Winter Glacier Hike with Alaska’s Finest Tours in Girdwood - Anchorage

Winter Glacier Hike with Alaska’s Finest Tours in Girdwood

Anchoragemoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

8–10 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should have good endurance and be comfortable with outdoor winter conditions.

Overview

Discover the icy majesty of Matanuska Glacier on a guided winter hike with Alaska’s Finest Tours. Traverse stunning blue ice, explore caves, and witness Alaska’s formidable glaciers up close. Perfect for adventure seekers looking to transform a winter day into a frosty outdoor expedition.

Details

In the heart of Alaska’s rugged wilderness, just a short drive from Anchorage, lies the Matanuska Glacier—an awe-inspiring expanse of ice that beckons adventurers to witness its shifting, crystalline beauty. Alaska’s Finest Tours and Adventures offers an exhilarating full-day journey into this icy landscape, transforming an ordinary winter day into a memorable expedition through one of the state’s most striking glacier formations.

As you lace up your boots and meet your guide, the crisp mountain air and distant snow-capped peaks set the scene for a truly immersive experience. The trip takes you across the glacier’s surface, where vast blue ice formations narrow into dramatic crevasses and glitter beneath the winter sun. Inside captivating ice caves, the translucent walls reveal a luminous world shaped over centuries—perfect for photography and marveling at glaciology firsthand.

This guided hike is designed for those who are comfortable with moderate physical activity and enjoy outdoor exploration in cold conditions. It provides an up-close look at one of Alaska’s most accessible yet remote natural wonders. Travelers should be prepared with layered clothing, sturdy waterproof boots, and a sense of curiosity. The guides emphasize safety and environmental awareness, ensuring each trip minimizes impact while maximizing personal discovery.

Unique to Alaska’s landscape, the Matanuska Glacier reveals the power of glacial forces and the pristine, untouched wilderness that makes this region so distinctive. A day here offers not just stunning vistas but also an understanding of glaciology and climatic shifts impacting the planet.

Whether you're an avid photographer or simply crave the thrill of winter exploration, this trip provides a true taste of Alaska’s icy heart. It's a stand-out experience for those seeking adventure, natural beauty, and a connection to one of the world's most fascinating environments.

Adventure Tips

Dress in layers

Wearing layered, waterproof clothing keeps you warm and dry while exploring the ice.

Bring a camera with extra batteries

Cold temperatures drain batteries quickly, so carry spares to capture the glacier’s stunning features.

Stay on designated paths

Stick to guided routes for safety and to protect the delicate glacier environment.

Be prepared for changing weather

Weather can shift rapidly—pack waterproof gear and check conditions before heading out.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • The less-traveled northern face of the glacier
  • Nearby alpine meadows that bloom in late spring

Wildlife

  • Dall sheep
  • Ptarmigan

History

The Matanuska Glacier has been retreating slowly over centuries, revealing the dynamic processes of glacial change.

Conservation

Guided tours emphasize minimal environmental impact, ensuring this pristine wilderness remains protected for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

midday for bright, even lighting
late afternoon for golden light

Best Viewpoints

  • the edge of the ice cave entrance
  • higher vantage points overlooking the glacier

What to Photograph

blue ice formations
reflection pools
snow-capped peaks in the background

Recommended Gear

Insulated waterproof jacket

Essential

Keeps you warm and dry in snowy, icy conditions.

winter specific

Thermal base layers

Essential

Provides insulation beneath outer layers for comfort in freezing temperatures.

winter specific

Sturdy waterproof hiking boots

Essential

Supports your feet and keeps them dry on icy surfaces.

winter specific

Polarized sunglasses or goggles

Reduces glare from ice and snow for clear visibility.

winter specific

Book Now