For many people, the idea of traveling to a unique, remote location is becoming more important than ever, especially with resorts filling to capacity and social distancing a thing of the past. There is truly nothing more awe-inspiring and breathtaking than getting the opportunity to spend time on a glacier. Whether by helicopter or snowmobile transfer, getting to remote glacier locations are adrenaline-pumping experiences not for the faint of heart.
My first glacier trip was in Alaska, where we had the adventure of a lifetime arriving by helicopter and spending hours exploring some of the most epic glacier sites in the world. The helicopter actually lands directly on the icy glacier, and it is part terrifying and part exhilarating as you try to avoid the death-defying 150-foot deep crevasse.
While it is often more challenging to get to these spectacular locations, the experience and activities you will have are well worth the time. For those seeking something dramatically different, here are a few of the most beautiful hotels in the world built on or near these stunning glaciers.
Kulmhotel Gornergrat (Switzerland)
Located on the Gornergrat, overlooking the Gorner Glacier, the 3100 Kulmhotel is the highest hotel in the Swiss Alps and has stood for 100 years on the Gornergrat mountain. There are 22 modern Alpine-style rooms offering views of either the majestic Matterhorn or Montblanc. The property can be reached from Zermatt via the Gornergrat railway.
Glacier Hotel Grawand (Italy)
At an altitude of 10,500 feet, Glacier Hotel Grawand is the highest hotel in Europe. Located in South Tyrol on the Val Senales/Schnalstal glacier, you reach the property via the Val Senales/Schnalstal glacier cable car from Maso Corto/Kurzras. There are 30 double rooms with panoramic windows, including the newly renovated “Panorama-View” double room with a phenomenal view.
Experienced mountain guides who know the right route can take you on the Ötzi Glacier Tour from July to April. In a safe rope team, you cross the glacier and the main Alpine ridge to the Giogo di Tisa/Tisenjoch either on foot or on touring skis.
Sheldon Chalet (Alaska)
The Sheldon Chalet is perched on an isolated granite peak within a magnificent glacier, 6,000 ft above the Don Sheldon Amphitheater and ten miles from the summit of Denali National Park in Alaska. Located on five private acres, the Sheldon Chalet sleeps up to ten guests in five bedrooms featuring brilliant panoramas of the Alaska Range from every angle. The property is only accessible by air.
Many Glacier Hotel (Montana)
Built by the Great Northern Railway in 1914, Many Glacier Hotel is situated on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake inside Glacier National Park. Partially renovated in 2016, this secluded, five-story hotel contains two suites, seven family rooms, and 205 guest rooms offering lakeside views. Expeditions include day trips through this stunning locale of mountain ranges carved by prehistoric ice rivers. The largest glacier in the state is Blackfoot Glacier, where you can traverse glacial moraines and streams melting from the ice.
Hotel Belvedere (Switzerland)
This dramatic and iconic Swiss Hotel is located directly next to the Rhône glacier. The road is inaccessible during the winter, so the hotel is closed for six months each year. At an altitude of almost 8,000 feet, the Belvédère Hotel was built in 1882 and was a popular attraction for thrill-seekers for many decades, especially after being featured in the James Bond film “Goldfinger.”
Te Weheka Boutique Hotel (New Zealand)
This property is located in Fox Glacier village, in the alpine West Coast region of New Zealand's South Island. It offers the most accessible glacier on a guided walk, Heli hike, scenic helicopter flight, ice climbing, or skydive. The hotel's luxury Fox Glacier accommodation is base for exploring the glaciers or nearby Lake Matheson and is only 20 minutes from the ancient Franz Josef Glacier.
The hotel also offers the thrill of 2 helicopter transfers, with the opportunity to explore the remote glacier on foot, seeking out spectacular ice caves, arches, and tunnels.
Hotel Arctic (Greenland)
This stunning property is located right on the edge of the Ilulissat Ice Fjord. There are 76 rooms, nine suites, and 5 Aluminium "Igloos" built right on the coast's edge and connected to the hotel by a boardwalk. The classic Eskimo igloo inspires the Igloo-style cabins in shape and design. Instead of being made of ice, they have an aluminum frame and modern facilities like any other hotel room.
Cube Aletsch - Million Stars Hotel (Switzerland)
The simply furnished living container – the Cube is surrounded by the mountain landscape of the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a glass of wine together on the Cube’s small patio as you watch the last rays of sun light up the adjacent Great Aletsch Glacier. Cube Aletsch is part of a national tourism project that offers closer connections with the outdoors and includes 50 accommodation options.
If you are interested in remote glacier hiking, here is the ultimate list of the world’s largest glaciers accessible to hike, as well as convenient nearby lodging.
VATNAJÖKULL GLACIER NATIONAL PARK (Iceland)
Vatnajökull glacier is the largest glacier in Europe, covering 8% of Iceland. Because of its enormous size, many parts are prime hiking territory. Hotel Skaftafell is the closest lodging to this spectacular Glacier.
ALETSCH GLACIER (Switzerland)
The enormous Aletsch Glacier, part of a Unesco World Heritage Site, is the Alps' heaviest ice flow. It is extremely popular for it is easily accessible hiking. Das Bodmi Hotel is the closest lodging to the Glacier.
COLUMBIA ICEFIELD (Canada)
This is the largest ice field in the Canadian Rocky Mountains located between Jaspar National Park and Alberta. Glacier View Lodge is the closest lodging to the Glaciers.
PERITO MORENO GLACIER (Argentina)
This glacier is considered the world’s third largest reserve of fresh water. It is It is part of an ice field located in both Argentina and Chile. There are walking paths that allow glacier views and lots of trekking tour options. Adventure Domes El Calafate is the closest lodging to the Glacier
MÝRDALSJÖKULL GLACIER (Iceland)
This glacier is in the countries fourth largest ice cap and contains the massive Katla Volcano. Ice cave tours and trekking are most popular here. Hotel Skogafoss is one of the closest lodges near the Glacier.
JOSTEDAL GLACIER (Norway)
This glacier is the largest ice cap in mainland Europe. Because of its famed location and easy accessibility, it is one of the best places to explore the ice. Jostedal Hotel is one of the closest lodges near the Glacier.
BALTORO GLACIER (Pakistan)
This glacier is one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions. It is located in the Shigar district Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, and runs through the Karakoram mountain range. Serena Shigar Fort is one of the closest lodges to the Glacier.
