The 7 Best Glacier Trips on Snow

1.Athabasca Glacier Snow Trip from Banff

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 394 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $291Our pick

Spend about 11 hours traveling from Banff to Athabasca Glacier with a guide such as Neil, Georgia, or Jake. You’ll stop at Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Lake, ride an Ice Explorer across the ice, drink glacier water, walk the Glacier Skywalk, and enjoy a picnic lunch.

“This is a must-do tour! Checked all the boxes - definitely an epic experience. Tour guides were friendly, informative and helpful. Bring a spare battery and be prepared to be amazed by the beauty that Banff National Park and the Icefield Parkway (top 10 must do drive - check it and see for yourself) have to offer.”

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2.Mount Cook: Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 271 reviews · 45 min · from $328

You’ll fly over the Tasman Valley by ski plane and helicopter, land on the upper Tasman Glacier, and return to Mount Cook Airport after time on the snow. English-speaking pilots provide commentary. Expect big views, a strict 45-minute check-in, and no bags onboard.

“Both the ski plane and helicopter flights were great, the view was amazing- maybe a bit more commentary from the guides would have elevated the experience.”

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3.Snowshoe Hike to Castner Glacier Ice Cave

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 35 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $275

Travel from Fairbanks to Castner Glacier, then walk roughly 1 to 1.5 miles across the ice to an ice cave. Guides such as Owen, Matthew, Kody, and Colter provide gear, photos, and local context. Expect a long winter day, cold conditions, and a small group of up to 10 people.

“This was a must-see experience! The hike is a bit long, but the ice cave was worth it! Our guide, Matthew, was wonderful. Always checking in on us and making sure we were ok or asking if we needed anything. He even helped take pictures of us, so our entire family was in one photo. He knew the areas of the ice cave to avoid in order to stay safe and advised us of this before heading in. We loved it!”

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4.Fairbanks: Guided Snowshoe Hike to Castner Glacier Ice Cave

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 31 reviews · 9 hours · from $265

Travel from Fairbanks to Castner Glacier with a guide such as Matthew or Owen, watching for caribou and mountain views along the way. After a 1.5-mile hike with optional snowshoes or cleats, step inside a huge glacier-formed ice cave. The nine-hour trip includes transport, snacks, water, and binoculars.

“Great trip, Matthew was an awesome guide. He took his time to take photos for people, made sure everyone was safe hiking and was a careful and good driver. Very good tour for the money, well worth it as the ice cave is very cool.”

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5.45-Minute Glacier Highlights Ski Plane Tour from Mount Cook

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · from $418

Take a roughly 45-minute ski-plane flight from Mount Cook Airport over Aoraki Mount Cook, Tasman Valley, Hochstetter Icefall, and New Zealand’s largest glacier. Your pilot provides live commentary before landing on the Tasman Glacier snowfield. Hotel pickup and return transfer are included.

“This experience was one of the highlights of our trip! Our pilot Mark was informative, fun and professional. He made a nervous passenger (myself) feel very safe and comfortable. Highly recommend!”

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6.Snowshoe OR Cross Country Ski Tours in Glacier National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $219Best value

Meet at 9 a.m. in Whitefish for a private 3 to 4-hour Glacier National Park outing with a professional guide, scenic Lake McDonald and Apgar stops, snacks, drinks, and transport. Ask if Brandon is guiding your group, since he is specifically praised for his local insight.

“We had an awesome adventure and our guide Brandon was excellent and learned so much about the area . Whitefish Outfitters is a top notch company. Highly recommend this tour.”

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7.Combo: Scenic Drive & 2hr Snowshoeing Tour in Glacier National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · from $380

You’ll explore Hungry Horse Dam, Belton Bridge, Lake McDonald, and Apgar Village with a private guide such as Connor, Lori, or Morgan. The day includes about two hours of snowshoeing, gear, snacks, drinks, and private transport from Whitefish.

“Conner was a fantastic guide. Friendly and knowledgeable. We had a great time driving to and around Lake McDonald. It was our first time to go snowshoeing. Connor instilled confidence so that we were able to relax and enjoy our time on a beautiful day hiking on the snow covered trails.”

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