Alaska, the land of magnificent natural wonders, is a dream destination for adventurous souls. Among the countless unique experiences Alaska offers, a helicopter tour to see glaciers is a must-do. This exceptional adventure allows you to witness the breathtaking beauty of icy giants from a completely different perspective – from above.
Let’s explore the unforgettable experience of glacier helicopter tours in Alaska with “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around the World), a journey that not only feasts your eyes but also touches your heart, evoking powerful and lasting emotions in every traveler.
Why Alaska Glacier Helicopter Tours are Uniquely Unforgettable
Alaska, nicknamed “The Last Frontier,” boasts one of the most extensive and majestic glacier systems in the world. These glaciers, formed over thousands of years, meander through towering mountain ranges, creating a stunning and mesmerizing natural spectacle. However, this beauty is often inaccessible, making it a real challenge to fully appreciate them.
Hiking or kayaking are traditional ways to explore glaciers, but they limit your access and viewing angles. Helicopter tours emerge as a perfect solution, opening doors to breathtaking landscapes that were previously only imaginable.
Panoramic Views: From an ideal altitude, the helicopter glides smoothly through the sky, unveiling a breathtaking panoramic view of the glacier. You will witness glaciers winding like giant white silk ribbons, deep blue crevasses, magnificent icefalls cascading down cliffs, and serene blue ice lakes hidden within the glacier.
Access to Remote Areas: Helicopters can reach remote and rugged glacier areas inaccessible to other means of transportation. This allows you to explore hidden corners, the untouched and purest beauty of Alaska’s glaciers.
Unique Flight Experience: More than just transportation, a helicopter offers an exhilarating flight experience. You’ll feel the freedom of flying in the open sky, watching the landscape drift beneath you, and savoring thrilling moments as the helicopter navigates through mountain passes or flies close to towering ice cliffs.
Time and Energy Saving: Instead of spending days trekking laboriously to reach a small part of a glacier, you can easily explore a vast and diverse area in just a few hours of helicopter flight. This is especially suitable for travelers with limited time or those who are not physically fit for strenuous activities.
Helicopter flying over Matanuska Glacier, Alaska
Preparing for Your Glacier Helicopter Tour
To ensure a complete and safe glacier helicopter tour, thorough preparation is crucial. Here are some important considerations:
Choose the Right Time: Summer (May to September) is the best time for glacier helicopter tours in Alaska. The weather is generally stable with less rain and fog, providing the best visibility. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so service prices may be higher, and booking tours in advance is recommended to secure your spot.
Select a Suitable Tour: Various glacier helicopter tours are available, ranging from short 30-minute flights to half-day or full-day excursions. Depending on your time, budget, and personal preferences, you can choose the most suitable tour. Some tours also include glacier landings, allowing you to walk and explore the glacier up close.
Clothing: Weather on glaciers can change rapidly, and temperatures are usually lower than in lowland areas. Dress warmly in layers, including a windproof and waterproof jacket, a fleece or thermal layer, long pants, a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes are the best choice for safety and comfort when walking on the glacier (if your tour includes landing).
Sunglasses and Sunscreen: Sunlight reflecting off the snow and ice is very intense and can harm your eyes and skin. Don’t forget polarized sunglasses and high SPF sunscreen to protect yourself.
Camera and Recording Equipment: You definitely don’t want to miss the opportunity to capture the stunning moments of your glacier helicopter tour. Bring a camera, phone, or video recorder with fully charged batteries and a large-capacity memory card.
Health: If you have a history of motion sickness or fear of heights, inform the tour operator before flying. They can offer helpful advice or prepare necessary support measures.
Discovering Icy Wonders from Above
During your glacier helicopter tour, you will witness countless unique and magnificent natural wonders:
Crevasses: Deep cracks on the glacier’s surface, creating bizarre and dangerous formations. From above, you can clearly see the complex structure and deep blue color of these crevasses.
Moulins: Vertical shafts in the ice, formed by meltwater draining from the glacier’s surface. Moulins can be hundreds of meters deep and are pathways for glacial meltwater to flow beneath the glacier.
Icefalls: Glaciers cascading down cliffs, forming magnificent and spectacular icefalls. Icefalls are constantly moving and changing shape, creating a dynamic and powerful spectacle.
Glacial Lakes: Serene blue lakes formed by melting ice, often located at the foot of glaciers or between glacial valleys. Glacial lakes have a distinctive color due to the presence of fine glacial flour particles.
Wildlife: If you’re lucky, you might spot some wildlife inhabiting the icy regions, such as mountain goats, Dall sheep, black bears, or even whales and seals if you fly near the coast.
Glacier and snow-capped mountains viewed from a helicopter in Alaska
Choosing the Right Glacier Helicopter Tour
Alaska offers many fantastic locations for glacier helicopter tours. Here are some popular suggestions:
Matanuska Glacier: Located near Anchorage, Matanuska Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. Many helicopter tours from Anchorage take you to explore this glacier, often combined with ice hiking or ice climbing.
Denali National Park: Denali National Park is famous for majestic Denali (formerly McKinley) mountain and Kahiltna Glacier, the longest glacier in North America. Helicopter tours in Denali typically focus on mountain and glacier scenery, sometimes including glacier landings.
Prince William Sound: Prince William Sound is a stunning bay area with numerous tidewater glaciers. Helicopter tours here often combine glacier viewing with marine wildlife watching, such as whales, seals, and sea otters.
Juneau Icefield: Juneau Icefield is a vast icefield located near Juneau, Alaska’s capital city. Helicopter tours from Juneau allow you to explore this icefield and witness various large and small glaciers.
When choosing a tour, consider factors such as flight duration, itinerary, included activities (glacier landing, ice hiking), price, and the tour operator’s reputation. Book your tour in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and get the best prices.
Combining Helicopter Tours with Other Activities in Alaska
To make your Alaska trip even more complete, you can combine glacier helicopter tours with many other exciting activities:
Glacier Hiking: Many helicopter tours include glacier landings, allowing you to hike and explore the glacier up close. This is a fantastic opportunity to touch the ice, explore crevasses and moulins, and feel the glacier’s grandeur from the ground.
Dog Sledding: Experiencing dog sledding on a glacier is a unique and thrilling winter activity in Alaska. You’ll ride on a sled pulled by powerful huskies across the pristine white snow and ice.
Wildlife Viewing: Alaska is a wildlife paradise. You can join tours to watch bears, whales, seals, seabirds, and many other animals.
Salmon Fishing: Alaska is renowned for salmon. Summer is salmon spawning season, and you can join salmon fishing tours and experience the thrill of catching fresh, delicious salmon.
Visiting Cities and Towns: Alaska has many beautiful and unique cities and towns like Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Seward. Spending time exploring local culture, history, and cuisine is an essential part of your Alaska trip.
A glacier helicopter tour in Alaska is more than just a typical vacation; it’s a journey to explore the magnificent beauty of nature, an emotional adventure, and an unforgettable memory. Come to Alaska and experience the awe and enchantment of majestic glaciers from above! Are you ready for your flight?