Winter in Alaska is a season of adventure, beauty, and wonder. During this time, snow blankets the park, daylight disappears, and temperatures can plunge to a frigid -40 F (-40 C). My blog posts likely contain affiliate links, including for the Amazon Associates program.If you click, book, or buy from one of these links, I may earn a commission. There are a number of companies that rent fat-tire bikes you can ride on your own, or you can book a guided ride with companies like Alaska Trail Guides or Alaska Bike Adventures. If you want gear rental and help on finding the best spot to hook em, Alaska Lakes Guide Service, DT6, Fishtale River Guides, and Fishhound Expeditions all offer guided ice fishing tours in the greater Anchorage area. Natural hot springs offer scenic views and a chance to soak in warm water while enjoying the winter weather. Gobs of ravens converge on urban settingsits not uncommon to see a half-dozen cavorting in parking lotsand resident forest birds like chickadees and redpolls flutter through the trees. The festival typically takes place over the course of several days and features a wide variety of events and activities for visitors to enjoy. It is also home to furthest north chairlift on the continent, and has been around since 1962! Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? #8 in Best Places to Visit in Alaska. Winter carnival. If Im being honest, I think Fairbanks is Alaskas top winter playground. It will take a little creativity to still achieve all of the items on your Denali National Park bucket list. Wed sit there for hours, freezing and occasionally pulling up tiny trout. The ski resorts may also have different operating schedules due to the weather conditions, and its best to check with the resorts for the most up-to-date information. And for those who dont like crowds, come in the winter instead! Yes. Winter activities in Anchorage Alaska | Visit Anchorage Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. I would love to go directly to Fairbanks, since it seems more likely that I would see the northern lights there, but I am worried that it will be too cold in Fairbanks for other activities like skiing or snowshoeing. Is it cold? Hes worried about the cold. Fur Rondy is an annual winter festival held in Anchorage, Alaska in late February of each year. These trips offer some of the best views of these majestic creatures while also giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the company of your fellow passengers. Guided tours are available, or you can rent a snowmobile and explore on your own. 21 Alluring Things to do in Alaska - Divergent Travelers Common Winter Activities: Skiing, Biking, Snowshoeing. Remember that many attractions close during the coldest months of the year so plan your itinerary carefully. Like what? Re: Visiting in February 11 years ago Save The Yukon Quest (dogsled race) starts in Fairbanks Feb 4, 2012 (starts there alternate years). You need to make sure your rental car can "plug in". Next door to the MSLC is the Murie Hall, which is open daily in winter as an indoor picnic area. Let the healing, mineral-rich spring water relax your body and warm your soul. Monthly travel tips, highlights, and savings! The state is home to a variety of fish species, including salmon, arctic char, grayling, and trout, making it an ideal destination for ice fishing. Most people associate winter with skiing, and yes, Anchorage has that too. Unlike Anchorage, where the best activities are connected on public transit, Fairbanks doesnt offer shuttles, public transit, and tour pick-ups/drop-offs. It is also important to keep in mind that the dogs are working animals and should be treated with respect, and visitors should follow the instructions given by the musher. Skiers and snowboarders should be prepared for the colder temperatures and the potential for extreme weather. Things to Do in Alaska in February: The Ultimate Guide Many towns across Alaska offer activities such as white-water rafting, ziplining, and more high excitement activities like off-roading (ATVing). I recommend checking out this post if you havent seen it yet: https://www.valisemag.com/alaska-northern-lights-trip/ In it, I break down the differences between Fairbanks and Anchorage for seeing the aurora and have a great Anchorage-based aurora tour you can book if you decide thats the best fit for your trip. Its been a tradition since 1935 and is one of the oldest and most popular winter festivals in the state. If your idea of adventure involves something with an engine between your legs and a lot more speed, snowmobiling is also an option in Anchorage in the winter. People have different opinions on dog sledding and while we understand that, these dogs are well cared for and love the adventure of taking people on tours. Awesome, Alia! Many thanks! There are around 35,000 in the city proper and over 100,000 people in the surrounding area. Fed by nearly 40 glaciers flowing from the Harding Icefield, the Kenai Fjords National Park tops the list of most Alaskan . 1. Its also a great way to get a taste of rural Alaska. Theres so much to do that deep winter can seem busier than summer. Its warm and everything youve been dreaming about foryour, May is one of Alaskas driest months, its not as crowded, and you can find good deals. Temperatures linger in the 60s but can reach the high 70s, and with an average of about 18 hours of light per day . The water is usually warm enough to enjoy the sights of Resurrection Bay while youre on your boat. In Fairbanks, February days have 8 hours and 31 minutes of sunlight on average. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. Alaska during wintertime be sure to prepare for icy roads, Driving to Alaska From California (2022 Guide), Alaska Itinerary 10 Days: What You Need to Know, 13 Best Water Parks in Los Angeles California, Northern California RV Parks: 10 Incredibles Parks to Visit, Best Camping in Northern California: 10 Best Camping Grounds, Northern California RV Camping: 10 Best Camping Sites. February is the last month of winter in Anchorage, and as such, freezing temperatures are the norm. Go sledding at Birch Hill Resort in Fairbanks. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. 5. The winter season also provides a great opportunity to see the diverse wildlife of Alaska. The natural hot springs in Alaska are a great way to relax and warm up after a day of winter activities. Arctic Valley Ski Area is a small ski area located just outside of Anchorage and offers excellent ski terrain for all skill levels. Ski down high mountaintops situated at sea level with stunning views. Here are some great places where you can see the Aurora in Alaska in February. Where will your Alaska adventure take you? The Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage has plenty of trail resources, and you can rent gear at Anchorage Outdoor Gear Rental if you dont want to check your own on a flight to Alaska. 13 Things To Do In Alaska In February - The Alaska Frontier Address: Carlson Center, 2010 2nd Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701. Alaska is one of the best places in the world to view the, and luckily, viewing the aurora or northern lights is one of the top things to do in Alaska in February. Specifically, fat tire biking, which uses super-wide tires to help you get a good grip on the snow and occasional slick patches on the groomed trails. For more information check outExploreFairbanks.comand order our freeFairbanks Winter Guide. The World Ice Art Championships, held annually in Fairbanks, Alaska, is a large-scale ice carving competition that attracts artists from around the globe. A Month-By-Month Guide to Anchorage | Visit Anchorage The competition typically takes place over the course of several weeks and features a wide variety of ice sculptures, from single-block carvings to large multi-block pieces. Mush a team of huskies? Just remember to bundle up! Visitors can watch incredible artworks emerge from huge blocks of ice as sculptors work with chain saws and specialized ice carving tools. Maarten Duineveld Skiing and snowboarding in Alaska is considered some of the best in the world, due to the state's abundant snowfall and rugged terrain. Ice fishing on the frozen lakes is a fun and challenging way to catch fish. Denali National Park is a destination most travelers want to include in their Alaskan trip. Please note that winter biking is only possible on the Roadside Bike Trail and the park road; other summer hiking trails cannot be biked, in summer or winter. Though the Denali Park Road typically closes at Mile 3 for several months, there is plenty to do for those prepared for the cold and outdoor recreation or sightseeing. Visitors can also take a snowmobile or dog sled tour to explore the wilderness and possibly spot some animals. Its essential to have proper equipment, knowledge of backcountry skiing, and be familiar with the area before attempting to ski or snowboard in the backcountry. See Snowy Landscapes. In this post, Ill share everything you need to know about visiting Anchorage in the winter. Before jumping into the list of Anchorage winter activities, I have a few quick tips to help you plan the best trip possible. The snow-covered landscapes are a winter wonderland, with sparkling ice crystals and frosty trees creating a picturesque scene. Alaska is home to several natural hot springs, which can be a great way to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the state in February. Or you can even pay them a visit in nearby North Pole Where the spirit of Christmas lives year-round.. Dog sledding offers a unique and exciting way to experience the Alaskan wilderness. As a heads up, there is no accommodation in the Denali area during the winter, unless you plan on camping. For those who want to get away from the light pollution of cities, there are remote locations such as the Arctic Circle, where the northern lights can be seen in their full glory. Keep reading below to find out which destinations are worth visiting in Alaska in February. Come join our Facebook group where we have hundreds of thousands of members sharing their experiences and beautiful pictures of Alaska. Start here. From long nights chasing the aurora to unseasonably frigid temperatures while out ice fishing, meeting reindeer, and riding a dog sled, Alaska has a ton of unique winter experiences to offer. The extensive multi-use trails inside Anchorage (and other communities) grow busy with skiers, snow-bikers, joggers, and skijoring enthusiasts. Even with the short days and chilly temperatures, there is still a lot to do here. You could also explore the outlying towns if you have enough time. While you most likely wont see the northern lights from the train since it runs during the short daylight hours, you can catch the train to explore destinations like Wasilla, Talkeetna, Healy, and Fairbanks. In the winter, the AKRR switches from daily trains to a lesser frequency, and the Denali Star Train becomes the Aurora Train. Most people who visit the glacier do so in the summer months. The festival is a celebration of the Alaskan spirit and offers a variety of events and activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Keep in mind that the park is a wild place and the weather can be unpredictable. Alaska is a beautiful and unique state that offers a wide variety of activities for visitors and locals alike in February. Fairbanks is one of the best places on the planet to view the northern lights and this awe-inspiring activity tops everyones to-do list. No food is available within the park. 50. from $285.00. Get my 77-page ebook for just $9.99! Located in Girdwood, just south of Anchorage, Alyeska Resort is the largest ski resort in Alaska and offers over 1,400 skiable acres and a 2,500-foot vertical drop. Updated March 2023, Girdwood Travel Guide + 5 Things to do in Girdwood was originally written in February 2020. Have any other questions about visiting Alaska in February? I was born on the East Coast and currently live in the Midwest but my heart will always be out West. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. On my head, Im wearing a simple synthetic beanie. Winter is not the best time to see most of Alaskas iconic animals. The area is known for its scenic views and friendly staff. Bring food for your trip as the closest services are in Healy, 11 miles north of the park entrance. Cross-country skiing, winter biking and snowshoeing are peaceful and rewarding ways to explore Denali, whether for an afternoon or a multi-day trip following sled dog trails or along the Denali Park Road. Anchorage has over 100 miles of trails within the city (municipality) limits, which are popular for walking, hiking, running, and biking during the summer. Relish the crisp winter air and the swirling northern lights above while your hair freezes in wild and wonderful ways. In this post, I promote travel to a destination that is the traditional lands of the Denaina Enena and Dnndeh peoples. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to exploreNative Land. The great thing about traveling to Denali National Park to see the Aurora is the lack of city light or other light pollution. The winter season runs from late September until early May annually. Its also the season of winter festivals, climaxing with the Anchorage Fur Rondy, a carnival of spring mushing, ice carvings, and more. Watch the Alaskan wilderness awaken on this 6-hour morning cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward. Anchorage has some of the best snowy adventures for you to experience the winter wonderland that Alaska is, from seeing the northern lights to ice climbing. Some people also enjoy skiing along the 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail from downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park, though thats a shared trail. Best things to do in Alaska with teenagers and tweenagers. That is why I have written an entireAlaska winter packing listso you can see the basics I recommend for any trip. You can go Alpine skiing, commonly known as downhill skiing, at Alyeska Resort, or cross-country skiing at Kincaid Park. Im also a not-so-secret space nerd and speak fluent emoji! However, some hot springs are more easily accessible and have developed facilities such as changing rooms and bathrooms. This is a time of austere beauty, with the sun rising earlier and setting later, adding about five minutes of daylight every day.

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