Comet Heli Hiking & Rafting

Tour Details

Itinerary:

• 8:00 AM –  Girdwood Arrival Time (If needing transportation from Anchorage, the cost is an additional $80 per person).
• 8:45 AM –  Alpine Air Helicopter Departure.
• 9:10 AM Comet Glacier Landing into Spencer Bench Alpine (Dependent on Time of Year)
  • Helicopter Landing Zone dependent on Weather and Snow Pack Conditions
• 9:15 – 1:30 PM Comet Hike to Spencer Lake (6 + Miles Mostly Downhill Hike).
  • 3 Mile Alpine Hike Thru Snow, Alpine Lakes & Creeks, No Trails.
  • 3 Mile Hike Down US Forest Service Spencer Bench Cabin Trail
    • For a Shorter Hike, we can land closer to the Spencer Bench trail and Spencer Glacier Overlook.  Your flight will view comet glacier, however, you would not land next to it.
    • Please let us know your hiking experience to determine if you are ready.
    • There is no easier way to get from the Chugach Alpine thru the impenetrable alders to Spencer Lake,  than by utilizing an awesome trail
    • Trail was completed in 2011.
  • Catered Lunch & Hot Drinks provided along the hike.
• 2:00-4:30 PM  Explore the Icebergs on Spencer Lake and Raft 7 River Miles Down the Placer River Valley.
• 4:45 PM         Board the AK Railroad Glacier Discovery Train to Portage Station
• 5:05 PM         De-board Train at Portage Station for CA Shuttle to Girdwood Accommodations
• 5:30 PM         Return Arrival to Girdwood

Additional Details:

• Minimum of 2 Guests per booking party.
• 20 minute unforgettable scenic flight of the surrounding Chugach Mountains to Comet Glacier.
• Additional Scenic Flight Time available for additional cost.  Please let us know if you’d like a longer scenic helicopter ride or glacier landing.
• Catered lunch, drinks and snacks provided.  Please let us know ahead of time of any dietary restrictions, vegetarian, gluten-free options.
• Rain ponchos, rubber boots, personal flotation devices / life jackets provided for the rafting portion of the tour.  We have a base camp at Spencer Lake with this equipment.
• Placer River is a Class I & II (With High Water) braided river, no big rapids.  Most guests will not get splashed with water.  If you are concerned about getting splashed you can request a spot in the raft that is NOT “splashy” when speaking to your guide.  This trip is suitable for ages 12 & up.

What to Bring:

• Hiking Boots with good tread.
• Warm clothes (synthetic or layers)
• Rain Jacket
• Warm hat
• Gloves
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Please let us know what you have and what you will need to get fully outfitted and prepared for the trip.
• Trekking Poles and Snowshoes Provided if Needed.

Cancellation Policy for Day Tour Bookings:

Cancellations made 10 days or more in advance are 95% refundable (there is a 5% non-commissionable cancellation fee that covers credit card processing fees and other charges). Any cancellations made between 3 to 9 days in advance will receive a 50% refund.  For cancellations within 48 hours, no refund will be given. 

AK RAILROAD Cancellation Policy & Change Fee Information:  All paid bookings are subject to a 10% change fee for the Railroad portion of the trip cost, if a date change is requested within 30 days.

Gratuity / Tip
Our guides are expected to go above and beyond for this trip and greatly appreciate any & all gratuities.