Matanuska Glacier Ice Fall Trek from Anchorage

Offered by Planet Earth Adventures, LLC In Anchorage, Alaska

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About us

“Planet Earth Adventures is the result of a simple dream . . . Show people the best of Alaska and have fun doing it. Plain and Simple”

We understand that our guests have a choice of tour operators to choose from when arranging their trip to Alaska. We are committed to providing you with high-quality tours. We take care of all of the details so you don't have to. If touring in a large group isn't for you and the idea of driving yourself doesn't appeal, a small group tour might be just the answer. As part of a smaller group, you'll experience a totally new style of travel, a different kind of attitude. It’s like being on vacation with a group of friends, like-minded travelers that you can share your day-to-day travel experiences. We'll go the extra mile to make sure you have the ultimate Alaskan experience. That's because our passionate and dedicated staff will quickly get to know your preferences and special interests, then spoil you with special detours off the beaten track to incorporate memorable little treats.

Explore the “must-see” areas of Alaska as well as some of the special, lesser-known areas. Embark on an extraordinary journey through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. At the end of your journey, you’ll leave Alaska with new friendships and treasured memories that will last a lifetime!

What we'll do

Enjoy a first-hand view of Beautiful Matanuska Glacier!

*About the Glacier and the Hike:
Glaciers are responsible for shaping and forming this great land, and Alaska has more than one thousand of these frozen rivers. Since the Matanuska Glacier is so accessible, we help visitors explore this wonderful environment on many different levels. Our guides are chosen for their experience and their desire to work and play in bold environments. A zest for life and a caring attitude makes all of us proud to share this unique Alaska experience.

Glacier hiking is for virtually everyone! With the proper equipment and an experienced guide, explore the hidden treasures of the Matanuska Glacier. The Matanuska Glacier is one of the few Alaskan glaciers accessible by car. It is located 2 hours NE of Anchorage. With just a short hike, you can be standing on an enormous river of ice, exploring the natural wonders of the majestic glacier. Glacier hiking is an all-weather activity. However, when the weather is bad in and around Anchorage, it is often sunny on the glacier. This is due to a phenomenon in which the cold air of the glacier forces the warm valley air upward and into the surrounding peaks causing a weather hole. So come to the sunny Matanuska Glacier for an unforgettable experience.

*Trip Highlights:
- A truly Alaskan Adventure on the Matanuska Glacier.
- Discover the amazing Blue Ice, Crevasses, and other unique formations.
- Stand on a high-point with amazing views of the great Ice Fall.
- Stand on 1,000-year-old Ice.
- This is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

What to expect / what's provided

*Duration: 8-Hours from Anchorage (Length of the hike is approximately 3 hours)

*Important information: Tour participants must be able to able to walk/hike approximately 2 miles with minimal assistance

*What to Expect:
- You will be picked up from your Anchorage hotel and start the trip to Matanuska Glacier, an extraordinary place to experience beauty and adventure in the wilderness of Alaska. This tour starts in Anchorage with a 2-hr scenic drive along the Matanuska Valley.
- With some and instructions and time to get all the necessary gear on, your hike starts at the toe of the terminal moraine and follows the path of the receding ice up the glacier. Once you arrive at the glacier, your guide will help you put your crampons on and explain how to navigate the glacial landscape. The icefall trek features close-up views of the best accessible features of the glacier including crevasses, seracs, and unique ice formations, as well as a high point with views of the beautiful icefall. Even if the sky is grey or rainy the power of the glacier is still beautiful and amazing.

*What's Included:
- Small-Group Experience
- 1 to 6 guide to guest ratio while on the glacier
- Certified Wilderness First Responder Guides
- Admission into Matanuska Glacier Park
- Approximately 3-hour guided hike to and on the Matanuska Glacier
- Optional lunch at a local lodge overlooking the Matanuska Glacier
- Photo stops along the way
- Complimentary snacks and water are available throughout the tour
- Mountaineering crampons
- Helmet
- Trekking pole
- Loaner Hiking Boots

*What You Need To Bring:
- Day Pack
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Heavy Snacks
- Bottled Water
- Gloves
- Clothing Layers
- Rain Gear

*Not Included:
- Guide Gratuity (Not expected but appreciated by your glacier guide)

*What You Need To Know:
Our most popular hike, featuring close-up views of crevasses, seracs, and unique ice formations. With the use of crampons, you'll enjoy trekking to a high point on the glacier which overlooks the ice fall as well as getting up close. The glacier is in a constant state of change, and your guide can point out various features as you navigate the intense surface. This is sure to be an unforgettable experience. No experience is necessary. Minimum age 8 years.

*FAQs:
- What is the weather like on the glacier?
The weather varies quite a lot around here. In general, it is about 5-10 degrees cooler down on the glacier. There is not an accurate forecast for the area, so don’t worry about checking the weather ahead of time. The weather can and does change quickly so we recommend being prepared for both rain and shine.

- What if it is raining on the day of my trip?
Our trips go out rain or sunshine. We ask that you come prepared with a rain jacket and possibly rain pants, for a comfortable experience on the glacier. If you do not have these items, we can provide you with our rain gear at no additional fee.

- Are your trips safe?
There are inherent dangers on the glacier, and anything could happen out there. Our guides are highly experienced and trained to spot these dangers and manage risks appropriately.

- How many people will be on our trip?
We try to keep the guest-to-guide ratio at 6 or 7 guests to 1 Guide. If there are more than 6 people in the group, we may send another guide on the trip.

- Can I bring my camera out on the glacier?
Absolutely! There are many opportunities for photographs on all of our trips.

- What should I wear for the Ice Fall Trek?
Quick-dry or hiking pants and extra warm layers are suggested. You must wear long pants, no shorts. Even if it is not raining, we suggest bringing rain gear as the weather can change at any time. Bring thick socks that come up over your ankle and your own hiking boots that come above your ankle. Also bring snacks, water, and a small day-pack if you have one. Keep in mind that this hike will carry over lunch, so please make sure you bring snacks along. There will be an option to eat lunch after your hike at a nearby restaurant.

- What if I don’t have hiking boots?
If you are going on the Ice Fall Trek and don’t have a pair of hiking boots that fit at or above your ankle, we will lend you one of ours.
For Ice Climbing trips, we will lend you a pair of our ice climbing boots.

- Do I have to pay extra if I borrow your boots or other gear?
No. All of the gear rentals are included in your trip price.

- What can I expect on this hike?
Watch the two-minute video below . . .

Cancellation Policy

In the unlikely event that we cancel a trip: you will receive a full refund. CANCELLATIONS DUE TO WEATHER: Our trips run rain or shine unless dangerous conditions exist. If you decide not to partake in your scheduled trip with us due to the weather forecast or because it is raining where ever you may be, the refund policies below will apply. If you are at our location, on time for your trip and it is steadily raining more heavily than a drizzle we will happily refund your trip if you do not want to go. You must be at our location at the time of your trip. Our weather is often completely different from even just 10 miles away. A WORD ABOUT REFUND REQUESTS: We are a small company in remote Alaska with only 100 days in the year to make our living. We have one of the most generous Cancellation Policies around; however, we do not issue refunds for last minute cancellations, changes or late arrivals. It will simply be too late for us to fill the spaces that we have set aside for you. Thus, we do not issue refunds for no-shows, changes or cancellations within 72 hours of the trip start time. This applies to, but is not limited to unforeseen circumstances such as unexpected illness, road construction, getting lost or any number of events that could happen. We cannot wait for late arrivals as this is unfair to our guests that are on time for their tour. If you arrive late you may miss your trip even if that group has not departed yet. This is because even though you are there, your checking in and getting ready will delay the rest of the group. Late arrivals who miss their trips will be considered a no-show and will not get a refund for any reason. Late arrivals will also not be rescheduled to another trip without booking and paying for another tour. We pride ourselves on our professionalism, excellent customer service, and the best tours on the Matanuska Glacier. All we ask is that you show up on time for your tour. We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover you in the event of an unexpected delay.

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