Alaska is one of the popular summer destinations, but that doesn’t stop the state from happening and full of activities during the season. By the end of the summer season, the locals of Alaska start preparing for the cold and dark winter. The winter days are quite short, but the people do know how to make the best of this time with a range of events and activities. Alaska in winter is gorgeous, and you must visit it during this time. But you definitely need to be prepared for the different kinds of activities this place has to offer. If you are clueless about it, we will provide you with some beautiful insights about the different things you can do during your stay in Alaska.
8 Things To Do In Alaska In Winter In 2024
These activities are definitely going to bring out the mysterious and wild spirit within you. If you visit this gorgeous piece of land, make sure you do not miss out on any of these experiences.
1. Alaska Northern Lights Tours
Northern lights are one of the most mystical and rare events that happen in the world. You wouldn’t want to miss out on it during your stay in Alaska. To make your viewing trip a success, you need to do a lot of research. It is a view that cannot be expressed in words, and your trip would be incomplete without witnessing it. The dead Alaska weather in winter is considered the best time to observe this marvelous view. However, you may also get lucky during the immediate end of the summer season, usually during September. If you feel this experience is something you wouldn’t like to miss, you must definitely plan your trip accordingly. You may also take in account festivals in Alaska to have a vibrant experience. When it is the darkest, the northern lights are visible. Ensure that the weather is generally mild and the skies are clear when planning this event.
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2. Winter Dog Mushing
No other activity could be as famous as dog mushing when it comes to Alaska. And it is all because of the abundance of snow. Alaska is also known as the home to the famous Iditarod, and since then, dog mushing has become a tradition in Alaska. From mid-October to mid-April, you will find many options in dog mushing. Regardless of your age, you can have a perfect time. There are several national parks in Alaska where you can indulge in wild activities. When you enter the kennel, you will see a group of dogs barking and running around. With the help of a sledge, the dogs will take you on a ride effortlessly. Not only will you get to experience a unique ride, but you will also enjoy the wilderness of Alaska. All of this is possible during Alaska in winter.
3. Alaska Snowmobiling Tours
If you are looking for things to do in Alaska in the winter, snowmobiling needs to be in your bucket list. Alaska is known for its wintery landscape, which makes it a playground for all tourists visiting the USA. Nothing is better than exploring the backcountry while riding a snowmobile, popularly called snowmachine. It is an exhilarating experience that takes you on a journey through the mysterious and quiet lands. You get to speed over layers of snow and make your way through the remote glaciers, hidden ice caves, and frozen rivers. If you are a winter sports fan, you need to try this experience on your honeymoon in Alaska. If you are a couple or a group of family with older children, this activity is perfect for you. During your trip through the creeks, mountains, and glaciers, you will also get to notice the wildlife in the form of wolves, lynx, ptarmigan, and moose.
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4. Alaska Ski Areas
Alaska in winter is definitely a time when you get to experience skiing. There are several beautiful ski destinations in the state that offer outstanding outdoor adventures. Most resorts also provide these services to keep tourists engaged. Not only do you get a fantastic view of the glacier, ocean views, and mountains from your resort, but also an experience to ski in places with an annual snowfall of up to 650 inches. It is an experience you wouldn’t want to miss. During your time, you will also get to explore the resorts’ mountains and terrain parks. By hiring a guide, you will even get to see the most challenging outer regions.
5. Alaska Ice Skating
The beauty of ice skating is unique in itself. When the freshwater reserves freeze up, it offers an excellent opportunity for tourists and locals to engage in ice skating. It is a paradise for bikers, skiers, hikers, ad ice skaters. Before the snow gets deep, adventure skating can be quite a sport. Alaska, in winter, offers a vast land of smooth, flare ice like no other region in the country. Couples and families come to visit this state to get the incredible ice skating experience. The Eklutna Lake is also known for being one of the popular areas for ice skating.
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6. Bike Tours
Driving to Alaska in winter is definitely an experience of a lifetime. Similarly, people who love to stay on the road also have the unbelievable opportunity to go on a bike tour with the help of different trails. If you plan to explore Anchorage, it can be quite independent and affordable with the help of bikes. With a helmet, repair kit, map, free lock, and suggestions, you cannot cover nothing with the help of bikes. Bike tours are even more exciting when coupled with the night-time aurora experience, it is cherry on the top.
7. Ice Fishing
Among other activities, most Alaska winter tours also involve ice fishing. The fishing experience is phenomenal. You can enjoy fishing during the summer as well as the winter months. However, it is a unique sport during the winter season. Depending on your skill level, your guide will help you throughout the process. You will find a variety of fish, such as grayling, silver salmon, rainbow trout, rod, and pike. During the winter, the thrill of fishing goes to a whole new level. Tourists are thrilled to find rainbow trout, Arctic char, king salmon, and so much more.
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8. Air Flightseeing
Another fantastic experience that Alaska offers tourists would be the flightseeing one. If you are keen on observing the Alaskan wilderness, this is the best way. By choosing the right service provider, you will be gifted with excellent service and comfort at the same time. Passengers are given a headset to help listen and communicate with the pilot. When it comes to safety, you have nothing to worry about. If you are afraid of heights and absolutely adore the aerial view, this experience is a must. In just about one hour and 15 minutes, you will get to see mountains, a volcano, Fjords, and ice fields.
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It is a world of diverse terrain and beauty, such as quaint small towns, forests, mountains, exotic wildlife, and open spaces. Alaska should highlight your vacation to America as it is one of the most sparsely populated and largest states. Some of the common activities in Alaska in winter that appeal to tourists include kayaking, mountain biking, skiing, and so on, and should be on your must-do list.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska In Winter
How cold is Alaska in the winter?
Alaska is one of the coldest places in the world where the temperature in the regions of Fairbanks can plummet to -45 degrees Celsius and even -50 degrees Celsius in the worst cases.
What is there to do in Alaska in winter?
Here are some of the best experiences to have in Alaska winter: 1. Watch the northern lights 2. Go dog-sledding 3. Skiing 4. Attend winter festivals 5. Snowboarding in Alaska.
Which is the coldest month in Alaska?
January is the coldest month in Anchorage, Alaska.
Which is the coldest month in Alaska?
January is the coldest month in Anchorage, Alaska.
Can you visit Alaska in winter?
Yes, you may visit Alaska in winter and enjoy winter activities like watching northern lights, snowshoeing, winter rail tours, etc. Alaska in December is a good time to take a snowy yet wild vacation.
Is Alaska dark in winter?
Yes, Barrow in Alaska goes dark in winter for 67 straight days.
In which months does it snow in Alaska?
Snowfall occurs in all the months except June, July, and August. It begins as early as in October and gets heavier in the months of late November and March.
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Ekta believes that unless you are not riding on a wave you are not living at all. She is a foodie and loves binge-watching Game of Thrones. When she’s not living her dream you can find her in the kitchen cooking.
