Exit Glacier Guides

Helicopter Trip Description and Recommendations

When, where, etc...

Our Heli Ice Hiking/Climbing Tour starts an hour before flight time in our office. Please let us know if you are a train or bus passenger in order to accommodate departure times. We are located at 1013 3rd Ave, right on the outskirts of Seward’s historic downtown. If you are coming in on the highway, stay on that course as you enter the town. The highway will turn into 3rd ave, and will eventually start going up a hill as you continue into town. Continue up the hill past the AVTEC building on your left to Madison St and take a left. Take your next right onto 4th ave. We are located on the right side of the street at the end of the block.

If you are coming from the train station or the small boat harbor, go down 4th ave, up and over the hill, past the AVTEC building on your right. We are on the right side of the street on 4th ave, almost on the corner of 4th and Jefferson.

What we provide...

Crampons, trekking poles, helmet, backpack, hydration system and snack. Our crampons are Black Diamond Contact Straps, which blend ease of use with high performance and durability better than any on the market. Our trekking poles are easy to use as well and can be worth their weight in gold for sore knees or navigating the glacial terrain. Our backpacks have plenty of room to hold all your personal items like jackets and cameras while being extremely comfortable with completely adjustable shoulder, lumbar and load straps. The hydration pack holds 2 liters of water and fits inside a special sleeve in our backpacks so your water is always right where you need it- by your mouth. The snack is a g.o.r.p. mix (good ole’ raisins and peanuts, and chocolate) and an energy bar. Let us know of any dietary restrictions and we can modify the snack for you.

What you need to bring or should bring...

A sturdy pair of shoes. A sturdy shoe or boot is essential to your comfort on our trip. Boots are best, but if you do not own a pair then your most comfortable hiking shoe will work. Tennis shoes or casual sneakers are not recommended. Rain jackets are also a must and ones that are of the wind/rain proof design are best as they are generally thinner and lighter weight. Some layers like a fleece or liners are essential to keep your core temperature comfortable. The glacier can get drafty so some layering at that point is a good idea but remember we are not on an arctic expedition. Anywhere from 55-65 degree range is a safe bet. Some comfortable hiking pants (cotton or denim jeans absorb water and are not recommended), a hat and/or beanie, a light pair of gloves, sun glasses, sun

screen and hiking socks are all recommended and will make the trip that much more comfortable. Don’t forget your camera! Eat a normal breakfast that morning and let us take care of your snack on the trail. For the climbing trip you need to bring a good pair of gloves that are somewhat waterproof without being bulky and rain pants and jacket. All other gear is the same as the Ice Hiking trip.

What are we doing and where are we going...

We meet at our office to get outfitted with all the necessary gear to explore the glacier. We then take our shuttle to the local Seward airport to board the Helicopter. After some preflight safety instructions we take off for the glacier. Our destination is across Resurrection Bay and up into the mountains bordering the Sargent Icefield. The chopper lands us right at the toe of the glacier where we will start our exploration.

Payment and Cancellation Policy...

Cancellation is as follows: up to two weeks before the trip there is a complete refund, two weeks to 48 hours there is a 50% payment fee, within 48 hours there is no refund. Rarely do we cancel trips but occasionally the weather can create white out conditions on the glacier and we will postpone a trip, or some other unforeseen reason will cause a trip cancellation by us. If this happens we will not charge the credit card. *(note our liability ends by not charging the customer a fee or trip price for cancellations by us)

Contact info...

Exit Glacier Guides P.O. Box 1812 Seward, AK 99664

907-224-5569 (May - September) 907-491-0552 (October - April)

www.exitglacierguides.com