Winter Activities

Alaskans don't hibernate like bears; winter is when the fun begins and you're officially invited! Whether you desire endless white solitude or endless activities and events, Alaska has it all - from wildlife to nightlife.

Winter visitors may be surprised to find out that they are as tough as most Alaskans: It’s neither as dark nor as cold as you might expect. Winter brings 6-13 hours of daylight, depending on where you are, sandwiched between a ton of twilight on one end and endless dawns on the other. And with average temperatures around 20°F, winter enthusiasts can enjoy Alaska in complete comfort. Alaska starts rapidly gaining daylight in the early spring, and with dozens of festivals and events taking place in late February and March, this makes the perfect time to experience winter in Alaska and get a feel for what it’s really like in our most defining season.

What you’ll find is that Alaskans embrace winter, both by taking part in boundless outdoor adventure opportunities and arts and cultural events that showcase our creativity and the sense of community that define our northern lifestyle. Several major winter events bring visitors from around the world to Alaska, so there’s plenty to do and see and prices are often lower than in the busier summer months.

Alaska’s most popular and iconic winter experiences include dog mushing, northern lights viewing, snowboarding and skiing (Nordic and alpine), snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and sports and cultural events. Combine that with fantastic, locally owned restaurants, museums and cultural centers, shopping and locally crafted beer and other spirits and you’ve got a recipe for an incomparable winter experience.

Please click through to links on specific activities and the events calendar to plan your Alaska trip and connect with hotels, tour operators and other travel suppliers.