Frequently Asked Questions

We fly A-Star 350 series helicopters that seat 6 passengers plus the pilot. Seating is arranged in the helicopter to comply with the helicopter’s weight and balance requirements.

Juneau is in the middle of a temperate rainforest. Weather here is often overcast and rainy. The average summer temperatures are in the 60s but can range from the mid-40s to the mid-80s. Temperatures on the glacier are generally about 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit colder than in town. In an average year, we have to cancel 5-10% of our trips due to inclement weather conditions. If this occurs, we do our best to reschedule passengers if the forecast looks better for another time. However, because weather conditions can vary immensely in different areas and because NorthStar has several different glaciers to land on, cancellations due to weather conditions are at NorthStar’s discretion.

NorthStar caters to individuals and small groups, with personalized service, and longer trips that provide an in-depth learning and recreation experience. With the proper equipment, experienced guides and the longer time on the glacier allows you to explore in a way that is unique to the NorthStar trips.

NorthStar flies turbine A-Star helicopters. These aircraft are the standard in the air tour industry and are well suited for this type of flying. Our pilots are experienced, well trained and dedicated professionals whose top priority is the safety and comfort of our passengers. NorthStar is a member of the helicopter Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS). This organization sets flight standards that exceed the Federal Aviation Administration regulations and all members are regularly audited to verify compliance. NorthStar and the TOPS organization have an excellent safety record. Passengers regularly comment on how much they enjoyed the smooth, professional flight.

As with any active outdoor experience, there is some risk involved, but no more than hiking on a trail for instance. The ice is very solid, hundreds of feet thick, and all of the hazards are visible so can be easily avoided. NorthStar provides the appropriate equipment for your experience as well as well-trained and experienced guides to teach you how to use the equipment and guide you safely across the ice.

You should plan to dress for a 10-15°F temperature decrease from sea-level (at the cruise ship docks) to the glacier. We recommend wearing long socks, gloves, sunglasses, and warm layers, as well as sturdy shoes. You will be outfitted with glacier boots that will cover your footwear and will provide waterproof protection and make it easier to walk on the snow and ice.  Rain gear and/or outer layers are not provided on our dogsledding tours. 

Because space in the helicopter is limited, everything that goes with you should fit inside of your pockets. If carrying larger DSLR cameras, we recommend a neck-strap for easy carrying. Bags and purses are not permitted on this tour. We provide safe storage lockers for any personal belongings to remain at our base. 

NorthStar operates its dogsledding excursions on the Norris Glacier. Unlike the Mendenhall Glacier, which earns its fame for being one of the most accessible glaciers in North America, the Norris Glacier is secluded and well off the beaten path of other visitors. Our remote mushers camp is located approximately 35 kilometers outside of Juneau and is only accessible by helicopter. The Norris Glacier is massive, extending from over 4,000 feet in elevation down to the coastline, where visitors may have the fortune to view stunning displays of azure-blue ice walls as the glacier calves into the sea, while en route to dog camp. 

Northstar provides protective layers (including rain pants, rain jackets, gloves, a harness, and mountaineering boots), top-of-the-line trekking equipment, water, and a light snack for each of our three trekking tours. We recommend that you dress for a 10-15°F temperature decrease from sea-level (at the cruise ship docks) to the glacier. In doing so, you should plan to wear long socks, long pants, sunglasses, and warm layers.

Because space in the helicopter is limited, everything that goes with you should fit inside the large hip pack that is provided. Since you will be active on the ice, it is easiest if you leave behind anything that you won’t need on the glacier. The hip packs have room for a camera or camcorder as well as a few small personal items. Any other belongings can be kept at the heliport for safekeeping during your trip.

NorthStar operates trips mainly on the Mendenhall, however, it also has permits to operate on the Taku, Hole-in-the-Wall, Thiel, Gilkey, Norris, Battle and Herbert glaciers. Landing and trekking sites vary depending on weather and glacier conditions. We select the trekking sites using safety and quality of the experience as the prime criteria.

NorthStar offers three different levels of treks to accommodate a broad range of physical abilities and time. The 1-hour Walkabout is the easiest, the 2-hour Trek has a moderate amount of physical activity and the 3-hour X-Trek is the most strenuous. All trips are geared to the level of the participants in the group. No previous climbing or glacier experience is necessary. The guides make it fun and will teach you everything you need to know for your trip.

You should plan to dress for a 10-15°F temperature decrease from sea-level (at the cruise ship docks) to the glacier. We recommend wearing long socks, gloves, sunglasses, and warm layers, as well as sturdy shoes. You will be outfitted with glacier boots that will cover your footwear and will provide waterproof protection and make it easier to walk on the snow and ice. We will also provide rain pants for wind protection during your airboat excursion. 

Because space in the helicopter is limited, everything that goes with you should fit inside of your pockets. If carrying larger DSLR cameras, we recommend a neckstrap for easy carrying. Bags and purses are not permitted on this tour. We provide safe storage lockers for any personal belongings to remain at our base.

Northstar operates its airboat tours on the Taku Glacier. The Taku is a massive tidewater glacier and the largest of 38 glaciers that comprise the 1,500 square mile Juneau Icefield. The Taku Inlet region remains, to this day, one of the most pristine and untouched areas of Southeast Alaska. Due to the shallow river banks, the inlet is only accessible by careful boat navigation or by air. Our base at Taku Point is the area’s only visible human structure, allowing you to view this environment in its rawest form.