How to Prepare For Your Glacier Tour With NOVA
See how to be prepared for your Matanuska Glacier tour with NOVA to ensure that you have a more memorable time! Find out what you need to pack, what’s included, and what to do once you reach the NOVA property in Glacier View.
What to Pack for Your Glacier Tour
Having the right gear will make your time on the glacier more enjoyable, especially when we are experiencing some weather. Layers are a must have to bring along. Aim for layers that are wool, fleece or synthetic to keep you dry even when it may be wet out.
Cotton can hold moisture and cause you to become colder on your tour. We recommend bringing a backpack along so you can bring any layers you may want with you!
We recommend you bring:
- Backpack for your belongings
- Water bottle
- Snacks (or lunch for full day tours)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Rain layers
- Warm layers
- Hat, beanie, and gloves
- Your camera or filming devices!
Please note that drones are not allowed on the glacier.
What We Provide for Your Tour
Your safety and comfort matter to us which is why we provide all the gear you need to travel on a glacier! We even have you covered on footwear so you can keep the glacier silt off your own boots.
Your glacier guide will outfit you in all your safety gear before you depart the property and drive to the glacier.
We will provide:
- Over the ankle, waterproof hiking boots
- Microspikes
- Safety helmets
- Technical safety gear for adventure treks + ice climbs
Driving Directions to NOVA in Glacier View
Make the drive to the main NOVA office location at Hicks Creek in Glacier View to start your tour! We recommend allowing 2.5 hours to travel from Anchorage. Give yourself some buffer time in case of Summer road construction along the Glenn Highway.
Get here at least 15 minutes prior to your tour so that you have time to check in before meeting with your guide!
Here is our office address:
38100 Glenn Hwy, Glacier View, AK 99674
This will take you to the bridge right above the property. Turn away from the river (left if you are coming from Palmer/Anchorage, right if you are coming from Glennallen) to take the road that loops under the bridge. You’ll see a big blue sign for NOVA and know that you are in the right place!
Follow the signs and park in front of our office alongside other guests. Bathrooms are located in the parking lot. Be sure to go before your adventure!
Check In For Your Glacier Adventure
Grab your belongings and head into the office to sign waivers and pay your glacier fee. Now you are ready to get geared up for the glacier!
Head over to the covered picnic tables to meet your guide, get your glacier gear, and be driven over to the Matanuska Glacier. Be sure to stop by River’s Edge Espresso on your way over for a drink and some snacks!
Are you making the drive from Anchorage? Turn your drive into a fun day trip with this guide!
Glacier Access Fees
The access road we take to reach the Matanuska Glacier is privately owned and maintained. You must pay a per person fee, that we have no control over, to get to the glacier, and this access fee is not included in our tour cost. We collect it separately at check in, so be prepared!
Current glacier rates are:
Adults (17+): $45
Teens (13-16): $25
Alaska Residents, Military and Seniors (65+): $30
Please note that these rates can change at any time.
Stop by River’s Edge Espresso
Stop by one of the best, and most remote, coffee stands in Alaska! River’s Edge Espresso serves specialty coffee in the backcountry to give you an extra boost before your tour. You can also grab a tea, hot chocolate, canned drinks, or some snacks to better prepare for your adventure!
The coffee is locally roasted in Palmer, the baked goods are locally made, and the owner/barista is passionate about crafting a drink that will make your day that much better.
If you don’t have time to stop by before your trip, swing by afterwards for a pick me up or a treat to warm up with after your adventure out on the ice! It’s the perfect end to your glacier trip.
We Can’t Wait to Show You the Matanuska Glacier!
Book your tour today so that we can show you a great time out on the ice. From booking, to check in, to stepping out on the glacier, we are with you as you journey to one of Alaska’s most beautiful and accessible landscapes.
The Matanuska Glacier is a must see for your trip to Alaska. We are so excited to show you such a beautiful and photo worthy place.
