Glacier Landing Tour from Girdwood

Glacier Landing Tour from Girdwood: An Up-Close Look at Alaska’s Frozen Majesty

When we think of Alaska, images of vast wilderness, towering glaciers, and rugged mountains often come to mind. This Glacier Landing Tour from Girdwood offers a rare chance to see these iconic landscapes from above and actually step onto the ice itself. Starting at $677 per person, the roughly one-hour experience combines a scenic helicopter flight with a personal walk on an ancient glacier—an experience that’s as close to the real Alaskan wilderness as you can get without a weeks-long trek.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is the quality of the aerial views—thanks to aircraft with large windows—plus the opportunity to walk on a glacier that’s estimated to be over 40,000 years old. The hotel pickup from Girdwood makes it convenient, so you don’t have to worry about transportation logistics in this remote but stunning corner of Alaska.

Two things stand out: first, the experienced pilots and guides who are praised repeatedly for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience both safe and engaging. Second, the scenery—the images of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife—are often described as breathtaking. However, it’s worth noting that weather conditions can affect your plans, as with many outdoor adventures in Alaska, and cancellations due to poor weather are possible with full refunds offered.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a scenic, educational, and adventurous taste of Alaska’s glaciers, especially if you’re eager to combine a helicopter flight with a tangible experience walking on ice. If you’re comfortable with the price and weight restrictions, it’s a top-tier choice for those seeking memorable, authentic encounters with the Alaskan wilderness.

Key Points

• Unmatched Views: The flight over the Chugach Mountains offers spectacular glacier and mountain vistas.
• Unique Glacier Access: Walking on a 40,000-year-old glacier makes this experience truly special.
• Expert Guides and Pilots: Knowledgeable staff enhance the safety and storytelling during the tour.
• Convenient Transportation: Hotel pickup and drop-off in Girdwood simplify logistics.
• Weather Dependent: Tours are subject to favorable weather; cancellations are possible.
• Limited Group Size: With a maximum of 12 travelers, you’ll enjoy personalized attention.

A Closer Look at the Glacier Landing Tour Experience

Starting Point: Girdwood’s Alpine Air Alaska Hangar

Your adventure begins in Girdwood, a charming ski resort town about 40 miles south of Anchorage. Arriving about 15 minutes early ensures you have time for a brief safety briefing before boarding the helicopter. The facility is professional, and reviews highlight the smooth check-in process, which sets a positive tone for the day.

The Helicopter Flight: Flying Over the Chugach Mountains

The core of the experience is the 45-minute helicopter flight, which takes you over the spectacular glaciers and rugged peaks of the Chugach Range. Most guests describe the views as breathtaking—a phrase that gets used often in reviews. The aircraft is equipped with large windows, giving everyone an excellent vantage point, and the flight often includes sightings of wildlife like moose, mountain goats, and even eagles, according to some travelers.

Pilots are lauded for their knowledge and friendliness. For example, Brett and John, two of the pilots mentioned in reviews, are praised for their courteous and informative commentary. They’re more than just pilots—they’re guides who help point out wildlife, explain glacial formations, and make the ride fun and comfortable.

The Glacier Landing: Walking on Ancient Ice

Once overhead, the helicopter lands on a glacier—a moment that many reviewers describe as the highlight. You’re given enough time to walk around, take photos, taste the pure glacier water, and enjoy the surreal silence of the ice. The glacier is over 40,000 years old, and stepping onto it feels like touching a piece of history.

Reviews often mention how cool and pristine the glacier water is, and some travelers even get to see wildlife like black bears and moose nearby. The experience of drinking glacier water and exploring on foot is considered priceless, with some describing it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Cultural and Natural Context

While the tour doesn’t explore extensive history, the fact that the glacier is over 40,000 years old adds a sense of awe. The landscape itself, with its streams and ice formations, provides a vivid look at Alaska’s ongoing glacial process, which is both fascinating and humbling.

End of Tour and Return

After exploring, the helicopter takes you back to Girdwood. The return flight offers another window into the stunning scenery, often leaving travelers with a sense of awe and appreciation for Alaska’s natural beauty. The hotel pickup and drop-off make the logistics seamless, especially since most guests stay in Girdwood.

The Value in This Experience

At $677 per person, this tour isn’t cheap, but the reviews consistently highlight its exceptional quality, personalized service, and unique opportunity to walk on a glacier. When you consider the combination of scenic flight, glacier walk, and expert guides, the price aligns well with what’s offered—an intimate, memorable adventure that can’t be duplicated easily elsewhere.

Weather and Cancellation Policies

Keep in mind, Alaska’s weather is unpredictable. If the weather turns poor, your tour might be canceled, but full refunds are available, or you can reschedule. This flexibility helps mitigate some concerns, but it’s wise to plan for some contingency days if your schedule allows.

Group Size and Practicalities

With a maximum of 12 travelers, the experience is fairly intimate, allowing for more personalized attention from your pilot and guide. The weight limit of 290 lbs per person is important—if you or your travel companions are near or above this, it’s best to check with the operator beforehand.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for adventure lovers eager to combine scenic views with hands-on experience. Nature enthusiasts who appreciate wild landscapes and want to see wildlife from the air will find it especially rewarding. It also appeals to those who want a photo-rich experience—many reviews mention the excellent opportunities for capturing stunning pictures.

If you’re comfortable with a higher price point and want a personal, close-up encounter with Alaska’s glaciers, this is an excellent choice. Travelers who enjoy guided expertise and don’t mind some logistical planning around weather will find it both exciting and hassle-free.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, round-trip shared transfer from any Girdwood hotel or B&B is included, making transportation hassle-free.

How long is the entire experience? The total experience lasts about one hour, with 45 minutes of flight time and time for glacier exploration.

What is the maximum group size? The tour accommodates up to 12 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad? Yes, tours are subject to favorable weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the weight limit per passenger? Each passenger must weigh less than 290 lbs. This is a strict safety regulation enforced by the FAA.

Is it suitable for children? Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult, and most travelers can participate, but check with the operator if you have concerns about age or health.

What should I bring? We recommend dressing in layers, bringing sunglasses, and camera gear, as the scenery is picture-perfect. Don’t forget your enthusiasm!

How far in advance should I book? On average, this experience is booked about 33 days in advance, so early reservations are advisable, especially during peak seasons.

Final Thoughts

For anyone dreaming of seeing Alaska’s glaciers from above and walking on ancient ice, this Glacier Landing Tour from Girdwood offers an ideal blend of adventure, scenery, and personal experience. The expert pilots, stunning views, and opportunity to step onto a glacier make it a standout option for travelers seeking a memorable highlight.

While the cost is significant, the reviews confirm that the quality of the experience, the professionalism of the staff, and the breathtaking scenery justify the expense. It’s especially suited for those who value authentic outdoor adventures and are eager to capture once-in-a-lifetime memories.

In summary, if you’re looking for an exciting, scenic, and educational day in Alaska that combines aerial beauty with a tangible connection to the wilderness, this tour is hard to beat. Just remember to check the weather forecast, book early, and be prepared for an adventure that will stay with you long after you leave the glaciers behind.