Bettles Lodge Winter Adventure

Rustic comfort experiencing Alaska's Arctic in winter under the northern lights.

Tour Overview

This Bettles Lodge-based winter tour is ideal for northern lights viewing enthusiasts! Bettles Lodge is 35 miles north of the Arctic Circle outside Fairbanks and is one of the best places for aurora viewing in Alaska. This remote and classic Alaska wilderness lodge consists of two buildings, including the Historic Lodge, built in 1948, and the Aurora Lodge. Aurora Lodge is a newer addition with additional guest rooms. This rustic but comfortable lodge offers Alaska visitors the most modern amenities. There is a shared living area where you can relax after a day of winter outdoor activities to converse with other guests about the day’s activities. You can also visit the second-floor game room with a billiard table. Enjoy authentic Alaska at its best in a relaxed setting and access to northern lights views amidst the vast Alaska wilderness surrounding you!

What's Included
  • Two, Three, or Four nights lodging and all meals at Bettles Lodge (Standard Rooms have a shared bathroom)
  • Roundtrip airfare between Fairbanks and Bettles
  • Bettles Village tour
  • Use of Arctic Gear, including snow shoes and cross-country skis (snow season only)
  • All taxes and fees
What's Not Included

Transfers in Fairbanks, optional excursions and gratuity

 

Tour Itinerary

Important - Due to weather and the varying flight times between Fairbanks and Bettles, an overnight in Fairbanks before and after this tour is required.

Day 1
Fairbanks to Bettles

Today enjoy a scenic flight from Fairbanks, crossing the mighty Yukon River and the Arctic Circle, with possible views of the Brooks Range and Gates of the Arctic National Park. Flight time is approx. 1.5 to 3 hours long. This afternoon enjoy a brief tour of the Bettles area. After dinner, step outside and enjoy the northern lights or watch from the Aurora viewing cabin (weather permitting, aurora viewing is possible from September to late March). Overnight at Bettles Lodge.

Day 2
Bettles

Day at leisure to explore your tranquil surroundings by snowshoe or cross-country ski (snow conditions permitting). You will also have time to participate in optional activities, such as taking an exhilarating ride on a snowmobile, flightseeing, or touring the Arctic by dog sled (additional cost). If needed, warm clothing is available at the lodge. Stay up tonight for another opportunity to see the northern lights dance across the dark sky. Overnight at Bettles Lodge.

 

Note: Due to weather/snow conditions, most excursions will not be available from October to mid-November and from the middle/end of March to early April. These times are considered “off season” times. You may only experience the northern lights (weather permitting) while in Bettles and may not get the full experience.

Day 3
Bettles to Fairbanks

Breakfast is your last included meal at the lodge. Return to Fairbanks by small plane. Tour concludes upon your arrival in Fairbanks.

Notes: The flight time between Fairbanks and Bettles is approx. 1.5 to 3 hours each way, depending on flight route of the day (not known prior). Flights to/from Bettles could be in the morning or afternoon depending on availability. Final flight times will be determined by the lodge and are not available until about 4 to 3 weeks prior. Flights are in smaller planes with luggage weight limitations of approx. 40 pound per person. Pre and post nights in Fairbanks are required!

Tour Map

 

Dates & Rates

Standard Rooms (6 located in the Historic Lodge with a rustic feel and 4 located in the Aurora Lodge) share 4 central bathrooms in each lodge.

Jacuzzi Rooms are located in the Aurora Lodge. Rooms have private bathrooms and a Jacuzzi tub in the bedroom.

NOTE: Due to weather/snow conditions, most excursions will not be available from October to mid-November and from the middle/end of March to early April. These times are considered "off season" times. You may only experience the Northern Lights (weather permitting) while in Bettles and may not get the full experience.

Special Cancellation Policy:
Up to 91 days prior to lodge stay: 25% cancellation fee
90 to 45 days prior to lodge stay: 50% cancellation fee
44-31 days prior to lodge stay: 60% cancellation fee
30 to 0 days prior to lodge stay: 100% cancellation fee; services are non-refundable, even if cancelled due to weather/services not used

 

First of all, the northern lights showed up for a full two-hour magical display -- more than I expected to see. Second, the driver was professional and courteous and fun. The yurts were comfortable (really appreciated the bathrooms!), and the location was a terrific place for viewing. The experience was not only... Read more  

Sherry | Colorado