Description

Heli Glacier Trek Tour Itinerary:

(Total Time & Distance Glacier Trekking is determined on the day of by your ambition,  the weather, and your guide’s discretion)

• 8:00 AM – Girdwood Arrival (If needing transportation from Anchorage, the cost is an additional $125 per person by Coastal Classic AK Railroad train).
• 8:40 AM –  Alpine Air Helicopter Departure from the Girdwood Airport for your Heli Glacier Trek Adventure
• 9:05 AM – Landing atop Spencer Glacier
• 9:05 – 9:30 AM Get Outfitted with Crampons and Glacier Trekking Equipment, Safety Talk
• 9:30 – 11:30 PM  Glacier Trek on Spencer Glacier exploring Crevasses and Glacier Ice Features.
• 12:30 PM      Helicopter Pickup off of Spencer Glacier and Return to Girdwood Airport.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• A minimum of 2 guests is required to book this Heli Glacier Trek Tour.
• A 25-minute scenic flight of the surrounding glaciated Chugach & Kenai Mountains to Spencer Glacier.
• Additional Scenic Flight Time is available for an additional cost.  Please let us know if you’d like a longer scenic helicopter ride or a helicopter glacier landing at an additional cost.
• Snack and Water are provided.
• We will provide ice crampons or ice cleats for your glacier walk, depending on glacier conditions & your footwear, and trekking poles if requested ahead of time.
• Bring warm clothes & layers, plus warm socks to wear.
• Most guests bring their cameras; we can’t guarantee that they won’t get wet, but you should get amazing photos.
• We require all guests to sign a release of liability on rafting/canoe/kayak/glacier tours.
• Spencer Glacier trek and hike distances:  We will tailor the glacier trek distance depending on your group’s experience and desires and can hike less than 1/2 mile or up to 2 miles.
• This trip is suitable for ages 10 and older.
• There are no restrooms once we are on the glacier, backcountry options only

Alpine Air Helicopter Charter Weight Policy Information:  The max weight limit for a helicopter seat is 290 lbs.  If a guest does not meet this weight seat limit and the Helicopter company is unable to fly, the Helicopter charter cost for the trip will still be incurred by the guest.  If an R66 Helicopter is utilized for a guest or guests in which the total guest weight + a guide is unable to stay below 600 lbs (total maximum weight limit for an R44), there will also be an additional charge of $200 for the party to cover the cost of the more expensive R66 Helicopter Charter.

Chugach Adventures’ GLACIER TREK Screening & Preparedness Information:

Trekking on Spencer Glacier is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity but requires a certain level of fitness and preparedness for the active traveler.  Guests are required to come prepared for this trip.  This trip operates in all inclement weather, and guests are required to be prepared for an Alaskan adventure in the elements.

Recommended GEAR LIST for each guest:

• Good hiking boots with ankle support or a Good High-Quality Trail Running Shoe  (THIS IS REQUIRED for Strap-on BD Crampons).
• A thin insulating base layer next to the skin
• Puffy mid-layer jacket or fleece
• Hardshell waterproof outer layer jacket and pants
• Small personal backpack 30L or less
• Personal water bottle
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Sunglasses
• A Baseball cap or visor will fit under your helmet
• A warm hat without a ball on top will fit under your helmet
• Warm gloves

Your guides will have some supplemental gear, but if you do not intend to provide some, if not all, of the recommended gear above, we recommend other adventure trips. While not technically difficult, this is our most adventurous and rigorous trip, so your preparedness and understanding are essential for your safety and the success of the trip.

Additional Questions:

Have you had any surgeries in the last year that might affect your abilities trekking on the glacier ice?

Do you have any medical conditions that May affect your ability to trek on the ice?

Can you walk on bouldery and uneven surfaces?

If you answered YES to any of the above questions, please contact us directly so that we can determine the best adventure trip for you.

Weather – Trip Adjustments:

Water levels, wind, and other natural factors beyond our control may cause us to alter your trip for your safety & enjoyment. For example on windy days, if you have booked a Kayak trip, we reserve the right to have you join us on a rafting trip.

Landing zone locations and the extent of our glacier hiking & moraine treks are dictated mostly by the weather of the day and the group’s activity level & speed.

Chugach Adventures does not cancel trips due to inclement weather nor provides refunds when adventures are adjusted based on weather.

If Alpine Air Alaska Helicopter Charter Company cancels the Helicopter for the day due to extreme weather, you will be provided a Refund and the option to change to an alternate adventure trip for the day to visit Spencer Glacier. Flight delays are also possible up to Noon with Helicopter flights.

Cancellation Policy for Day Tour Bookings:

Cancellations made 10 days or more in advance are 90% refundable.

Cancellations within 10 days are non-refundable.

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