Chilled Delights: Embracing the Alaska Winter

Photo by Chris Arend

As the last vestiges of fall slide into the icy grasp of winter, and the land of the midnight sun kisses much of the daylight goodbye, it’s time to pack your bags and head to Alaska.

The bears may be hibernating, but Alaskans definitely are not! There is too much of this winter wonderland to experience, from dog sledding to ice fishing, fat tire biking and heli-skiing.

Alaska is a snow capped playground for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Where else can you sip a chilled cocktail in an ice carved martini glass after spending the day gliding through glacial trails with your own personal dog mushing team? Or view the dancing waves of aurora borealis from your balcony? From sleds, skies, skates and snow, winter in Alaska rivals summer and will have you wanting to make this state your chilly weather destination.

Getting To Alaska

Photo by Kerry Tasker

If you are headed to Alaska for the snow and winter activities, then a good place to start is Anchorage or Fairbanks. Alaska Airlines from Seattle, Washington has daily flights and Ravn Airlines services local cities and communities in Alaska. Airports in Anchorage and Fairbanks are equipped with several car rental agencies. Avis is located at both airports and the Anchorage based Midnight Car & Van Rental is just minutes from the airport. Alaska 4x4 Rentals and Alaska Auto Rentals specialize in renting vehicles equipped for winter driving conditions. However, you will want to check to see if an agency has road restrictions during the winter months. Many agencies also allow you to pick up in one city and drop off in another city.

If you are not familiar with driving on snow and ice, then it is highly recommended that you rent a vehicle with 4 wheel or all wheel drive. The Alaska

Photo by Roy Neese

Department of Transportation does an excellent job of keeping the highways plowed and maintained, but it is best to be prepared when driving. This includes packing extra blankets, food and water. Anchorage is built on a glacial plane, which means it is very flat and easy to get around.

Another option is to take the train from Anchorage to Fairbanks. The Alaska Railroad operates year-round with regularly scheduled passenger service connecting south central and interior Alaska. They also have speciality trains that coincide with holidays and festivals. One of the popular winter routes is the Aurora Winter Train, which runs between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Experience the beauty of Alaskan scenery as you ride in comfort with heated rail cars, plush seats and large picture windows. The full-day railroad trip follows the same backcountry stretch of tracks as the summer Denali Star Train and offers magnificent views of the dazzling snow-covered landscape of Denali, North America’s highest mountain peak.

Outside of Anchorage, there are several towns that have local charm and are worth visiting for pristine, secluded winter activities. Cooper Landing, two hours south of Anchorage, is nestled like a little gem in the lush mountain ranges of the Kenai. Outdoor enthusiasts who want to be off the beaten path will find plenty of undisturbed trails that are perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat tire biking. Visitor facilities, including dining, accommodations and convenience store are open year round.

Just 20 minutes from Fairbanks, you will discover North Pole, Alaska, where the spirit of Christmas lives year round. All the streets are Christmas theme named and the largest Christmas store in the state is decorated with children’s letters to Santa. In December join the community for Winterfest Holiday Bazaar, which includes sledding, ice sculptures, fireworks, arts and crafts and of course pictures with Santa. What could be more instagrammable than a picture with Mr. Claus at the North Pole?

For more information visit: anchorage.net and explorefairbanks.com