Frequently Asked Questions
Here you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about all our exciting adventures. Whether you’re looking for details on booking, what to wear, or how to prepare, we’ve got you covered. Still have questions?
No worries – we’re here to assist you! Feel free to give us a call, send us an email, or contact us directly right here.
General Questions
Curious about how long we’ve been in the industry, where we’re located, our cancellation policy, and much more? You’ll find all the essential info you need to plan your adventure below. Let us help you get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Nova is Alaska’s oldest rafting company, proudly family-operated for over 50 years. With a rich legacy in outdoor adventure, Nova has been a pioneer in the state’s adventure tourism industry—setting the standard for safety, quality, and innovation. It was the first to offer commercial rafting on Alaska’s rivers, as well as guided hiking and ice climbing excursions on the Matanuska Glacier.
NOVA has three locations for its trips:
All Matanuska Glacier Tours and Matanuska River Trips begin at the main NOVA office location at Hicks Creek in Glacier View, located 2 hours north of Anchorage.
Please use the following address:
38100 Glenn Hwy, Glacier View, AK 99674
For Six Mile Creek Trips, the meeting point is 1.5 hours south of Anchorage near Hope, Alaska, at a public rest area known as Silvertip Station, about 100 meters from the Seward & Hope Hwy intersection, on Hope Road.
Please use the following address:
35200 Hope Hwy, Hope, AK 99605
Heli Adventures departs from the Outbound Heli Adventures office in Palmer, Alaska, just 50 minutes from Anchorage.
Please use the following address:
3901 S Lindsey Cir F, Palmer, AK 99645
Our summer season in Alaska offers long days with plenty of sunlight, and the best time to visit really depends on your itinerary. At NOVA, we operate our Glacier Tours from June 1st to September 10th, and our River Trips from June 1st to August 20th.
We also offer Heli Adventures with exclusive tours from late May to mid-September, and some options are available year-round for those seeking a unique adventure at any time.
We recommend checking the weather forecast to ensure that the climate will be your best ally during your adventure.
Yes, we recommend making a reservation to secure your spot on the tour. While we do accept walk-ins, space fills up quickly, especially during the peak summer season.
Making a reservation guarantees you can enjoy the adventure you’re looking forward to without any issues. Plus, we have an extremely generous cancellation policy, so if your plans change, you can modify or refund your reservation
NOVA understands that plans can change, and we want to make sure you have a flexible cancellation process. As a small company operating in remote Alaska, we appreciate your understanding of our terms.
Please review our cancellation policy below
For Glacier and River Trips:
- Full refund: If you cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the tour.
- 50% refund: If you cancel between 24 to 48 hours before the tour.
- No refund: Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour or no-shows will not be eligible for a refund.
- Multi-day trips: A 7-day notice is required for a full refund.
Customers who book through our online platform will receive the appropriate refund, minus a 1.9% booking fee.
In the event that NOVA cancels the tour, a full refund of your payment will be issued.
To make a cancellation, please contact us at +1 (907) 745-5753 or by email at info@nova-alaska.com
We understand that unexpected changes can occur in your plans, which is why we offer a flexible cancellation policy for our heli adventures.
Please review the details below to plan your experience with peace of mind:
- Full refund: If you cancel at least 7 days before the trip.
- 50% refund: If you cancel within 72 hours of the scheduled trip.
- No-show: No-shows without prior notice will not be eligible for a refund.
If Outbound Heli Adventures cancels due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances, customers will receive either a full refund or a credit for the tour.
To make a cancellation, please contact Outbound Heli Adventures directly at +1 (907) 351-6736 or by email at info@outboundheli.com
Of course! At NOVA, we love giving back to our community and making adventures more accessible to everyone. We offer several exciting discounts!
- Local Alaskans: If you’re a local, you can enjoy a 10% discount on the individual tour price by showing your State-Issued ID at check-in.
- Military Discount: We’re proud to offer a 10% discount to all active duty and retired military personnel with valid ID.
- Seasonal Specials: Keep an eye out for our special seasonal discounts! We offer unique deals during certain times of the year, so you can experience our adventures at a great price.
- Combo Discount: Want to make the most of your time in Alaska? Book any of our combo trips and enjoy a 10% discount on your entire adventure! Our popular Matanuska River Lions Head trip and Matanuska Glacier Tour combo is a fantastic way to experience two incredible activities in one day.
There is no public transportation available, and at this time, NOVA does not provide transportation. The only way to reach our tour check-in areas is by rental car or RV.
Yes, absolutely! If you’ve adventured with us before and would like to request a specific guide, just let us know. We’re happy to accommodate your request. Our guides love to be requested, and we’ll do our best to make it happen!
NOVA operates all tours regardless of most weather conditions, rain or shine! For Glacier Tours, guests are advised to dress appropriately by wearing a raincoat and layering with warm synthetic materials, along with socks for comfort. Cotton layers are not recommended.
For River Trips, NOVA provides a drysuit to keep the cold water out, but it’s important to insulate underneath. We recommend wearing a warm base layer, both top and bottom, with fleece or wool being ideal. Warm socks are also a must!
Additionally, we recommend bringing a change of clothes for after the river trip, as even with brand-new drysuits, a bit of water can get in.
At NOVA, we ensure that our professional guides are paid a living wage. That said, our guides work hard, and if you feel inclined to show your appreciation with a tip, they are always grateful for the gesture. It’s not required, but it’s certainly appreciated.
Yes, at NOVA, we advocate for and protect the conservation of Alaska’s natural spaces. We follow a responsible travel ethic and adhere to “Leave No Trace” principles when exploring these incredible places. Since our inception, one of NOVA’s core values has been showing people how to love, appreciate, and contribute to the preservation of Alaska’s special places.
Matanuska Glacier Tours Questions
Wondering which glacier tour is the perfect fit for you? Or what to bring and where to check in? We’ve got all the details to help you prepare for your glacier adventure. Get ready to explore the wonders of the Matanuska glacier!
We operate our Glacier Tours from June 1st to September 10th.
All Matanuska Glacier Tours depart from the main NOVA office location at Hicks Creek in Glacier View, located 2 hours north of Anchorage. Please use the following address:
38100 Glenn Hwy, Glacier View, AK 99674
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time. In the summer, we recommend allowing 2.5 hours to travel from Anchorage to the meeting point to account for potential road construction delays.
Access to Matanuska Glacier is privately owned and they charge a per person fee that we have no control over. This fee is not included in our tour cost & is collected at check in.
It is subject to change at any point but the current rates are:
Adults (17+): $45
Teens (13-16): $25
Alaska Residents, Military and Seniors (65+): $30
Yes, your glacier tours are safe, although there are inherent risks associated with glacier travel and outdoor activities that you must understand and accept. Variable terrain, sharp rocks, slippery ice, and changing weather conditions are common.
However, for your peace of mind, we maintain high safety standards. Our professional guides have extensive experience in glacier travel, trekking, and climbing. They are certified in Wilderness First Aid and undergo regular training to meet the highest standards in each discipline.
No prior experience needed for any of our glacier tours! We take lots of first-timers out on our adventures & love introducing them to the world of Alaska ice!
Our ice climbing tour is open to individuals aged 12 to 65 and you must meet our size limitations. While ice climbing might look intimidating at first, it’s actually more about technique than strength. For the most part, if you can climb a ladder, you can enjoy learning to ice climb!
Our experienced guides will teach you the techniques you need, ensuring you have a fun and safe time on the ice.
Matanuska Glacier Tour:
This tour includes an easy walk over the moraine to the ‘Ice Falls’ area, the main highlight of the glacier. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views and ever-changing glacier features. Perfect for those looking for a relaxed adventure in nature.
Matanuska Glacier Adventure Trek:
This trek takes you beyond the ‘Ice Falls’ to explore less seen areas of the glacier. It’s a more challenging adventure, covering multiple miles over varied terrain, ideal for those seeking a more active experience.
Backcountry Ice Climbing:
A true challenge for the adventurous, this trip combines a trek to access climbing walls and an introduction to glacier ice climbing. You’ll learn the fundamentals of climbing in a safe, top-rope setup, guided by experienced professionals.
Our Matanuska Glacier Tour is our most popular option and accommodates most guests as long as you’re in reasonable condition and able to walk comfortably on uneven ground.
If you would like to take a slower pace or need extra breaks, we recommend booking our Matanuska Glacier Family Tour. This option is perfect for multi-generational family groups, including children as young as 8 years old. Alternatively, you can consider booking a private tour, where we can tailor the experience to your pace and needs for a more personalized adventure. Please contact the office to inquire.
For our Glacier Tours, we recommend dressing appropriately by wearing a raincoat and layering with warm, synthetic materials. Be sure to wear comfortable socks, and avoid cotton layers.
For ice climbing and trekking tours, please bring a small daypack with water, snacks, and lunch.
Additionally, we suggest bringing:
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Rain gear
- Warm jacket
- Light gloves and hat
Don’t worry about safety gear and accessories! We’ll provide you with boots, crampons, a helmet, and, if desired, a trekking pole. We’ll also supply all the necessary equipment for your adventure.
The Matanuska Glacier is only accessible through private property and must be visited with a permitted guide.
NOVA does not offer tours that travel through or under ice caves during the warm summer months. Glaciers are very active in this season, making caves unsafe due to the risk of collapse. The safety of guests is a priority, so these areas are avoided to protect everyone.
Summer daytime temps usually range between 55-70°F, but it can be 5-10°F cooler on the glacier itself.
The weather can change quickly from rain & cool weather to sunshine & warmth then back again in an instant. It’s good to be prepared with layers to keep you warm/dry!
Absolutely! There are many opportunities for beautiful photos while out on the glacier!
Drones however, are not allowed on any of our Matanuska Glacier Tours.
Our glacier treks and climbs have a 1:4 guide to client ratio
Our Matanuska glacier tour & family tour have a 1:10 guide to client ratio
There are bathrooms available at our check-in location at Hicks Creek and also once you arrive at Matanuska Glacier Park, right before heading onto the glacier.
Once you’re on the glacier, restroom breaks are limited. We recommend using the facilities before the tour.
For longer trips like glacier trekking and ice climbing, let your guide know if you need a break, and they can point out places with a bit of privacy. In case of an emergency stomach issue, any waste must be packaged and carried out in a bag.
Alaska River Rafting Questions
Do you need prior rafting experience? Wondering how far our river trips are from Anchorage, or what to wear? All your rafting-related questions answered below. Get ready for an action packed adventure on Alaska’s most exciting rivers!
Our River Trips are available from June 1st to August 20th.
- Matanuska River Trips: All of our Matanuska River trips depart from the main NOVA office location at Hicks Creek in Glacier View, located 2 hours north of Anchorage and 50 minutes from Palmer. Please use the following address:
38100 Glenn Hwy, Glacier View, AK 99674
Click Here For Directions - Six Mile Creek Trips: For Six Mile Creek trips, the meeting point is 1.5 hours south of Anchorage, near Hope, Alaska, at a public rest area known as Silvertip Station, about 100 meters from the Seward & Hope Hwy intersection on Hope Road. Please use the following address:
35200 Hope Hwy, Hope, AK 99605
Click Here For Directions - Talkeetna River Trips: Our Talkeetna River trip check-in is at Talkeetna Air Taxi´s parking lot located at the airport in Talkeetna, Alaska, located 2 hours north of Anchorage. Please use the following address:
14212 E Second St, Talkeetna, AK 99676
Click Here For Directions
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time. In the summer, we recommend allowing 2.5 hours to travel from Anchorage to the meeting point to account for potential road construction delays.
Whitewater rafting, like any outdoor adventure, carries certain risks due to the unpredictable nature of the water and terrain. However, we take safety very seriously. All our trips are led by highly trained and experienced guides who are certified in swiftwater rescue with medical certifications ranging from Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness First Aid, and First Aid-CPR based on role.
While the risk of injury is minimal when safety guidelines are followed, it’s important to remember that, as with any adventure activity, there are always some inherent risks. Our goal is to ensure you have an exciting and safe experience on the water.
If you have concerns about your safety or any specific health conditions, feel free to speak with our guides or staff before booking your tour.
In Alaska, river conditions can change dramatically due to fluctuating water levels. Unlike dam-controlled rivers, natural, free-flowing waterways are highly variable and can significantly affect the intensity and safety of trips. High water levels are more serious than low water, potentially increasing the difficulty of Class IV river sections to Class V conditions.
To maintain safety, Nova uses strict water-level cutoffs and may make necessary adjustments such as changing boat types, group sizes, or even canceling trips. Our guides monitor USGS gauges daily and are authorized to make on-the-spot safety decisions, including trip denial.
Environmental conditions may also impact the length of your trip. If a trip is canceled due to unsafe conditions, guests will receive a full refund or may reschedule.
Boat Load Guidelines:
High Water: Max 5 people per boat
Low Water: Max 4 people per boat
Ideal Group Size: 4–5 people (to fill your own boat)
Smaller groups may be combined with consent
All trips involve active participation, and oar-assisted boats are used in high water for enhanced control.
You will be well-prepared! Our guides will ensure you are informed about safety procedures and best practices during the pre-trip briefing. You’ll learn how to react and what to do in case you fall out of the raft, so you’ll feel confident and ready for the adventure ahead.
No prior whitewater experience is required to join our rafting excursions. However, it is helpful to know how to swim and feel comfortable with the possibility of performing a self-rescue.
For Matanuska River trips, no mandatory swimming test is required.
For Six Mile Creek: Before the excursion begins, all participants must complete a mandatory swimming test in the river. This practice will help familiarize the best water safety practices and how to react in case of falling off the raft during the run through the canyons. If a participant does not meet the safety requirements or does not pass the swimming test, the guides have the discretion to deny participation to ensure everyone’s safety.
Additionally, our guides will provide a safety briefing before each trip, preparing you with the best practices and techniques for whitewater, tailored to the class of rapids in each river.
Dress warmly! We provide a drysuit to keep you dry, but you’ll need to layer underneath to stay warm. We recommend a warm base layer (top and bottom), with fleece or wool being ideal. Don’t forget warm socks!
We also suggest bringing a change of clothes for after your river trip. While our drysuits are brand new, a small amount of water may still get in.
And don’t worry about safety gear or accessories! We’ll provide you with river footwear, a life jacket, and a helmet for your comfort and safety.
The number of people per raft may vary depending on the river’s flow, as well as the size and weight of the participants. Typically, each raft accommodates an average of 6 people. Smaller groups will share a raft with others, if your party is 4 to 6 people we will try our best to accommodate all of you participating on the same raft.
If you’re looking for a unique or less common river trip, NOVA may be able to help create a custom experience for you. Please reach out to our main office to discuss expedition details and available options. We recommend inquiring several months in advance to plan your special adventure.
River classifications, established by the American Whitewater Association, indicate the technical difficulty and skill level required for navigating the river. These are represented using Roman numerals from I to VI.
For a detailed understanding of river classifications, you can refer to the following resource:
American Whitewater Association – International Scale of River Difficulty
Heli Adventures Questions
Looking for check-in details? Wondering what you can’t bring on the helicopter? All your helicopter adventure questions answered here. Get ready for an epic experience flying over one of Alaskas most breathtaking landscapes!
All heli adventures depart from Outbound Heli’s home base, located 45 minutes north of Anchorage in beautiful Palmer, Alaska. Please use the following address:
3901 S Lindsey Circle F, Palmer, Alaska 99645
Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your tour is scheduled to begin. In the summer, we recommend allowing 1 hour to get from Anchorage to the meeting point to account for potential road construction delays.
For Ice Climbing and Trekking on Knik Glacier, we operate year-round. Paddleboarding and Packrafting on the glacier are exclusive summer tours, available from late May to mid-September.
We provide all the necessary gear and equipment required for any of our glacier adventures. Whether you’re landing on a glacier for trekking, ice climbing, paddleboarding, or packrafting, we’ve got you covered with everything you need—from crampons for safe glacier travel to specialized gear for each different activity.
Summer:
Layers are key to staying comfortable in Alaska, as the weather can change quickly! Long sleeves are recommended, and you should bring a sweater. A waterproof layer that doubles as a windbreaker is essential, even if there’s no precipitation. Sturdy shoes, such as sneakers or hiking boots, are necessary. Please, no high-heeled shoes or sandals.
Winter:
Layers are still essential, but for winter, we also recommend snow boots and a warm winter coat. Snow pants will keep your legs warm, and a warm hat and gloves are a must to keep your experience enjoyable.
Additional recommended items include sunglasses to protect your eyes from intense sunlight, a reusable water bottle to fill with glacier water, and a camera with an extra battery and memory card.
For safety reasons, the following items are not allowed on the helicopter:
Weapons of any type
Lithium batteries
Bear spray or any type of aerosol spray
Gender reveal items that shoot glitter, colored powder, or confetti
Smoking items of any kind, including lighters and vapes
These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew during the flight. Thank you for your understanding.
Your chances are excellent! Moose are often spotted during the flight to and from the glacier, as they love the lower slopes, bogs, and riverbeds where there’s plenty of vegetation for them to munch on. Black bears are often seen on alpine slopes, especially during berry season. Grizzly bears are less commonly spotted from the helicopter, but occasionally a lucky guest might catch a glimpse. Mountain goats and Dall sheep are frequently seen, and it’s not uncommon to spot them in groups.
Yes, you can! We offer the opportunity to explore ice caves during the fall and winter seasons. These caves are formed by running water near the edges of the glacier, and during the colder months, the water freezes, stabilizing the cave walls and allowing for exploration.
However, during the winter, conditions can be extreme, so access is not always guaranteed. In the summer months, ice caves are typically not accessible due to the warmth and sunlight causing the caves to collapse and water to flow underneath them. Therefore, the ice cave experience is only available in the fall and winter.
For more information about the helicopter adventures, we recommend reaching out directly to Outbound Heli Adventures, who organizes and operates these awesome flights. They will be able to provide you with all the details about the different tours, pricing, and availability.
You can contact Outbound Heli Adventures through the following channels:
Phone:+1 (907) 351-6736
Email: info@outboundheli.com
Website: https://outboundheli.com/
They will be happy to help you plan your unique helicopter experience!
Ready to start Planning your Alaska Adventure?
Three Ways to Explore with Nova
Glacier Tours
River Trips
Heli Adventures
Frequently Asked Questions
Here you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about all our exciting adventures. Whether you’re looking for details on booking, what to wear, or how to prepare, we’ve got you covered. Still have questions?
No worries – we’re here to assist you! Feel free to give us a call, send us an email, or contact us directly right here.
General Questions
How long has Nova been in business, where are we located, cancellation policy and more below:
NOVA is Alaska’s oldest family-owned and operated river rafting tour company still under original ownership with 50 years in business. Since 1975, NOVA has accomplished many firsts throughout the state, becoming a recognized pioneer for the industry of guided adventure travel within Alaska. We were the first company to offer commercial rafting on Alaskan rivers and the first to offer commercial hikes and ice climbing tours on the Matanuska Glacier.
NOVA has 3 locations for their trips!
All of our Matanuska Glacier Tours + Lions Head and Midnight Sun Run Rafting Trips begin at our NOVA office location at Hicks Creek in Glacier View, Alaska.
Located 2 hours north of Anchorage.
Use this address for Matanuska Glacier Tours:
38100 Glenn Hwy, Glacier View, AK 99674
Our Six Mile Creek Trip meets 1.5 Hours south of Anchorage near Hope, Alaska at a public rest area known as Silvertip Station. Located about 100 meters from the Seward & Hope Hwy intersection, on the Hope Road.
Use this address for Six Mile Creek Trips:
35200 Hope Hwy, Hope, AK 99605
Our Heli Adventures depart from Outbound Heli Adventures office in Palmer, Alaska just 50 minutes from Anchorage, Alaska.
Use this address:
3901 S Lindsey Cir F, Palmer, AK 99645
We understand plans change & Nova maintains a generous cancellation policy. Please consider the fact that we
are a small company in remote Alaska with only 100 days in the year to make our living.
Payment in full is required at time of booking.
All day trips will receive a full refund* when cancellations are made at least 48 hours in advance. If you cancel with 24-48 hours notice, you will receive a 50% refund*.
There is no refund for cancellations with less than 24 hours notice or no-shows.
Multi-Day trips require a 7-day notice for a full refund.
In the event Nova cancels, you will receive a full refund of your payments.
Customers who booked online platform receive appropriate refund – 1.9% booking fee
Local Alaskans with proof of State Issued ID receive a 10% discount on the individual tour price at tour check-in.
Make it a COMBO Discount: Book any of our combo trips and enjoy a 10% discount on your entire adventure!
Our popular Lions Head rafting and Matanuska Glacier Tour combo is a fantastic way to experience two incredible activities in one day!
Yes. If you’ve been out adventuring with us before & want to request a guide definitely drop us a note and we can accommodate you. Our guides do love to be requested!
NOVA welcomes groups large or small! Group rafting or glacier trips can be the perfect activity for your corporate event or team building, bachelor/bachelorette or wedding party!
NOVA offers many trips throughout the day or the evening, depending on client wishes.
Private tours are available, call our office to discuss the options.
Our tours run in rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for the weather of the day. To ensure you’re comfortable on the glacier we ask that you wear layers + bring a rain jacket and rain pants.
Here at NOVA we ensure our professional guides get paid a living wage. That said; our guides work hard and if you feel inclined to show your appreciation with a tip, they are always grateful for the gesture.
There is no public transportation & we do not provide transportation at this time.
Rental car or RV is the only way to get to our tour check in areas.
Matanuska Glacier Tours Questions
Which glacier tour is best for me, where to meet for check in, what to bring? Get ready for your glacier adventure:
All our Matanuska Glacier Tours depart from our location on Hicks Creek in Glacier View Alaska about 2 hours north of Anchorage.
NOVA’s check in office is located at:
38100 Glenn Hwy, Glacier View, AK 99674
Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your tour is scheduled to begin!
In the summer account to account for any road construction we recommend allowing 2.5 hours to get from Anchorage to our office.
Access to Matanuska Glacier is privately owned and they charge a per person fee that we have no control over. This fee is not included in our tour cost & is collected at check in.
It is subject to change at any point but the current rates are:
Adults (17+): $45
Teens (13-16): $25
Alaska Residents, Military and Seniors (65+): $30
Our Matanuska Glacier Tour is 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 time to take photos before venturing back to the NOVA van.
During the Matanuska Glacier Adventure Trek you’ll travel away from the crowds and beyond the front ‘Ice Falls’ to experience unique, less seen features of the glacier. This adventure is challenging covering multiple miles over variable terrain.
Our backcountry ice climbing trips feature a challenging trek to access the climbing walls and NOVA introduces you to the world of glacier ice climbing.
Our Matanuska Glacier Tour accommodates most of our guests as long as you’re in reasonable condition & able to walk comfortably on even ground.
If you would like to go at a slower pace, or be sure to not hold up others, consider booking our Matanuska Glacier Family Tour. This is a great option with multi-generational family groups and children as young as 8 years old.
Summer daytime temps usually range between 55-70 F but it can be 5-10 degrees cooler on the glacier itself.
The weather can change quickly from rain & cool weather to sunshine & warmth then back again in an instant. It’s good to be prepared with layers to keep you warm/dry!
The Matanuska glacier is only accessible entering through private property with a permitted guide.
Wear long pants, hiking boots and dress in layers as temperature will vary throughout the day.
Other things to bring:
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Rain Gear
- Warm Jacket
- Lightweight Gloves and Hat
For our ice climbing and trekking tours bring a small daypack with water, snacks & lunch
We’ll be outfitting you with boots, crampons and helmet; also a trekking pole if you desire.
For Treks and Ice-climbing NOVA additionally provides all ice-climbing hardware.
While we do accept walk-ins, we recommend that you make a reservation as soon as you know that you want to come on a trip with us!
We are often fully booked especially in peak summer season!
We also have an extremely generous 48 hour cancellation policy, so if your plans change we will refund or change your reservation with at least 48 hours notice.
Absolutely! There are many opportunities for beautiful photos while out on the glacier!
Drones however, are not allowed on any of our Matanuska Glacier Tours.
NOVA does not offer any tours that travel through or under ice caves in the warm summer months. Glaciers are very active in summer; caves are unsafe and should be avoided for potential cave collapse.
There are bathrooms located at our check in location at Hicks Creek and also once you arrive at Matanuska Glacier Park right before you head onto the glacier.
Once you are traveling on the glacier, restroom breaks are difficult to accommodate. Please use facilities pre-trip!
For our longer trips such as glacier trekking and ice climbing. Let your guide know & they can point out places with a little privacy to go pee. “Number 2”, is a bigger deal. The deposit will need to be cleaned up and carried out in a plastic bag by the depositor.
There are inherent risks associated with glacier travel and outdoor activities that everyone must accept and understand. Variable terrain, sharp rocks, slippery ice, and changing weather are common.
At NOVA we maintain a high standard for safety. Our professional guides are highly experienced in glacier travel, trekking and climbing. This includes high level credentials with multiple certificates (such as wilderness first responder), training, and requirements for each discipline.
No prior experience needed for any of our glacier tours! we take lots of first-timers out on our adventures & love introducing them to the world of Alaska ice!
Our glacier treks and climbs have a 1:4 guide to client ratio
Our Matanuska glacier tour & family tour have a 1:10 guide to client ratio.
Our ice climbing tour is for ages 12 to 65.
While ice climbing may look intimidating it is more about technique than it is about strength and for the most part if you can climb a ladder you can enjoy learning to climb!
Our guides will coach you on technique so you can have a great time on the ice
Alaska River Rafting Questions
Do I need prior rafting experience, how far are the river trips from Anchorage, what should I wear for rafting? Answer below:
Our whitewater guides are the best of the best, with years of prior whitewater guiding experience, usually on the toughest rivers in the lower 48, before coming to guide for us in Alaska.
Rafting Alaska’s whitewater is a true adventure! Upon arrival at check in we will dress you in state-of-the-art drysuits and outfit you with other river safety gear. Once you’re ready; everyone hops in the NOVA bus and we drive you to river put in!
At the put-in, our guides will talk about what to expect once you set out on the river. You’ll be given a safety briefing & guides will talk over proper maneuvers if you do come out of the raft while on the river.
Once safety briefing is complete & boats are in river you’ll complete a mandatory (yet fun) in-river swim test before the start of the tour. This will help demystify the experience of being in the moving water and currents, to practice self-rescue, and check everyone’s swimming abilities prior to the trip launch.
Once in the boats you’ll navigate through two to three canyon sections over 11 miles of beautiful river!
While you don’t need prior whitewater experience to go on any of our rafting trips; you must be able to swim and comfortable with the prospect of self rescue.
For Six Mile Creek: After check in & a safety briefing guests will perform a mandatory practice in river swim test before the start of each trip. This practice swim will help guests better understand what to do if they come out of the raft and into the river during the trip down Six Mile Creek.
Dress Warm! We will provide a drysuit to keep the cold water out, but you will need to insulate under that! We recommend wearing a warm base layer top and bottom, fleece or wool is great. Wear warm socks as well!
We recommend bringing a change of clothes for after your river trip. Even with brand-new drysuits, a bit of water can get in.
Simply put, yes, you could get hurt rafting however we take pride in providing a safe, fun adventure for all. No guide service can ensure the complete safety of their guests, especially in the world of fast flowing rivers but we know how to mitigate risks.
Your guides will talk about safety procedures and best practices during the pre trip safety briefing. We want to make sure you are informed, prepared and comfortable with the activity before your rafting adventure begins.
Six Mile Creek is located about 1.5 hours south of Anchorage
Take the Seward Highway south towards Seward. Enjoy the views of this National Scenic Byway until mile maker 57 and the Hope Road intersection. It is a well-marked junction and the Hope Road only turns one-way.Turn onto the Hope Road, travel about 100 yards and turn into the first driveway (public rest area) on the right. The rest area is called Silvertip Station.
The NOVA crew and vehicles will be there waiting for you.
The drive is about 1 hour 30 minutes from Anchorage, 45 minutes from Girdwood, 60 minutes from Seward, 90 minutes from Soldotna.
Check in for Lions Head and Midnight Sun Run is at our Hicks Creek Facility located about 2 hours North of Anchorage
38100 West Glenn Hwy Glacier View, Alaska
Take the Glenn Hwy (Hwy #1) and head north from Anchorage; you’ll be traveling on the Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway all the way to Hicks Creek. About 1 hour out Anchorage you will take the overpass to Palmer and continue on the Glenn Hwy (Hwy #1) east through Palmer then Sutton and Chickaloon before arriving at Hicks Creek; Mile 96 of the Glenn Hwy.
Watch for the NOVA sign on left at Trailhead Rd. after crossing the Hicks Creek Bridge; take that left and follow the NOVA driveway underneath the highway bridge to the main building for check-in.
If you have a rare or uncommon river trip in mind, NOVA may be able to help facilitate your trip. Please contact the main office to discuss expedition details and options.
Raft trips can vary depending on water flow and size and weight of participants.
Groups of 4 to 5 people are ideal for this tour. Fill your own boat!
Groups smaller may mix in boats with other groups.
Created by the American Whitewater Association, the river classification reflects the technical difficulty and skill level required using roman numerals I to VI.
To better understand the classification of rivers check out: https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/safety:internation_scale_of_river_difficulty
Heli Adventures Questions
Where do we check in, do you fly year round and more… your questions answered below!
All heli adventures depart from Outbound Heli’s home base in Palmer, Alaska.
3901 S Lindsey Circle F Palmer, Alaska 99645
Yes! In partnership with Outbound Heli we offer Ice climbing & glacier trekking on the Knik Glacier year round!
Glacier Paddleboarding & Packrafting are summer only tours running from end of May to Mid September!
Wear long pants, hiking boots and dress in layers as temperature will vary throughout the day. You’ll be outfitted with all necessary gear for adventures; micro spikes, helmet, harness, ice axes etc…. We provide all the safety gear.
Things you should bring:
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Rain Gear
- Warm Jacket
- Lightweight gloves & hat
- Water bottle
- Small backpack with snacks & lunch if needed
Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
