Frequently Asked Questions:

    A. For our glacier landings, we recommend that passengers wear one extra layer than they normally wear. Rain gear is not provided but is recommended in Juneau.  We provide “glacier boots” to wear, which slip on over normal street shoes. You will want to bring sunglasses, even on cloudy days. Typically the glacier is about 10 degrees cooler than the docks and downtown Juneau.  On our Glacier Dog Sled Adventure we recommend hats, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen and raingear.  “Glacier boots” are also provided for our Dog Sled Tour passengers. 

     A. We operate with EUROCOPTER AS-350B2 (A-Star) helicopters for our flightseeing tours.  Astar B2 helicopters are used for touring all over the world. They offer a 180 degree panoramic view. Helicopters create their own airspace and therefore generally offer a much smoother ride than fixed wing aircraft. We have the ability to slow down and even come to a hover. We can adjust the flight height based on scenery, although we in NO way harass or stalk wildlife. With the Astar B2, we are also able to completely open the sides of the helicopter during landings so that people who may be disabled can still see, smell and feel the glacier without having to get out of the helicopter. Helicopters typically fly with their nose pointed down slightly.  This gives the passengers a theatre style seating arrangement.  This allows you to have a fantastic view even if you are seated in the back four seats. 

    A. Please consult the tour desk or your sales agent for cancellation information. Cruise Line Passengers should note that due to the very limited capacity and highly specialized nature of this excursion, it is not refundable unless cancelled by 12:00pm on the day after embarkation. 

   A. We are the only helicopter company in Alaska to offer a wheelchair lift to assist disabled or elderly persons in experiencing the adventure of Alaska. This lift helps passengers in and out of the helicopter from a seated position such as a wheelchair.  If a guest requires the use of our lift for boarding they must remain seated in the helicopter upon landing on the glacier landing because there is no lift on the glacier. However, with the Astar B2 helicopter we use, we are able to completely open the sides of the helicopter during landings so that guests who may be disabled can still see, smell and feel the glacier without having to get out of the helicopter.  Also, we cannot use the lift for passengers on our dog sledding tour.

    A. We require a minimum number of paying passengers to operate our tours. In the event that this minimum is not met, we will do our best to move passengers from another time to operate the tour.

    A. We use EUROCOPTER AS-350B2 (A-Star) helicopters, which seat 4-6 people depending on individual passenger weights. There is a double seat in the front that will seat two people based on size and total passenger weight for this seat.  Up to four people can sit in the back.  See question 2 regarding advantages of using helicopters for touring.

    A. Cruise Line Passengers may request a * private tour through their Shore Excursion Desk.  * Minimum fee applies.  

    A. The Mendenhall glacier is an average size glacier in the Juneau Icefield, located right in the city of Juneau.  It is one of 38 large glaciers that flow from the 1500 square mile Juneau Icefield.  Because of its popularity and closeness to the city it is highly populated.  You can take a taxi or take a bus ride to the Mendenhall from downtown Juneau. While we feel the Mendenhall is spectacular, we believe on our tours we view glaciers that are even more spectacular.  We fly about 65 miles outside the city of Juneau into Alaska’s remote wilderness.  We fly over different types of glaciers in different stages and land on either the Norris or the Taku.  The Taku is actually the biggest glacier in the Juneau Icefield and is still advancing.   

    A. We travel 65 miles into the wilderness of Alaska where you will have the opportunity to view different types of glaciers, including a landing on one of them. We typically fly to a region that has the Taku (The largest and still advancing glacier), The Hole in the Wall (cascading glacier), The Norris (retreating), and sometimes the East or West Twins or The Dead Branch (floating glacier). Flight route and the number of glaciers viewed will vary depending upon weather conditions.

    A. We allow Service Dogs with advanced notice. Please notify the tour desk at least 48 hours prior to your tour.

      A. Our flights do not have a weight surcharge. Due to aircraft weight limitations and to insure passenger safety and comfort, all passengers will be required to report accurate weights prior to day of flight for weight and balance manifesting.   Passengers may be required to “weigh in” at heliport.  Supplying inaccurate weights may result in tour delay or cancellation of tour. Additional seating may be available for purchase for passengers requesting additional seating space. Please contact your shore excursion manager for additional information.

     A.  Minimum age is 2 years old. All children must have their own seat in the aircraft.  All children under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by an adult on all of our tours.  Children ages 16-17 must have a parental release form signed prior to departing dock for the dog sled tour.  Parents/guardians will need to be on the docks prior to departure time if a waiver needs to be signed. 

      A.  Due to restricted weight capacity and lack of storage on a helicopter, guests are required to leave ALL bags at the heliport.  We have a coat check system in place.  The only item allowed in the aircraft with the guest is a camera (out of its case) around the neck.  No water bottles will be allowed. 

      A.  Guests who require use of oxygen may carry a small personal canister of oxygen.  Hazardous materials regulations do not permit large oxygen tanks on board the aircraft.  We do not provide oxygen. 

      A.  Yes, we fly in the rain. However, if the clouds are below our minimums, it is unsafe for any reason, the quality of the tour is poor, or you are not going to see anything, we would cancel the tour.  If we must cancel a tour due to weather or any of the above reasons a full refund would be given.  Keep in mind that Juneau is in the Tongass National Rainforest and there will be days that it is raining and we are flying tours.  Guests need to know that the weather in the channel is not necessarily the same as it is on the glacier since we travel a far distance.  Raingear is always recommended on our tours.  Please see question #3 for our cancellation policy information. 

      A.  On our Glacier Adventure we normally fly to 4,000 feet.  On our Glacier Dog Sled Adventure, our flights fly to about 4,500 feet and our Dog Sled camp is located at roughly 3,400 feet.

      A.  The Glacier Dog Sledding camp is located on the Norris Glacier at around 3,400 feet.  Other than outhouses there are no facilities.  This is a true Alaskan experience.  Guests will spend approximately one hour on the glacier.  Appropriate dress is essential to passengers comfort and safety.  Hats, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen and raingear are recommended for this tour. 

      A.  Seating in the aircraft is ALL done by weight and balance.  This is figured out at the base and specific for the people in the aircraft, the aircraft itself and the pilot. 

      A.  Dog Sleds run on a track about 1 mile in length.  Each team of dogs pull two sleds.  The musher is always standing behind the first sled with a guest sitting in front.  The second sled has a guest sitting in front with a guest standing in the back.  Each guest will have the opportunity to stand behind the second sled and assist the musher with braking and commands.  There are also plenty of opportunities to stop and take pictures.  The camp is located in the snow on top of a glacier.  The dog sleds used on the tour are the same style sleds that mushers use during the Iditarod.