Take to the skies and then to the snow on a heli-sledding adventure with Alaska Helicopter Tours in Palmer. This 1.5-hour trip combines an eye-opening helicopter flight with an inflatable sled ride down pristine backcountry slopes.
Take to the skies and then to the snow on a heli-sledding adventure with Alaska Helicopter Tours in Palmer. This 1.5-hour trip combines an eye-opening helicopter flight with an inflatable sled ride down pristine backcountry slopes.
Book with Alaska Helicopter Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Alaska Helicopter Tours · Palmer, Alaska
Set against the rugged grandeur of Alaska’s Chugach Mountains, Alaska Helicopter Tours offers an extraordinary heli-sledding experience departing from 29979 E Knik River Rd, Palmer, AK. This 1.5-hour adventure blends the thrill of helicopter flight with the simple joy of sledding on an inflatable sled through fresh, untouched snow. The tour launches at the Alaska Glacier Lodge, located about 45 minutes north of Anchorage, placing participants at the gateway to one of Alaska’s most dramatic backcountry playgrounds.
The Chugach Mountains dominate this region with steep, snow-laden peaks carved by glaciers and rivers. As you ascend, the helicopter skims over deep glacial valleys dotted with crunchy spruce and hardy alders, revealing expansive views of vast wilderness rarely reached by foot. Beyond the flight, the essence of the journey lies in the sled ride down a carefully carved alpine trail that threads through snowfields framed by rocky outcrops and towering ice formations.
Uniquely accessible and family-friendly, this outing allows even first-timers and children to experience the exhilaration of snow sports without the strain of hiking or skiing. The inflatable sled offers a smooth, swift descent that’s both approachable and fun, turning remote Alaska’s snowy slopes into a playground.
Alaska Helicopter Tours stands out in the region’s adventure scene by combining expert piloting, safety-focused gear, and a commitment to showcasing Alaska’s wild landscapes responsibly. Their base in Palmer situates them in a prime spot to introduce visitors to the immense scale and stark beauty of the Chugach backcountry, providing an experience that’s at once thrilling and accessible. Whether you’re seeking a fresh way to see Alaska’s winter terrain or a unique family outing, this heli-sledding trip perfectly balances excitement with comfort in the Last Frontier’s vast wilderness.
easy.
1.5 hours.
Minimal fitness required, suitable for families and most ages; no hiking needed.
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and designed to accommodate children with gentle sled rides and safety equipment.
Each helicopter seat has a 300 lb limit, and combined passenger weight must not exceed 600 lbs; contact the company for special arrangements.
Winter snow gear is not included; guests should bring or rent waterproof pants, boots, gloves, and warm layers.
Seating is assigned based on weight and balance; private flights are available to guarantee seating arrangements.
Yes, tours can be canceled if weather or safety regulations prevent flight; full refunds or rescheduling options are provided.
Check-in occurs at Alaska Glacier Lodge, 29979 East Knik River Road, Palmer, AK 99645, 45 minutes prior to departure.
The Chugach Mountains have long been a vital landscape for Alaska Native peoples, with local legends recounting the relationship between the land and its wildlife.
Alaska Helicopter Tours operates with a strong focus on minimizing environmental impact, adhering to FAA regulations, and respecting wilderness areas to preserve the pristine backcountry.
Alaska Helicopter Tours connects adventurous travelers to Alaska’s most dramatic icefields, rivers, and alpine ridgelines. Operating out of the Knik River Valley and nearby hubs, the company offers a curated selection of helicopter experiences: guided heli-hiking, glacier swim and hike trips, summer ice climbing, packrafting drops at glacier confluences, e‑mountain bike adventures, paddle boarding in glacial melt pools, winter snowshoe treks, private glacier elopements, Bear Glacier scenic flights, and one‑way transfers to Alaska Glacier Lodge. Each trip pairs experienced pilots with professional guides who manage route planning, safety briefings, and on‑site instruction for activities such as ice climbing, packrafting, and paddle boarding. Small group sizes on many departures keep experiences intimate and allow guides to adapt pace and skill coaching to participants. Private options are available for paddle boarding, elopements, and charter flights. Safety and environmental respect are emphasized through pre‑flight checks, dry suit use when required, and route selection that minimizes impact on fragile glacial terrain. Aircraft and ground gear are maintained to industry standards, and guides use local knowledge of weather and glacier conditions to choose safe landing sites. Alaska Helicopter Tours caters to both active outdoor enthusiasts and travelers seeking dramatic scenic flights and memorable milestone events. The operation’s diverse itinerary, focus on expert-led outdoor instruction, and options for private or small‑group departures make it a reliable choice for experiencing Alaska’s glaciers from the air and on the ground. Guests consistently value clear communication, flexible scheduling, local expertise, reliable safety practices, and personalized guidance on every excursion.
Book with Alaska Helicopter Tours