Our glacier trips in Alaska give you access to some of the most impressive ice landscapes in the world. With more glaciers than any other state, Alaska is one of the best places to see these natural wonders up close. From wide-open icefields to deep crevasses and frozen rivers, there’s a huge range of glacier terrain to explore—and the experience is different every season.
We focus on guided adventures that take you off the beaten path. Our team knows the land, the conditions, and how to make each trip safe, exciting, and rewarding. We offer guided adventures that combine glacier viewing, backcountry access, and insight into Alaska’s ice-covered landscapes. If you’re looking for Alaska glacier tours that travelers can actually reach, you’re in the right place.
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Our glacier trips in Alaska take you beyond the crowds and into real backcountry terrain, including treks on the Matanuska Glacier and snowmobile rides to the remote Maclaren Glacier. These guided adventures operate near Hatcher Pass and give you hands-on access to some of the best glaciers near Anchorage, with wide-open views of the surrounding mountains. Whether you’re hiking across the ice or exploring powder-covered valleys, our Alaska glacier tours are built for travelers who want more than just a photo—they’re made for those ready to explore.
This four-day winter experience blends some of the most iconic cold-weather activities in Alaska. You’ll trek across Matanuska Glacier, ride with Iditarod-trained sled dogs, snowmobile through the bowls and ridgelines of Hatcher Pass, and fish for lake trout on a frozen lake. At night, relax in a private cabin at Snowhook Lodge with the chance to see the northern lights overhead. Transportation to and from Anchorage is included, along with meals and all essential winter gear.
This all-inclusive trip is designed for travelers looking to explore deeper, with expert guides leading every step of the way. From glacier ice to mountain trails, it offers a complete introduction to glacier trips in Alaska that are both accessible and adventurous. With scenic views, hands-on activities, and backcountry comfort, this is one of the most unique Alaska glacier tours available in the winter season.
NOTE: If you are a single participant, please call to book! We do not provide drivers for our tours. You must be at least 18 and licensed to drive a machine.
Explore deep into Alaska’s winter wilderness on this multi-day snowmobile tour along the Denali Highway. Covering up to 190 miles round-trip, this adventure includes a visit to the remote Maclaren Glacier, chances to see wildlife, and evenings spent at Alpine Creek Lodge with potential views of the Northern Lights. With a mix of powder riding and scenic trails, this is one of the most complete glacier trips in Alaska for riders who want to go further.
The tour begins at Snowhook’s Willow HQ and is designed for both beginners and experienced riders. Along the way, you’ll navigate frozen lakes, alpine forests, and open snowfields with expert guides leading every step. From riding to the foot of Maclaren Glacier to warming up fireside after a long day on the trail, this is one of the best Alaska glacier tours for anyone looking to combine adventure, comfort, and real backcountry access.
From towering ice walls to deep crevasses, glacier viewing in Alaska gives you a close-up look at landscapes shaped by thousands of years of ice and snow. At Matanuska Glacier, long blue ice ridges stretch across the valley floor, surrounded by snow-covered peaks. Maclaren Glacier, farther into the Alaska Range, offers wide-open icefields and frozen rivers tucked deep in the wilderness. These sights showcase the raw scale and variety of terrain featured on our glacier tours in Alaska.
In winter, the landscape is striking. Snow covers the ground, while exposed ice formations rise through the terrain. On clear days, you can see Denali and nearby mountain ranges from certain vantage points. Each area offers a mix of frozen rivers, wide-open fields, and sharp ridgelines, showing just how rugged and remote Alaska’s glacier country can be.
Alaska’s glacier regions are home to a surprising amount of wildlife, even in winter. While riding or hiking through remote areas, you may spot moose moving through the trees or foxes crossing open snowfields. Caribou tracks are common near riverbeds, and on quiet days, you might catch a glimpse of a snowshoe hare or ptarmigan blending into the landscape. These sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the chance to see animals in their natural habitat adds to the experience.
Our guides know the land and often point out tracks, trails, or fresh signs of wildlife. The remote terrain means fewer people and less noise, giving you a better shot at spotting animals without disturbing them. Whether it’s a single moose in the distance or fresh fox prints along the trail, these small moments help connect you to the land and the rhythm of winter in Alaska.
Yes, you can drink glacier water in Alaska, but it’s safest to filter or treat it first. While glacier meltwater is fresh, it can still contain bacteria or sediment from the surrounding environment. We don’t recommend drinking straight from the ice without purification.
You can see glaciers in Alaska from many locations, but some of the most accessible spots include Matanuska Glacier and Maclaren Glacier, both featured on our tours. These areas offer hands-on access and stunning views without the crowds. If you’re looking for glaciers near Anchorage, our guided adventures near Hatcher Pass are a top choice for backcountry exploration and glacier viewing.
The most famous glacier in Alaska is Mendenhall Glacier, located near Juneau and known for its visitor center and accessible views. However, Matanuska Glacier is one of the most visited road-accessible glaciers in Southcentral Alaska and a highlight of our glacier trips in Alaska. It’s ideal for hands-on trekking and offers dramatic blue ice formations just a few hours from Anchorage.
Our tours include Matanuska Glacier and Maclaren Glacier, two of the most scenic glaciers near Anchorage. Matanuska is a popular destination for guided glacier trekking, while Maclaren is accessible by snowmobile on our multi-day backcountry adventures.
Yes, our glacier tours are beginner-friendly and designed for people with little to no prior experience. Whether you’re trekking on Matanuska Glacier or snowmobiling to Maclaren Glacier, our guides provide full instruction and support. Most of our glacier trips in Alaska include all necessary gear and safety briefings, so you can focus on enjoying the experience — no advanced skills required.
Dress in warm, layered clothing that includes a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof outer layer. Sturdy, waterproof boots with good grip are essential for walking on ice and snow. We provide key winter gear like snowsuits, boots, and gloves, but we recommend bringing your own thermal socks, hat, and sunglasses for comfort and visibility on the ice.
Yes, there is a chance to see the northern lights on our winter glacier adventures, especially between November and April. Our glacier tours include overnight stays in remote areas like Hatcher Pass with minimal light pollution. These Alaska glacier tours give you better visibility and a real opportunity to experience the aurora far from city lights.
Most of our glacier trips are moderately active but suitable for a wide range of fitness levels. Glacier trekking may involve uneven ice, mild inclines, and cold conditions, while snowmobiling requires basic coordination but no prior experience. Our guides pace each activity appropriately and provide support along the way, making these Alaska glacier tours accessible even if you’re not an experienced adventurer.
Yes, all of our multi-day glacier tours include lodging and meals as part of the package. On trips like the Denali Glacier Snowmobile Adventure, you’ll stay in remote lodges such as Alpine Creek Lodge, with hot meals provided daily. These adventures are built for comfort as well as adventure, so you can focus on exploring without worrying about food or accommodations.
Transportation is included on some of our glacier tours, like the Northern Lights Glacier Adventure, which offers round-trip service from Anchorage. For tours where it’s not included, we offer the option to book a round-trip shuttle bus for an additional fee. Each Alaska glacier tour clearly lists what’s provided, so check the details when booking or contact us if you have questions.
For a comprehensive grasp of your upcoming Northern Lights adventure, there are several online resources we suggest. The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks delivers daily aurora forecasts, offering insights into when you might catch the best Northern Lights views. For those intrigued by the intricacies of dog sledding, the Alaskan Mushing School provides deep dives into the history and techniques.
Furthermore, keeping an eye on the local climate is essential. Ensure you’re dressed appropriately by checking the weather forecast on the National Weather Service’s Alaska page. With these tools in hand, your Northern Lights escapade in Alaska promises to be both enlightening and exhilarating.
Join us on a once in a lifetime Alaska adventure with Snowhook Adventure Guides of Alaska. We’ll take you to places most people never get to see on dog sleds, helicopters, snowmobiles or ATVs. Join us for an all year adventure.
Join us on a once in a lifetime Alaska adventure with Snowhook Adventure Guides of Alaska. We’ll take you to places most people never get to see on dog sleds, helicopters, snowmobiles or ATVs.
Snowhook Adventure Guides of Alaska. 23880 Long Lake Rd, Willow, AK 99688 © All Rights Reserved | Provided by The Ohlo Group
