One Week Winter Sightseeing from Anchorage to Fairbanks

This winter adventure through Southcentral and Interior Alaska features a scenic rail excursion, balmy hot springs, aurora viewing, dog mushing, and a visit to Santa’s house. Also included: a two-day extension to the remote community of Coldfoot for more aurora viewing and fun in the snow.

Day 1: Anchorage

Arrive in Anchorage and rent a car for a couple of days of exploring. Experience Alaska’s Indigenous cultures and state history at the Alaska Native Heritage Center and Anchorage Museum, or learn about the state’s pioneering bush pilots at the Alaska Aviation Museum. Wrap up the day by exploring downtown Anchorage's art galleries, followed by a hearty evening meal and locally crafted beers at one of the city’s many fine restaurants.

Day 2: Girdwood

Make the 45-minute drive south to the fun, funky ski town of Girdwood and its world-class Alyeska Ski Resort. The skiing options here are many: make some turns on the resorts 1,600 skiable acres, go Sno-Cat or heli-skiing, or keep driving another half-hour to Turnagain Pass, one of the most popular places for backcountry skiing in Southcentral Alaska. If you prefer to stay on flat land, take to the peaceful groomed Nordic ski trails that meander through local meadows and forests. Cap the day off with a soak at the Alyeska Nordic Spa, an indoor-outdoor hydrotherapy spa experience, and dinner at one of Girdwood’s charming restaurants. Stay in Girdwood at the resort or at a b&b. 

Day 3: Girdwood

You could easily spend another day skiing at Alyeska Resort, or you could take advantage of the other winter activities in the area. Rent fat tire bikes and cruise the groomed multi-use trails, join a guided snowmachine trip out to a glacier, or visit the nearby Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center for up-close views of Alaska wildlife. In the late afternoon, drive back to Anchorage, return your rental car (you’ll be getting around by train tomorrow), and settle in at your accommodations in Anchorage. We recommend staying somewhere downtown for close proximity to the Alaska Railroad Depot. 

Day 4: Anchorage to Fairbanks by Rail

Time your trip so you can board the Alaska Railroad for its Aurora Winter Train, which runs northbound to Fairbanks on Saturdays. The 11 ½ hour journey includes brief stops in Talkeetna and Denali National Park and Preserve, but you’ll want to stay aboard the train as it traverses the wide-open winter landscape en route to Fairbanks.

As Alaska’s short winter day fades into darkness, you’ll be treated to the sight of alpenglow illuminating the mountain peaks—including 20,310-foot Denali, which is visible from the train on clear days—into shades of orange, pink, and purple. When you check into your Fairbanks hotel, make sure the staff knows you’d like a wake-up call if the northern lights, are visible that night.

Note: if you’re not able to time your itinerary with the Aurora Winter Train schedule, you can also drive or fly to Fairbanks. 

Day 5: Fairbanks

Pick up a rental car in Fairbanks (be sure to reserve one with good winter tires). Spend the day exploring local museums, art galleries, and cultural facilities, including the University of Alaska Museum of the North, the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, and the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum. If northern lights viewing is on your list, book a northern lights viewing tour for the evening, where local guides lead you to the best aurora viewing spots. These tours run late into the evening for the best opportunities of catching the lights, so be prepared to stay up late. 

Day 6: Chena Hot Springs

Sleep in and plan for a leisurely day with some excellent R&R. Make the 60-mile drive to Chena Hot Springs to spend the afternoon soaking in the natural hot springs. Book a massage, take a tour of the Ice Museum, and learn about dog mushing at the kennel. You can also join guided snowmachine tours, go dog mushing, or ice fishing. Overnight at the resort, which has a variety of accommodation options from cabins to rooms in the lodge. Make sure to enjoy an evening soak and keep an eye out for the northern lights dancing overhead. 

Day 7: Fairbanks to North Pole

Head back towards Fairbanks and make a detour to the town of North Pole. It’s always Christmas in North Pole, just a 15-mile drive southeast of Fairbanks—but winter is definitely the most picturesque time to visit. Stop by the Santa Claus House for Christmas-themed gifts, decorations, and toys. You can also send letters from Santa (they’ll receive an official North Pole postmark) and have your photo taken next to a giant Santa statue. In the evening, return to Fairbanks and check out the events calendar for performances by local musicians and theater groups, or stop by one of the local breweries or distilleries for some Alaska brews. 

Optional Two-Day Add-On: Coldfoot

Take an overnight tour from Fairbanks to Coldfoot, a remote work camp located 250 miles north of Fairbanks. Spend the short days visiting with professional mushers and their dogs; by night, have your camera ready in hopes of seeing the northern lights. On the second night, take a small plane back to Fairbanks, where you’ll spend your last night of this trip. If you are lucky, you might even see the aurora while your plane is in the air. evening.