Helicopter flight near Anchorage with glacier landing

Helicopter tour in Alaska near Anchorage with a glacier landing

This helicopter flight in Alaska departing from Girdwood Airport in the Anchorage area combines a scenic flight and a real ground stop at a glacial site. Departing from Girdwood places the activity in the southern Anchorage area, close to the Seward Highway and the first viewpoints over Turnagain Arm. From takeoff, the aircraft gains altitude above the Chugach Mountain Range, with sharply cut terrain, valleys, and ridgelines that are clearly visible from the cabin. The pilot narrates the route and shares commentary about the region throughout the flight, which helps locate the different areas being flown over.

Helicopter overflight in Alaska: the Chugach Range and approach to Colony Glacier

The flight continues toward Colony Glacier, with an approach into the glacial area where the transition between rocky slopes, snowy zones, and the glacier mass becomes more and more distinct. The route is designed for photography: you have time to frame your shots during turns and altitude changes, and the pilot may draw attention to details visible from the air, such as slope breaks and ice structures near the glacier’s front. Depending on the day’s route, the pilot may also point out the valley axis toward Eklutna Lake, a well-known landmark in the Anchorage area.

Landing on a frozen lake and time on the ground

The key moment of the experience is landing on the surface of a frozen lake located at the base of Colony Glacier. The site is in the backcountry of Chugach National Forest, with terrain typical of the area between Girdwood and the heart of the range. Once landed, you step out of the helicopter and have about 15 to 20 minutes on site to walk, observe the glacier up close, and take photos or videos. This ground time truly changes the experience: it is not only an overflight, you are on the ground, facing the glacier, with a 360° view of the Chugach terrain around you.

Organization, total duration, and participation conditions

The total duration of this helicopter tour in Alaska is stated as 60 minutes, including the approach to the glacier and the return to Girdwood. The meeting point is at Girdwood Airport, in the same area as access to Alyeska Resort, which makes organization easier for people staying nearby. The tour is subject to safety and load rules: a minimum of 2 passengers is required, and seat assignment depends on weight.

The operator also asks that any relevant medical condition be reported at the time of booking in order to adapt the organization if needed. To make the most of the experience, it is recommended to bring a fully charged camera or video device and weather-appropriate clothing, as the stop at the glacial site takes place outdoors.