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Experience the thrill of ice climbing on the stunning Mendenhall Glacier with helicopter access and expert guides. Discover the icy landscapes and elevate your adventure to new heights.
Experience the thrill of ice climbing on the stunning Mendenhall Glacier with helicopter access and expert guides. Discover the icy landscapes and elevate your adventure to new heights.
Book with NorthStar Trekking
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by NorthStar Trekking · Juneau, Alaska
Situated near Juneau in Alaska, the Mendenhall Glacier offers an awe-inspiring backdrop for adventure seekers eager to harness their strength against icy terrain. This 2-hour ice climbing experience with NorthStar Trekking combines thrill with breathtaking scenery, elevating the typical glacier trek into an adrenaline-fueled journey. Your adventure begins with a scenic helicopter flight that transports you over rugged mountain peaks and the shimmering ice fields below, providing a panoramic view of Southeast Alaska’s pristine wilderness. Landing near the glacier, you'll meet expert guides who introduce you to essential ice climbing techniques, ensuring safety and confidence as you ascend vertical ice walls. The exhilarating climb is a chance to challenge yourself amid stunning, often surreal, formations—nature’s frozen sculptures created over centuries by the glacier’s slow-moving ice. The surrounding landscape boasts glacial crevasses and shimmering ice caves, making it an iconic scene for avid photographers and nature lovers alike. Unique to this region are the dynamic, ever-evolving ice formations, with each climb offering a new vista of crystal-clear blue ice and sheer vertical walls. The area also boasts rich cultural significance; the Mendenhall Glacier is part of Tongass National Forest, home to indigenous Tlingit communities who have revered these lands for generations. NorthStar Trekking’s tour is more than just an adrenaline rush; it’s a rare chance to witness the raw power and delicate beauty of glaciers up close, all while immersed in pristine Alaskan wilderness. Whether you’re seeking a challenging physical pursuit or a once-in-a-lifetime photo op, this glacier ice-climbing tour stands out as a premier adventure in Juneau’s outdoor offerings.
challenging.
2 hours.
Participants should be in good physical condition, able to handle moderate exertion and heights.
No, guided instruction is provided, and the tour is suitable for beginners with no prior experience.
Layered clothing, including thermal base layers, waterproof outer layers, and sturdy footwear, is recommended.
Temperatures can range from just below freezing to colder, so dressing warmly in layers is advised.
Participants should be physically fit; age restrictions vary, so check with the tour operator for specifics.
The tour may be rescheduled or canceled for safety reasons; always check the weather forecast beforehand.
Yes, capturing the stunning scenery is encouraged, but ensure your gear is waterproof and secured.
The Mendenhall Glacier has been a vital part of Alaska’s glacial history, retreating over the past century and revealing new landscapes and cultural sites.
Tour operators emphasize leave-no-trace principles and work closely with conservation efforts to preserve the glacier’s fragile environment.
NorthStar Trekking is a Juneau, Alaska-based operator specializing in helicopter-access glacier adventures and guided glacier experiences. The company provides a range of tours that combine helicopter flightseeing over the Juneau Icefield and Tongass National Forest with on-ice activities such as guided glacier walks, ice climbing, and dog sledding. Several tours include glacier landings and opportunities to sip pure glacial water from azure pools. Trip offerings include the Juneau Glacier Dog Sled Adventure, which pairs a scenic helicopter ride with dog sledding led by Iditarod racers; the Taku Glacier Helicopter & Airboat Adventure, featuring a helicopter flight over the Juneau Icefield and an airboat approach to the Taku Glacier; and a variety of helicopter glacier treks and walkabouts with guided on-ice time. The Helicopter Glacier Ice Climbing Tour focuses on vertical glacier walls at Mendenhall Glacier and includes instruction in climbing techniques. NorthStar Trekking emphasizes guided, on-glacier activities led by trained staff, combining aviation access with safe, educational experiences on remote ice. Tours range from short glacier landings and hour-long guided walks to extended treks and technical ice climbing options. All descriptions reference operations from Juneau, AK and direct access to the Juneau Icefield, Mendenhall Glacier, Taku Glacier, and surrounding Tongass National Forest. Prospective guests can review specific trip summaries for duration and activity details before booking.
Book with NorthStar Trekking