Helicopter Ice Climbing on the Matanuska Glacier
Take a helicopter ride out to some of the best and most remote ice features on the Matanuska Glacier.
This tour offers excellent views and helps you save energy to get to some amazing ice climbing locations with unique features.
With the help of professional glacier guides you’ll be able to enjoy hours of ice climbing on this valley glacier.
Take flight over the scenic Matanuska Valley and to a remote location far back on the Matanuska Glacier, perfect for a day of ice climbing. With the help of glacier professionals at MICA Guides, and flight supported by Sheep Mountain Air, you’ll have years of experience and expertise to support and guide you. This trip is catered to the needs, skills of the group, and maybe even helps someone check off a bucket list item. Whether you are a complete beginner or an expert in ice climbing, this tour offers you connection and the chance to explore pristine glacier ice.
This experience includes an out and back helicopter flight that takes you to remote areas of the Matanuska Glacier. You’ll have opportunities to spot wildlife, take in the beautiful mountain views, and see the everchanging world of ice below as you fly over. With personal headsets to wear during flight you can listen to local knowledge and ask any questions you might have. And, your pilot will land you directly onto the glacier ice.
Once on the ice your glacier guides will be there to help with gear, instructions, and offer support on developing your ice climbing skills. The ice climbs progress in difficulty through the day, starting with bouldering terrain to get warmed up. Once you’re acquainted with your gear and feel ready to get to some bigger ice you’ll be off to repelling into moulins, crevasses, and scaling giant ice walls.
You’ll have time to relax and explore a bit between climbs and time to capture some photography. Plus, these remote climbing locations on the glacier offer some of the best lunch spots too. This tour is great for small groups and all abilities, although we advise anyone with a fear of heights to not go on this tour.
If you are looking to have a more private experience or want to add on scenic flight to your tour Contact Us and we can help you customize the experience you are looking for.
What to Expect?
This tour includes 3-4 hours on the ice with an out and back direct helicopter flight with a full day on the Matanuska Glacier.
An introduction to climbing gear and proper climbing techniques. Climbing boots, crampons, helmets and ice tools are provided by MICA Guides.
About 3 to 4 climbs for each climber at various sites with progressive terrain.
Down time to relax and take in the glacier beauty and nearby features.
**Pro Hiking Tip – Hiking on ice is very different than on land. If you prefer to stay in your own shoes, make sure they’re above ankle supported hiking boots. If yours aren’t, just ask us and we can provide them for you!
* Minimum age 12 years old & minimum of 2 guests to fly *
