With glaciers around the globe retreating at an alarming pace, the United Nations has named 2025 the International Year of Glacier Preservation. Acknowledging the urgency of the climate crisis, the initiative aims to raise awareness, encourage emissions reduction, and promote global cooperation to protect Earth’s remaining glaciers. But for those who want to see these natural wonders before they vanish, the key is visiting them responsibly and safely.
The Urgency of Preservation
Glaciers have long stood as majestic monuments of time but today, they’ve become symbols of fragility. Scientists estimate that one-third of the world’s glaciers could disappear by 2050, and some like Italy’s Marmolada may vanish even sooner. The consequences are massive, from sea level rise to the disruption of ecosystems and loss of fresh water for billions.
Why Glaciers Matter
- Glaciers store 69% of the world’s freshwater
- Melting glaciers have already raised global sea levels by 8cm since 1900
- They serve as early indicators of climate change’s impact
To commemorate the new UN designation, 21 March 2025 will mark the first annual World Day for Glaciers, coordinated with UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization. But while global leaders mobilise, individuals can also take meaningful action including learning how to safely experience glaciers before they’re lost to history.
How to Visit Glaciers Responsibly
Travelers continue to seek out glaciers as both natural wonders and stark reminders of what’s at stake. But exploring them whether on foot, by ski, or even from the air requires caution, preparation, and respect.
Key Safety Tips for Glacier Travel
- Always go with a certified guide if mountaineering or hiking on ice
- Check weather and avalanche forecasts before any excursion
- Use the proper gear: harness, ropes, self-rescue kits, GPS, and communication devices
- Learn first aid and basic glacier safety, including crevasse navigation and rope technique
“Glacier mountaineering isn’t just about skill it’s about respect for the mountain and preparation,” says Andrea Milani, a mountain guide in the Italian Dolomites. His tours include safety briefings, route planning, and environmental education to ensure visitors leave with more than just photos.
Where to See Glaciers Before They Disappear
Though 91% of glaciers are in Antarctica, there are still accessible options across the Northern Hemisphere. Here are four breathtaking and endangered sites to visit.
Wapta Icefield, British Columbia, Canada
In the heart of the Canadian Rockies, this expansive icefield sits between Banff and Jasper National Parks. Visitors can explore via the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a glass platform overlooking dramatic glacier-fed valleys. For those seeking adventure, guided treks offer the chance to learn glacier dynamics, rope techniques, and crevasse safety.
Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska, USA
Located just 19km from Juneau, Mendenhall is one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers. While viewing is possible by car, a helicopter tour offers an immersive experience. However, due to recent funding cuts, park ranger staff has been reduced and the glacier itself is melting five times faster than in the 1980s. Ice cave access is currently unsafe, but aerial and guided hikes are still available.
Marmolada, Dolomites, Italy
The “Queen of the Dolomites” has become a symbol of climate loss after an avalanche in 2022 claimed 11 lives. Visitors can take a cable car to the summit, ski down its slopes, and visit a WWI ice tunnel museum. Mountaineering is possible with guides, but caution is crucial hidden crevasses and unstable snow bridges can be deadly.
Mer de Glace, Chamonix, France
France’s largest glacier outside Switzerland’s Aletsch is losing 6m in thickness every year. A new gondola ride now takes visitors from Chamonix to the panoramic viewing platform. Explore a reconstructed ice cave, dine at the mountaintop restaurant, or learn about glacial science in the on-site museum. It’s one of the easiest and most educational glacier visits in Europe.
Glaciers: A Mirror to Ourselves
More than icy giants, glaciers have become global climate barometers their retreat is an unmistakable cry for action. Visiting one can inspire a deeper connection to the planet and a commitment to sustainability. Even simple choices like using renewable energy, choosing eco-conscious travel options, and supporting conservation work can help slow their disappearance.
As we enter the Year of International Glacier Preservation, there’s no better time to experience the awe of these natural wonders and to protect what remains. Whether you hike, ski, or simply gaze, remember: glaciers aren’t just frozen in time. They’re melting in real-time, and the window to see them is closing fast.
