Alaska tour news & travel advisory  

Winter Tours

Northern Lights, Dog Sledding, Skiing, Iditarod, Snowmobiling, Snowshoeing

Winter in Alaska is prime time for Alaskans and the time of year we enjoy our favorite outdoor sports and activities. As Alaska’s natural surroundings become even more dramatic in the winter, new opportunities for viewing aurora borealis (the northern lights), dog sledding, ice fishing, ice climbing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, skiing and more open up new territory for all Alaska visitors.

Alaska’s most popular winter visitor experiences include northern lights viewing and dog mushing, but there is plenty more to see and do. The Interior and Far North regions sit below what is known as the “auroral oval,” a crown of charged particles that rings the earth’s northernmost latitudes and leads to intense northern lights displays. Northern lights viewing tours combine viewing from backcountry cabins or other ideal locations with activities like soaking in hot springs, romantic dinners, dog mushing, skiing, snowmobiling and more.

Alaska dog sledding, or mushing tours can range from an hour to several days, giving guests hands on experience as well as information about the care and feeding of sled dogs. Several of these dog mushing tours are oriented around the state’s biggest sporting event – the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race – including one that follows the 1,049-mile race from the start in Anchorage to the finish in Nome. Other winter activities include visiting museums and cultural facilities, snowmobiling, Alpine and Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and winter rail tours.

Alaska’s main winter cities are Anchorage and Fairbanks, with dozens of tours and activities for visitors to choose from. Girdwood and Alyeska Resort ski area are located just south of Anchorage along Turnagain Arm. From Fairbanks, winter tours are available to the Far North by air, by road on the Dalton Highway, or a combination of the two. The Alaska Railroad’s winter trains run from Anchorage to Fairbanks and back with a stop in Talkeetna along the way. Many hotels offer guests a northern lights wake-up call so you don’t miss the magic, which often reaches its peak after midnight.

Come experience the real Alaska on an Alaska winter vacation or tour with us!

 

Choose from 35 vacations in Alaska related to Winter Tours

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Anchorage Dog Sledding Tour

This Anchorage day tour puts you in the Alaska dog sledding driving seat. After a scenic drive north to Talkeetna and dog mushing country, you will arrive at Iditarod champion Dallas Seavey’s sled dog kennel and get an introduction into... Browse tour

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Northern Lights & Iditarod
a sled dog team in booties and jackets starts along a city street lined with spectators

Ultimate Alaska Winter Wonderland and Iditarod

This comprehensive Alaska winter travel experience begins with sightseeing in Fairbanks including a great chance to see the northern lights. Departing from Fairbanks, venture by coach to the historic town of Healy on the outskirts of Denali National Park.... Browse tour

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green aurora over a resort surrounded by snow and spruce trees

Alaska Winter Wonders Tour

Exploring Alaska in winter is easy, a great value. Start with a few nights at a luxurious hotel in the village of Girdwood, then travel aboard the Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Train from Anchorage to Fairbanks. This unique train... Browse tour

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a snowy boreal forest landscape, with the snow-capped mountain of Denali in the background

Winter Adventure to Denali

Travel to Denali National Park on a fall or winter adventure! This guided tour departs from Fairbanks and travels south through the Tanana Valley along the Parks Highway. Your guide will share areas of interest and also stop at... Browse tour

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Iditarod Starting Line Event

On this day tour from Anchorage, experience the official start of the world famous Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Every year hundreds of people come out to line the streets of Willow Lake just north of Anchorage for the start... Browse tour

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green aurora over a highway with snow to the sides

Alaska Winter Driving Tour

Designed for independent travelers this SUV (all wheel) self-drive tour features a few days to explore Fairbanks and Chena Hot Springs. The Fairbanks area is one of the best places on earth for the opportunity to experience the amazing... Browse tour

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sled dogs mushing through a downtown city street

Winter Wonderland and Iditarod

All things Iditarod! Attend the Musher’s Banquet, visit a kennel, meet an Iditarod champion and watch the ceremonial start and official start of the Last Great Race! Travel by van or coach from Anchorage. Tour Anchorage, the Anchorage Museum... Browse tour

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