Overview of the Meade Glacier Helicopter Experience in Skagway
This is an aerial tour of Meade Glacier operated by Temsco Tours, a company based in Skagway, Alaska that caters especially to cruise ship passengers looking to maximize their port time with an unforgettable adventure. The video captures the complete journey from arrival through landing on the glacier itself, giving you an honest preview of what the experience involves without any sponsorship bias.
If you're the type of traveler who wants to see Alaska's remote glaciers without a multi-day trek, or if your cruise schedule limits you to a few hours on shore, this helicopter tour is designed for you. It suits active travelers comfortable with small-aircraft flights and eager to stand on ancient ice while seeing vast landscapes from above.
Key Moments
Key Highlights of the Meade Glacier Tour
- Aerial views of the surrounding landscape during the flight to the glacier
- Landing directly on Meade Glacier and stepping onto the ice in person
- Guided exploration of crevasses and glacial formations on foot
- A depth-testing demonstration using rocks dropped into a deep glacial hole to illustrate the ice's scale
- Close-up interaction with the glacier's surface and natural features
- Return flight with views of Skagway and the surrounding coastal terrain
What to Know Before Booking Your Skagway Glacier Flight
- The tour is offered by Temsco Tours, located in Skagway, Alaska, and is easy to book as a cruise excursion
- You will land on the glacier itself and walk on the ice, not just view it from the air
- The experience includes guided interpretation of glacial features, including deep crevasses that require caution
- Trekking poles are provided for glacier walking to help you navigate the uneven ice safely
- Spots fill up quickly, especially during cruise season, so book in advance
- The tour is weather-dependent; Alaska's conditions can change rapidly, so flexibility helps
- Wear warm, layered clothing suitable for high altitude and glacial conditions, even in summer
Frequently Asked Questions About This Skagway Helicopter Tour
Who operates the Meade Glacier helicopter tour?
Temsco Tours, based in Skagway, Alaska, runs this experience and is well-established for serving both cruise passengers and independent travelers in the region.
Do you actually land on the glacier?
Yes. The tour includes a helicopter landing directly on Meade Glacier, allowing you to walk on the ice, explore crevasses, and feel the scale of the glacier firsthand rather than viewing it from above only.
What is included in the tour experience?
The video shows the complete package: helicopter transport to and from the glacier, guided walking on the ice with trekking poles provided, interpretation of glacial formations, and time to explore the glacier's natural features safely.
How long is the entire tour?
While the video does not specify exact duration, it captures nearly the entire experience from start to finish, suggesting a substantial half-day or full activity suitable for cruise passengers with a few hours in port.
Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
The tour involves walking on uneven glacial ice with trekking poles, so a reasonable level of fitness and comfort with heights is helpful. The video shows guides managing the group's safety around deep crevasses, so participants should be able to follow instructions and move carefully on ice.
