When most people talk of traveling to Alaska for a vacation, they think of the summer. This is hardly a surprise considering that Alaskans enjoys at least 19 hours of daylight during the summer solstice. In winter, the story is different. Winters have fewer hours of daylight and more hours of twilight and darkness.
The truth is that winters in Alaska are not as cold and dark as one may think. Temperatures in the state hover around an average of between 19.4 F (-7 Celsius) and 30 F (-1 Celsius). Additionally, southern parts of Alaska get up to 6 hours of daylight during the winter months.
The truth is that winters in Alaska are not as cold and dark as one may think. Temperatures in the state hover around an average of between 19.4 F (-7 Celsius) and 30 F (-1 Celsius). Additionally, southern parts of Alaska get up to 6 hours of daylight during the winter months.
Winters are quite popular among locals. Right from the sight of fresh snow everywhere to the sight of the northern lights dancing in the skies at night everything about Alaskan winters is special. Winters are full of exciting festivals and thrilling outdoor activities. The dog mushing season also starts in the winter. Simply put, Alaska is a winter wonderland for travelers.
Another reason to travel to Alaska in winter is the fact that visitors get great rates on many things including hotels, rental cars, and tours. Some activities such as Nordic skiing and ice skating are free as long as one has his/her equipment. It is also a great time for visitors to sample the local hospitality since many locally owned joints remain open even in winter.
Another reason to travel to Alaska in winter is the fact that visitors get great rates on many things including hotels, rental cars, and tours. Some activities such as Nordic skiing and ice skating are free as long as one has his/her equipment. It is also a great time for visitors to sample the local hospitality since many locally owned joints remain open even in winter.
Things To Do In Fairbanks
Winter solstice in Fairbanks brinks just 3 hours of daylight. Nonetheless, anyone who has visited Fairbanks will attest to the fact that it is simply one of the most amazing places in winter. Visitors can do some things including;
1. See the Northern Lights
This phenomenon, which is also called aurora borealis is one of the most breathtaking sights in the Arctic. It is a glowing and flickering array of colors commonly above the northern hemisphere. Visitors commonly report seeing colors such as fluorescent green, blue, violet, pink and sometimes even red. Considering that the Northern Lights are a wonder of the natural world, it is hardly a surprise that many travelers (wheelchair accessible) dream of chasing them.
According to experts, there is nowhere better to chase the Northern Lights in the United States than in the city of Fairbanks. In fact, the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska is located here. The institute is responsible for monitoring Aurora viewing conditions and giving forecasts. Visitors have an 80% chance of seeing the Northern Lights if they stay in the city for at least three nights.
Popular northern lights viewing spots in Fairbanks include;
According to experts, there is nowhere better to chase the Northern Lights in the United States than in the city of Fairbanks. In fact, the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska is located here. The institute is responsible for monitoring Aurora viewing conditions and giving forecasts. Visitors have an 80% chance of seeing the Northern Lights if they stay in the city for at least three nights.
Popular northern lights viewing spots in Fairbanks include;
- Ester Dome
- Ski Land Lodge
- University of Alaska Fairbanks
- Creamer's Field
- Chena Hot Springs
2. Visit Chena Hot Springs Resort Community
This is one of the premier resort communities in interior Alaska. Chena Hot Springs is the center attraction of this resort community. Gold prospectors discovered the springs in 1905, and since then, more visitors have come in search of the springs. In winters, the hot springs offer a spectacular experience. Visitors can strip right down to their swimsuits and take a bath in the hot waters as snow falls around.
While in Chena Hot Springs, visitors should also visit the Aurora Ice Museum which showcases the artwork of Steve and Heather Brice who are champion ice carvers. The museum is made from more than 1,000 tons of ice and snow and is the largest all-year-round ice environment in the world. All the ice and snow used in the museum is collected from the resort. Some of the amazing ice sculptures in the museum include;
After touring the museum, visitors can also take some time to relax in the Aurora Ice Bar. In here, cocktails are served in a martini glass made from ice.
While in Chena Hot Springs, visitors should also visit the Aurora Ice Museum which showcases the artwork of Steve and Heather Brice who are champion ice carvers. The museum is made from more than 1,000 tons of ice and snow and is the largest all-year-round ice environment in the world. All the ice and snow used in the museum is collected from the resort. Some of the amazing ice sculptures in the museum include;
- A pair of life-size jousters on the back of a horse
- A giant chess set
- A Christmas tree bedroom
- A polar bear
After touring the museum, visitors can also take some time to relax in the Aurora Ice Bar. In here, cocktails are served in a martini glass made from ice.
3. The World Ice Art Championships
There are also those who travel to Alaska during winter for the sake of experiencing the ice art scene. Every year from late February to March, Fairbanks plays host to the World Ice Art Championships. Visitors get to experience breathtaking ice sculptures and watch the sculptors work round the clock to create masterpieces from blocks of ice. Some creations even reach up to 25 feet in height. At least 70 teams and more than 100 artists from around the world take part in the championship. Additionally, an estimated 45,000 people visit Fairbanks to experience the masterpieces every year.
Unfortunately, however, organizers recently announced that the 2018 version of the World Ice Art Championship would not take place. However, the event will return in 2019.
Unfortunately, however, organizers recently announced that the 2018 version of the World Ice Art Championship would not take place. However, the event will return in 2019.
4. Visit Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
Experience a slice of Alaskan history at this antique car museum. Located on the grounds of Wedgewood Resort, this museum offers visitors a chance to take a trip back into Alaska's formative years. This includes seeing Alaska's first car and getting an interesting insight into Alaska's automotive history. Visitors get to experience this through photographs, historical videos, and some exhibitions. In addition to that, visitors to the museum also get a glimpse into Alaska's clothing design history through photos and over 100 vintage costumes on display.
The vintage car collection at the Museum includes more than 80 vehicles including classics from the 30's, horseless carriages, steamers, electric cars, cyclecars, speedsters and even midget racers. The collection even includes an 1898 Hay Motor Vehicle, 1906 Compound and a 1920 Argonne among other rarities. It is also interesting to note that that most of the vehicles are still in operating condition. This means people can get to live history.
During winters, the museum opens on Wednesdays and Sundays from noon to 6 pm.
The vintage car collection at the Museum includes more than 80 vehicles including classics from the 30's, horseless carriages, steamers, electric cars, cyclecars, speedsters and even midget racers. The collection even includes an 1898 Hay Motor Vehicle, 1906 Compound and a 1920 Argonne among other rarities. It is also interesting to note that that most of the vehicles are still in operating condition. This means people can get to live history.
During winters, the museum opens on Wednesdays and Sundays from noon to 6 pm.
5. Dog Mushing
Just like in other parts of Alaska, winters are high season for dog mushing. This is a group of sports that includes dog carting and dog sledding among others. Many experts regard Fairbanks as the dog mushing capital of the world. Subsequently, there are quite some tours and agencies offering dog sled rides and dog sled tours.
Things To Do In Anchorage
Anchorage is the most populous city in Alaska and is also a popular tourist destination. Things to during winters include;
1. Visit the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center
Visitors interested in learning more about the art and history of Alaska and the arctic ought to visit this museum. The Anchorage museum also features a planetarium as well as traveling exhibits from all across the world every year. For those traveling as a family or with children, the museum is an ideal place to visit.
The museum remains open even during winters. It is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Tuesdays to Thursdays and on Saturdays. On Fridays, it remains open until 9 pm while on Sundays it opens from noon to 6 pm.
Other museums in Anchorage include the Alaska Veterans Museum, Alaska Naturally, Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature among others.
The museum remains open even during winters. It is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Tuesdays to Thursdays and on Saturdays. On Fridays, it remains open until 9 pm while on Sundays it opens from noon to 6 pm.
Other museums in Anchorage include the Alaska Veterans Museum, Alaska Naturally, Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature among others.
2. The Annual Anchorage Folk Festival
Winters in Anchorage also feature the Anchorage Folk Festival which is normally held over the last two weekends of January. The festival offers families, music lovers and outdoor lovers to hear and dance to music as well as get out of the house in winter. The festival is free to all.
3. Flightseeing
In Alaska, no other mode of transport offers people the chance to experience the vast wilderness as much as a small plane or helicopter. In Anchorage, these flightseeing trips are available all year round. However, the landscape is particularly breathtaking during winters. From Anchorage, visitors can fly to the northwest and enjoy scenic views of Denali which is the tallest peak in North America. Visitors may also fly south to take in the sights at the Kenai Fjords National Park. Whatever the case, flightseeing is bound to produce an unforgettable experience of the Last Frontier.
4. Dog Sledding
Fans of dog sledding are bound to like it in Anchorage during the winter. More than 100 dog teams and mushers take part in the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in March. This is a 1000 mile dogsled trek from Anchorage to Nome. The race lasts around ten days and both locals, and international audiences follow it closely. The race aside, there are numerous dog sled tours offering sledding and other dog mushing activities.
5. The Fur Rondy Festival
This festival also takes place in March. The organizers market it as the largest winter festival in Alaska and also an important part of the Alaskan culture. In fact, it has an 83-year-old history. Many observers also regard the Fur Rondy as one of the best winter carnivals in the world.
The festival takes place over ten days with up to 100 events taking place. These include activities such as;
With all these events and more Fur, Rondy is a fun-filled winter festival for all ages.
The festival takes place over ten days with up to 100 events taking place. These include activities such as;
- Outhouse Races
- A native arts market
- A Snow Sculpture competition
- A sled dog race
- Running of the Reindeer
- Dog weight pull competition
- World ice bowling championships
- Snowshoe Softball
With all these events and more Fur, Rondy is a fun-filled winter festival for all ages.
6. Ride on a Snowmobile
In winters, snowmobiling is a favorite among Alaskans and tourists alike. In Anchorage, the months between November and May offer the best time to skim across the snow on snow-machines. Visitors get to travel over frozen lakes, through wooded trails and other thrilling snowmobile tours and adventures.
Some of the best locations for snowmobiling in/near Anchorage include;Chugach State Park which offers spectacular views of Eagle River Valley and upper Cook Inlet. The best locations within the park include the Bird Creek trail, Eklutna Lake Valley and South Fork of Campbell Creek among others.
Tourists can also travel to Anchorage in mid-February to experience the Iron Dog. This is the longest snowmobile race in the world and stretches a good 2,000 miles.
Some of the best locations for snowmobiling in/near Anchorage include;Chugach State Park which offers spectacular views of Eagle River Valley and upper Cook Inlet. The best locations within the park include the Bird Creek trail, Eklutna Lake Valley and South Fork of Campbell Creek among others.
- The Mat-Su Borough
- Hatcher Pass
- Nancy Lake State Recreation Area/Willow
- Big Lake
Tourists can also travel to Anchorage in mid-February to experience the Iron Dog. This is the longest snowmobile race in the world and stretches a good 2,000 miles.
7. Northern Lights Viewing
Anchorage also offers magnificent views of the North Lights. According to enthusiasts of the phenomenon, the lights start dancing in the skies as early as 8 pm. However, the lights remain quite elusive as well, and it is better to stay a few days to have more hopes of viewing them.
Nonetheless, Anchorage has some of the best viewing locations in Alaska. These include places such as;
Nonetheless, Anchorage has some of the best viewing locations in Alaska. These include places such as;
- Sheep Mountain Lodge
- Eagle River Nature Center
- Alyeska Resort
8. Wildlife Viewing
Many people often cite Anchorage as the best place to view wildlife in Alaska. This remains true even during winters. Visitors can choose to visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) or even choose to fly over the winter wilderness in search of some of the Alaskan wildlife.
Moose are also quite common in Anchorage during the winter and visitors should expect to encounter them often. Experts estimate that up to 1,500 moose flock into Anchorage in the winter.
Moose are also quite common in Anchorage during the winter and visitors should expect to encounter them often. Experts estimate that up to 1,500 moose flock into Anchorage in the winter.
What To Do In Juneau
Juneau is the capital of Alaska. To get there, however, visitors have to travel by sea or air; there is no road to the city. In summer, Juneau fills up with tourists seeking to experience a slice of Alaska; During winters, however, the story is different. The crowds disappear, and the snow takes over the landscape.
In truth, many snow sports enthusiasts will agree that Juneau is one of the best locations for snow sports. Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and even ice-skating are all ideal sports in Juneau during the winter. Visitors to Juneau can;
In truth, many snow sports enthusiasts will agree that Juneau is one of the best locations for snow sports. Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and even ice-skating are all ideal sports in Juneau during the winter. Visitors to Juneau can;
1. Visit the Alaskan Brewing Company
For those who love gulping down some of the Alaskan beer brands, a visit to the company brewing them would do quite some good. Visitors can listen to the brew-masters give a history of the brewery which opened up in 1986 and now has more than eight brands to its name including the Alaskan Amber brand.
2. Mendenhall Glacier
A winter visit to Alaska is not complete without a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier. The spectacular glacier is almost 13 miles long and ends right at the Mendenhall Lake. In some spots, the glacier is up to 800 feet in thickness. The mere size of the glacier is breathtaking in itself. Visitors may also choose to hike up the glacier or simply enjoy scenic views over the glacier with the help of telescopes.
3. Eaglecrest Ski Area
This is a public ski area located on Douglas Island. Although it is community owned, the government of Juneau is responsible for overseeing operations in the ski-area which is also the only one in Southeast Alaska. It is normally open from December to the end of April. It is also the only ski area in the United States that is an island. This means that skiers at the park can enjoy their snow sports as they take in scenic views of the ocean. Eaglecrest is perfect for side-country skiing as well as hiking activities.
There is no shortage of things to do and places to visit during winter in Alaska. It is also worth noting that aside from the outdoors and winter-festivals, Alaskan winter vacations also offer the chance for activities such as shopping and sampling Alaskan cuisine among others. It is never a wrong time to plan a trip to the Alaskan frontier.
There is no shortage of things to do and places to visit during winter in Alaska. It is also worth noting that aside from the outdoors and winter-festivals, Alaskan winter vacations also offer the chance for activities such as shopping and sampling Alaskan cuisine among others. It is never a wrong time to plan a trip to the Alaskan frontier.
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