Helicopter Explorer

Helicopter Explorer Hiking
overcast day group of people with helmets and backpacks walking on white ice
a view of a mountain and white ice and rocky moraine
a man that is standing in the sand
clouds over meltwater and ice canyon
three people standing on ice slope near mountains
a man standing on a snow board

Explore the Matanuska Glacier with MICA Guides

Starting price per tour:

$450.00

Price is per person.

*NO Glacier Access fee

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Heli Explorer Adventures

Two Ways to Fly Deep Into Alaska’s Most Dramatic Glacier Terrain

Want more adventure on the Matanuska Glacier? The Heli Explorer experiences take you far beyond the front of the ice—flying you directly into remote glacier terrain for an unforgettable day on white ice with our expert glacier guides.

Instead of hiking miles across rocky moraine, you’ll lift off by helicopter and touch down deep on the glacier itself, where towering ice walls, deep crevasses, blue pools, and sculpted formations surround you in every direction. With crampons on your boots and a harness at your waist, you’ll trek, scramble, and occasionally rope up to reach jaw-dropping viewpoints and hidden features few visitors ever see.

Short on time? Choose Half Day. Want the full glacier experience? Go Advanced.

MOST IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

Advanced Heli Explorer (Full Day)

Push Farther. Go Deeper. Immerse Yourself.

This is our most immersive Heli Explorer experience—designed for guests who want the full-value glacier day.

Ready to take it further? The Advanced Heli Explorer is a full-day glacier immersion designed for guests who want to truly push themselves and explore the glacier’s most complex terrain.

With extended time on the ice, you’ll venture deeper into remote sections of the glacier, stepping into the kind of terrain guides explore on their days off—seeking out sculpted blue ice, climbing steeper features, weaving through dramatic formations, roping up when the route demands it, and chasing whatever striking glacier features are forming that day.

This is not just sightseeing. It’s movement, problem-solving, route-finding, and discovery in a constantly changing alpine environment. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how this living glacier moves, cracks, and transforms beneath your feet.

More time. More terrain. More challenge. More reward.

Best for: Physically active guests who want a full-value glacier day and a higher level of adventure.

Book the Advanced Heli Explorer

Want the most immersive option on this page? The Advanced Heli Explorer is our recommended choice for guests who want more time on the ice, more terrain to explore, and a deeper glacier adventure.

If you’re already flying deep into the glacier, this is the trip that lets you truly make the most of it.

Heli Explorer (Half Day)

Explore. Discover. Experience the Ice.

person in blue jacket holds green backpack as they walk in front of red helicopter on rocks and ice

Perfect for guests who want incredible glacier access without committing to a full day.

The Half-Day Heli Explorer gives you up to three hours exploring dynamic white ice terrain deep on the glacier.

With crampons on your boots and a harness at your waist, you’ll trek beside crevasses, climb short ice features, peer into moulins, and capture next-level photos in a landscape that shifts and reshapes itself daily.

Routes are customized to current glacier conditions and your group’s ability level, making every trip unique. This is exploration-focused, immersive, and wildly scenic—an unforgettable way to experience the glacier’s most dramatic terrain in a shorter format.

Best for: Guests short on time who still want helicopter access and dramatic glacier exploration.

Book the Heli Explorer

Looking for a shorter format that still delivers helicopter access and dramatic glacier terrain? The Heli Explorer is a great choice for guests who want a high-impact experience without committing to a full day.

You’ll still fly deep into the glacier and spend meaningful time exploring the ice—just in a more streamlined format.

Tour Details

  • Minimum Age: 12 years old
  • Heli Explorer (Half Day): ~3 Hours on the ice
  • Advanced Heli Explorer (Full Day): ~6 Hours on the ice
  • Most tours have an average of 4 guests and a maximum group size of 6. If you have 4–6 people, book a Private Heli Explorer for an exclusive experience.
  • Maximum weight per passenger is 290 lbs. Each passenger over 245 lbs will incur an additional fee. All guests will be weighed prior to flight.

Save over 40% on the Heli Explorer Adventures when you book it as an Adventure Add-On to your
Glacier Overnight Adventure.

You’re welcome to go ahead and book if traveling solo. We’ll give you an update 7 days before your trip.

  • Direct helicopter flight to the best glacier features.
  • Guided exploration of exciting glacial features and stunning views in a remote area of the Matanuska Glacier.
  • A closer look at spectacular glacial features including, crevasses, moulins, deep canyons, blue pools, and (potentially) ice caves.
  • Use of climbing ropes and anchors to scramble for the best views and exploration.

  • A backpack with room for gear. If you don’t have one, we have some available for you to use!
  • Long Pants
Our recommendations on clothing and gear:
  • Quick dry clothing (not cotton/jeans). Usually a good pair of hiking pants works great. Ski pants and jackets are not necessary
  • Rain gear, even if it isn’t raining
  • Liner gloves
  • Tall synthetic or wool socks
  • Extra warm layers
  • Snacks and water or packed lunch
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
Do not bring:
  • Bear Spray
  • Fire Arms
  • Alcohol

In the wild, the mountains make the rules. For all helicopter expeditions, we operate under strict FAA mandates and our own rigorous safety standards. The pilot will have the final say on every flight. They are experts in these peaks, and their priority is getting you in—and out—safely.

Rain or Shine

We are an all-weather operation. If the pilot gives the “all-clear,” we fly. Be prepared to hike and climb through the mist or rain; in Alaska, that’s often when the glacier looks its most moody and magnificent. Rain isn't a safety factor—only wind and visibility are.

Rescheduling & the “Reserve” Reality

If the weather closes in and the pilot cancels or significantly delays your flight, we will do everything in our power to reschedule you. However, because our helicopters and guides stay fully booked, we don’t have a “reserve” waiting in the wings—meaning a Sunday cancellation doesn’t guarantee a Monday opening.

Our Commitment to You

  • Weather Cancellation: If we can’t fly and can’t reschedule, you receive a full refund.
  • The “Hike-In” Pivot: Occasionally, we can convert your trip into a hike-in adventure with the same guide, refunding you the price difference.
  • The Good News: Over 95% of our helicopter trips go exactly as planned. Glacier View is famous for having some of the most stable, flyable weather in the state—making us one of the most reliable launches in Alaska.

Advanced Trek on Matanuska Glacier

Advanced Trek

Go further. Go higher.

  • Hiking Access to Glacier
  • 5-6 Hours
  • Minimum Age 12 years
  • $259 + Glacier Access Fee

Starting Price: 

$259.00

Alaska Helicopter Ice Climbing

Ultimate Helicopter Glacier Adventure Tour

The Best of the Matanuska Glacier

  • Helicopter Access to Glacier
  • 6-7 Hours
  • Minimum Age 8 years
  • Price Based on a Group Size of 4

Starting Price: 

$725.00

Glacier tent with tent in distance on glacier moraine

Glacier Overnight Adventure

Experience luxury camping on a glacier.

  • Helicopter Access to Glacier
  • Overnight
  • Minimum Age 14 years (10 for private bookings)
  • $500/person based on two person occupancy

Starting Price: 

$999.00

Why explore the Matanuska Glacier with us?

Our Guides are out on the glacier every day, often on their days off! We know the best features and how to get you there while managing the risks of hiking on a glacier.

Guided adventures on the Matanuska Glacier since 1999. Go with the Pros!