Knik Helicopter Glacier Landing Tour

Overview

It takes the mind a few beats to catch up to the feeling of taking off in a helicopter. Liftoff happens quickly and smoothly and, on this bucket-list trip in particular, immediately reveals amazing views. The pilot deftly maneuvers the helicopter up and over the nearest ridgeline, plotting a course north toward the Knik Glacier. Along the route, passengers can often glimpse Dall sheep on the highest cliffsides, moose feasting in hidden meadows, and even black bears foraging for berries.

Step foot onto thousand-year-old ice.

Glaciers soon come into view, their vast bulks funneling down from seemingly endless icefields in the distance. The pilot explains some of the telltale features of the Knik Glacier, detailing the formation of its medial moraines and more. With a smooth arc, the helicopter descends from its path along the valley's southern mountainsides and swings down alongside the glacier's massive face.

The helicopter soon touches down on the glacier. Just as the first few seconds of helicopter flight seem unreal, so does stepping foot onto thousand-year-old ice. The icescape is otherworldly. The pilot helps passengers slip on crampons and then takes the group on a guided walk to some of the most impressive nearby features. There are pools of remarkably blue water, small rivers rushing within the glacier, and odd formations of rock and ice. The tour concludes with an equally sensational return flight.

More Details

The Knik Helicopter Glacier Landing Tour averages 30 minutes of flight time and 30 minutes of glacier time. Weather in the Chugach Mountains can change quickly, so guests should prepare to be flexible as the tour adjusts to suit to the conditions.

Note that this tour also operates in the winter, giving passengers a closer look at a spectacularly snowy Knik landscape.

What to Bring

Proper gear is critical for comfort and safety in remote Alaskan environments. Dress in layers and bring a warm waterproof jacket. Make sure to wear sturdy close-toed shoes. Sunglasses are highly recommended. Don't forget a camera and, most importantly, a sense of adventure.

Special Instructions

To calculate accurate weight and balance for the aircraft, each passenger must provide their weight when making a reservation.

Transfers & Meeting Points

The tour departs from the operator's Knik River Valley Base at the Alaska Glacier Lodge. Winter and summer transfers are available from select Anchorage locations. There is free parking at the lodge for self-drive guests.

Winter helicopter tours running from February to mid-May leave out of Merrill Field in Anchorage.

Rates & Dates

Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. Remember, we have a lowest price guarantee for nearly everything we sell.

Child rates apply to children under the age of 12. Infants under the age of 2 may travel for free but must sit on an adult's lap.

Departure Times

Departure times and locations are listed below. Click on a link for an interactive map.

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Availability

Select a departure below to see current availability. If your desired date is sold out (red) we will do our best to find an alternative, but we may not be able to accommodate your request.

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