Which Alaska Glacier Tour is Right For Me
Trying to decide which of our tours is right for you and your group? We’ve got you covered with tours for all ability levels. See what adventure is right for you based off the experience you are looking to have.
The Best Glacier Tours in Alaska; Choosing A Glacier Adventure For You and Your Group
Glaciers are an iconic part of the Alaskan landscape. You can see them on your flight in, from cruise ships, and even from highways. These massive icefields help shape the valleys and mountains of Alaska. There are many incredible glacier tours in Alaska. We offer some of the best tours of the Matanuska Glacier and Knik Glacier.
Glaciers are truly incredible and it makes sense that they may be on your bucket list as you plan to explore Alaska. The Matanuska Glacier is very accessible – you can walk right on!
The Knik Glacier is a short helicopter ride to land on the ice. Both glaciers offer different adventures that are suitable for any adventurer. See which glacier tour is best for you!
Which NOVA Glacier Tour is Right for Me
NOVA has been guiding on glaciers since 1990. Our expert guides are trained to help you avoid hazards while having tons of fun on the glacier! They’ll teach you about the geology, show you the coolest spots they have found, and have medical certifications from Wilderness First Aid to EMT to keep you safe.
All you have to do is choose the trip that peaks your interest and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
From walking on the ice to taking off in a helicopter, we offer many different tours that are suitable for everyone.
Matanuska Glacier Adventures
Meet us at the NOVA property in Glacier View to gear up for your chosen trip. Our guides will outfit you before taking you on a scenic drive to the Matanuska Glacier. Then the real adventure begins!
Glacier Tour or Glacier Family Tour:
The easiest tour that features a basic walk/hike over the moraine to the beautiful terminus ‘Ice Falls’ area that is the main highlight of the glacier.
You’ll have plenty of time to take photos before venturing back to the NOVA van.
Highlights of the Glacier Tour:
Adventure Trek:
Travel away from the crowds and beyond the front ‘Ice Falls’ to experience unique, less seen features of the glacier.
This adventure is challenging and covers multiple miles over variable terrain.
Highlights of Glacier Trekking:
Backcountry Ice Climb:
Experience a challenging trek to access the climbing walls where you’ll learn the techniques to ice climb. Ascend glacier walls and accomplish an exciting adventure with your group.
Highlights of Backcountry Ice Climbing:
Helicopter to the Knik Glacier Adventures
Choose from glacier hiking, glacier paddleboarding, glacier ice climbing, or a combo trip on the Knik Glacier. Depart from Palmer to see Alaska from a new perspective with Outbound Heli Adventures.
Helicopter Glacier Trek:
This trip is for those that want to combine a helicopter ride with glacier exploration and hiking.
Take in the beauty of the Knik Valley while experiencing the joy of hiking on ice.
Highlights of Helicopter Glacier Trekking:
Helicopter Ice Climbing:
This trip is great for those who want to experience a helicopter ride and try ice climbing without having to hike as far to reach a climbing spot.
Climb next to scenic blue pools or in deep moulins for an unreal adventure experience.
Highlights of Helicopter Ice Climbing:
Helicopter Glacier Paddleboarding:
This trip is perfect for those who want to experience paddleboarding in a wild landscape after taking a helicopter ride.
Explore glacier pools from SUPs for the most unique Alaskan adventure out there.
Highlights of Helicopter Glacier Paddleboarding:
How to Choose Which Tour is Best For My Group
Choosing a glacier tour that is best for everyone in your group comes down to a few factors. You and your group’s ability level is a great first step in figuring out which tours suit you the best. Next, you can think about how long you wish to spend on a glacier and which activity appeals to you the most. You can always split into different groups if some want to go on a bigger adventure.
Ability Level
Your entire group’s ability level is a big factor in which trip is right for you. The Adventure Trek and Ice Climbing tours are more challenging and require the ability to hike 4+ miles.
The Glacier Tour is more suitable for any ability level and requires no experience.
Helicopter adventures can be more suitable for more ability levels due to not having to factor in a hike in or out and can be more tailored to smaller groups.
Time Commitment
How much time do you and your group have or want to spend on a glacier? If you have half the day our Glacier Tour would be more suitable for you. Make it a private trip to have even more options on your duration out on the glacier.
The Adventure Trek or Ice Cimb can allow you to be out on the glacier for the whole day!
Helicopter adventures are half or full day as well, but keep in mind you’ll want a two day weather window in case you need to be rescheduled.
Desired Adventure
The next thing to discuss as a group is what type of adventure you want to go on! You get to choose between a scenic walk, an adventurous hike, ice climbing, or paddleboarding. You can even create a combo trip!
If some of your group prefers one adventure, and others in your group prefer another – we can accommodate you.
We’ve had families go on different adventures for the day so the parents could enjoy hiking in the backcountry while their kids learned to ice climb. You should choose the adventure that is right for you!
Time of Year
When you are visiting Alaska can be a determining factor when choosing a trip with us. We run Matanuska Glacier adventures from June to early September due to weather.
Knik Glacier flights and adventures run year round as conditions allow, except for glacier paddleboarding which is a summer only excursion.
What to Wear on My Glacier Tour in Alaska
Having the right gear can make your time on the glacier even more enjoyable. Be sure to check the weather ahead of time and bring any layers you may want. Aim for layers that are wool, fleece or synthetic.
Cotton can hold moisture and cause you to become colder on your tour. Your guide can always help you decide which layers would be best for the day.
We recommend you bring:
Accommodating My Larger Group
You may be coming to Alaska on a big family reunion, a company retreat, or own an adventure tourism company and are looking to add to your itinerary. NOVA specializes in taking out larger groups.
We’ve hosted kid camps, ice climbed groups of college athletes, and toured groups of adventure enthusiasts.
Get in touch about your group so we can find which adventure is best for you!
