Destination Detail
Bret Alexander Mazzei Glacier
History of
The Glacier
Nancy Sohan had always dreamed of taking her daughter Nina Mazzei and her 2-year-old grandson Bret Alexander Mazzei on a helicopter tour in Skagway, Alaska after a family cruise. When the day finally arrived in 1984, they were all filled with excitement as they boarded the helicopter and began their adventure.
As they soared over the breathtaking landscape of Skagway, Nancy couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of the region. They flew over mountains, rivers, and valleys, taking in the stunning scenery from above. But the highlight of their tour was yet to come.
The helicopter landed on a glacier that the pilot explained didn’t have a name. Nancy was intrigued and asked what if they named it after the youngest person who ever landed on the glacier. The pilot chuckled and replied that it wasn’t that simple, but Nancy persisted. She asked who was the youngest to ever land on the glacier. The Pilot pointed to her grandson, Bret Alexander Mazzei, who was by far the youngest person ever to land and walk on the glacier.
The pilot thought for a moment and then nodded in agreement. “You know what? That’s a great idea,” he said. “From now on, this glacier will be known as Bret Alexander Glacier.”
Nancy and her family were overjoyed. They walked around the glacier, taking in its pristine beauty and feeling proud that they had played a small part in naming it. As they returned to the helicopter, Nancy couldn’t help but feel grateful for the experience and the memory they had created together.
As the years passed, the memory of Bret Alexander’s helicopter tour in Skagway, Alaska, continued to live on. The naming of Bret Alexander Glacier became a beloved story among locals and visitors alike, and the glacier itself became a popular destination for Skagway Air Tours.
40 years after that fateful day, a special celebration was held to commemorate the anniversary of the glacier being named.
Destination Explanation
Bret Alexander Mazzei Glacier
Helicopter Tour to Bret Alexander Mazzei Glacier: A Once in a Lifetime Adventure
Looking for an adventure of a lifetime? Look no further than a helicopter tour to the Bret Alexander Mazzei Glacier in Southeast Alaska. This tour will allow you to experience the stunning beauty of Alaska from the air and land on the awe-inspiring blue glacier ice.
Rates
The tour costs $459 per person for those ages two and up.
Lap children under two years old can join the tour for free.
The tour lasts approximately 2.25 hours, including transfers and a safety briefing. During the tour, guests can enjoy approximately 30 minutes of helicopter time and 20-25 minutes on the glacier. Please note that tour times are subject to change due to weather and glacier conditions.
The Experience
The tour starts with a short transfer to the heli-base, where you will be fitted with glacier boots and given a safety briefing by the attendants. From there, you’ll board state-of-the-art helicopters piloted by highly-trained professionals who will transport you over alpine ridges and glacier valleys on your way to the Bret Alexander Mazzei Glacier.
Before landing, you’ll have a birds-eye view of the awe-inspiring blue glacier ice, deep crevasses, spectacular ice falls, and the jagged peaks. Once safely landed on the glacier, expert glacier guides will greet you and take you on a tour of the Bret Alexander Mazzei Glacier. During the 25 minutes spent on the glacier, you will learn how glaciers are formed and explore melt-water pools, feel glacial silt, and capture the beauty on camera or phone.
The adventure doesn’t end there. You’ll rejoin your pilot in the helicopter for a ride back to the base to enjoy the Alaskan beauty from the air one last time. The memories from this tour will last a lifetime.
Additional Information
Skagway Air Tours has specific policies for the tour that guests should keep in mind. For example, guests who weigh 250 pounds (113kg or 18 stone) or more will be charged an additional $200.00 to reserve adequate space on board the helicopter.
The company also prohibits certain items, including bags, iPads or tablets, tripods, selfie sticks, drones, water bottles, and liquids. They will provide lockers at the base for these items.
Guests should also be aware that the tour requires moderate activity levels, and there are steps to navigate both getting in and out of the aircraft and on the glacier. Guests are responsible for navigating these steps on their own, though staff will be there to lend a helping hand.
Aircraft seating is arranged based on the weight, balance, and safety of the whole departure, and groups may be split between multiple helicopters. All groups will be together for the glacier portion of the tour.
Lap children under two years old are free of charge, but they must be held securely by a parent or guardian for the duration of the tour. Guests are responsible for bringing their own warm clothing, including gloves, hats, sunglasses, and good walking shoes.
Weather Cancellations
Unfortunately, weather in Alaska is unpredictable, and tours may be canceled due to weather. The company will not cancel tours preemptively but rather within an hour of departure if necessary.
The helicopter tour to the Bret Alexander Mazzei Glacier in Southeast Alaska is an unforgettable experience that offers guests stunning views of Alaska from both the air and the land. With expert guides, state-of-the-art equipment, and safety as a top priority, guests can relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
For more information or to book your helicopter tour experience with Skagway Air Tours, please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!