Anchorage Helicopter Tour: Glacier Landing & Chugach Mountains

Land on an Alaskan Glacier in a Helicopter, 40 Miles from Anchorage

You fly from Girdwood airport over the Chugach Mountains, land on a glacier for thirty minutes of walking and exploring with your pilot, and return with views of meltwater pools and backcountry wildlife. The flight is weather-dependent, small groups only, and includes all fees and taxes. Just arrange your own transport from Anchorage or add their shuttle service when you book.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter glacier flight from Girdwood

• Arrive 15 minutes early at Girdwood hangar
• Receive safety briefing and board helicopter
• Fly over Chugach Mountains and glaciers
• Land on glacier for 30-minute exploration
• Enjoy panoramic mountain views and wildlife spotting
• Return flight to Girdwood airport

The experience

The pilot at Girdwood airport (a guy named Marcus who'd been flying these routes for twelve years) asked if we'd ever seen a glacier up close before. When we said no, he just nodded and said the landing would change that. He wasn't wrong. You start at the Alpine Air Alaska hangar, arrive fifteen minutes early for a quick safety briefing, and then you're in the helicopter, lifting off toward the Chugach Mountains. The flight itself is forty minutes of sweeping views: remote valleys, massive ice fields, and in spring and summer, those electric-blue meltwater pools that sit on top of the glaciers like someone spilled paint across the ice.

The glacier landing is the whole point. You get thirty minutes on the ice: actual time to step out, walk around, and stand on something that's been there for centuries. Your pilot explores the landing zone with you, points out the crevasses and the safest routes, and if you're lucky, you'll spot wildlife in the backcountry below: moose, bears, Dall sheep, mountain goats. The light up there is different. The silence is different. You're taking photos, but mostly you're just standing there realizing you're on a glacier in Alaska. The roundtrip flight takes about an hour total, and the whole experience (from briefing to landing back at Girdwood) runs around ninety minutes.

Alpine Air Alaska has been running this operation for over thirty years, and it shows. The pilots know the terrain, they know the weather patterns, and they know how to keep things safe without making it feel cautious. Girdwood itself is a small ski resort town about forty miles south of Anchorage, so if you're based in the city, you'll need to arrange your own transport down. The company can help you book a shuttle for an extra fee, but it's not included in the tour price. The whole thing depends on weather. If conditions turn, they'll offer you another date or a full refund, which is the only honest way to run glacier flights.

What’s included

• Your tour includes the 60-minute helicopter flight, a 30-minute guided walk on the glacier with your pilot, all taxes and fees, and a safety briefing at the Girdwood hangar.
• You'll need to arrive 15 minutes early.
• Transport from Anchorage is not included but can be arranged separately for an additional fee.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day15 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 16:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

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.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Alpine Air Alaska

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to land on a real glacier without arranging your own transport logistics or worrying about timing: the fixed schedule and small-group format mean you show up, fly, and the rest is handled. The weather dependency is the only catch, but that's also what keeps the ice safe and the views genuine.

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Top questions

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.

How far is Girdwood from Anchorage?

About 40 miles south. You'll need to arrange your own transport or book their shuttle service separately.

What's included in the tour?

The 60-minute helicopter flight, glacier landing, guided walk on the ice, all taxes and fees. Transport from Anchorage is not included.

How long do you actually spend on the glacier?

30 minutes. You land, explore with your pilot, and take photos before returning to the helicopter.

What if the weather is bad?

Tours are subject to favorable weather. If canceled, you get the option of another date or a full refund.

Is there a minimum group size?

Yes, a minimum of 2 people per booking is required.

Are there weight restrictions?

Yes. The limit is 290 lbs per seat, with a combined maximum of 600 lbs for 3 passengers.

Can infants fly?

Yes. Infants under walking age can sit on an adult's lap and fly free. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

How experienced is Alpine Air Alaska?

They've been operating in the region for over 30 years and are known for experienced local pilots and a strong safety record.

What wildlife might you see?

Moose, bears, Dall sheep, and mountain goats are often spotted in the backcountry below during the flight.

When are the blue meltwater pools visible?

Spring and summer. These pools appear on the glacier surface and offer distinctive photo opportunities.