Experience North Star

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO...

WHAT TO BRING: Regardless of the apparent weather conditions, we recommend dressing in layers. It is usually 10 degrees colder on the glacier than in town. Please include the following items as you prepare for your trip:

  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Film
  • Battery
  • Long Pants
  • Mid-height Athletic Socks

LANDING SITES: Landing sites will be selected depending on various weather and galcier conditions. Clients may visit any of the following glaciers in the Juneau Icefield: Mendenhall, Taku, Norris, Herbert, Gilkey, Battle or Theil.

All NorthStar tours are operated under permit with the U.S. Forest Service in the Tongass National Forest.

PASSENGER WEIGHT POLICY: Passengers weighing 250 lbs. or more will be allocated additional space in the helicopter and will be required to pay a surcharge at the time of booking.

All trips are conducted in small groups to facilitate an informative and in-depth glacier experience. Appropriate mountaineering gear is provided for each level of trekking and no previous mountaineering experience is necessary.

Each of the treks includes approximately 30 minutes of flight time in an A-Star helicopter to take you to and from your glacier landing site. On the way, the breathtaking views of the enormous Juneau Icefield and the surrounding untouched wilderness are awe-inspiring. As your helicopter flight takes you from sea level up above the temperate rainforest, your knowledgeable pilot will point out highlights, such as the rare and unique opportunity to clearly view the diverse landscape of ocean, temperate rainforest and ice all in one glance.

EQUIPMENT PROVIDED:

  • Rain and wind-proof jacket and pants
  • Hard shell mountaineering boots
  • Pack with tissues, water and granola bar
  • Trekking pole or ice axe
  • Gloves
  • Crampons
  • Level 2 and 3 treks also utilize gaitors, helmet and a harness with a carabiner

ALL TRIPS PROVIDE: 

  • Time on the glacier to explore and learn
  • Proper equipment to safely and effectively move around the glacier surface
  • knowledgeable, experienced guides to teach you about the glacier environment and how to use the mountaineering equipment.

Each level of trek varies in the amount of time on the glacier and the level of physical activity involved.

Whichever trip you choose...

We'll see you on the glacier!