The Best Reasons to Visit Alaska in the Winter

Warning: once you read the best reasons to visit Alaska in the winter, you will want to book your trip. Although summer is by far the most popular time to visit Alaska, a winter trip to the Last Frontier is definitely worth considering. Sure, the days can be short and cold, but the land is pristine and the snow-capped peaks majestic. Skip the crowds on the beaches and head to Alaska for spring break! March is a great time to visit as the days are longer and the weather milder, but there’s still plenty of snow in the mountains to enjoy. Here are just a few adventures to tempt you.

Go Skiing

One of the Best Reasons to Visit Alaska in the Winter

Whether you prefer breezing down a mountain through some fresh powder, sweating your way cross country, or breaking your own trail in the back country, Alaska has what you want.

Alyeska is the place for downhill skiing. The town of Girdwood, 40 miles south of Anchorage, is home to the Alyeska Ski Resort and the hotels and restaurants that support it (and not much else). With many routes, ranging from magic carpet to double black diamond runs, there’s fun for the whole family.

How to do it cheap:

The mountain overlooks the Seward Highway and Turnagain arm, giving you views aplenty to enjoy! Rent skis at the chalet for a small fee, or bring your own. Stop at Jack Sprat or the Sitzmark slopeside for a midday snack to fuel your afternoon. And check out their mid-week ski-and-stay deals to save a few bucks.

Alyeska also has some cross country trails for those who prefer a more horizontal adventure, but you don’t have to go with the crowds to find trails. Anchorage is home to more than 100 miles of groomed trails to choose from, including a route that can take you right through the heart of the city via a series of wooded trails and under-road tunnels. Our favorites in the area are Kincaid Park near the airport, and Independence Mine in Hatcher Pass (60 miles north of Anchorage). Stop by REI to rent gear for the day or the weekend if needed.

Our experience in back country skiing is nil. But it is a common hobby among rugged Alaskans and the opportunities in that vast mountainous land are certainly plenty. Check out Backcountry or StockAlpine for info on the best places to cut your own trail.

Ice Skate on Potter’s Marsh

One of the Most Romantic Reasons to Visit Alaska in the Winter

Just south of Anchorage on the Seward Highway, Potter’s Marsh is a network of ponds that make a great home for a variety of birds in the summer, and a great skating track in the winter. You can even check out the ice conditions online before you head out to find the smoothest areas, and to make sure you won’t get wet.

Go Hiking

One of the Most Adventurous Reasons to Visit Alaska in the Winter

There’s no reason to restrict your hiking adventures to just the summer season. Winter hiking can be beautiful and exhilarating. That being said, timing and trail conditions are definitely worth considering. A recent thaw and refreeze can make for very icy trails, so bring your crampons or Yaktrax to keep your footing.

And as always, be prepared with snacks, water, layers, a headlamp, and a knowledge of light and weather conditions. Check out a favorite winter hike at Nicole’s blog Door No. Two.

Go Off the Grid

One of the Most Unplugged Reasons to Visit Alaska in the Winter

It’s not uncommon to meet someone in Alaska who lives “off the grid.” While it may sound outrageous to hear of someone living in a cabin, not accessible by road, with a wood stove as the only source of heat, and no running water, this remains a fairly popular way of life for many Alaskans. I commend such people for their adventurous spirit and hardworking nature, but I wouldn’t want to do it for more than a couple of days.

Fortunately, Alaska has a great system of public use cabins that can be rented for just such an adventure! Scattered throughout the parks and wilds of Alaska, the cabins are simple one room shelters that can house anywhere from two to eight humans and their canine friends. Depending on your level of adventure, you can find one to drive to, or make a backwoods or cross-water trek of anywhere from one-half to ten miles distance.

The cabins are simple one room shelters than can house anywhere from two to eight humans and their canine friends.

Reservations can be easily made online, and dates open 6 months in advance. Weekends fill quickly year round, but if you’re able to go during the week you’ll have more options, particularly on short notice. Keep in mind you will need to bring everything you need to survive, as the only amenities are walls, stove, and outhouse.

See the Northern Lights

One of the Most Beautiful Reasons to Visit Alaska in the Winter

Part of the stunning beauty of the Northern Lights is their unpredictability. If you are lucky enough to see them (of which there is no guarantee), they may present as a faint glow or as vibrantly dancing ribbons, and they may last one minute or all night long.

Your chances are best on a cold, clear night, in a place free from light pollution, and typically in the wee hours of the morning. There are a couple of Facebook groups where you can track the sightings to up your chances as well. And once you find them, take a deep breath and just enjoy the splendor of the silent dance for as long as she chooses to appear.

Fur Rendezvous

One of the Most Fun Reasons to Visit Alaska in the Winter

Affectionately known as Fur Rondy, this week long celebration in early March kicks off the start of the Iditarod. With classic Alaskan events such as the Fur Auction, the Miners and Trappers Ball, the Outhouse Races, the Snowshoe Softball Tournament, and the Running of the Reindeer, you’re sure to find something you enjoy. The Rendezvous culminates with the ceremonial start to the Iditarod where the mushers and their dog teams take off down Fourth Street amid cheers and applause. (The official start of the race takes place the following day 75 miles north of Anchorage, in Willow. It too is a hugely popular event with all the tailgating festivities of an NFL Sunday match-up.)

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Ice Carving World Championships

One of the Most Creative Reasons to Visit Alaska in the Winter

This competition, held each year in Fairbanks, has been on my bucket list for awhile now. The carving starts in mid-February, with huge, intricate, and beautifully lit sculptures remaining on display through March. While you’re in Fairbanks, warm up at the Chena Hot Springs, or head to nearby North Pole, Alaska – home of Santa and Christmas cheer throughout the year.

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Thanks for reading the best reasons to visit Alaska in the winter.  Check out my other post about 7 things to do in Anchorage  You can also visit my blog, Door No. Two, about living a life you create.  If you liked these photos, check out more by my husband, Brad Tombers, on his website or Instagram.