While most people plan Alaska visits during the summer for long days and fun, those who travel north during the winter are greeted with a warm vibe, unique outdoor activities, and special surprises. Winter travelers can bundle up in warm jackets, a fleece hat, and snow boots. By taking a tip from Alaska locals and wearing layers, you can be perfectly comfortable even in the wildest winter conditions.
Life here feels slower and more relaxed in the winter, but it’s far from boring. In fact, some of Alaska’s most memorable experiences can only be enjoyed during the white of the winter months.
Winter fun in Alaska on a guided dog sledding adventure.
Experience the Magical Northern Lights
The biggest reason people visit Alaska in the winter is to witness the brilliance and spectacle of the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. These lights illuminate even the coldest, darkest nights with their movement, color, and intensity. While photos and videos can be impressive, they don’t do justice to this natural wonder—you have to see them in person.
Alaska’s northern position and many hours of darkness make it a perfect place to see these light shows. The lights can be seen across the state, but they are more likely to appear and dance in Alaska’s Interior and further north. Hiring a professional guide can make all the difference, as they know when and where the lights will shine brightest on any given night.
Sometimes, timing, luck, and weather play a role, too. You might think the night has passed without a sighting, only to be woken in the early hours by a phone call from your hotel’s front desk, informing you of a northern lights display just outside your window. Many Alaska hotels and B&Bs offer this service to their guests.
Winter Sports in Alaska
You could spend an entire winter trip focused on admiring the aurora, but there’s so much more to do in between the light shows. Most of the best activities take place outside in the wonderful winter elements. Playing outdoors and embracing winter is how many Alaskans avoid cabin fever; for some, it’s the reason they live here. Whether you’re an athlete or just adventurous, there’s no shortage of outdoor winter recreation.
Skiing and Snowboarding: You could build your entire winter trip around skiing or snowboarding.
Downhill Skiing: There are excellent groomed downhill areas across the state, all offering a variety of terrain and easily accessible from Alaska’s most populated cities.
Backcountry Skiing: For those seeking a wilder adventure, Alaska’s backcountry offers world-class downhill opportunities. Skiers and snowboarders can reach these pristine peaks by riding in a snowcat, taking a helicopter, or climbing on their own. The one thing they all share is the freedom and thrill of cruising on slopes with snow of downhill dreams.
Accommodations: After a day on the slopes, you can relax in a luxurious backcountry lodge or a quaint urban accommodation.
Other Winter Activities: Other fun ways to explore on a winter day include:
- Cross-country skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Ice climbing
- Fat tire biking
- Ice skating
Many Alaska outfitters are happy to provide the gear you need for a day or your entire stay.
Alaska Festivals and Winter Events
If you prefer to watch the action, there’s always something happening. You might find a hockey game on a local rink or a curling match—a sport that has long been a favorite in Alaska. In Fairbanks, the International Curling Bonspiel brings in competitors from around the world. At various festivals and championships, you can also watch incredible international artists create elaborate ice sculptures with precision.
Like the northern lights, fireworks are more easily seen in the dark of an Alaska winter. Big pyrotechnic displays are always a major draw at winter festivals like Anchorage’s Fur Rendezvous and New Year’s Eve parties in towns of all sizes. These winter carnivals feature all sorts of fun and food to keep attendees warm and smiling, including:
- The Running of the Reindeer and snowball fights in Anchorage
- Outhouse races north of Fairbanks
- Snow sculpture and ice carving competitions
- Community dances and concerts
- An array of Alaska arts and crafts
Dogsledding and the Iditarod
Alaska’s history is deeply connected to sled dogs and racing, and this tradition remains strong today. These tough teams of mushers and dogs are born to run and endure serious challenges. Distance dogsledding teams compete in events that cover hundreds of miles through harsh weather and unforgiving landscapes, like the world-famous Iditarod, which runs from Anchorage to Nome, and the Yukon Quest, which travels between Fairbanks and Whitehorse, Canada. Both events draw big crowds at their starts and finishes.
Sprint teams race across shorter distances in high-speed, multi-day events on courses that cover spectator-friendly urban streets and trails, such as the Open World Championships in Anchorage and the Open North American in Fairbanks.
Official Iditarod sled-dog race start in Anchorage
If you want to feel the power of a dog team, many professional mushers operate kennels where they host tours. They’ll proudly show off their dogs (you can even cuddle the puppies!) and take visitors for a ride in their sleds.
More Winter Adventures
Snowmobiling: For a fast and thrilling experience, try a snow machine tour. Operators across the state lead day-long tours into the wild, traversing frozen lakes and rivers, flat tundra, and breathtaking glacier formations.
Flightseeing & Alaska Railroad: Another way to explore is with a flightseeing tour, as some operators continue their flights through the winter. Imagine circling Denali, covered in bright snow, or flying over a network of glaciers on a clear winter day. You can also travel through winter at a slower, more peaceful pace on the Alaska Railroad, which operates certain passenger routes and offers themed day trips.
Fun helicopter flightseeing tour options near Anchorage
Ice Fishing: While summer fishing options are limited by frozen surfaces, there’s still plenty of fishing to be found. Ice fishing is popular across the state, and outfitters can provide the gear and know-how needed to find fish and stay warm. There are even opportunities to catch king salmon during winter runs in Kachemak Bay and other areas.
Polar Bear Plunges: For the adventurous, some communities host Polar Bear Plunges every winter, often to raise funds for nonprofit organizations. These events draw hundreds of participants and spectators.
Alaska’s winters also offer a rare sense of calm and quiet. You can feel a million miles away from any distractions while cozying up in a cabin or lodge. There’s a new level of relaxation to be found sitting next to a crackling fireplace, with a warm drink in hand, as snow falls outside and the sun sets with a pink glow.
We offer many tour options to enjoythe best Alaska has to offer during the winter months. Browse them now.
Alaska Railroad Winter Train, a scenic journey not to be missed.