Alaska In Winter: An Experience Like No Other

Alaska has been on my travel bucket list for the longest time, and I couldn’t wait to cross it off as soon as possible. As I began my research, I ran into the usual stuff – summer cruises with a lot of exciting activities like whale watching, and daylight that never seems to fade away. However, I asked myself – is this the best way to experience Alaska? 

So, I took my research a bit further, and that’s when I stumbled upon Alaska in winter. After seeing a few pictures, it’s safe to say that I was amazed! I practically saw a winter wonderland, and I instantly knew that I had to see this in person. Luckily, I did, and this experience exceeded my wildest expectations! 

I traveled to Alaska in winter with my husband for my honeymoon, and it was the perfect mix of a romantic getaway with plenty of exciting activities. In Anchorage, one of the most fun experiences my husband and I had was tubing at Arctic Valley Ski Area. Then, in Fairbanks, we went on a snowmobile tour, which gave us a real adrenaline rush! Although it wasn’t what your regular “honeymoon” would look like, it was simply perfect for us! 

Traveling to Alaska in winter may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but trust me – it’s absolutely worth it! The atmosphere is incredibly serene, and don’t even get me started on the scenery. This is an opportunity for you to experience Alaska the way that locals do, and the memories you’ll make along the way will stay with you for a lifetime. 

If you’re debating whether you should travel to Alaska in winter, allow me to sway your mind. 

 Why Visit Alaska In Winter 

Let’s face it – Alaska in winter is cold. And not in the way most people have experienced before. But once you set that aside (after all, good clothing and layers will quickly take care of that), you can truly witness the magic of this place.  

As previously mentioned, traveling to Alaska in the summer is the “standard”, so there are a lot of tourists during this time. Even though visiting Alaska in the summer is a good idea, you don’t really have the chance to experience its raw nature – and that’s the best part! 

Traveling to Alaska in winter allows you to get deeply rooted in nature and experience a sense of peace that can’t be described unless you feel it yourself. Wonderful landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see, almost making you feel like you’ve stepped into some sort of epic movie.  

Throughout Alaska, you can enjoy activities such as ice fishing, skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, snowboarding, winter biking, sightseeing, helicopter tours, train trips, and more.  

In short, Alaska in winter is your one-way opportunity to pause, get grounded, and immerse yourself in true serenity. And don’t worry – there’s still a lot to do that will get the thrills going. 

Things To Do In Alaska In Winter 

See The Northern Lights 

Nothing prepares you for the first time you see the aurora borealis! Seeing the Northern Lights should definitely be at the top of your bucket list, and Fairbanks is the place to be. 

Fairbanks is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in the world. The scenery is just perfect for it, and you can also do many other fun activities like dog-sledding, going on a sleigh ride, and even taking a dip in a hot natural spring. 

As for the aurora? Well, that’s a sight you have to see for yourself! 

Chena Hot Springs 

Speaking of hot springs, I absolutely have to mention the ones near the town of Chena. Picture this – you spend hours aurora-chasing and you simply want to kick back and have a moment to yourself. Well, the Chena Hot Springs is the ideal place to do so. 

The Chena Hot Springs feature mineral water with healing properties, offering the perfect relaxation treatment after a day of adventure. Plus, they’re surrounded by snow, so you’ll also have an amazing view while soaking. 

Gridwood 

While all of these experiences have made my Alaska trip unforgettable, what made it even better is the hospitality. Alaskans are incredibly inviting, and you can especially feel that in the winter. 

I stayed in Gridword, a cute ski town just south of Anchorage, and I felt right at home. Since there weren’t many people around, everything felt more intimate. The restaurants were cozy and quiet, and the local tour guides didn’t rush us from one place to another. Instead, everything was moving at the right pace, making my trip to Alaska in winter simply magical! 

Ready To Experience Alaska In Winter? 

Now, I know what you’re thinking – planning a trip to Alaska is not a walk in the park. But not if you have the right people with you. And luckily, you have me! 

At Go Friends Travel, we take the time to truly understand what you want out of your journey – your priorities, your accessibility needs, your timeframe, your budget, and the memories you want to create. 

Then we design an itinerary that feels like you, not a generic package trip. 

Let’s plan your Alaska winter adventure together. Reach out today, and let us craft a winter escape that feels magical, memorable, and authentically yours.