Unique Things to Do in Alaska in Winter
No winter visit to Alaska is complete without experiencing some of our most popular activities like northern lights viewing and skiing. However, beyond these major attractions are a plethora of unique experiences that allow you to see Alaska’s snowy landscapes from a different perspective and learn more about our culture and history. Here are some of the top unique things to do in Alaska winter:
Snowmachine Tours
You may know them as snowmobiles, but Alaskans call them snowmachines. They are an essential mode of transportation (and fun) for locals in winter, providing access to remote cabins, homesteads, villages, and backcountry destinations. This unique mode of transportation is available for visitors to experience for themselves on snowmachine tours in the Southcentral and Interior regions of Alaska.
Not only can you experience the thrill of zooming across snowy landscapes while driving your own snowmachine, but you gain access to breathtaking scenery in remote backcountry locations. Popular routes take you along a trail and across a frozen lake to the face of a glacier where you can marvel at the stunning blue ice formations. If you’re looking for a bigger adventure, you can even join a guided multi-day snowmachine tour.
Dog Sledding
Equally as thrilling (and much more cuddly) is joining a guided dog sled tour. Dog mushing is Alaska’s official state sport, and you can experience it for yourself any time of year. Alaska mushers – many of which compete in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race – lead dog sled tours of their kennels and teach you about the sport. Then, it’s your turn to hop in the sled to feel the power and excitement of the dog teams as you speed along trails or the surface of a glacier. If you’re lucky, the kennel will have a littler of puppies to snuggle after your ride.
Fat Tire Biking
One of Alaska’s fastest growing winter sports is fat tire biking, also called fat biking. These special bikes are designed for winter, with extra wide tires that allow you to glide over the snow. Some bikes have studded tires for extra grip, along with pogies – which are large mitts that go over the handlebars to keep your hands warm. Bike rental companies in Anchorage, Girdwood, Palmer, Soldotna, Valdez, and Fairbanks rent out fat bikes and accessories, and can provide recommendations on the best place to ride. If you’re looking for an extra boost, some outfitters even offer fat tire e-bikes.
Winter Train Trips
Riding the Alaska Railroad is an iconic Alaska experience. While the majority of routes operate in the summer from mid-May through mid-September, they offer a special Aurora Winter Train from mid-September through mid-May. This full-day ride runs between Anchorage and Fairbanks and allows you to view the stunning snowy landscape through large picture windows as you relax in the comfort of the heated train car, complete with onboard dining options. The train runs by the edge of Denali National Park and makes stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna, and offers flagstop service to several communities along the way.
Walking with Reindeer
Are you looking for a truly magical winter experience in Alaska? In Fairbanks, you can join a guided walk through the snowy boreal forest with reindeer by your side. This unique, educational experience is fun for the whole family. Your guides will lead you through a safety talk and then teach you all about the reindeer before you embark on your wintery nature walk together. Most tours include the opportunity to feed the reindeer, along with a hot drink and treat for yourself after the tour.
Northern Lights Accommodations
Northern lights viewing is one of the most popular winter endeavors in Alaska, but you can maximize your chances of seeing the lights by taking advantage of the specialty northern lights viewing accommodations in the state. Igloo-style domes with clear ceilings, cubes, cabins, and lodges are specially built for northern lights viewing, allowing you to gaze at the lights in comfort – sometimes even from your own bed. Alaska is one of the few places in the world that offers specialty northern lights viewing accommodations, so you don’t want to miss this incredible experience.
Iditarod Sled Dog Race
Alaska’s most famous sporting event is the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, a 1,000 mile journey across rugged terrain that takes mushers and their incredible dog teams from Willow to Nome. While most of the route is difficult for visitors to access, there are three ways that you can see this event for yourself.
The ceremonial start of the Iditarod takes place in Anchorage the first Saturday in March. Mushers and dog teams gather in downtown Anchorage to celebrate the official start of the Iditarod the following day. Spectators line the streets and trails to cheer on the teams as they glide by. It’s one of the best celebrations in Anchorage, and the easiest way for visitors to catch the Iditarod. The following day, the race officially starts in Willow, 70 miles north of Anchorage. Visitors can catch the official start there, or cheer on the teams as they cross the finish line between 8 days and 2 weeks later in Nome.
Festivals & Events
In addition to the Iditarod, Alaska is host to several other truly Alaskan winter festivals and events. From mid-February through early March, the best ice sculptors from around the world come to Fairbanks for the World Ice Art Championships. Visitors can marvel at the incredible works of art, and even play in the Winter Playground carved entirely out of ice.
The Festival of Native Arts is held in Fairbanks from late February through early March, bringing together Indigenous artists, musicians, and dancers from Alaska and beyond for a multi-day celebration of Alaska Native and Indigenous cultures. Visitors are welcome to watch the performances and browse the artist’s market. Fur Rendezvous, called “Rondy” by locals, is a winter festival and celebration that takes over downtown Anchorage in late February – early March. Dog sled races, a carnival, parade, snow sculpture competitions, Running of the Reindeer, and even Outhouse Races are part of this fun-filled multi-day event.
Alaska: AKA Your Next Adventure
Where will your Alaska adventure take you? Order our Official State of Alaska Vacation Planner and plot your course.