Alaska has much to offer travelers in the winter months. Even better, hotel rates can run half what they do in summer, making Alaska an affordable vacation destination.
Northern Lights Viewing
Witness one of the most spectacular lights shows around when you make time for Alaska in the winter months. Book a photography workshop or snowmobile tour in Fairbanks for excellent aurora (极光) viewing. Alternatively, head to Denali National Park for a stay at the five-room boutique hotel. Sheldon Chalet. Enjoy heli-skiing and snowshoeing by day followed by entrancing aurora viewing by night.
Alaska Railroad
In winter, book a trip on the Aurora Winter Train for a bucket list-worthy adventure into Alaska's snow-covered backcountry, Ride the train all the way from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Or, get off the train along the way in Talkeetna for cross-country skiing and a berry delicious pie-making class at Talkeetna Roadhouse.
Wintry Zoo Animals
The Alaska Zoo in Anchorage is a true delight in winter. That's when you can see the state's native animals, like bears, moose and wolves, in their natural winter habitat. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Alaska Zoo boasts up-close views and interactions with more than 100 animals, Say hello to the zoo's newest resident, Cranbeary, a 17-year-old polar bear that relocated from Denver last year.
Snowshoe Tours
Trekking through knee-deep fluffy snow in snowshoes can be loads of fun. Try your skills on a guided snowshoe tour in Fairbanks with Leaf Out Nature Guides. Led by expert biologists, the outfitter runs two-hour snowshoe tours. Guests venture into the boreal forest of Alaska's interior. keeping a keen eye open to spot wildlife, like snowshoe hares, caribou and flying squirrels. Snowshoers are treated to expert knowledge on animal tracks. how animals survive in the harsh winter and how local plants are used.