| Posted in: Alaska's Winter Wonders, Iditarod and Aurora Adventure, Planning
What To Pack For A Winter Trip To Alaska
What to pack for a winter trip to Alaska
Packing for a trip can sometimes be one of the most stressful parts about going on vacation, especially if you’re traveling to Alaska! From considering what activities you’ll be doing to accounting for the varying weather conditions, there are so many factors that contribute to what you’ll need.
We asked our Lake City Operations Manager, Jenny Johnson, on advice for our guests packing for a winter trip to Alaska. An integral part of the John Hall’s Alaska team since 1995, Jenny is the voice so many of our clients get to know before their travels. Originally hired as a cruise manager, she has worked her way up to overseeing all guest operations in the corporate Minnesota office.
Jenny knows a thing or two about how to pack for a trip to Alaska – especially in the winter! Read on for her top winter packing tips.
When visiting Alaska, what is the No. 1 item (or items) that you shouldn’t travel without?
I would say the No. 1 item is a good camera, especially in the winter! You’ll more than likely have the opportunity to capture some amazing aurora borealis shots during the tour and having a good camera will only enhance how the pictures turn out. You will also be able to see some wildlife in the winter, so be sure to keep your camera ready at all times.
What is the best advice you have for those packing for a winter trip to Alaska?
When packing for a winter tour, you’ll definitely want to layer! You’ll want to wear t-shirts or long sleeves while inside your hotel, during meals and at indoor activities. For the outdoors, you will need sweatshirts, a winter jacket, hats, gloves, snow pants, boots, thermal socks and maybe even a balaclava (or some kind of winter face mask) to keep you warm. We also suggest bringing hand and foot warmers to stick in your boots, shoes and gloves while you are doing outdoor activities. It is hard to enjoy your time outdoors if you are cold, so we want to make sure you are prepared.
What do you recommend packing in a daypack when visiting Alaska in the winter?
I would recommend packing the following to ensure a successful day of experiencing Alaska: a camera, an extra pair of gloves and socks in case one pair gets wet, a winter face mask, hand and foot warmers, bottled water and any medications.
What are your tips on how to make the most of your luggage space when packing for a winter trip to Alaska?
I would recommend shipping any bulky items to Alaska ahead of time to make more room in your suitcase. Such items could include winter jackets, boots, extra shoes and bulky sweatshirts. This will allow for you to pack more into your suitcase so you do not miss any essentials. At the end of your John Hall’s Alaska tour, we can also assist with having these items shipped back to your house.
Another other option would be to rent items such as boots and snow pants in Anchorage. There is a company called Sixth Avenue Outfitters that offers rentals and we are more than willing to help coordinate this service.
What item of clothing do you find most valuable when experiencing Alaska’s outdoors in the winter?
A winter parka with a thermal insert along with sweatshirts and snow pants for outside will keep you the warmest. You will want to make sure you are comfortable so you can enjoy your time with us to the fullest. Along with your gloves, a hat, boots and a winter face mask, you will be set for the day!
Included in your John Hall’s Alaska winter tour, you will receive a John Hall’s Alaska parka and thermal insert! Because we know how important it is to stay warm, our parkas will be the only outer jacket layer you will need.
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.