Alaska, here you come! Flights are booked, you’re on your way, and now it’s time to dive into all the Alaska adventure tour details. Here at Outbound Heli, we know we’re just one part of an overall amazing Alaska experience, and that’s why we want every guest to be fully prepared for their journey, start to finish. First time in a helicopter? On a glacier? We’ve got you! Read on and take note of our top tips to ensure a smooth, safe, and enjoyable trip.
How to Get to Your Helicopter Tour in Palmer, Alaska
Our operations base is located 45 minutes north of Anchorage in beautiful Palmer, and all of our departures leave from there, making this one of the most accessible helicopter experiences near Anchorage, Alaska. Guests have the option of driving themselves along the scenic Glenn Highway or arranging van transportation from Anchorage. If the latter, please know reservations must be made in advance, and the cost is $90/per person, round-trip. Our transport team is able to pick up and drop off at any location within the greater Anchorage area, and you’ll have the opportunity to enter a location at the time of booking.
If driving, please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time to receive a safety briefing and additional information related to the upcoming trip.
Our address is 3901 S Lindsey Cir #F, Palmer, AK 99645, and note that we do share property with Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours.
Short on time? It is also possible to arrange a custom pick up via helicopter from Merrill Field in Anchorage at our hourly charter rate (give us a call for the current hourly rate). This adds an additional Anchorage helicopter tour segment on your way to the Knik River Valley and Knik Glacier outside of Palmer!
What to Wear for a Glacier Helicopter Tour in Alaska
Don’t worry: Outbound Heli provides any technical equipment required for trips. On glacier landings, this includes microspikes that fit over your shoes to safely navigate icy terrain. For paddleboarding, packrafting, or ice climbing adventures, everything you need is provided to keep you stable and safe. Take note of each trip’s detailed description on the Outbound Heli website, including a checklist of all items you should wear or bring. Please read carefully.
Depending on the season, we also recommend guests dress accordingly for changing weather conditions, which are all but guaranteed in Alaska!
What to Wear for Summer Glacier Helicopter Tours in Alaska
Our best advice during the non-snow months is to dress in layers. The key to comfort, especially on Alaska glacier helicopter flights, layers should include a long-sleeve base, a fleece or sweater middle layer, and a waterproof jacket, even if there’s no precipitation. Also, be sure to wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes, preferably hiking boots. No heels or sandals are allowed for safety reasons.
What to Wear for Winter Alaska Helicopter Glacier Landings
Layers become even more important during the winter months, but we also recommend adding snow boots, a warm winter coat, and snow pants. Don’t forget a warm hat and gloves, too. Outbound will provide both hand and foot warmers as well.
What to Bring on Any Alaska Helicopter Adventure Tour
Bring sunglasses to protect your eyes (yes, even on cloudy days!), a reusable water bottle to fill with glacier water, and a camera with an extra battery and memory card (or a fully charged phone!). A small backpack that fits under the helicopter seat is welcome, too. Call the office for specific size and weight guidelines.
What to Expect During Your Glacier Helicopter Tour in Alaska
Most of our guests have never flown in a helicopter before, so here’s the process:
Pre-Flight: Safety Briefing and Meeting Your Pilot
Before the trip, you’ll be greeted by our Base Manager, then you’ll meet your pilot, receive a safety briefing, and discuss the intended route of the day (be sure to speak up about things you really want to see!). The Base Manager or pilot will escort you to the helicopter and demonstrate how the doors work, where to walk (and not walk), and explain how the seatbelts and headsets work. Then, it’s time to climb inside!
Boarding the Helicopter and Takeoff Experience
Loading up means first securing any bags or gear underneath the seats or in specialized baskets outside (paddleboards and paddles, for example). Then, the pilot will determine who sits where and assist you into the helicopter, making sure those safety belts are securely fastened. Once everyone is settled and ready, your pilot will go through the start-up procedures and get ready for takeoff.
Flying Over Alaska’s Glaciers and Landscapes
Leaving the ground in a helicopter is definitely different from traditional airplanes in that a helicopter relies on vertical, side, forward, and backward motion, thanks to the rotors on top and at the rear.
Helicopter Glacier Landing: What It’s Really Like
When it’s time to land on a glacier, sandbar, or mountain top, the pilot carefully scans the environment, making sure there are no obstacles near the rotors or skids. Gradually, slowly, he or she eases the helicopter down and lets the rotors slow their rotation before shutting down the engine and allowing everyone to disembark. Be patient! Everything is for your safety and the integrity of the aircraft.
On the Glacier: Your Alaska Adventure Experience
Now, it’s time to play! Whether you’re taking a glacier trek, alpine hike, or paddle across the stunning blue pool, you can be sure the day is going to be full of wonder! Explore blue ice melt pools, crevasses and moulins while on the glacier. Feeling a little more adventurous? Jump into one of the blue pools for the ultimate polar plunge! This is a complimentary experience that can be added to any flight that includes a glacier landing.
Things to Do in Palmer, Alaska After Your Helicopter Flight
There is so much to do and see here in the Mat-Su area and the community of Palmer. Start your time in Palmer with a visit to the beautiful, brand new Gateway Visitor Center, overlooking Palmer Hay Flats where you have a great chance to view Alaska’s wildlife. It’s scheduled to open to the public in June, 2026.
Top Outdoor Activities in Palmer, Alaska
- A full or half-day ATV tour with Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours ( receive 10% off for flying with us)
- Adventures By True North for year-round adventures
- Drive Hatcher Pass and visit Independence Mine State Historical Park
- Hike Bodenburg Butte, a short, steep scramble near the Reindeer Farm
- AK Zipline Park
Unique Local Experiences Near Palmer
- Visit the Reindeer Farm
- Meet the unique Arctic animal at the Musk Ox Farm
- Visit an area brewery! (Bleeding Heart, Arkose, BearPaw, or Matanuska, among others)
Where to Stay Near Palmer, Alaska
We also have a full list of lodging partners! Stay an extra day and play in this beautiful region of Alaska.
Turn Your Glacier Helicopter Tour into a Full Alaska Adventure
With everything there is to do, see and places to eat in Palmer we highly recommend turning your trip into an overnight adventure, or at least a long day trip.
Plan Your Alaska Helicopter Glacier Tour with Confidence
Whether you’re booking your first helicopter tour in Palmer, Alaska or adding to a bucket-list itinerary, our team is here to help you plan an unforgettable experience. Call us at 907-351-6736.