Private Summer Snowmobile / Helicopter Tour

Know the Financial Risk Before Booking

I do not recommend booking a tour with Alaska Backcountry Access if you are traveling from far away or if you don't plan to return to Alaska anytime soon. If you do decide to book, I strongly recommend scheduling it early in your trip and staying in Alaska for at least two weeks, so you have flexibility if the weather doesn't cooperate. Alaska's weather is unpredictable—that's understandable. However, with this company, the financial risk of weather cancellations is placed entirely on the customer. Read the cancellation policy very carefully before booking. My family paid almost $3,000 for a helicopter glacier and snowmobile tour for three people. Unfortunately, the tour never took place because of the weather. We did not simply walk away. We waited for hours on weather hold and made every effort to find a solution. We even offered to reschedule the tour for the following day, but we only had one day left in Alaska before traveling to another city to catch our international flight back home. We were also willing to rent a car and drive back to Seward at our own expense if the tour could be accommodated. Unfortunately, that was not possible. We also discussed taking a different tour and even requested a partial refund, recognizing that the company had likely incurred operational costs. Every alternative was declined. The only option offered was store credit. Come back? Alaska is absolutely beautiful, and we loved our visit. But like many international travelers, our plan is to explore new states and new countries—not return to the same destination just to use a credit. Sell it? We don't know anyone planning a trip to Alaska, and selling a nearly $3,000 tour credit is not a simple or realistic solution. In the end, we paid almost $3,000 for an experience we never received and were left with a credit we are unlikely to ever use. If you're a local resident or someone who visits Alaska regularly, this policy may work for you. If you're an international traveler or visiting Alaska as a once-in-a-lifetime trip, please understand the financial risk before booking with this company. My advice is simple: read the cancellation policy very carefully and compare the weather cancellation and refund policies of other tour operators before making your decision. The differences between companies may be significant, especially if you are traveling from another state or another country.

via Tripadvisor

Snow machine tour to Spencer glacier

What an amazing adventure! You don't wanna leave AK without doing this. Andy and Zanalee got us all suited up in comfy, warm gear, and we headed out to the back country via snow machines for a 32 mile tour. Saw 3 moose, ptarmigan, swans... and the coolest thing I'd ever seen. A real live glacier! We drove right up to Spencer glacier, it's blue ice towering over us, in complete awe. We even relaxed in an ice cave and ate charcuterie and hot cider off of Zanalee's snow machine. I mean, come ON! This trip is 100% worth every penny. Don't miss out.

Response from the operator: Yes, it's quite a movie-like experience! Glad you had fun.

via Tripadvisor

Outstanding

Excellent customer service! They were extremely patient and very helpful the entire tour. Very knowledgeable and awesome to work with!

Response from the operator: Glad you loved it! Visit Alaska again any time, we will welcome you.

via Tripadvisor

Highlight of our trip!!! Don’t hesitate, book it!!

This was the highlight of our trip. Andy and his wife are great. From greeting you and getting you geared up to taking off and getting you on the snow mobiles they make you feel comfortable and ready for the awesome experience you’re about to have. We had a blast on the snow mobiles and Andy is a good teacher. If you’ve never been on one, he gives you a chance to get familiar with them before you really take off on your journey. The views are amazing. You can’t get those kind of views anywhere else. It’s a fun experience and great site seeing all rolled into one with great people!! If you’re on the fence about booking, don’t be. Book it!!! It’s well worth the money. It was a great experience. Bring your camera and enjoy some fun!!

Response from the operator: The best kind of review an experience could possibly want!

via Tripadvisor

Heli Glacier Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling on top of a glacier was thrilling with spectacular views. This once in a lifetime adventure was worth every penny. Our guide Andy was engaging and kept us safe at all times. For my hubby it was the first helicopter ride and the views of “wolverine” glacier on the way back were a marvel. If you are looking for a special adventure then this is the one to pick.

via Tripadvisor