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Ice Climbing & Helitour at Mendenhall Glacier by NorthStar Trekking - Juneau

Ice Climbing & Helitour at Mendenhall Glacier by NorthStar Trekking

Juneauchallenging

Difficulty

challenging

Duration

2 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should be in good physical condition, able to handle moderate exertion and heights.

Overview

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.

Juneau, Alaska

Helicopter Glacier Ice Climbing Tour

4 Hours & 15 Minutes • Age 12+

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Adventure Photos

Helicopter Glacier Ice Climbing Tour photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on a thrilling 2-hour ice climbing adventure on the stunning Mendenhall Glacier. After a breathtaking helicopter ride, learn essential climbing techniques and tackle vertical glacier walls with expert guidance. Experience the beauty of remote icy landscapes and capture unforgettable moments in a truly unique and exhilarating setting.

Rugged hike through the ever-changing glacial icescape!


Duration

  • The total tour duration is 4.25 hours.
  • Tour includes approximately 30 minutes of helicopter time and 2 hours on the glacier.
  • Please book your tour at least one hour after your ship's arrival time. The tour should conclude no less than 45 minutes before your ship's departure time. If your ship’s port time changes after you have booked your tour, please contact us.

Highlights:

  • Enjoy sweeping views of the massive Juneau Icefield and Tongass National Rainforest on your helicopter flight to and from base camp.
  • Learn and practice the proper use of ice-trekking gear while on your two-hour-long hiking expedition.
  • Pose for pictures in front of azure-blue ice features and drink pure glacier water straight from the source.
  • Explore the most pristine, remote areas of the glacier and gaze into deep crevasses, while admiring the grandeur of the area’s massive icefall.

Requirements:

  • Must be at least 12 years old to participate.
  • Must have the ability to walk for two full hours over uneven and moderately steep terrain.
  • For liability reasons, NorthStar employees cannot lift guests into or out of the helicopter. Our staff will be there to assist, though guests are responsible for handling these steps on their own.

Provided:

We will provide you with rain pants, a rain jacket, gloves, a harness, mountaineering boots, crampons, gloves, an ice axe, a helmet, and a hip pack with water and a granola bar.

How to Prepare:

You should dress for a 10-15°F temperature decrease from sea level (at the cruise ship docks) to the glacier. We recommend that you dress in long socks, warm layers, and sunglasses.

Baggage Policy:

NorthStar’s policies prohibit the following items on our aircraft/ tour:

  • Bags or cases of any kind
  • iPads or tablets, tripods
  • Selfie sticks or other extendible items
  • Drones

Surcharge Policy:

Due to weight and balance limitations, as well as guest safety and comfort, passengers weighing 250 pounds (113kg or 18 Stone) or more will be charged an additional $150.00 to reserve adequate space on board the helicopter. Total weight includes shoes and clothing. The surcharge must be paid at the time of booking.

Aircraft Seating:

We arrange seating based on the weight, balance, safety, and comfort of the whole departure, and cannot guarantee that we will be able to keep groups together on the aircraft. Please note that we will do everything possible to keep groups together for the flight portion of the tour, but we are sometimes required to split a group between multiple helicopters. All groups will be together for the glacier portion of the tour.

Cancellation Policy:

If you decide to cancel more than 24 hours before departure, you will receive a refund minus a 10% cancellation fee. If you cancel less than 24 hours before departure, you will not receive a refund.

Weather Cancellations:

Weather in Juneau can often be overcast and rainy. Decisions to operate tours are based on safety and tour quality. Should we decide not to operate your scheduled tour we will do our best to reschedule. If this is not possible, you will be refunded in full. In most cases, we will not make the decision to cancel a tour until within an hour of departure, as the weather can quickly change and we do not want to preemptively cancel a tour if it is at all possible it will run.

Adventure Tips

Dress in layered clothing

Keep warm with moisture-wicking base layers and insulated outerwear, as temperatures can vary on the glacier.

Bring a waterproof camera

Capture the surreal ice formations and your ascent with a weatherproof camera or phone case.

Stay hydrated and energized

Bring water and snacks to maintain your energy during the climb.

Follow your guide's instructions closely

Safety is paramount; listen carefully to your guide to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Bald eagles
  • Mountain goats

History

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.

Conservation

Tour operators emphasize leave-no-trace principles and work closely with conservation efforts to preserve the glacier’s fragile environment.

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Adventure Hotspots in Juneau

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Climbing harness

Essential

Secures you safely to the ice climbing anchors and ropes.

Crampons and ice axes

Essential

Essential tools for traction and stability on the ice walls.

Helmet

Essential

Protects your head from falling ice and bumps.

Insulated gloves and boots

Essential

Keep your hands and feet warm and dry in the cold environment.