One of my favorite adventures to date, combines an exhilarating helicopter flightseeing tour with a glacier trekking experience. I have been fortunate to experience this tour twice – once in my twenties, pre-kids and again with my little family of four. The trekking portion is somewhat customized to your group’s level. During our first trek, we covered much more ground (glacier) and even did a bit of ice climbing. The second time, we were more focused on exploring the surface of the glacier, meltwater pools and discovering the coolness of an ice axe.
Northstar Helicopters heliport is just around the corner from the Juneau airport. You are greeted, given paperwork to sign, fitted for gear and given a safety briefing. All very friendly and efficient. You are then taken to your helicopter where you meet your pilot. Your trekking guide will either accompany your group in the helicopter or meet you up on the glacier.
Your pilot will point out various sites as you soar over the lush rainforest below and make your way over the Mendenhall Glacier. Seeing the glacier from above is an experience like no other. It is absolutely impossible to gain a proper perspective of the sheer vastness of all the landscape.
Once you have landed on the glacier, you will meet your guide (if you haven’t already) and get on a bit more gear, including crampons and a helmet. You will also receive an ice axe and some basic instructions on how to walk on flat glacier surfaces, uphill and downhill.
Your guide will trek you around the surface of the glacier, pointing out interesting features and facts while helping you get the hang of your footing. You will explore streams and meltwater pools and have a chance to drink from the glacier. Some of the cleanest, freshest and coldest water that tastes absolutely amazing.
One highlight for us was the opportunity to try the “Glacial Facial” which involves rubbing glacial silt on your face to create a mud mask. Rich in minerals, this mud purifies, exfoliates and moisturizes the skin. Pro tip: Be sure to apply the mask AFTER you have taken a sufficient number of mask-free pictures.
When booking, be sure to contact Northstar directly to determine the best tour for your group based on ages and fitness levels. If your group is rather fit, advanced and brave, I would definitely recommend the ice climb experience.