Summer Glacier Ice Climbing

Summer Glacier Ice Climbing — Helicopter Access on the Knik Glacier

Trade hiking time for climb time on this helicopter-access glacier adventure near Palmer, Alaska. Lift off over braided rivers and blue ice to a handpicked wall of pristine glacial ice, where expert instructors outfit you with technical gear and coach you through your first vertical moves—or help you level up if you already climb. This small-group experience blends big Alaska scenery with hands-on action for four unforgettable hours on the ice.

Rates

• $1,089 per person — Adults (18+) and Youth (13–17) at the same rate.
• Comfort surcharge: Guests weighing 250 lbs (113 kg) or more must purchase a $150 additional seat for weight & balance. Guests 300 lbs (136 kg)+ must call to secure seating in the larger AStar helicopter.

Duration

• ~4 hours total experience.
• Helicopter flight from the Knik River Valley to the glacier, comprehensive safety briefing, gear fitting, and multiple top-rope climbs on vertical glacier ice.

About the Experience

Your day begins at our base in the Knik River Valley. After a safety briefing and weigh-in, you’ll board a helicopter for a scenic flight to the Knik Glacier. Touch down beside towering seracs and sapphire crevasses, where your guide outfits you with mountaineering boots, crampons, harness, helmet, and technical ice tools.

On the glacier, you’ll learn (or refresh) fundamentals: fitting crampons, proper axe placements, efficient footwork, and top-rope belay systems. Then it’s time to climb. Your instructor sets varied lines—from beginner-friendly to more challenging—so every participant can progress at a comfortable pace. Between laps, take in otherworldly vistas and peer into blue ice features formed over centuries. No prior ice-climbing experience is required; a moderate fitness level and a spirit for adventure are all you need.

Highlights / Why Choose This Tour

• Maximum climb time: Helicopter access puts you directly on quality glacier ice—less approach, more action.
• All levels welcome: Personalized coaching, from first swings to refining technique on steeper lines.
• World-class scenery: Knik Glacier’s cerulean walls, crevasses, and seracs create a surreal ice playground.
• All technical gear included: Boots, crampons, axes, helmets, harnesses, ropes, and hardware provided.
• Small groups, expert guides: Professional glacier instructors prioritize safety, skills, and stoke.

Good to Know / Additional Info

• Meeting Point: 29979 East Knik River Road, Palmer, AK 99645.
• Age: All skill levels. Recommended for ages 13+; participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Primary booker must be 18+.
• Fitness: Suitable for adventurous guests with moderate fitness. No prior ice-climbing experience required.
• Included: Professional glacier ice-climbing instructor; plastic mountaineering boots; crampons; harness; helmet; ice axes; ropes & top-rope hardware; bottled water and lunch.
• Not Included: Rain gear and warm layers (bring your own); gratuities; personal travel insurance.
• What to Bring: Warm, moisture-wicking layers, waterproof shell, gloves you can grip in, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a fully charged camera/phone.
• Weather & Visibility: Routes and flight paths may adjust due to local weather, glacier conditions, or FAA temporary flight restrictions; specific sights cannot be guaranteed.
• Weight & Seating: Accurate passenger weights are required at booking and confirmed at check-in to ensure safe helicopter balance. Seating is assigned per FAA-approved weight & balance guidelines; specific seats cannot be guaranteed.

Cancellations

• Standard Policy (Direct Bookings): Full refund for cancellations made 72+ hours prior to departure. Inside 72 hours, bookings are non-refundable; one-time reschedule may be available for a $200 fee (subject to availability). No-shows/late arrivals forfeit all payments unless Trip Protection was purchased at booking.
• Operator Cancellations: If weather or safety requires cancellation, you will receive a 100% refund or may reschedule.
• Third-Party Bookings: If reserved via another agency, their cancellation policy applies; please cancel directly with that agency.
• Payment Timeline: Full payment due 72 hours prior to departure. If using the deposit feature within 72 hours, the balance is charged automatically.

Stand on ancient ice, swing tools into mirror-blue walls, and feel the thrill of Alaska’s wild heart with every move. This helicopter-access glacier climb is the bucket-list adventure you’ll talk about for years. Book your flight today and claim your unforgettable day on the Knik Glacier.