Top 5 Tips For Enjoying Alaska’s Winter Wonderland
Located at the very tip of the United States West Coast, the 49th state of Alaska boasts a scenery that is at once wild and rugged and breathtakingly beautiful. For many tourists, it is an ideal vacation spot.
To mention just a few things, Alaska is home to the Northern Lights, hot springs, and glaciers. Temperatures below 40 degrees Celsius are typical in Fairbanks, Alaska. It is the kind of winter you would never imagine to endure.
Yes, yes! If you can do it with the correct equipment and preparation, traversing through the terrain and temperatures of Alaska would be seamless.
That said, this travel journal will exhibit a few tips to enjoy Alaska’s winter wonderland.
- Stay updated on the annual snowfall in Alaska
How much snow does Alaska receive throughout the winter?
The various regions must be considered because their snowfall varies greatly. It is fruitless to generalize about a state the size of Alaska. Since both Los Angeles and Lake Tahoe are located in California, it would be comparable to treating the snowfall in either place as equivalent. All the Alaskan cities offer a wide range of landscapes and snowfall experiences.
- The measured depth at Anchorage is 77.9 inches.
- Tall: 59.6 inches
- Title: 80.8″
- Juneau elevation: 87.6′
- Valdez: 325.35 centimeters
Accordingly, what are the implications of these figures? From them, you can get a decent sense of how much snow falls in each of these towns. The amount of snowfall each year varies greatly. These statistics show that compared to Anchorage, Valdez experiences MUCH more snowfall. You may also refer to a 24/7 snow calculator to determine the ideal snow day for outdoor excursions.
In many instances, altitude is more important than location regarding snowfall. Considering a location’s temperature, wind speed, and daylight hours is also necessary for calculating the winter feel.
- Arrange your trips and events
Winter in Alaska may have shorter days than summer’s Midnight Sun, but it’s still jam-packed with activities and trips that summer visitors can’t access. On winter days in Alaska, visitors and locals enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire bicycling, and ice skating, among other outdoor entertainment alternatives. If you’re looking to rent the necessary gear for a day on the trails, plenty of outfitters around the state would be pleased to provide recommendations.
A guided trip is a terrific option if you want to see some of Alaska’s beloved winter sports and pastimes. Experience the strength of the state’s remarkable canine athletes on a dog sled ride, go snowmobiling (or “snow machine” as the locals call them) across the winter landscapes, or go ice fishing with a guide who will provide warming huts.
- Ideal time to experience the Northern Lights
Arctic light show, also known as the aurora borealis, draws sightseers from across the globe to Alaska. The night sky in Alaska is a mesmerizing show of green, yellow, red, and purple light bands that are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Fairbanks, Coldfoot, Wiseman, and Nome are some of the greatest places in the interior and Arctic to watch the northern lights between August and April. You can see them across the state, but your chances are highest if you go there during the Auroral Oval.
The best approach to get the most out of your aurora viewing experience is to spend a couple of nights in a one-of-a-kind, purpose-built lodging, such as an igloo, cabin, or unique lodging. Aurora wake-up calls, heated viewing spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor viewing decks, and hotels far from light pollution are available. Never forget that “the lights are out” is a positive sign if you hear it said by locals.
- When to attend Winterfest
During the winter months, Alaska hosts some of its most popular festivals and events. If you want to experience Alaska’s rich history, art, and culture firsthand, schedule your vacation around one of these events. Make plans to visit Fairbanks around the middle of February or early March to witness the World Ice Art Championships, when ice sculptures of the highest caliber are showcased.
Attracting skilled ice carvers from around the world, this event showcases breathtaking ice sculptures illuminated by vibrant lights and an interactive ice playground, making it one of the biggest ice art competitions on a global scale. The Festival of Native Arts, which encompasses traditional dance performances, music, and arts, is held in Fairbanks in March and is another event honoring Alaska Native culture.
As the premier winter event in Anchorage, Fur Rendezvous is affectionately known as “Fur Rondy.” The pioneering spirit of Alaskans is celebrated throughout this 12-day celebration that has been going strong since 1935. Among the many entertaining and bizarre events in Fur Rondy are the snow sculptures, the World Championship Sled Dog Race, the Running of the Reindeer, the Rondy Carnival, and a hilarious outhouse race.
- Plan your winter travel in Alaska
Despite many fears, driving on icy and snowy roads is wintertime Alaska’s most efficient means of transportation. Even in the summer, Alaska’s public transportation choices are lacking. Despite the abundance of private transportation choices in snow-free Alaska, many still decide to rent a car for their journeys.
Refer to a few quick tips here:
- In Anchorage, hire a car for the first four days.
- Take the rails from Anchorage to Fairbanks.
- Chena Hot Springs (Days 5-7) can be reached via shuttle.
- For Days 7-8, rent a car in Fairbanks.
You have the option to pick between Anchorage and Fairbanks, as all of the main automobile rental businesses operate out of both cities.
In the end!
It is an adventure in and of itself to plan your winter wonderland experience in Alaska. Every decision, from when to go and what to bring, takes you one step closer to a winter wonderland. From dog sledding and aurora viewing to glacier trekking and packing the correct gear, there are countless wonderful activities to choose from. If you put safety first, plan, and are willing to face the unique challenges of Alaska’s winter environment, your trip will be unforgettable and trouble-free.
Alaska provides unparalleled excitement and serenity, whether adventuring through the snow-covered wilderness or gazing at the northern lights flashing across the sky. With some planning, you can ensure that your time in Alaska is filled with unforgettable experiences and breathtaking landscapes.
