Winter Glacier Exploration

Winter Glacier Exploration — Helicopter Access & Guided Ice Hike

Trade the everyday for a snow-bright world of ice. This 2-hour winter adventure pairs a scenic helicopter approach with a guided hike near the mighty Knik Glacier. Touch down in remote wilderness, lace up with provided microspikes, sip hot drinks, and wander among stark peaks, frozen rivers, and iceberg-studded landscapes—Alaska’s winter at its most alive.

Rates

• $599 — Adults (12+)
• $599 — Children (2–11) (Minimum tour age 10+; children 10–11 may join with guardian)

Duration

• Total tour time: ~2 hours
• Flight time: ~15 minutes each way (helicopter transfer)
• On-trail time: ~1.5 hours guided hiking near the glacier
• Age requirement: 10+ (recommended fitness for winter hiking)

About the Experience

Lift off from the Knik River valley and watch the landscape change from snowy spruce to glacial grandeur. Your pilot sets down in a remote zone with front-row views of the glacier’s walls, drifted snowfields, and iceberg gardens. After a safety talk, strap on complimentary microspikes and follow your guide through wind-sculpted terrain to vantage points where blue ice glows and winter silence settles in. Between photo stops, warm up with hot beverages and take in the scale of the Chugach mountains all around you.

Highlights / Why Choose This Tour

• Helicopter access: reach remote winter terrain quickly and safely
• Intimate glacier views: icebergs, frozen pools, and towering ice features
• All-season savvy: microspikes provided for sure-footed winter travel
• Short, spectacular: big wilderness in a well-paced 2-hour outing
• Seasonal serenity: fewer crowds, crisp air, and luminous winter light

Good to Know / Additional Info

• Meeting point: 29979 East Knik River Road, Palmer, AK 99645 (check in 30 minutes before departure)
• Included: ~15-minute helicopter flights each way, guided winter hike (~1.5 hrs), microspikes, hot drinks
• What to wear/bring: warm winter boots; thick insulated jacket; wool/fleece mid-layer; hat covering ears; thick gloves; sunglasses; optional base layers (available on site for purchase)
• Aircraft & seating: Primary aircraft are 3-passenger R44s (per-seat limit 300 lbs, typical max combined passenger weight 600 lbs). Larger parties may be split across aircraft and reunite at the landing.
• Weight policy: Accurate weights required at booking and verified at check-in. Guests 250 lbs+ pay a $150 comfort surcharge to block an extra seat; guests 300 lbs+ must call to arrange a larger AStar helicopter. Seating assigned per FAA weight-and-balance guidelines.
• Prohibited items: bear spray, lighters, battery packs, loaded firearms; no backpacks/bags in flight. Secure camera or purse straps around your neck.
• Weather & safety: Conditions may require route or landing adjustments at pilot discretion; wildlife and specific vistas cannot be guaranteed.

Cancellations

• Payment timeline: Full payment due 72 hours prior to departure (deposit balances within 72 hours are charged automatically).
• Booked directly: Full refund if canceled 72+ hours before departure. Inside 72 hours, non-refundable but may be rescheduled for a fee when possible. No-shows or late arrivals without 24-hour notice forfeit payments. 100% refund if operator cancels for weather/safety. Email requests to reservations@alaskahelicoptertours.com. Travel insurance recommended.
• Booked via another agency: Follow your agency’s policy and cancel directly with them.
• Same-day rescheduling: Not always possible; $200 fee applies within 72 hours when changes can be accommodated.

Frost-bright views, glacier-blue ice, and the hush of Alaska in winter—this is the season at its most magical. Book your Winter Glacier Exploration today and make a memory that will glow long after the snow melts.