Seward Heli Tour: Is the Glacier Dogsledding & Two Landings Worth It?

Okay, so you are eyeing that Seward helicopter tour, right? The one with the dogsledding on a glacier and two, count them, two stops on glaciers. It is almost like something out of a movie, really. That is exactly what I thought before I dropped the cash for the excursion. After the adventure, I wanted to lay it all out for people considering doing the same. Is it as awesome as it seems? Is it really worth the money? Read on for a full breakdown from someone who just experienced it.

What to Expect on Your Seward Helicopter Adventure

Okay, so the day starts, very, very likely, in Seward, Alaska, probably right around the harbor area. That is usually where the tour operators have their offices. The beginning bits are, well, the regular tour stuff. First off, there is a safety briefing, but of course that is there to get you up to snuff on the helicopter itself and any, sort of, precautions. They make sure you know the drill. After that is out of the way, the team will get you fitted with glacier boots. Also, a warm jacket. You know, all that jazz, because up on the glacier it can get pretty cold. By the way, even in summer!

Then, finally, and this is where it gets very awesome, you go walking out to the helicopter. Depending on the tour group, helicopters can look a bit different, still, it is going to be a proper helicopter. Seating plans change based on weight. Every spot offers what could be great sights, let me tell you. You are going to put on your headphones, that link into the ship. Once everyone is buckled and ready, the rotors will start whirring. That moment, like your breath is, very likely, being taken away as the chopper rises vertically and zips away.

That air time out to the glacier is gorgeous. In a way, they fly over Resurrection Bay. With luck you get views of the local wildlife! Seals, maybe even whales. That water shines with different shades of blue! Above, jagged mountain peaks try poking through the skies. Also, some are permanently topped with snow, regardless of the month. Very scenic views of forests stretch down to the water line. It all combines into quite the show before you ever touch down. Basically, this leg on its own feels like an outstanding win.

Dogsledding on a Glacier: A Real Alaskan Dream

Landing on a glacier, and this is something else entirely, is absolutely insane! The vast, white expanse stretches out, broken only by the blue meltwater streams and the peaks poking through. I have got to tell you, stepping out onto this surface is almost like another planet. The air itself feels crisper. The views, anyway, extend seemingly to the other side of reality.

Right, but, more or less, you are not here just for the scenery, although that is great. This adventure also includes dogsledding. A group of eager sled dogs will meet you, with their musher. They are barking and jumping in their harnesses, clearly excited for what could be a run. Now, I like your attitude, standing there, getting to meet these incredible canine athletes! Then there is going on that sled. Gliding across the glacier feels unreal. The dogs, right, they are powerful and so into their work, just ripping past gorgeous landscapes. We had a blast petting and loving on them too. The mushers often are super informative, talking a little about the dogs, what it takes to manage them, or that lifestyle in general.

For most people, like your normal dogsledding is already some crazy experience. Now, though, they are going to add the location of the spot itself. The vast glacier surrounding you, it is almost surreal. That combo of unique sights combined with this dogsled run easily justifies the cost all on its own. You may be taking photographs and shooting video like a madman because this, almost, seems like an experience that should get saved forever.

Two Glacier Landings: More Than Just a Photo Op

As if just dogsledding on one glacier was not impressive enough, a bit of these excursions involve a stop or two on a different glacier. Each stop is unique, too it’s almost providing completely distinct experiences. The terrain shifts on each, for instance. Some have blue ice caves. Others may have meltwater pools, like they have that color you can only get from glacial runoff. Some others provide amazing viewpoints. Basically, it gives some photo opportunities unlike anything anywhere.

A lot of people think the stops are all about the snapshots, still, the pure magnificence you may be feeling while there, soaking it all in, is so worthwhile too. Those spots up there, at the roof of the earth, gives almost this chance to connect with nature. To consider yourself but a little piece of something so amazing! Time gets spent walking about some too. It gets filled taking photos and asking the guides random questions, getting some insights from a completely different place. Each landing seems short, yet makes you so much more grateful.

During that chopper transit in the midst of both glacier landings, right, make sure you do not stop keeping your eyes open! Some views up there just continue wowing you. The perspective from the helicopter means there may be countless, yet very few people can view. Jagged mountains are there. Vast icefields seem so still. Everything you consider gets transformed through witnessing this scale that almost puts everything back at a balanced setting. It becomes a life memory.

Booking and Planning: What You Should Know

If, in some respects, a Seward helicopter tour seems a little like the thing to do, there are a few things to consider while planning it. Initially, booking ahead, particularly during high season, is always a great plan. These trips could be incredibly sought after. Booking ahead locks in that seat. The tours can sell out far in advance.

Comparing what all the different tour operators may be providing is an awesome thing, too. Check the overall length. Figure out how long they allocate to the dogsledding. Think about any possible extra stops. Some others might throw in something different that is going to fit your interests a little better. If you can, consider looking for reviews done by those already enjoying that adventure, right, giving you an idea just what may be anticipated.

Okay, but when it comes to just day-of information, remember to dress warmly, no matter the season. The glaciers can be cold! Layered clothing would be a winning tactic. Gloves, too it’s almost like they make such a difference in ensuring fingers do not go completely frozen. Sturdy, supportive footwear makes getting walked on the glaciers tons easier and is really rather vital. Do not ignore bringing sunglasses too, as the sun glinting from ice gets awfully bright.

One more heads up; weather could affect these types of tours considerably. Always check up prior to your journey to verify if there may be any, sort of, expected setbacks or delays. These companies care greatly for safety, therefore, they are not going to risk flying into rough weather. Because of this it is almost always a good move, if you can, building some flexibility into that agenda, like giving time for the trip rescheduling if necessary.

Is the Seward Heli Tour Worth It? My Honest Opinion

Okay, at the end of it, would I say this Seward helicopter ride with the dogsledding plus the glacier landings would be worthwhile? Unquestionably. Yes. All day. Every way. You can see that raw landscapes combined with an incredibly special activity has it be an experience without anything much to it. I would give that high a rating to the fact that you are able to get dogsledding on a glacier. Even only once does wonders.

But, more or less, if you think about some of those specific facets individually, any may appear fairly expensive on their own, yet collectively they end at such an incredibly satisfying package overall. Think, the dogsledding. Both landings at multiple glaciers. Next that remarkable helicopter flight by itself, as icing up top. Okay, yes, your dollars are flying out of your wallets fast on this particular tour, still, memories stick close a great deal, forever really, after experiencing stuff like that.

Thus, if your dreams involve amazing Alaskan sights, coupled to some remarkable, unique thrill ride, then the Seward helicopter trips could be some of the very best activities offered. I feel I might claim experiencing things up above provides such rare perspectives only attainable this path. Make it a little splurge; have one you surely will never regret having gone through. You likely, yet, have so many amazing memories, similar to some you see or have felt.

• Incredible scenery: The flight over Resurrection Bay, the mountains, plus seeing all those glaciers from up so high feels almost out of reach otherwise.
• Thrilling Activity: Gliding past these icy landscapes by dogsled must be completely insane! Those are super skilled sled dog people who always stay in such great form.
• Lasting memories: Trips that will give you something wonderful will never fade and might alter that appreciation or connection from reality in surprising, interesting directions!

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