing for about 15-20 minutes, professional pilot commentary, and round-trip transportation from any Valdez location.
Is the tour suitable for solo travelers? Solo travelers need to call ahead as the tour requires a minimum of two passengers for booking.
What should I wear? Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking on ice, as you’ll be exploring the glacier on foot.
Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What is the group size? The tour is limited to 3 participants, offering a more personal experience.
Where do I meet for the tour? The meeting point is at the Alpine Air Alaska hangar in Girdwood, AK.
What wildlife might I see? Keep an eye out for moose, bears, Dall sheep, and mountain goats below during the flight and exploration.
Is this experience family-friendly? The tour is generally suitable for travelers comfortable with flying and cold conditions, but specifics about children aren’t provided. It’s best to inquire directly if you’re traveling with kids.
If you’re after a blend of adventure, stunning scenery, and a touch of exploration, this helicopter and glacier landing combo could be just the thing to make your Alaskan trip unforgettable.
You can check availability for your dates here: