There’s flying and looking out a window,
then there’s flying with us.
You’re coming to Alaska. You’ve got the dates, the commercial flights, and hotel stays all booked, but now it’s time to figure out which activities (of the thousands available) you wish to do. We recommend starting from the sky.
Alaska is huge, twice the size of Texas, in fact, and one of the best ways to truly understand its scope is from above. That’s why we highly recommend all visitors take at least one opportunity to soar beyond the road or rail system and explore by air the towering mountains and icy glaciers that make up most of Southcentral Alaska.
There’s a difference between a more typical flightseeing tour and an Outbound Heli Adventures experience, and we feel it’s important to have all the information before making a final decision. It’s your Alaska trip, after all, and we want you to head home with unforgettable memories that fit both your style and budget.
Fixed-wing plane flightseeing or helicopter flightseeing for glacier experience?
As you’ve undoubtedly discovered, Alaska is home to many, many private pilots and companies offering everything from scenic flyovers of Anchorage to backcountry charter transportation to favorite fishing spots. But what’s the difference between the two styles?
Fixed-wing aircraft are the workhorses of Alaska flightseeing tours and interstate transportation. Built for moving people and gear, these small planes range from Cessnas that seat just a few passengers to the larger Otter, which can seat up to 20. Typically, a fixed-wing flightseeing tour is just that, taking advantage of an airborne ability to view Alaska and its beautiful scenery. Ranging from 30 minutes to a few hours, fixed-wing flightseeing is a fun way to capture a broad brush impression of Alaska’s landscape and diverse topography. That said, airplanes require runway space for takeoff and landing, and, unless equipped with skis, cannot land on some types of glacial terrain, so passengers most often remain on board the aircraft for the duration of their tour.
Helicopters like the ones used at Outbound Heli Adventures are nimble aircraft able to provide a lower-altitude viewing experience for guests. With the ability to hover, maneuver quickly, and travel into deep canyons and along ridgelines, helicopters are a 360-degree immersion into the heart of a destination. Seating either three or four passengers, the R-44 and R-66 helicopters used by Outbound Heli ensure that everyone has a first-class view. Additionally, Outbound’s wide range of helicopter-adventure options also allows for landings that truly make for a fabulous boots-on-the-ground Alaska experience.
What are some of the helicopter adventuring options?
Heli Glacier Trekking with Outbound Heli Adventures
Glacier trekking combines a flightseeing excursion with extended time spent atop a glacier, exploring its dramatic landscapes and glacial features. Guests will enjoy stunning views of the braided river valleys and soaring peaks of the Chugach Mountains from the air before landing and trekking on the ice of a glacier. This fully guided experience is offered from March through November (half-day trip) and from May through September (full-day trip) and includes all the necessary equipment for a safe and comfortable Knik Glacier adventure. This trip is recommended for guests aged 10 and up, and everyone should be in good physical condition for a glacier trek on uneven terrain for several hours. Bonus tip: The glacier trekking adventure can be combined with our Glacier Paddleboarding trip, Ice Climbing experience, and a polar plunge, if you like, for an extra-exhilarating day! Want to picnic along the way? Outbound Heli can add boxed lunches to your experience for $25/per person.
Heli Hiking with Outbound Heli Adventures
Heli-hiking is a favorite among Outbound Heli guests. This highly customizable adventure allows you to experience the stunning beauty of Alaska, with incredible glacier views from above and the chance to spot wildlife (especially during berry season). And, the experience can be as easy or difficult as you like. Let our pilot take care of the elevation gain, and our skilled alpine guides take care of the route! This summer-only adventure begins with a flight over stunning mountain peaks and above braided river valleys and glaciers before landing in one of three stunning locations: Hatcher Pass, the Chugach Mountain range, or Pioneer Peak ridge.
One of the best things about heli-hiking (besides the obvious advantage of skipping the up and down-hill parts) is the opportunity to explore Alaska’s wilderness habitats. We’ll look for moose during the flights, and bears, Dall sheep, bald eagles, and a host of wildflowers blanketing the mountain slopes.
Choose from a half-day experience at around four hours or a full-day adventure lasting six hours, and we mean it when we say all ages are welcome! This adventure is a great way to introduce youngsters to the joy of alpine hiking among the pristine environments of Alaska. Boxed lunches are also available with an additional fee if you’d like to picnic.
Outbound Heli also offers these additional excursions for even more backcountry Alaska adventuring:
- Glacier paddleboarding: Paddle crystal- clear glacial pools and glacier-fed streams while taking in the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains.
- Heli packrafting: Fly across stunning remote landscapes, then launch your packraft and float on the water, without any bushwhacking!
- Heli dog sledding: Fly along the scenic Knik River Valley before arriving at Big Lake, where you will be welcomed at The Dogstead for a mushing adventure to remember!.
- Glacier ice climbing: Visit Alaska’s Knik Glacier for an exhilarating experience featuring dramatic ice formations, towering icefalls, and deep crevasses.
Aren’t sure which Outbound Heli adventure to choose? Our team is always ready to answer any questions, just reach out at +1 907-351-6736 or via email at info@outboundheli.com.
What to bring on an Outbound Heli glacier trek or heli-hike:
- Small backpack
- Warm layers for easy on/off
- Waterproof outer layer
- Water bottle and snacks
- Sturdy, close-toed shoes
- Sunglasses
- Hat and gloves
- An adventurous attitude!