Winter In Fairbanks? It’s Cold, But You’ll Experience The Extraordinary

If you’re ready to travel now and want to focus on the outdoors and away from crowds, get a warm jacket, layer, wear a hat and get your head around traveling to Fairbanks Alaska off-season, this winter.

Winter takes center stage for five full months in Fairbanks, and offers extraordinary outdoor winter experiences.

Imagine a pristine Alaskan environment, with you able to be less worried about crowds and distancing. Use this top ten list to plan an unforgettable winter expedition to a dazzling land of ice and snow. (And for more information check out ExploreFairbanks.com.)

Chase the Aurora Borealis

Fairbanks is one of the best places on the planet to view the northern lights and this awe-inspiring activity tops everyone’s to-do list. I remember curtains of green and purple — every night. And clearer than I had seen them anywhere else.

Witness the magic and knock northern lights viewing off your bucket list. Be spirited away by the captivating light of the aurora.                                                                             

Mingle with Reindeer

Fairbanks has plenty of ways to engage with Saint Nick’s furry friends including walking with these majestic critters through the boreal forest or seeing them in various locations near Fairbanks. You can even pay to visit them in nearby North Pole “where the spirit of Christmas lives year-round.” 

Fish a Frozen Lake

Drill down into clear lake ice, which can be up to four feet thick, craft the hole, drop your line, and think of dinner. Your fishing guide will help you catch chinook or coho salmon, arctic char, or rainbow trout. Some outfitters will even cook your freshly caught fish for you in a warm and comfortable ice hut on the frozen lake.

And sitting on the ice, maybe drinking a beer and pondering life, is one of the safest, most peaceful activities in a time of tension and health concerns.

Go Inside a Glacier

Just a 2.5-hour pristine ride from Fairbanks, the Castner Glacier cave will blow your mind. It does require a hike (2.6 miles round trip) and a modicum of common sens, but the bragging rights are off the charts. And you will be in an uncrowded, glistening wonderland.

Snowmobile into the Wild

Riding a snowmobile, or “snowmachine” as it is most often referred to in Alaska, is one of the easiest ways to get into the spectacular snowy wilds surrounding Fairbanks. A local guide can outfit you, show you the ropes and help you experience the full-throttle rush.

Watch Ice Sculptures Emerge

In Fairbanks, ice art is not only remarkable but commonplace during winter months with sculptures found all around town. Visitors can watch incredible artworks emerge from huge blocks of ice, as sculptors work with chain saws and specialized ice carving tools. Ice art peaks in February and March with two large ice events that include giant ice sculptures, ice mazes, ice slides and much more.

Traverse the Snow

Get off the beaten path and view amazing winter vistas with an invigorating jaunt via snowshoes. Or hit miles of world-class trails on cross-country skis. Take in the pristine wilderness and embrace the winter days, when the silver-blue sky is often embellished with stirring sunsets and sunrises, sundogs, or sparkling snowflakes.                                           

Soak in a Natural Hot Spring

Have a rejuvenating soak in a natural outdoor hot spring at the end of an adventure-filled day. At Chena Hot Springs Resort, you can relish the crisp winter air and the swirling northern lights above, while your hair freezes in wild and wonderful ways. Let the healing, mineral-rich spring water relax your body and warm your soul.

Take a Roadtrip to the Arctic Circle or Denali National Park

The Arctic Circle and Denali National Park are two iconic destinations easily accessible from Fairbanks. The Arctic Circle is 195 miles (315 Km) north of Fairbanks and Denali is 120 miles (193 Km) to the south. Both of these majestic places are reached via inspirational drives through extraordinary winter landscapes, often with alpen glow.

Mush a Team of Huskies

Alaska’s sled dogs will champion the trail and win your heart…and getting into the back country by accessing Alaska’s state sport – dog mushing – has never been easier. You can book a 30-minute jaunt, a half-day mushing school or a legendary journey with these four-legged athletes. Dog mushing is an exhilarating and soulful way to connect to the area’s pristine wilderness.