Winter Ice Climbing - PRIVATE

Winter Ice Climbing – Private Helicopter Adventure

Step into Alaska’s frozen wilderness for an unforgettable private ice-climbing experience. This four-hour adventure pairs a breathtaking helicopter flight with professionally guided climbing on spectacular blue ice formations. Whether it’s your first time with crampons or you’re refining technique on steeper routes, your instructors curate the challenge to your comfort level—so you can push your limits or simply savor the magic of winter on your terms.

Rates

• $999 per person (Ages 14+). Same rate for ages 14–17 and adults.
• Comfort surcharge: Guests weighing 250 lbs (113 kg) or more must purchase a $150 additional seat for weight & balance.

Duration

• Total experience: ~4 hours
• Tour style: Private guiding for the ice-climbing and glacier portion (helicopter transfers may be shared based on aircraft logistics).

About the Experience

Lift off from Palmer, Alaska, and soar over winter landscapes toward your remote climbing site. After a detailed safety briefing, your guides outfit you with technical gear—harness, helmet, insulated boots, crampons, ice tools—and set a top-rope on natural frozen features (think shimmering waterfalls and sculpted glacier walls). Choose mellow lines to master footwork and tool placements or step onto steeper routes for a true pump. Time and conditions permitting, your adventure may include a walk into glacial ice caves for surreal photo opportunities. Between climbs, warm up with hot drinks and take in the silence and scale of the Alaskan backcountry.

Highlights / Why Choose This Tour

• Private instruction: Two dedicated ice-climbing instructors tailor the session to your skills and goals.
• Helicopter access: Reach pristine frozen terrain far from crowds for untracked ice and epic views.
• All gear provided: Technical equipment included—just bring your winter layers and sense of adventure.
• Challenge by choice: Progress from beginner-friendly angles to steeper lines at your own pace.
• Glacier extras: Potential ice-cave exploration and unique photo ops (conditions permitting).

Good to Know / Additional Info

• Meeting point: 29979 East Knik River Road, Palmer, AK 99645.
• Age & fitness: 14+; moderate fitness recommended. No prior ice-climbing experience required.
• What’s included: Private tour; helicopter transfers to/from the climbing area; two ice-climbing instructors; crampons, harness, helmet, ice tools/axes, plastic mountaineering boots; ropes and hardware for top-rope climbing; knowledgeable glacier guides; hot drinks; potential glacier ice-cave exploration (conditions permitting).
• Not included: Personal winter clothing and warm layers.
• Season & weather: Alaska’s winter weather can change quickly. Dress in moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a windproof/waterproof shell. Hand/foot warmers recommended.
• Aircraft & seating: Flights commonly operate in 3-passenger Robinson R44 helicopters (per-seat limit 300 lbs, combined passenger total 600 lbs). Larger parties may be split between aircraft but will tour together on the ice. Window seats for all in R44s; larger AStar may be used for guests over 300 lbs—contact reservations to arrange.
• Accurate weights required: Provide true body weights at booking. All guests are weighed at check-in to ensure safe weight and balance. If a discrepancy prevents safe flight, refunds are not available.
• Seating policy: Seats are assigned to meet FAA-approved weight & balance requirements; specific seats cannot be guaranteed.
• Sightseeing disclaimer: Pilots follow the safest routes under current conditions and any FAA restrictions. Wildlife/feature sightings cannot be guaranteed.
• Cancellations (booked direct): Full refund for cancellations made 72+ hours before departure. Within 72 hours, bookings are non-refundable; one-time reschedule may be available for a fee. No-shows/late arrivals forfeit payment unless Trip Protection was purchased. Weather/safety cancellations by the operator are fully refunded.
• Payments: Full payment due 72 hours prior to departure. If using a deposit within 72 hours, the balance is charged automatically.
• Third-party bookings: Follow the cancellation policy of the agency you booked with; contact them directly for changes.
• Rescheduling: Same-day changes are not always possible. A $200 fee applies to changes within 72 hours unless Trip Protection was purchased.

From the first rotor-whirr to your final swing of the ice tools, this private helicopter-access climb delivers raw winter beauty, personal triumphs, and brag-worthy photos. Book your flight today and claim your place on Alaska’s ice for an unforgettable cold-season adventure.