So you want to come to Alaska in the winter? Yassss. You’ll love it (I hope). Really, Alaska in the winter is beautiful and fun, but it’s not for everyone. The cold is real and the adventures aren’t to be approached willy nilly. We’ve put together a whole bunch of ideas for fun things to do in Alaska in the winter, specifically in the Fairbanks and Anchorage areas, as that’s where most people will want to visit from December to March. There are lots of things to do during the Alaskan winter if you are willing to brave the cold!
Have you gotten to visit Alaska in the winter? Did you enjoy the intensely long nights or did you visit when there was actually a fair split of daylight and darkness? We’ve got the full scoop on what to plan for with a winter trip to Alaska and how to make the most of the experience. If you have any questions about planning a trip during the winter or need additional recommendations for things to do, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help YOU plan an unforgettable trip to Alaska!
What to Expect with Winter in Alaska
I love getting to talk about visiting Alaska in the winter because so many people feel that travel to Alaska during these chilly months is going to be daunting and dangerous… but it’s not! If there’s one thing Alaskans are good at, it’s functioning in the cold, and that carries over to tourism and being able to welcome people year round. I would say it’s actually more difficult to visit Alaska in autumn and than in the winter, as that off-season vibe is real and a lot of people close up shop when you expect them to be open. With winter in Alaska you expect things to be very limited, so you’ll actually be pleasantly surprised with how many restaurants and tourist experiences are available. It’s a bit of a mental game.
You should expect winter here to be a challenge though if you’re not used to extreme cold or being in the snow. While it’s not actually snowing all the time, most of the winter months keep both Anchorage and Fairbanks covered in a layer of either snow or ice. Anchorage tends to clear up and re-snow more than Fairbanks does, but December through March you can expect a blanket of white most places (with brown edges where the mud creeps up). When you’re planning your trip to Alaska in the winter months, be prepared for cold and limited services and then be excited when the weather is gorgeous (still cold) and you have lots of things to do.
How Cold Does it Get in Alaska in Winter?
Yes, it’s cold, and I’m not going to sugarcoat it. You can expect temperatures as warm as the mid 30s F and as cold as 30 below. Depending on the weather system moving through and how clear the skies are, the cold can really fluctuate. We had one day in March where it was 10 degrees F and then minus 10 at night, but then the next day it got up to 38 degrees. Things can really change.
If you’re not used to the cold, or if you don’t have the right cold weather clothing, the extremely cold days can be difficult to deal with. Stepping outside and taking a deep breath of fresh air and feeling the searing cold in your lungs is unpleasant. The dryness of the air is surprising. You don’t realize just how much moisture your body loses when it’s consistently below freezing. You can combat this though! Dressing in layers with wool at the base is amazingly effective, and then covering your face as much as you can is helpful for the moisture issue. Drinking Gatorade and lots of water helps too.
For first time visitors to Alaska in the winter, thermal tools like electric vests and hand/toe warmers are really helpful. On days when you’re out skiing or if you’re up on a mountain at 4am watching the Aurora Borealis, you need to make sure that you’re both safe and comfortable in those low, low temperatures. There’s no shame in using warming gear to stay cozy and functional.
Should I visit Anchorage or Fairbanks in Winter?
Ooh, that’s a tough call. Anchorage is very much a functioning city and has all the conveniences you expect on a city trip… but then so does Fairbanks, but just with a little less flash. Anchorage tends to be a bit more warm in the winter months, and they also tend to have fluctuating snow levels. You can easily drive out of Anchorage up to Palmer or Wasilla for snow adventures, or drive down to Girdwood if you want to go up the mountain at Alyeska. Snow is never really too far from Anchorage in the winter.
With Fairbanks, they get snow earlier and it lasts better and longer than Anchorage. Fairbanks is much further north, so this is to be expected. With that, Fairbanks is much colder throughout winter, so things like the World Ice Art Championships and ice fishing are big when you visit. Also, because Fairbanks is right under the edge of the Aurora crown, their Northern Lights events are epic and often. This is a big draw for many people (and why we love Fairbanks in the winter).
Both cities have year round flights from Seattle, and Anchorage has more flight options including direct from Portland, Dallas, Denver and more. You’ll find that most flights will have a stopover in Seattle, and if Fairbanks is your final destination, you may actually be flying through ANC anyways. For summer trips the debate is Juneau or Anchorage, and for winter it’s Fairbanks or Anchorage. You’ll have different experiences wherever you go, but you’ll enjoy it all.
Is it Dark All of the Time in Winter in AK?
Ha ha ha! Great questions and yes/no. So, during the peak of winter solstice, there is about five hours of daylight in Anchorage and just under four hours of daylight in Fairbanks. I know that sounds rough, and it really is, but that’s when you get to spend extra time being cozy, reading, and then going out on nighttime adventures to watch the Northern Lights. As winter passes and spring approaches, the daylight increases drastically.
If you’re planning to visit Alaska in winter and are leaning towards February or March, you’ll have much much more daylight to work with. Visiting in early spring when it’s still really cold and frozen, specifically in Fairbanks, you’ll actually get a good even split of daylight and darkness. The endless night (polar night) happens up in the Arctic Circle from late November into late January, so visiting Anchorage or Fairbanks won’t get you that experience.
Packing List for Alaska in Winter
So what do you need to pack when you visit Alaska in winter? Start with the basics: warm clothes. You will want warm layers, including wool socks, long johns, sweaters and the like. When we are packing we make sure each person has three sets of under-layer and plenty of wool socks, and then when we’re actually heading outside into the cold, you’ll have this layer (or two) under regular clothes or thermal snow pants.
So snow pants are something you’ll want even if you don’t plan on making snow angels under the Aurora Borealis at 2:00 am in -15 degree temperatures. Snow pants are wonderful for staying warm, staying dry, blocking the wind, and sealing in the warmth. We wear them even if we’re just dinking around town. It’s the same with a good winter jacket. Protect your warmth, shield away the cold.
- Wool socks (multiple pairs) – I love these ones
- Long underwear/thermal base layers – fleece option Merino wool set
- Sweaters – yes, you can always wear sweaters
- Snow pants – fleece lined, good to wear even if you’re not actively in the snow
- Insulated winter jacket – you can dress fancy with peacoats and such, or dress for extreme cold even if it doesn’t feel fashionable; just be smart
When it comes to cold weather accessories, warm winter hats are a must and we always pair them with a warm buff. A buff is a neck sleeve, like a scarf, and it’s thermal and amazing. Winter buffs are awesome for preventing cold breezes from going down your neck and for adding a layer to an otherwise tricky to manage cold zone. Buffs work better than scarves for some people because they just slide on and do the trick. Scarves look cooler, but they often aren’t as effective.
For gloves, you will want winter gloves with a noted cold rating on them, ideally below 0 degrees F. And with them you’ll want glove liners. When you’re out in the extreme cold, condensation happens in your gloves, leaving them wet, not from sweat or water, but from the difference in temperature between your hands and the cold air. This condensation makes the gloves ineffective the next time you put them on if they’re still wet, and then if they don’t get cleaned and dried properly, the gloves will smell terrible and you’ll be grossed out. So glove liners: get them, wear them, thank me later.
- Warm winter hat – just hair doesn’t cut it, one with face covering is nice
- Thermal buff or neck warmer / gaiter – we use these ones
- Winter gloves (rated for below 0 degrees Fahrenheit) – we use these with glove liners
- Insulated boots – waterproof is nice, but not required; warm is more important
- Electric heated vest – seriously amazing for late nights outside
Fun Things to Do in Winter in Alaska
I’m sure that when you think about things to do in Alaska in the winter the first thing you think of is dog sledding. I mean, yes, there definitely is dogsledding to be done, but there’s much more that you can plan for when you are coming to AK in the winter months. Whether you’re sporty and hardy or if you’re more delicate and nervous about the cold, there are lots of winter activities in Alaska that you can plan for to make for a really fun trip.
The Alaska Railroad in Winter
It’s known for being the way cruise guests go from place to place when they come to Alaska, but the Alaska Railroad actually runs all year long and is a wonderful winter travel experience. We’ve even done the trip with our kids and they’ve loved it too. In the winter, the Aurora Winter Route just goes between Anchorage and Fairbanks, making whistle stops along the way. It’s a full day ride through some gorgeous scenery. You do get to make stops in Talkeetna and at Denali National Park, so you can have a few minutes in the long travel day standing on firm ground.
Something that I really love about doing the Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Route is how unexpected so much of the journey is. The sights along the way are beautiful, there’s a surprising amount of wildlife visible from the train, and even the food is exceptional. The Alaska Railroad is a great addition to a winter trip to Alaska and I know you’ll agree that it’s one of the best things to do.
Book the Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Train here!
Aurora Borealis: Northern Lights Viewing
I could sit out in the cold watching the Aurora Borealis forever and never tire of it. There are times when the lights are really brightly dancing above and they’re so easy to watch with the naked eye, and then there are nights when you can tell there’s something happening but they’re very faint. Either way, it’s a wonderfully Alaskan winter experience not to miss. But how do you see the Northern Lights? Can you see them anywhere? Well, it’s pretty easy and yes, you’ll see them when they’re active and visible
It’s true that the most epic Aurora Borealis opportunities come in the Fairbanks area because it’s so far north and it’s right under the crown of the lights, but you can see them all over Alaska when the skies are clear, the night is dark enough, and the electromagnetic goodness is raging. You can see them just by driving outside of town away from man-made light or you can do a tour or different sorts. Similar to doing stargazing tours, when you go on an Aurora tour or do a special viewing location, usually the host or tour operator will have things to help make the experience special. That might be cozy blankets and outdoor chairs, maybe telescopes of sorts, perhaps midnight refreshments… Everyone does it differently. But again, you can also just head to someplace with a nice clearing to watch them on your own.
Since Fairbanks really is known for its Aurora experiences you’ll find more tours and special viewing spots there, including Borealis Basecamp where you sleep under windows to view the lights, Aurora Pointe where you learn about the science and watch the lights, Pike’s Waterfront Lodge with their observatory, and then awesome tours like the snowcat at Chena Hot Springs. Fairbanks is amazing for experiencing the Aurora Borealis.
Book our FAVORITE Aurora Borealis tour in Fairbanks here! (Chena Hot Springs)
Dog Sledding: Alaskan Mushing
I love getting to spend time with sled dogs, and dogsledding is a really fun sort of activity. There are lots of different dog mushing experiences all around Alaska, from Juneau to the Arctic Circle. You can do everything from visit the dogs and just hang out with them and get puppy snuggles to go on miles-long dogsled trips into the wild. You can also enjoy the dog mushing culture with different racing events throughout the winter months, so if you time it just right you might get to enjoy some of the Iditarod festivities or the Open North American Dogsled Championships. There are lots of ways to enjoy it.
For getting to actually do dogsledding yourself, you’ll find lots of mushers who do camp tours and rides all through the winter months, with some taking time off to participate in larger events. Our family loves dogsledding, and it’s just the right amount of thrill if you are doing an Alaska winter trip with small kids. For dogsled tours the mushers don’t tend to go crazy fast and they keep it safe for participants. It’s really fun and a wonderful way to get to enjoy the wintery backcountry.
There are at least five dog mushing tour options in the Fairbanks and North Pole areas, and even more from Talkeetna to Anchorage. Alaskan Husky Adventures in Willow is great (love them) and the crew at Basecamp Adventures is really wonderful too. There are lots of options!
Find a dogsledding adventure here!
Winter ATV Tours in Alaska
Everyone has their own level of excitement they’re down for, and ATV tours cover every level. Getting to explore in the snow covering all kinds of territory is really cool. Winter ATV tours get you away from the icy roads and winter trucking and out into the snow-covered nature and wilderness. It’s a run alternative to snowmobiling and, I feel, a more tame way to experience the offroad side of Alaska.
Winter ATV tours in Alaska can be short trips out into the cold to look for wildlife or take in a view, or they can be all day events that cover miles and miles of the Alaskan backcountry, taking you places you didn’t think you’d get to experience in the winter. If you’re concerned about being too cold going out ATVing in the snow, many guides have full winter gear to loan you to keep you safe and warm. Also, keep in mind that ATV experience aren’t always on 4x4s, but are often done in side by side Polaris type vehicles, so there’s a bit more coverage and protection from the elements.
Book Alaska Backcountry Adventure Winter ATV tour here!
Nordic Skiing: Cross Country Ski Experiences
I never expected our kids to prefer cross country skiing over downhill, but they do and have ever since the fist time we got them on Nordic skis. And honestly, I think I prefer it too. I love being able to explore the trails in peace without the need for speed, as we quietly glide along the pathways and down small hills. Cross country skiing in Alaska is wonderful, and both the Anchorage area and Fairbanks have some great Nordic ski trail networks.
If you haven’t done cross country skiing before, perhaps your trip to Alaska this winter is the chance to try it out. This is typically an unguided experience, and you can rent your skis and boots from REI or one of the backcountry outfitters for $30-$50. The trail systems are popular, so you usually won’t be too alone out in the snow, but if you’re concerned about it, you can talk with the rental folks and get their recommendation for a nearby trail system you’d enjoy.
Reserve REI Nordic Ski Rentals here!
Wildlife Watching in Winter
Not every animal in Alaska hibernates in the winter, so wildlife watching in Alaska can actually be really fun. There are so many cool birds to watch for, and lots of moose out and about, making it a great time to hone your wildlife watching skills and see what you can see. We had one winter day that we drove to Denali National Park and saw nine moose along the drive. You just never know.
When it comes to birding in the winter, you have an excellent opportunity to watch for bald eagles, golden eagles (interior), owls of all sorts, willow ptarmigan, spruce grouse and more. While you likely won’t see bears as you seek out wildlife, you’ll still have fun seeing the views and the wildlife that does stay active in the winter months.
Ice Fishing in Alaska: Should I Try it?
I think everyone needs to go ice fishing at least once in their life. You see it in movies and in cartoons, so you should see what it’s actually like in the real world. There are quite a few options all around the state for going ice fishing with a guide, because you do need a guide if you’re visiting Alaska in winter. There’s a lot of gear involved, and you also need an ice fishing hut and such to be able to experience it.
If you’re plotting out your trip to Alaska in winter, if you haven’t done ice fishing before, give it a shot. It’s not the most exciting type of fishing you’ll find in AK, but it’s cool. There’s no other experience quite like it, but I’m not going to candy coat it: it’s boring. The moments when you’re pulling up a fish are exciting and eating your catch from the day is great, but there’s a lot of time in between those moments. When you’re doing an ice fishing tour, the huts usually have a wood stove in them to keep you warm, but it’s still chilly. Ice fishing is a must-do once, but you have to decide if you’re down to try it again.
Find an Ice Fishing experience here!
Snowshoeing: Winter Hiking Fun
There’s nothing quite like stepping into fresh snow, or even better, soft snow with a thin layer of crunch. Snowshoeing is a fun way to be outside in the cold and get the joy of hiking with the proper tools to make it happen in the snow. With so many public parks, both city and state parks, it’s easy to find snowshoeing areas, including designated trails. There are tours available out of Anchorage and Fairbanks for guided snowshoeing, but you also can do this on your own.
A lot of cabins and some hotels offer snowshoe rentals, either complimentary or for a small fee, and then you can also easily rent them. There are lots of places to rent snowshoes, and you can either do it same-day or in advance. REI is our go-to when we need them since we’re REI COop members, but you can get them all over the place, including Palmer and Wasilla. Bundle up when you head out snowshoeing because it’s still a chilly experience until you’ve hiked enough to break a sweat. It’s a blast and a great addition to a winter trip to Alaska.
Reserve REI Snowshoe Rentals here!
Flightseeing in Alaska in Winter
I know that flightseeing of any sort is a big ticket item and for most travelers it’s cost-prohibitive. If you have it in the budget, flightseeing in winter in Alaska is AMAZING. You don’t have all the same options you have during the summertime, such as seaplanes with lake landings and the like, but you do have helicopter flights and ski planes. There’s so much to see from the sky and you even have the opportunity for interesting landings.
Check out Outbound Heli Adventures for an AMAZING glacier helicopter tour from Palmer!
If you haven’t done flightseeing before, it’s a bit daunting if you have any fear of flying, but I’ve found that being in a smaller plane or a helicopter and interacting with the pilot has really calmed my flying fears. With that, we’ve enjoyed some wonderful flightseeing in Alaska, and in the winter this includes access to places like Denali (formerly known as Mt McKinley) and glaciers. The beautiful snowy landscapes and jagged mountains are incredible to experience from the air.
If you book flightseeing with K2 Aviation or Rust’s Air Service, use our code 2Traveldads and receive 10% off!
Snowmobiling aka Snow Machining
Depending on who you talk to, you’ll hear the terms “snowmobiling” and “snow machining” but know that they’re the same. Snowmobiles are really fun and they can be really fast. Our family is split down the middle about going fast on snowmachines, with two of us just enjoying them to get around in the snow. When you do a snowmobile tour in Alaska you’ll get to talk to your guide and work together to have the sort of experience that’s right for you. I’m happy to be the guy at the back of the group enjoying the sights while my family is going 50 mph across a frozen lake.
I think snow machine tours are a good way to get an introduction to the more extreme outdoor experiences. A snowmobile allows you to access parts of the woods that an ATV may be too big for, but then also you’re more restricted by needing more established trails. Either way, if you’re new to snowmobiling, you should only plan on being a part of a tour group. Safety is a key consideration for any sort of winter tourism in Alaska, and even though you can rent a snow machine yourself, I don’t recommend just getting one and going out on your own.
Find a snowmobile tour in the Anchorage or Fairbanks areas!
Downhill Skiing in Alaska
Yes! There is downhill skiing in Alaska! There are actually two great options near Anchorage where you can have a ski trip. The most famous is the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, just south along the Seward Highway heading to the Kenai Peninsula. The Alyeska is a premium resort with a gorgeous hotel and rather elite spa, but the slopes are what it’s known for. And the price matches it. For a most cost-effective option, and just as conveniently located, head to the Skeetawk Resort in Palmer.
I love Hatcher Pass for hiking the rest of the year, so getting to come here in winter and enjoy downhill skiing is awesome! Skeetawk is not a huge ski resort like Winter Park in Colorado or the other famous ski destinations like Vail or Big Sky, but it’s perfect for Alaska. A next selection of runs for all skill levels, a practice area with a magic carpet, and a nice ski lift make it a wonderful Alaskan winter fun day. And they have ski gear rentals on-site so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own equipment if you don’t want. Skeetawk is such a wonderful option to add skiing to your Alaska winter trip.
You should be so excited to plan a trip to Alaska in the winter now. Really, we love getting to enjoy AK any time of year, but because winter is so intense and unique it continues to be a favorite time to visit. If you have any questions about what to expect in AK in the winter or if you want to check your plans with us, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help others plan awesome adventures, to Alaska or anywhere else!
