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Frequently Asked Questions |
What does the trip price include?
Transportation to and from the heliport from all local hotels and some
downtown
landmarks, all outerwear and mountaineering gear needed for
your trip, water
bottle and an energy bar, (X-Treks also include a lunch),
helicopter flight to the
glaciers, guide services and all applicable state and local taxes.
How should I dress for the trip?
We recommend that you come with a long sleeved shirt and long pants, an insulating layer for your
upper body such as a fleece jacket or vest, or a sweater, and a pair of high socks. We also recommend that you bring sunglasses, even if it is cloudy, and a camera with extra film.
What can I take with me to the glacier?
Because space in the helicopter is limited everything that goes with you should fit inside the large hip pack that is provided. Since you will be active on the ice it is easiest if you leave behind anything that you won’t need on the glacier. The hip packs have room for a camera or camcorder as well as for a few, small personal items. Any other belongings can be kept at the heliport for safekeeping during your trip.
How often are there trip departures?
Trips are scheduled on an on-demand basis. There are usually several departures of each trip each day during the summer season.
How many people will I be with in the helicopter and on the trip?
We fly A-Star 350 series helicopters that seat 6 passengers plus the pilot. Seating is arranged in the helicopter to comply with the helicopter’s weight and balance requirements. Group size is kept small on all NorthStar trips. Normally group size is 12 guests or less, plus guides.
Which glacier will I be visiting?
NorthStar uses the Mendenhall, Taku, Hole-in-the-Wall, Thiel, Gilkey, Battle, and Herbert glaciers. Landing and trekking sites vary depending on weather and glacier conditions. We select the trekking sites on a daily basis using safety and quality of the experience as the prime criteria.
How high above sea level will I be?
The glaciers of the Juneau Icefield flow down to near sea level and most of the landing sites we use for the treks are below 2,000’. The flight takes off from sea level and generally does not exceed 6,000’.
Is walking on the ice dangerous?
As with any active outdoor experience there is some risk involved, but no more than hiking on a trail for instance. The ice is very solid, hundreds of feet thick, and all of the hazards are visible so can be easily avoided. NorthStar provides the appropriate equipment for your experience as well as well-trained and experienced guides to teach you how to use the equipment and guide you safely across the ice.
How about flying in the mountains?
NorthStar flies turbine AStar helicopters. These aircraft are the standard in the air tour industry and are well suited for this type of flying. The pilots are experienced, well trained, and dedicated professionals whose top priority is the safety and comfort of the passengers. NorthStar is a member of the helicopter Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS). This organization sets flight standards that exceed the Federal Aviation Administration regulations and all members are regularly audited to verify compliance. NorthStar and the TOPS organization have an excellent safety record. Passengers regularly comment on how much they enjoyed the smooth, professional flight.
How hard will the trip be and what level of experience do I need?
NorthStar offers three different levels of treks to accommodate a broad range of physical abilities and time. The 1-hour Walkabout is the easiest, the 2-hour Trek has a moderate amount of physical activity and the 3-hour X Trek is the most strenuous. All trips are geared to the level of the participants in the group. No previous climbing or glacier experience is necessary. The guides make it fun and will teach you everything you need to know for your trip.
What kind of weather can I expect in Juneau?
Juneau is in the middle of a temperate rainforest. Weather here is often overcast and rainy. The average summer temperatures are in the 60s, but can range from the mid 40s to the mid 80s. Temperatures on the glacier are generally about 10 degrees colder than in town. In an average year we have to cancel 5-10% of our trips due to unflyable weather conditions. If this occurs we do our best to reschedule passengers if the forecast looks better for another time. However, because weather conditions can vary immensely in different areas and because NorthStar has several different glaciers to land on, cancellations due to weather conditions are at NorthStar’s discretion.
What sets NorthStar Treks apart from other helicopter glacier trips?
NorthStar caters to individuals and small groups, with personalized service, and longer trips that provide an in-depth learning and recreation experience. The proper mountaineering equipment, experienced guides, and longer time on the glacier allow you to explore in a way that is unique to NorthStar’s trips.
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