Winter Activities

Winter in Alaska is a magical time, with beautiful white snow blanketing the landscape, northern lights dancing overhead, a multitude of outdoor activities only available in winter, and cozy nights. As long as you dress properly for the weather, you can be comfortable and enjoy your time anywhere in the state, all winter long.

Winter is an increasingly popular season in Alaska, where visitors flock to see the northern lights dancing green, purple, and pink in the sky. Northern lights viewing season is late-August through April, when the nights are darkest. You can search for the northern lights yourself or join one of the guided day-trips or overnight packages.

Dog mushing is also a winter highlight in Alaska, with the world-famous 1,000-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in March. You can watch these impressive canine athletes at a race or hop on a sled yourself on a guided dog sled tour. Winter festivals are also popular, including Fur Rendezvous in Anchorage and the World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks.

Locals and visitors alike revel in the many outdoor recreation opportunities available in winter. Alaska is a paradise for all things winter recreation including downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, fat tire biking, and snowmobiling.