Alaska Helicopter & Dogsled Tour: Glacier Landing & Melt Pools

Stand on the runners of a dogsled 3,500 feet up, then land between crevasses on blue ice

You fly over glaciers and icebergs, land on a snow field to dogsled (driving the team yourself if you want), then helicopter down to the lower glacier to walk among crevasses and blue melt pools. The whole experience runs two hours, includes all entry fees and waterproof boots, and requires you to dress for high-altitude snow. You'll need to arrange your own transport to the departure point near Anchorage.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter and dogsled glacier tour

• Check in at location
• Helicopter ride over glaciers
• Land on glacier snow field
• Meet Alaskan sled dogs and mushers
• Take dogsled ride on snow
• Helicopter to lower glacier
• Explore crevasses and blue melt pools

The experience

Hands grip the wooden runners. Snow sprays. A team of Alaskan sled dogs pulls hard across a glacier so high the valley disappears below, and it's you driving them, or standing still while the mushers take the reins if that's what you choose. This is the middle hour of a helicopter glacier dogsled tour that starts in the air, lands you on a working dog camp, and ends on the lower glacier staring into melt pools so vivid they look photoshopped. The whole thing takes two hours from check-in to landing back near Anchorage.

The helicopter ride comes first: roughly 30 minutes round trip, watching for moose, black bears, Dall sheep and mountain goats as you cross over icebergs and glacier fields. You'll land on a huge snow field high enough that the air feels different, where the mushers and their dogs live all summer. They're the ones who'll hand you the reins if you want them, or let you sit back and watch the team work if you'd rather. The dogsled ride itself runs about 30 minutes, and the snow under the runners is real: packed and cold and nothing like what you'll find lower down.

After the dogs, the helicopter takes you to the lower glaciers. You land on hard ice between the crevasses (actual crevasses, not a photo), and walk out to the blue melt pools. The color stops people mid-sentence. You get roughly 30 minutes here to walk, look, and understand why people fly to Alaska for this. Waterproof overboots are included so your feet stay dry. Dress warm: rain-proof outer wear, layers, hat, gloves. The altitude and the wind make a difference.

One practical thing: van transfers to the departure location aren't included, so you'll need to arrange your own way to the helicopter base near Anchorage. Bags and backpacks stay in your vehicle or in a locker. Nothing loose on the aircraft. If you're over 250 pounds, there's a comfort surcharge that blocks an extra seat for safety. Groups larger than two passengers may split across two helicopters, but you'll stay together for the whole tour.

What’s included

Your tour includes a helicopter flight over glaciers and icebergs (approximately 30 minutes round trip), a one-hour glacier experience with dogsled riding (approximately 30 minutes on the sled itself, with the option to drive the team or sit back), a guided walk on the lower glacier to explore melt pools and crevasses (approximately 30 minutes), waterproof overboots to keep your feet dry, all fees and taxes, and a chance to see moose, black bears, Dall sheep and mountain goats during the flight. You'll need to arrange your own transport to the departure location near Anchorage.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years)

GroupUp to 12 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Alaska Helicopter Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want multiple Alaska experiences (helicopter flightseeing, hands-on dogsledding, and glacier exploration) in a single morning without arranging each piece separately or spending the whole day traveling.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I actually drive the dogsled myself?

Yes. You can stand on the runners and mush the team, or sit on the sled and let the mushers run it. Either way, you're on the glacier with the dogs for about 30 minutes.

What's the total time for this tour?

Two hours total: roughly 30 minutes helicopter flight, one hour on the glacier (including the dogsled ride), and 30 minutes at the lower glacier with the melt pools.

Are the blue melt pools real or just ice that looks blue?

They're real melt pools: water pooled on the glacier ice. The color comes from the ice itself. You land on the hard ice between crevasses and walk out to see them.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour operates from a high-altitude glacier. You'll need rain-proof outer wear, warm layers, hat and gloves. Check with the operator about weather-related cancellations or rescheduling.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The helicopter and check-in location are wheelchair accessible, and transportation to the departure point is wheelchair accessible. The glacier itself is snow and ice, so mobility on the glacier depends on individual ability.

Can I bring a backpack or camera bag?

No bags, backpacks or loose straps are permitted on the aircraft. You can leave them in your vehicle or use the operator's lockers.

Is van transport from my hotel included?

No. Van transfers to the departure location are not included. You'll need to arrange your own transport to the helicopter base near Anchorage.

What helicopter will I fly in?

Alaska Helicopter Tours operates Robinson 44s and ASTAR helicopters. The specific type isn't guaranteed unless you book a private helicopter option. Larger groups may split across two helicopters but will stay together for the tour.

Is there a weight limit?

A comfort surcharge applies for anyone over 250 pounds, which blocks an additional seat for safety and comfort.