Matanuska Glacier, Alaska- Tourist's experience

We traveled in the second week of July 2024 and took a guided glacier tour that lasted around three hours, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

We booked the tour directly upon arriving at the glacier tour location. The entrance to the tour site was quite a distance from the Glenn Highway in Sutton, Alaska, though the exact location may vary depending on the tour company you choose.

Ticket prices were $150 per adult and $30 for children aged 14 and under.

Note: If you’re planning to visit Matanuska Glacier, I highly recommend going with a tour guide.

Tips:

• Dress in layers. When the sky was clear and the sun was out, it felt warm on the ice. However, when clouds or wind rolled in, it quickly became cold and chilly.
• Wear waterproof trekking shoes. This is essential for comfort and safety. You’ll need shoe spikes to walk on the ice, which the tour company provides, along with helmets. The cost for shoe spikes and helmets is included in the ticket price, but gratuities for the guide are appreciated and can be given after the tour.
• Pack light. You can bring snacks and water, but remember to pack out any trash. Leave space in your bag for your winter jacket, in case you want to remove it during the hike.
• Restroom facilities are only available at the base station, so be sure to use them before starting your tour.

Reaching the Glacier:

From the base station, we walked about a mile to reach the glacier and our second base station, where we were provided with shoe spikes. The walk wasn’t too difficult, though some areas were uneven. At times, we had to cross makeshift bridges over streams, and there were sections of muddy water, making waterproof shoes essential. Once we reached the second base station, we sat on benches to put on our shoe spikes, which were sized to fit over our shoes.

After gearing up, we began trekking across the glacier. Initially, walking with the spikes felt a bit uncomfortable, but after a few steps, it became much easier. The spikes made walking on the ice much more comfortable and secure.

Cautions:

• Moulins: On Matanuska Glacier, we encountered several moulins, which are vertical shafts within the glacier formed by meltwater that funnels down from the surface. Moulins can extend hundreds of meters deep, channeling water to the glacier’s base. They play a significant role in the glacier’s movement, as the water lubricates the base and influences glacial dynamics. While fascinating, they are dangerous, and it’s important to stay alert while walking on the glacier to avoid stepping near them.

• Cracks in the ice: Similar to moulins, cracks in the glacier can be deeper than they appear. Our guide was invaluable in keeping us informed about where it was safe to step, helping us avoid potential hazards.

 

For more on my experience, see the video linked below.

Thank you!