SKAGWAY AIR ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Glacier Discovery By Helicopter: Lift from Skagway to Walk a Living River of Ice
A two-hour TEMSCO helicopter outing from Skagway that pairs roughly 40 minutes of flight with an on-glacier walking tour led by expert guides — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Glacier Discovery By Helicopter: Lift from Skagway to Walk a Living River of Ice.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Alaska’s remote glaciers on a helicopter tour from Skagway, then step out onto the ice for a guided walking tour where knowledgeable guides explain the forces shaping the glacier.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Aerial access to remote ice
The tour delivers dramatic aerial views of Alaska’s glaciated terrain, using helicopter time to reach icefields that are otherwise inaccessible from Skagway.
Guided exploration on the glacier
Upon landing, expert glacier guides lead a walking tour across the ice, answering questions and interpreting the natural forces at work as you traverse the glacier surface.
A compact, unforgettable encounter
In a roughly two-hour outing that blends flight and foot travel, visitors get a concentrated experience of Alaska’s glacial landscape and its scale.
What the day feels like
What the outing feels like
Lift off from Skagway, gain sweeping perspectives on glacial valleys during the helicopter segment, then disembark and follow a guide across uneven ice for an intimate, interpretive walk on the glacier.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this excursion suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Dress in warm layers; bring gloves, hat, sunglasses, and sturdy walking shoes. TEMSCO provides over‑boots for glacier walking.
Bags, iPads/tablets, tripods, selfie sticks, canes, drones, and liquids are not permitted on board; lockers are provided at base to store these items.
Clothing is not provided by the operator—plan for cold, variable conditions on the glacier and use the provided over‑boots for traction on the ice.
No smoking of any kind is allowed for the duration of the tour.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What is the cancellation policy if weather prevents flying?
If TEMSCO cannot fly a tour due to weather, guests receive a full refund; decisions to cancel are often made within an hour of departure because conditions can change quickly.
Is there a fee for passengers over a certain weight?
Passengers weighing 250 pounds (113 kg) or more are charged an additional $150 surcharge at booking to reserve adequate space for weight-and-balance and safety purposes.
Do you provide transportation to the TEMSCO base in Skagway?
Guests are asked to make their own way to the TEMSCO base in Skagway; from the furthest pier it is about a mile walk, or the S.M.A.R.T. Shuttle can bring guests for $3.00 per person. The operator does provide transportation back to ship or into town at tour end.
What is the policy for lap children and minors?
Lap children under 24 months are free and need not occupy a seat but must be held securely for the entire tour; any child 24 months or older requires their own paid seat. Children under 12 may not fly without a parent or legal guardian, and passengers ages 12–17 flying unaccompanied need a parental consent form.
Are there items I cannot bring on the aircraft?
Yes—bags, tablets, tripods, selfie sticks, canes, drones, and liquids are prohibited onboard; lockers are available at the base to store these items during the tour.
What is the refund policy if I cancel my booking?
If you cancel prior to departure, there is a 10% cancellation fee up until 24 hours before the excursion; cancel within 24 hours and the tour becomes non-refundable. If the operator cancels due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, you'll receive a 100% refund.