Glamping on the Matanuska Glacier with MICA Guides (My Honest Review)

Glamping in itself is an incredible experience, but glacier glamping? Completely out of this world. Over the years I've visited many glaciers - from solo hikes to airboats to guided tours - but this experience was the most epic. Last weekend my husband and I went out to Glacier View, hopped on a helicopter, and made our way to the most amazing glamping experience ever. I've broken down the entire experience below, but this is one experience you'll for sure want to add to your Alaska bucket list.

​My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to Alaska. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

For flights, I recommend using Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to Alaska.

Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars!

I always use Expedia's easy-to-use platform to compare the best rates.
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To keep cell service if you're traveling internationally, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required), and NordVPN to stay safe while connecting to different wifi.

For fun things to do, I recommend Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours in the area.

Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance.

Lastly, my Alaska packing list for your travels to the Last Frontier.

My Glacier Glamping Experience - What to Expect

The very first thing on the schedule is checking in at MICA Guides in Glacier View, Alaska. Located right on the Glenn Highway, they have multiple buildings here to accommodate for their ice climbing adventures, heli tours, glacier trekking, and zip lining. After signing all the necessary waivers and watching the helicopter safety video, you'll be brought to the helipad via shuttle. If you have extra time, you can grab a coffee or tea from their adorable cafe.

From here, you'll jump on the helicopter (seating 4 including the pilot) and take the short ride to the glacier camp. By short, I mean really short, the entire ride lasted about 2-4 minutes. Depending on which tour you signed up for, you'll be brought on your chosen activity - whether that's ice climbing or the free, included glacier trek.

Afterwards, after making our way back to camp, we were given our entire charcuterie spread before dinner. All of which were enjoyed in the comforts of a pop-up tent near the kitchen while enjoying the glacier views along with the other couple that was staying the night. Post-dinner, they even surprised us with a small bonfire and s'mores before saying goodnight! The next morning we were brought coffee & tea right to our tent before all meeting at the dining tent for breakfast. Eventually, it was time for us to go and we boarded the helicopter to head back to reality.

My Favorite Tours in the Matsu Valley : 
- Matanuska Glacier Tour
- Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour
- Knik Glacier River ATV Tour

Best Tips & An Honest Review

To be quite honest, there aren't many tips I would give you. MICA Guides did an excellent job preparing us for our trip and even gave us an exact packing list - plus they had plenty of included extras like a thick jacket, hand warmers, and even a portable charging station for our phones. The bathroom is a port-a-potty, but it might be the most scenic one we've ever used or seen. The few things I would make sure to bring are : 

• Warm Layers - the glacier is typically about 10 degrees colder than the main road, and with weather in Alaska constantly changing I would bring thermals and rainproof gear
• Phone Charger - they had a portable station in our room so you'll just need the USB cord
• Snacks - if you're extra picky, I would bring just a couple snacks - the charcuterie board and breakfast options were delicious, but I could see the curry we had for dinner not being everyone's favorite (or a bit too spicy like it was for the couple we were with)

Overall, my experience was incredible. Everything was so over the top (like their charcuterie board snack and s'mores made from Ghirardelli Squares) that every few minutes I found myself being in complete awe. Like I mentioned, the helicopter ride was super short but the views were stunning. The food was great, plus the staff was so welcoming and kind and truly did their best to ensure each guest was having the best possible experience. Our guide Elizabeth was AMAZING - if you see her tell her hi!

The tent was comfortable, and even though we visited right at the end of the summer season and it was about 32 degrees at night, it was fairly warm inside. They had plenty of blankets for us to use and even some games inside for us to play - although we had hardly any down time. I'll be honest, the price point is a bit high for a one night stay - but with all the extra inclusions it's one experience you'll want to splurge on while visiting Alaska.

Watch my Glacier Glamping Experience here!

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Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in : 
-> Best Things to Do in the Matsu Valley
-> 15 Easiest Glaciers to Visit in Alaska
-> Matanuska Glacier Tour Review

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