Anchorage: Helicopter Glacier Dogsled & Lower Ice Landing Tour

Summary

Helicopter over glaciers then dogsled with mushers before walking on blue ice pools anchorage area

You’ll fly by helicopter from Anchorage over wild glaciers, land high above to meet real Alaskan mushers and their dogs for a snowy sled ride, then touch down again to walk among glowing blue melt pools and crevasses on lower glacier ice. It’s fast-paced but full of moments that stick with you long after you’re back in town.

What’s the experience like?

I’m still not sure what hit me first — the cold rush of air when we stepped out of the helicopter, or that weird mix of excitement and nerves in my stomach. Anchorage looked so far away already, just white and green patches below. Our pilot, Jamie, pointed out a few moose tracks as we flew over the ice fields. I tried to spot them but honestly I was too distracted by the way the light bounced off the snow, kind of blinding but beautiful in that harsh Alaskan way. The ride wasn’t long — maybe 15 minutes? — but it felt like we’d landed on another planet.

The mushers were waiting for us up there, bundled up and grinning like this was just another Tuesday (which I guess it was for them). The dogs — so many different colors and sizes — were barking and yipping like they couldn’t wait to get going. One of the mushers, Li, let me try saying “mush” in her accent. She laughed when I messed it up (“it’s more like ‘hike!’ here,” she said) and handed me the runners. Standing behind those dogs as they took off was wild — you feel every muscle moving under you, snow spraying up into your boots (they give you these big waterproof ones that make you walk funny at first). We took turns sitting on the sled or mushing; honestly both are fun but standing up is something else.

After about half an hour with the sled dogs (I lost track because I kept petting them), we loaded back into the chopper for another quick hop down to the lower glacier. This part surprised me — it’s not all soft snow; some spots are hard blue ice that looks almost fake. Our guide showed us these melt pools that glowed turquoise under the clouds. There’s this silence out there except for water dripping somewhere deep inside a crevasse. I touched the ice and my glove stuck for a second. Kind of makes you realize how old everything around you is.

It’s only two hours total but it sits with you longer than that. Sometimes when things are quiet at home now I remember that weird blue color and how small I felt out there, just listening to dogs bark across a glacier in Alaska.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Helicopter and dogsled glacier tour

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

Top questions

How long is the Helicopter Glacier Dogsled Tour from Anchorage?

The total tour time is about 2 hours, including flightseeing, dogsledding on snow for about an hour (with a 30-minute sled ride), plus 30 minutes at the lower glacier near melt pools.

Is transportation from Anchorage included?

No, van transfers to the departure location are not included in this tour.

Can children join the helicopter & dogsled tour?

Yes, infants and small children can participate; infants must sit on an adult’s lap or use a pram or stroller.

Are wheelchair users able to join this glacier tour?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What should I wear for this glacier helicopter tour?

You should dress warmly with rainproof outerwear, warm layers, hats and gloves since it operates from a high-altitude snowy glacier.

Do I get to drive or mush my own dog team?

You can stand on the runners and try mushing your own dog team if you want or just ride as a passenger while mushers run the team.

Are bags or backpacks allowed during the tour?

No bags or backpacks are permitted; lockers are available at departure to store belongings safely.

What kind of helicopters are used?

The company uses Robinson 44s and ASTAR helicopters; specific type isn’t guaranteed unless booking private option.

What’s included

Your day includes a scenic round-trip helicopter flight over glaciers from Anchorage area, an hour-long stop high on snowy glacier terrain with real Alaskan sled dogs and mushers (including roughly 30 minutes riding or mushing your own team), plus landing on lower glacier ice to explore melt pools with your guide. Waterproof overboots are provided to keep your shoes dry throughout—just remember transfers aren’t included so plan your transport to departure point.