How long is the helicopter flight portion?

The helicopter spends about 40 minutes in the air, flying to and from the glacier for a total flight time of roughly 40 minutes.

Can children participate in the tour?

Children aged 2 and older can join with their own seat; children under 2 are considered lap children and can ride free but must be held securely.

Are walking aids like canes or trekking poles allowed on the glacier?

No, walking aids and extendible items are prohibited onboard for safety reasons; the glacier walk requires careful footing on uneven terrain.

What happens if the weather cancels my tour?

If TEMSCO cancels due to weather, guests receive a full refund. Tours may be canceled up to an hour before departure depending on conditions.

Is transportation provided from the cruise terminal or hotels?

Guests must make their own way to TEMSCO’s base, but a $3 SMART shuttle service is available from the pier to the heli base.

Do I need special skills to participate?

No technical skills are required, but moderate mobility is essential to navigate helicopter steps and uneven glacier surfaces safely.

Glacier Discovery Helicopter Tour with TEMSCO in Skagway | Air Activities | Sightseeing Tour

Skagway, Alaska, sits at the gateway to some of the most remote and imposing glaciers in North America, where rugged peaks tower over icy expanses sculpted by millennia of nature's forces. TEMSCO Helicopters Inc. offers an unmatched way to witness this raw beauty through their Glacier Discovery By Helicopter tour—an experience that flies far beyond the standard sightseeing trip.

Launching from TEMSCO’s base at 901 Terminal Way, Skagway, this two-hour adventure begins with a breathtaking helicopter flight over towering icefields and deep crevassed glaciers. The aerial views reveal the intricate patterns carved by ancient ice rivers amidst sharp granite peaks, a landscape shaped by powerful geological processes unique to Southeast Alaska.

Upon touchdown on a remote glacier, expert guides lead guests on a carefully paced walking tour across the ice. This quarter-mile trek offers a firsthand look at crystal clear blue ice, jagged seracs, and the hidden crevasses that define active glacier movement. As you traverse uneven terrain with crampon-equipped boots and provided over-boots, guides explain how these glaciers carve fjords and nourish Alaska’s wild ecosystems.

What sets TEMSCO apart is their commitment to safety, education, and authentic Alaska adventure. The helicopter seating is managed with precision to ensure balance and guest comfort, while the walking portion offers intimate interaction with one of Earth’s most dynamic natural phenomena. Plus, the company’s thoughtful policies and shuttle connections make accessing this incredible experience straightforward, whether arriving by ship or land.

For those drawn to the extreme landscapes of Alaska, this helicopter glacier tour is more than a flight; it’s immersion in a landscape still being written by ice, stone, and time. TEMSCO Helicopters has secured its place as a must-do for adventurous travelers seeking both adrenaline and a deeper connection to the Last Frontier’s icy heart.

Glacier Discovery Helicopter Tour with TEMSCO in Skagway

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