Alaska Winter Wonders Tour

Experience the magical time of winter in Alaska. Ski at Alyeska Resort, journey aboard the Alaska Railroad, and check out the Northern Lights.

Tour Code: 241CTA

Tour Overview

Our Alaska Winter Tour is for all winter season enthusiasts. From Anchorage, you’ll travel south to enjoy Alyeska Resort and popular Alaska winter outdoor activities while traveling through spectacular winter scenery on the Alaska Railroad. At the Alyeska Resort, 40 miles south of Anchorage in Girdwood, you can enjoy excellent downhill skiing, snow boarding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing or relax in the luxurious Nordic Spa. Then you’ll enjoy a scenic railroad ride northwards to Alaska’s Interior Region and Fairbanks, from where you’ll travel to Chena Hot Springs Resort. The outdoor mineral hot springs at the resort and the indoor hot tubs and pool provide a relaxing environment after winter sports fun. Chena Hot Springs Resort also offers excellent Northern Lights “aurora borealis” viewing on clear winter nights.

What's Included
  • 8 nights accommodation
  • 3 days Midsize SUV rental with unlimited miles
  • Train from Anchorage to Fairbanks
  • Roundtrip transfer between Fairbanks and Chena Hot Springs
  • 4-hour Aurora Viewing Expedition tour
  • Pool passes at the Chena Hot Springs Resort
  • All taxes and fees
What's Not Included

Optional car rental coverage (such as LDW or liability insurance), additional driver fees, and gas. Meals, excursions, gratuities, and admission fees other than those mentioned. Lift tickets or winter gear rental while in Girdwood. Winter gear rental while in Chena Hot Springs.

 

Tour Itinerary

Start in Anchorage and end your trip in Fairbanks!

Day 1
Anchorage Arrival

Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city, nestled between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. Offering an abundance of shopping, cultural attractions, and gourmet restaurants, Anchorage provides an excellent start to your vacation. Depending on your arrival, you may have time to take part in an optional tour such as a local photo tour. Overnight in Anchorage.

Day 2
Anchorage to Girdwood

This morning pick up your rental car from the downtown rental office. You will then drive one of the most beautiful highway sections in Alaska, along Turnagain Arm to Girdwood. After checking in at the Hotel at Alyeska, explore the area and try one of the many restaurants. In the evening, relax in the whirlpool or take the tram to enjoy a first class meal at the Seven Glaciers Restaurant. Overnight at Hotel at Alyeska.

Day 3
Girdwood

Spend the day enjoying the diverse winter activities such as snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing or snow boarding (snow conditions permitting; ski lifts typically  operate Mid-December through April). Alyeska receives an annual snowfall of 782 inches! The mountain is sure to please all with ungroomed double black diamond runs for the advanced skiers and riders, big mountain carving in wide mountain bowls for the intermediate, and well groomed trails for the beginner. In the evening, relax in the fitness center’s whirlpool or sauna. You may also opt to treat yourself to a spa day at the amazing Nordic Spa. Overnight at Hotel at Alyeska.

Day 4
Girdwood to Anchorage

The morning is at your leisure. After checking out of the Hotel at Alyeska, you will drive back to Anchorage. Upon arrival in Anchorage, return your rental car. Overnight in Anchorage.

Day 5
Anchorage to Fairbanks

In the morning, transfer yourself to the Anchorage train station. Here you will board the famous Alaska Railroad in the morning and travel through beautiful Alaska’s winter landscape to Fairbanks. During the train ride, enjoy spectacular views of the Alaska Range and possibly even Denali (weather permitting). You will arrive in Fairbanks in the evening and transfer to the hotel via hotel courtesy shuttle. Overnight in Fairbanks.

Day 6
Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs Resort

This morning is at leisure in Fairbanks. In the afternoon, take a shuttle transfer from your hotel in Fairbanks to the Chena Hot Springs Resort. After a one-hour transfer, you will arrive at the resort. While the facilities of the resort can be considered rustic and may not be up to date, the resort features mineral hot springs and offers great possibilities for Northern Lights viewing (weather permitting). Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the resort and soaking in the hot springs. This evening, a 4 to 5 hour Aurora Expedition tour is included. The Aurora tour takes place on a tracked, military style Small Unit Support Vehicle*. Overnight at Chena Hot Springs Resort.

Day 7
Chena Hot Springs Resort

Today is at your leisure to enjoy the many activities offered by the resort, such as dog sledding, snow machine tours, or cross country skiing. We also recommend a tour of the Aurora Ice Museum, where everything from the chairs to the chandeliers is hand carved from ice. Pool passes are included throughout your stay. Overnight at Chena Hot Springs Resort.

Day 8
Chena Hot Springs Resort to Fairbanks

Today transfer back to Fairbanks.  Depending on your transfer time, you may have a little more time to enjoy what Chena Hot Springs has to offer. Back in Fairbanks, relax or book another optional Northern Lights Tour from Fairbanks (see Tour Add-ons). Overnight in Fairbanks.

Day 9
Fairbanks Departure

Your Alaska winter vacation comes to an end today. Transfer by shuttle or on your own to the airport for your flight departure.

* Please note that during the tour you will be sitting in a small confined space with other people.

Tour Map

 

Dates & Rates

The tour begins on Tuesdays to accommodate the Alaska Railroad schedule.


*Child prices are valid for children 11 years and younger, sharing a room with at least 2 full paying adults with the existing bedding. Maximum of 4 people per room.

Our Standard Program Includes:

2 and 3 star hotel accommodations.

The program will include a combination of hotels or motels that are considered moderate to standard tourist class. Please be aware not all hotels have shuttle services.

Standard train car seating on all rail services (reserved seats).

If you would like to book the standard program but with upgraded rail seating, the option and surcharge will be listed when you save to your cart.

Our Upgraded Program Includes:

* 3 and 4 star hotels (best available) wherever possible.

The program will include standard rooms at this category of hotel where possible. Alaska has very limited hotel choices in remote areas and small towns. The properties will typically offer a wider range of services such as a full-service restaurant, room service and perhaps a pool or spa facilities. Please be aware the upgraded accommodations in downtown Anchorage do not have hotel shuttle services. Many of the upgraded hotels also offer guaranteed view rooms for additional cost. If you would like a specific room type, in addition to the upgraded program, please ask us about availability and cost difference.

Deluxe dome train car seating between Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks, or Anchorage and Seward.

All journeys between Anchorage and Whittier are in standard seating as deluxe dome cars are not available on that route.

 

Tour Add-ons

Browsing optional excursions for the Alaska Winter Wonders Tour:

I really want to thank everyone at Alaska Tours for "nailing" it for us.  We told her what he wanted to see and do and she came up with the most amazing tour. It was better than we had hoped for. Please let her know that we would do this trip all... Read more  

Stacy | Minneapolis