Adventure Collective
null - Palmer

Knik Glacier Tour- 60 Minutes

Palmereasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

60 minutes

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical activity required

Overview

Discover the majestic beauty of Alaska’s Knik Glacier from above on this thrilling 60-minute helicopter tour. Experience stunning aerial views and learn about the region's glacial formation firsthand. An adventure perfect for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike!

Air Activities
Palmer, Alaska

Knik Glacier Tour- 60 Minutes

1 hour - YEAR ROUND • Round Trip Transfers Available!

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Adventure Photos

Knik Glacier Tour- 60 Minutes photo 1

About This Adventure

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Knik Glacier on a thrilling helicopter tour from Alaska Glacier Lodge. Spend 30 unforgettable minutes exploring ancient ice formations, blue lakes, and stunning crevasses. With expert guidance and provided crampons, this adventure offers a unique opportunity to witness Alaska's majestic landscapes up close.

Departs from Alaska Glacier Lodge

Duration

1 hour

About

Taking off from the Alaska Glacier Lodge in the heart of the Mat-Su Valley to the Knik Glacier the flight time is approximately 30 minutes round trip so the price for this tour is a lot lower. We land right in the middle of the Knik Glacier, where you can get out of the helicopter and spend about 30 minutes on ice thousands of years old with your pilot/guide. We provide crampons for your hiking or athletic shoes to safely hike on the ice and explore some of the cool features. Take pictures of the blue lakes on top of the glacier, crevasses and ice ‘sculptures’ made by wind, sunshine and time. (Summer)*

Knik Glacier comes down from Mount Marcus Baker, the highest peak in the Chugach Range. Over 25 miles long and more than 5 miles wide, this is one of the largest glaciers in South Central Alaska. Vertical ice walls rise out of the lake, which is spotted with icebergs calving off Colony glacier. A great tour for people that want to see all the best Alaska has to offer in one incredible tour.

Tour Highlights

  • Departs from Alaska Glacier Lodge, just 45 mins north of Anchorage
  • Flight over the majestic Chugach Range, Knik Glacier, Colony Glacier and more
  • Birds eye views of glacial crevasses, moulins, glacial rivers and water falls
  • Land right on the Knik glacier, and explore on foot with your pilot / guide
  • Fly down the Great Gorge or the Knik, awarded National Landmark status for it’s beauty
  • We often see moose and Dall sheep and sometimes bears

WINTER (September 20 - May 1)

During the winter months, the Glacier Landing is not on top (due to the snow cover) but next to the glacier. There are no blue melt pools (these are frozen)

Total tour time: 1 hour Flight time: approximately 30 minutes

6% ONLINE BOOKING FEE applied to any reservations made online. To avoid this fee please call 907-272-7777 to book directly

TYPES OF HELICOPTERS WE FLY

Alaska Helicopter Tours has multiple 3 passenger Robinson 44s. These helicopters have a per seat limit of 300 lbs and a total combine passenger weight limit of 600 lbs. If your passenger weight exceeds 600lbs or for parties of more than 3 guests, your party may be in 2 or 3 helicopters, but will always be together for the tour. (added bonus is everyone will have a window seat and you can take pictures and video of the other helicopter from the air) If a guest exceeds the 300 lb per seat limit we may have additional helicopter options. Please call for assistance in booking groups larger than 12 passengers or for additional helicopter options.

Important Information

CHECK IN IS 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO YOUR DEPARTURE TIME If you fail to check in on time, your tour may be shortened, rescheduled or cancelled with no refund, so please make sure you give yourself plenty of time to drive to the departure location!

You are going on a Flight-seeing Glacier Landing, so please be well prepared and bring the following items:

RECOMMENDED TO BRING/WEAR SUMMER (May 1 - September 19)

  • Sturdy footwear like hiking boots or athletic shoes, no heels or open toe shoes please
  • Wind & waterproof outer layer
  • Warm layer like wool or fleece
  • Hat that covers your ears
  • Thin gloves
  • Sunglasses
  • Empty Water bottle for Glacier Water

WINTER (September 20 - May 1)

  • Warm winter boots
  • Thick Winter Jacket
  • Warm under layer like wool or fleece
  • Hat that covers your ears
  • Thick gloves
  • Sunglasses

PROHIBITED ITEMS BEAR SPRAY LIGHTERS BATTERY PACKS LOADED GUNS LOOSE STRAPS - Purse or camera straps need to be placed around your neck BACKPACKS/BAGS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THE HELICOPTER Please put all items you wish to bring with you into your pockets. Water bottles can be held or placed under the seat while in flight.

PHOTO PACKAGE ADD-ON Alaska Helicopter Tours pilots are equipped with a camera to take candid shots of you while you are experiencing your tour as well as Go Pro to take footage of your flight. A link to these photos and videos will be uploaded to you via email which can take up to 7 days. If you have questions about these after the 7 day mark, please email photos@alaskahelicoptertours.com.

PASSENGER WEIGHTS To safely balance the weight distribution of the aircraft, it’s essential that we have accurate weights for all guests. We request your weight at the time of booking so we can plan how to combine parties on the same flight and map out seating. When you check-in at our base for your flight, we confirm all passenger weights by weighing you at that time. If we are unable to fly a guest due to an inaccurate weight provided at the time of booking, no refund will be made.

Weight and balance of helicopters is an important part of our safety program. Seating is assigned based on weight and balance following guidelines which have been approved by the FAA. We cannot guarantee seats as the weight of guests must be balanced within the aircraft.

Please note that each guest weighing 250 lbs. or more must pay a $150 comfort surcharge to block off an additional seat for weight and balance purposes. Any gusts 300lbs or more must call our reservations team to make the Reservation to secure the larger Astar Helicopter.

Our pilots will deliver the best viewing experience they can, in the safest manner possible, under the current local weather conditions. We cannot guarantee what you will see on your tour and we must abide by any FAA issued regulations such as temporary flight restrictions that may be in place at the time of flying.

CANCELLATION POLICY If you need to cancel you will receive a full refund on tours cancelled 72 hours or more prior to departure date. Bookings cancelled 72 hours or less are non-refundable but you have the option to reschedule for any future date. If you do not show up or are late for your tour without notifying us 24 hours prior to departure you will forfeit any payments. If we need to cancel due to weather or other safety related matters we will of course refund you 100%. ALL CANCELLATION REQUESTS MUST BE SENT VIA EMAIL TO RESERVATIONS@ALASKAHELICOPTERTOURS.COM

Adventure Tips

Dress in layers

Temperatures can vary drastically during the flight, so layered clothing keeps you comfortable.

Bring your camera

Capture the spectacular ice formations and sweeping mountain vistas from the helicopter.

Book in advance

Helicopter tours are popular; securing your spot early ensures availability.

Stay with your group

Remain seated with your group during the flight for safety and a better experience.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Dall sheep
  • Alaska moose

History

The Knik Glacier was formed over thousands of years by advancing and retreating ice, shaping the landscape seen today.

Conservation

Alaska Helicopter Tours is committed to operating sustainably, minimizing environmental impact, and respecting the pristine glacier environment.

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Adventure Hotspots in Palmer

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Warm layered clothing

Essential

Helicopter cabins can be cold, so wearing layers keeps you warm during the flight.

winter|null specific

Camera or smartphone

Essential

Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the majestic glacier scenery.

Sunglasses

Protect your eyes from the glare reflecting off the ice and snow.

summer|null specific

Sunblock

Prevent sunburn during the bright summer months at higher altitudes.

summer|null specific