Overview of This Matanuska Glacier Helicopter Tour
This video documents a 45-minute helicopter flight over Alaska's Matanuska Glacier, a 27-mile-long ice formation near Glacier View, about two hours north of Anchorage. The experience includes an actual landing on the glacier itself, where visitors can walk on the ice, drink fresh glacial water from a brilliant blue meltwater pool, and explore the surrounding landscape. A surprise second landing on a nearby mountainside offers panoramic views of the entire glacier and an opportunity to pick wild blueberries.
This tour suits adventurous travelers who want an unforgettable aerial experience without requiring extreme fitness or technical climbing skills. If you've dreamed of seeing a massive glacier up close and standing on ancient ice, this combines scenic flight, hands-on exploration, and unique photo opportunities in one half-day outing. Spots fill up fast, so booking in advance through the operator is essential.
Key Moments
Highlights of the Matanuska Glacier Flight
- 45-minute round-trip helicopter flight departing from Sheep Mountain Lodge with stunning views of the glacier's ragged ice peaks and bright blue meltwater pools
- Landing directly on the glacier and walking across the ice wearing crampons provided by the pilot
- Drinking pure glacial meltwater straight from a vivid blue pool on the glacier surface
- Surprise second landing on a mountain overlooking the glacier, offering a wide vista of the entire 27-mile formation
- Picking and tasting fresh wild blueberries at the mountain landing site
- Wildlife spotting: moose sightings visible from the helicopter on the return flight

What to Know Before Booking This Glacier Tour
- Duration: The full helicopter tour lasts approximately 45 minutes, with roughly 15 minutes to explore and walk on the glacier itself
- Starting point: Drive 2 hours from Anchorage to Glacier View and Sheep Mountain Lodge, where the flight departs and returns
- Equipment provided: The pilot supplies crampons (ice-gripping footwear) for safe walking on the glacier
- Food available: Sheep Mountain Lodge serves quality meals before or after your flight, with a viewing bar where you can watch helicopters land and take off
- Flight altitude: During the glacier hover, the helicopter maintains roughly 100 feet above the ice, creating an intimate viewing experience
- Booking: Tours are operated by Sheep Mountain Lodge; reserve early as availability fills quickly during peak season
- What to bring: A camera or phone for photos; the video shows passengers photographing constantly, and extra battery power or storage is wise
Frequently Asked Questions About Matanuska Glacier Helicopter Tours
How close does the helicopter actually get to the glacier?
The pilot maintains a hover of roughly 100 feet above the ice surface during the flight, which feels surprisingly close—passengers are struck by how near the ground appears to be, even though there is a safe clearance. This low altitude makes for incredible photo and video opportunities.
Can you really land and walk on the glacier?
Yes. The helicopter lands on a safe section of the glacier, and passengers disembark wearing crampons. You have about 15 minutes to explore, drink water from meltwater pools, and walk around on the ice before returning to the aircraft.
Is the glacial water safe to drink?
According to the video, yes—passengers drink the meltwater directly from the blue pools on the glacier surface without any treatment or concern. The water is pure and cold.
What is the best time to book this tour?
The video was filmed during summer (blueberries are in season), suggesting that warmer months offer stable flight conditions and accessible glacier conditions. No specific seasonal restrictions are mentioned, but peak travel season in Alaska is June through September, when bookings fill quickly.
Do you need prior helicopter experience?
No. The video shows a passenger who had only flown in a helicopter once in the previous 15 years, and the experience is designed for general tourists. The pilot handles all the flying; you simply sit, enjoy, and photograph.



