Matanuska Glacier Tours

Plan Your Matanuska Glacier Visit

Should I Trek or Climb?

Trekking and Ice Climbing happen on the same glacier, but follow different routes. While climbers will see many of the great glacier features and have the opportunity to take photos on the hike to the climbing areas, the focus of their day is on climbing and not on exploration like our Treks.

All trekking and climbing trips travel on uneven ice and rock terrain with moderate ups and downs. We take plenty of breaks for photos and learning about the glacier. Our climbing trips require over an hour of hiking on difficult terrain to reach the climbing spots.

Ice Fall Trek:

Our most popular and best value for trekking. If you are able to walk at a very moderate pace for 3 hours or so, this is the trip for you.

Advanced Trek:

This is your opportunity to go further and faster in a smaller group. You will encounter more obstacles on this trip, so a moderate level of fitness is required. Your Guide will “tie you in” using a harness and rope system to allow you to get a closer look at crevasses, moulins and other exciting features. This trip involves some scrambling over steep terrain.

Ice Climbing:

An excellent trip for the adventurous. While a decent level of fitness and agility is needed, no experience is necessary; this sport relies as much on technique as it does on strength. Our climbing trips are rigged as “top rope,” which means that if you can’t complete a climb, you will not fall behind the rest of the group. To reach some of the best climbing on the Matanuska expect to hike over an hour on uneven terrain to reach the climbing site. Climbing is an adrenaline sport, so expect to be exposed to heights. You will always be roped in with a professional guide, but if you are not a fan of heights, this may not be the trip for you.

The Ice Fall Trek and Ice Climbing can be Private Trips, exclusively for your group and tailored to your needs.

Helicopter Options!

If you want to explore the glacier by foot and by air, consider a Helicopter Adventure with us!

Matanuska Glacier Ice Caves

Our Guides are out exploring the Matanuska Glacier every day on foot and by helicopter. If there are accessible ice caves, we know where they are! Check our schedule of current trips for ice cave tours on treks and by helicopter.

Your Responsibilities:
We do not take infants on any of our trips under any conditions (backpacks, strollers, or carried in arms).
Please call us in advance if pregnant.

All participants on our trips must follow our procedures and sign a waiver. Only parents or legal guardians may sign for minors. You may preview this document and learn much more about our risk management at Your Safety on the Matanuska Glacier.