Anchorage: 90-min Flight with 2 Landings

Planning a trip to Alaska and eager to see its stunning glaciers and rugged mountains from above? This 90-minute helicopter tour with Alpine Air Alaska offers an exciting way to do just that. While not a full day of adventure, this short but memorable journey packs enough scenery and thrill to make it a highlight of your Alaskan visit.

We love how this tour combines aerial views with ground exploration, giving travelers a rare chance to see glaciers up close and appreciate their scale. The opportunity to land on a glacier and walk around is a big plus, offering a tangible connection to the icy wilderness. The second landing at a remote mountain ridge or lake gives you a panoramic perch that’s difficult to find elsewhere.

One consideration: the tour lasts only 1.5 hours, so it’s a quick snapshot of Alaska’s grandeur. If you’re craving a full-day adventure, this may feel brief—but for many, the quality of the experience outweighs the length.

This tour suits families, photographers, and adventure travelers eager to see Alaska’s backcountry from a unique vantage point. It’s also a good pick for those wanting a safe, professionally guided experience with small groups, ensuring personalized attention and fewer crowds.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery: The flight offers sweeping views of glaciers, mountain peaks, and blue meltwater pools.
• Unique landings: Experience two landings, including 30 minutes on a glacier, for immersive exploration.
• Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for moose, bears, and mountain goats along the way.
• Expert pilots: Alpine Air Alaska has over 30 years of safety and guiding experience.
• Small group setting: Tours are limited to three participants, ensuring a more intimate experience.
• Flexible booking: You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What Makes Each Step Special

This tour is designed to maximize your time in the air and on the ice, offering two distinct landing points that showcase Alaska’s wild beauty. Starting from the Alpine Air Alaska hangar in Girdwood, the journey begins with a breathtaking flight over the Girdwood Valley, which sets the stage for the adventure.

The first landfall is on a glacier, where you’ll spend about 25-30 minutes walking on the ice. Imagine standing on a vast, ancient sheet of ice, surrounded by towering peaks and blue crevasses. The blue hues of the glacier’s ice are mesmerizing, especially in spring and summer when meltwater pools create vibrant, shimmering patches across the surface. This is a selfie opportunity and a chance to feel the scale of glaciers firsthand.

Many reviews praise the visual impact of this part of the tour. One traveler noted the “dramatic, once-in-a-lifetime photos,” which captures the essence of what makes this stop so memorable. Being able to step onto the ice offers a sense of connection that photos alone can’t provide.

Next, the helicopter takes you to a remote alpine ridge or mountain lake. The second landing features sweeping views of glacier valleys and untouched wilderness. It’s an ideal spot for panoramic photography, with the added thrill of being on a high vantage point. Wildlife sightings are possible here, and you might see moose, mountain goats, or even bears in the distance, according to reports. This part of the tour allows for exploration on foot and soaking in the raw, unspoiled landscape.

What to Expect During the Flight

Expect a professional safety briefing at the start, which is standard practice and reassures even the most apprehensive travelers. The actual flight itself is a visual feast. The Chugach Mountains and surrounding valleys are renowned for their rugged beauty—layered peaks, glaciers snaking through valleys, and patches of vibrant meltwater pools that shimmer in the sunlight.

The helicopter is a small, manageable craft—perfect for getting a close-up look at the terrain. The pilots are experienced, with more than 30 years of safety record, which should give you confidence in the smoothness of your flight.

The small group size (limit of three participants) is another highlight. This ensures more personalized attention and a chance to ask questions, take photos without feeling rushed, and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

The Value: Is It Worth the Cost?

Prices are generally framed as a premium experience, but when you consider that you’re getting two landings on glaciers and remote mountain locations, the value becomes clearer. These kinds of guided helicopter tours are rare—they combine aerial sightseeing with tangible exploration—making them a special, once-in-a-lifetime activity.

The tour’s short duration might seem limiting, but it’s perfectly suited for travelers with tight schedules or those who prefer a concise, high-impact experience. The stunning views and photo opportunities are often cited as the biggest draw, and reviews frequently mention how memorable the scenery is.

The fact that Alpine Air Alaska has over three decades of experience handling safe and enjoyable flights adds reassurance. The personalized, small-group setting makes the experience more intimate, allowing better interaction with your pilot and more time for photos.

Practical Details You Should Know

• Meeting point is at the Alpine Air Alaska hangar in Girdwood, AK, easily accessible from Anchorage.
• The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, including safety briefing and flight time.
• Arrive 15 minutes early for the safety briefing.
• You need a minimum of 2 passengers to book, with solo travelers advised to call if their preferred time isn’t booked yet.
• Roundtrip transportation from Anchorage is not included but can be arranged for an additional fee.
• The tour is conducted in English, with a small group experience (up to 3 participants).

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What Travelers Are Saying

Reviewers commonly highlight the stunning vistas as the most memorable aspect. One noted, “The views are simply mind-blowing—the glaciers, mountains, and blue pools all in one flight.” Others appreciate the personalized attention due to the small group size and the professionalism and safety of Alpine Air Alaska’s pilots.

Some travelers mention the difficulty in capturing the full scope of the scenery in photos, but generally agree that this adds to the charm—being there in person is undeniably special. The glacier walk was described as “surreal,” making the entire experience feel like stepping into an adventure movie.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This helicopter tour is an ideal choice for adventure seekers and photographers who want to capture Alaska’s glaciers and peaks from the air and the ground. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a safe, small-group experience that offers stunning views and a taste of remote wilderness.

It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate periods of exploration rather than lengthy tours, and who want to include a memorable activity during a day trip or as part of a broader Alaskan itinerary. The glacier landing alone makes this worth considering, providing an authentic and tactile experience hard to match elsewhere.

In all, this tour delivers beautiful scenery, expert guidance, and a sense of adventure, making it a highlight for those wanting to see Alaska’s wild side without committing to a full-day expedition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reserve my spot now and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your tour now and pay nothing upfront, giving you flexibility in your travel planning.

Is there a minimum group size?
Yes, a minimum of two passengers is required to book the tour. Solo travelers need to call if their preferred time isn’t booked yet.

Are roundtrip transportation options available?
Not included in the standard package, but you can arrange for roundtrip shuttle service from Anchorage for an additional fee.

How long does the entire experience last?
The tour itself is about 1.5 hours, including safety briefings and pre-flight preparations.

What should I bring?
Dress warmly in layers, especially if visiting in cooler months. Sturdy shoes are recommended for walking on glaciers and rocky ridges.

Are wildlife sightings common?
While not guaranteed, some travelers have reported seeing moose, mountain goats, and even bears from the air or during the landings.

This helicopter adventure offers a fantastic glimpse into Alaska’s rugged wilderness, balancing high-flying excitement with grounded exploration. For those eager to see glaciers up close and capture unforgettable photos, it provides a compact yet profound taste of the state’s natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby