From aurora hunting to snow adventures, Anchorage transforms into the ultimate winter wonderland. Planning the perfect winter getaway is easier than you might think – start with these activities.
Chasing the Northern Lights
Few phenomena are as awe-inspiring as the northern lights. Seeing the aurora takes planning, patience and a bit of luck. Thankfully, there are ways to improve the odds, including finding the right viewing spot and hiring an expert guide – and Anchorage has both in abundance. Add in the area’s mild winter temperatures, and Anchorage makes a great aurora-chasing base.
Flightseeing
In any season, flightseeing is an excellent way to get a broader view of Alaska’s vast landscape. A plane equipped with skis is the perfect way to circle Denali, cruise the glaciers of Prince William Sound or explore the vast Chugach Mountains in the winter.
Dog Sledding
Many come to cheer the pros at the Iditarod or the World Championship Sled Dog Races, but Alaska’s state sport isn’t just for spectators. Mushers open their homes and kennels, and visitors can pet puppies, learn the history of sled dogs in Alaska and step onto the runners to learn what it takes to run an energetic team.
Skiing
The biggest ski resort in Alaska, Alyeska Resort, is just 40 miles from downtown Anchorage in the town of Girdwood. With 1,610 skiable acres, 76 named trails and over 669" of snow annually, it’s a prime spot on a powder day. Community hills at Arctic Valley and Hilltop offer an easy intro to the sport.
Anchorage’s Nordic skiing community is strong too. The Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage grooms nearly 100 miles of trails around the city for cross-country, and they’re all available to the public for free.
Fat Tire Biking
More and more Alaskans now use fat tire bicycles to get up to speed in winter. Wide tires float over snow, and chunky frames add stability to a ride through the winter wonderland. Most of Anchorage’s 135 miles of paved trails are groomed during the winter, and many companies offer rentals and tours, so exploring is a snap.
Ice Skating
Rinks and skate ponds can be found around every turn (or figure eight, or pirouette) in Anchorage. Local parks and schools host outdoor hockey rinks and neighborhood skate ponds, and there's even an Olympic-size outdoor speed-skating track – one of only a few in the country.
Snowmobiling
Snowmachine. Sno-go. Sled. The rest of the country calls them snowmobiles, but that name never caught on in Alaska. Whatever you call them, they are the perfect device for a winter backcountry expedition. Carve wide turns in snowfields, wind through forested trails or motor right up to the face of a glacier.
Ice Fishing
Trout, landlocked salmon and other species lurk below the surface of frozen lakes and ponds around Anchorage. Local guides know the waters best and bring all the gear to make fishing fun and the day comfortable.
Winter Festivals
Heyi Days celebrates the arrival of winter, and from late November through early January, the city transforms with art installations, holiday markets, sports tournaments, solstice festivals and outdoor fun.
Anchorage Fur Rendezvous spans late February and early March with unique Alaska events. Snowshoe softball, outhouse races, an Alaska Native arts market, a blanket toss and snow sculpture competitions are just a few of the ways Anchorage celebrates the colder season.
Rondy also dovetails with the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race on the first Saturday in March. The world-famous race stretches 1,000 miles across Alaska, and the ceremonial start is right in the middle of downtown Anchorage. Fans line the 11-mile route along Anchorage trails to wish the racers luck.
Museums & Entertainment
In addition to the permanent galleries filled with Alaska art, Alaska Native objects and Arctic science, the Anchorage Museum often unveils a new set of limited-engagement exhibits in the winter. The museum also hosts Polar Nights, special Friday evening events with music, artist conversations and behind-the-scenes tours.
Performing arts also have a long history in Anchorage. Both the symphony orchestra and local opera company have entertained audiences since before Alaska was a state, and many traveling Broadway shows, musicians and comedians swing through Anchorage in the fall and winter.
Learn more about Anchorage on VAX VacationAccess or by visiting Anchorage.net/trade.
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