Helicopter flight to Knik Glacier with an icy polar plunge, hot drinks, and essential gear included
1.5 hours
Guide, Boots & gloves, Hot drinks
Fly above the Chugach Mountains, then land on Knik Glacier for a true polar dip in crystal-clear blue pools. After your plunge, warm up with hot drinks and a warm robe as you take in sweeping glacier views.
All flights and landings are weather dependent. Glacier water is extremely cold and not recommended for guests with a heart condition. Drones, alcohol, bear spray, lighters, battery packs, firearms, and bags are not allowed on the helicopter.
Full refund with 24+ hours' notice. Inside 24 hours is non-refundable; changes within 24 hours may incur a fee. Weather cancellations are fully refunded or rescheduled. If booked through a third party, request changes or refunds through them.
We typically see guests tipping 5–10% to pilots/guides. Gratuity is not mandatory but is greatly appreciated.
Alaska Glacier Lodge 29979 East Knik River Road, Palmer AK 99645
Nate has clearly mastered the art of creating magical northern lights experiences in Fairbanks. Travelers consistently praise his exceptional customer service and flexibility, particularly his generous 24-hour cancellation policy that sets him apart from other tour operators. He doesn't just take groups to crowded viewing spots but finds secluded locations with clear skies, often setting up on frozen lakes with warming fires, hot drinks, reindeer sausages (with vegetarian options), and s'mores. His ability to read weather patterns and adapt plans on the fly means guests have the best possible chance of seeing the aurora. What makes Nate stand out is how he juggles everything seamlessly. He's building fires, cooking food, capturing stunning photos that arrive in your inbox by morning, spotting wildlife along the way, and still managing to give personalized attention to each guest. The tours often run late into the night or early morning, with Nate continuing to check for aurora activity even on the drive back. Beyond northern lights hunting, he also guides trips to Chena Hot Springs and the ice museum, sharing his extensive knowledge about Alaska throughout. Groups ranging from kids to seniors have felt comfortable and well-cared-for, with extras like blankets, mittens, and warming pads provided when needed.
My wife and I were in Anchorage, between visits to Seward and Denali. We didn’t really have anything planned in Anchorage, so a helicopter tour sounded like fun. We booked the "Grand Knik Glacier Experience" for three landings and glacier sightseeing. I highly recommend this tour. We booked transportation to their facility (I originally thought it could be Uber'ed, but it's a long way). Our driver, Kevin, picked us up at our hotel, and we made the pleasant ride from Anchorage to Palmer. Kevin knew we should be early for our tour in case the helicopter was ready. He had seen people show up late for sightseeing, not be ready, and miss the tour due to weather changes. We had no idea what to expect, so there wasn’t much we could tell our pilot, Sam. He took great care of us and chose a bunch of things for us to see. We landed at a raging waterfall fed by the snowmelt, a mountain surrounded by glaciers, and the glacier itself. The secluded waterfall was great. The water was roaring, and we could feel the spray on our faces. Atop the mountain, we marveled at the 360-degree panorama of the Knik Glacier. Walking on the mountaintop tundra was strange; it felt springy and soft. On the glacier itself, the water was so blue, and the ice beneath showed deep-blue crevasses. Sam again took great care of us, providing us with strap-on crampons so we would feel secure on the ice. We booked this trip because we didn’t have anything else going on. But it turned out to be among my favorite activities in Alaska. When I return to Alaska, I’ll make certain to do another tour.
David Walker
July 7, 2026
My wife and I were in Anchorage, between visits to Seward and Denali. We didn’t really have anything planned in Anchorage, so a helicopter tour sounded like fun. We booked the "Grand Knik Glacier Experience" for three landings and glacier sightseeing. I highly recommend this tour. We booked transportation to their facility (I originally thought it could be Uber'ed, but it's a long way). Our driver, Kevin, picked us up at our hotel, and we made the pleasant ride from Anchorage to Palmer. Kevin knew we should be early for our tour in case the helicopter was ready. He had seen people show up late for sightseeing, not be ready, and miss the tour due to weather changes. We had no idea what to expect, so there wasn’t much we could tell our pilot, Sam. He took great care of us and chose a bunch of things for us to see. We landed at a raging waterfall fed by the snowmelt, a mountain surrounded by glaciers, and the glacier itself. The secluded waterfall was great. The water was roaring, and we could feel the spray on our faces. Atop the mountain, we marveled at the 360-degree panorama of the Knik Glacier. Walking on the mountaintop tundra was strange; it felt springy and soft. On the glacier itself, the water was so blue, and the ice beneath showed deep-blue crevasses. Sam again took great care of us, providing us with strap-on crampons so we would feel secure on the ice. We booked this trip because we didn’t have anything else going on. But it turned out to be among my favorite activities in Alaska. When I return to Alaska, I’ll make certain to do another tour.
David Walker
July 7, 2026