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Top 5 Reasons To Visit Alaska In Winter
Top 5 Reasons To Visit Alaska In Winter
Many people shy away from visiting Alaska during the winter months, but here at John Hall’s Alaska – winter is one of our favorite seasons in Alaska!
We asked our Tour Representative, Matt Lowe, who has lived in Alaska since 1986 about his favorite reasons to love Alaska during winter, some his helpful tips for enjoying your visit, and why many people should consider visiting during the winter season. Read on for his top 5 reasons to visit Alaska in winter.
Top 5 Reasons To Visit Alaska In Winter
1. See The Northern Lights
The best time to view the Aurora Borealis is February & March. They can appear before the sunlight completely fades and the spring equinox offers a bit more activity. By mid-March Alaska has twelve hours of daylight and darkness. We have our best luck between 10:00pm-2:00am on John Hall’s Alaska winter tours. I’ve seen them appear minutes after sunset and dance all night and be sure to escape from the city lights, they will diminish your opportunities.
Right now we are in the middle of a five year cycle that’s delivering more vivid Aurora displays. Experiencing the dancing light in Alaska is unlike any other activity. The absolute wonder can only be appreciated in person, it’s one of my favorite things about Alaska in winter!
2. Experiencing The Iditarod
The Iditarod is not only Alaska’s most celebrated mushing event. It is a celebration of community and embraces Alaska’s adventurous spirit and generous hospitality. There are hundreds, if not thousands of volunteers that insure the spirit of the event continues each year.
The history of Iditarod is incredible – from the first race of 1973 to today. The late 80’s and early 90’s cemented Susan Butcher’s legacy, Rick Swenson’s epic fifth win not only captured the essence of toughness but also introduced us to Martin Buser. Each year the race unveils a new unexpected chapter.
The speculation and wishes for all mushers changes each year and visiting the remote checkpoint on John Hall’s Alaska Iditarod & Aurora Adventure tour is always the highlight of each race for guests. The fantastic people of this community have elevated their hospitality each year we visit. Watching the mushers ride into the checkpoint, check in, then bed their teams right in front of us is incredible! To view the teams in full action as they approach on the river then slow as they come into the checkpoint is amazing.
3. Less People Visit In The Winter
Winter visits offer not only incredible scenery but also solitude and regenerative properties for your soul.
Have you ever seen Denali with alpenglow? Sit in silence and take in the unmatched wilderness spectacles. Grab a drink and sit next to the fireplace or sink into that leather couch while the view reawakens you. Keep an eye out do moose, lynx, eagles, fox and more.
4. Unique Winter Experiences
- The ceremonial start of the Iditarod on 4th avenue is electric!
- The restart on Sunday is beyond exciting. Walk down the starting gate a few hundred yards so you can cheer on your favorite mushers as they pass by.
- The flight to the remote checkpoint encompasses the entire Iditarod & Aurora Adventure tour. A flight southwest of Fairbanks as we view the longest mountain range in the state always leaves me in awe. Within ten-minute of departing Fairbanks we all get a clear idea of the vast wilderness that Alaska offers. Last year as we flew into the checkpoint we saw wolf tracks within a few miles of Nikolai. Then we spend hours watching the mushers coming into town.
- The Trail Breaker Kennel is always a highlight for guests on all of John Hall’s Alaska tours. Learning about Susan Butcher’s history, spending time with her family who is like our family and of course – the excitement of riding behind those amazing dogs.
- Curling is always fun as we sometimes forget our ages and get the opportunity to learn something new.
- Staying at Borealis Basecamp where the northern lights opportunities are endless and so are the many activities there – snowshoeing, dog mushing, helicopter flight seeing and the food is incredible!
- It’s hard to explain just how amazing the flightseeing trip around Denali is. Each flight is unique and offers an opportunity to experience Alaska’s highest mountain peaks.
- The winter wildlife cruise on Alaska’s Winter Wonders tour offers beautiful scenery and our group the last two years have seen orcas! Reminding us that summer is near.
5. Cozy Stays
Whether your relaxing in front of the large wood burning fireplace at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, cozied up under the Northern Lights at Borealis Basecamp or viewing the mountains from your window at The Hotel Captain Cook and there’s no shortage of wonderful stays during John Hall’s Alaska winter tours.
Tips For Visiting Alaska In Winter:
- There is not bad weather, just bad gear. Dress for the day and wear proper layers – bibs, jackets, hates, gloves, etc. for more details, check out our What To Pack For A Winter Trip To Alaska blog post.
- Bring extra camera batteries if you are planning to photograph the Northern Lights and carry them on you to keep them warm.
- Bring your sense of adventure!
- Make sure to go dog sledding, there are many great kennels and tours throughout the area but all John Hall’s Alaska winter tours include this experience.
Interested in booking a winter trip to Alaska? Give us a call at 800-325-2270 or book your trip now through our booking request form.