One of the best things to do in Alaska is to take to the skies. Because of the natural terrain of the icy state, a great deal of travel in Alaska is done in helicopters and small airplanes. One of the wonderful things about Alaska is that much of the state is still quite wild. This means that there are few inroads and through-roads. Sightseeing from a helicopter — otherwise known as “flightseeing” — is quite popular in Alaska.
One of the main attractions in Alaska is the glacier. Like many destination points in the state, Glacier Bay can be most easily reached by helicopter. If you plan on visiting Alaska and seeing the great glacier, it is important to know how to get around. There are a number of helicopter services such as Sky Trekking Alaska, Era Helicopters, Ward Air, and Temsco Helicopters that offer flight services for tourists.
Alaska is a wonderfully wild state. It is a great place to vacation if you really want to get in touch with nature. If you are unfamiliar with the potential hazards of the great outdoors, however, you will have a most enjoyable trip if you employ the services of a guide. Whether you are interested in an extreme outdoor sporting excursion or just a fine afternoon hike, a guide will not only help you stick to the trail and keep sage, but he or she will also be able to explain points of interest and impart information about local history along the way.
If you are a skier, you might just fall in love on your Alaskan vacation. Mount McGinnis, a 4,000 foot (1219.2 meter) peak, is usually covered in ski-friendly powder. There are no chair lifts on Mount McGinnis, however. You will have to take a helicopter to get to the top. Also, be sure to check with a guide before strapping on your skis. Because of the elevation on the mountain, there is sometimes the possibility of an avalanche. Fun fact: The term “heli-skiing” has been created to describe this type of adventure in which skiers take a helicopter to a skiing launch point.
Other great winter sports that can be enjoyed in Alaska include traditional snowshoeing and dog sledding. These traditional Alaskan modes of travel can still be enjoyed today. Although winter sports are big in Alaska, there is still plenty to do in the summer. In the warmer months, visitors to Alaska can enjoy wonderful kayaking routes. Furthermore, hiking is best done when the temperatures have risen.
