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Alaska in the winter. Its dark, it’s cold, it’s beautiful. After living in Alaska for eight years, I learned to embrace the cold. I accepted the long dark months and made the most of the winters. There is still enough to do if you are willing to bundle up and brave the cold temperatures. There is ice fishing, sledding and snowboarding, but here are some of my favorite and more unique Alaskan activities:
Dog sledding. Believe it or not, there are still dog races that go on. Some of the most popular ones are the Iditarod and the Yukon Quest. As someone who loved the movie “Balto” growing up, I was so excited when we got to see part of the races. Throughout the year, you can also find places to go on a small sled dog ride yourself. In the summer, you’ll sometimes see the dogs pulling a 4 wheeler instead of a sled. We took our kids on a sled dog ride, and they had an absolute blast!
Hockey games. When I first moved to Alaska, that was the only sport I heard locals talk about at first. As Alaska does not have any major professional football or basketball teams. If you’re looking for something indoors, there are plenty of Hockey games. The teams in the Fairbanks area are the Fairbanks Ice Dogs (NAHL junior league) and the Alaska Nanooks (UAF NCAA Division I college team). If you have never been to a hockey game, I would definitely recommend!
Chena Hot springs. Chena Hot springs, not only has a natural hot spring, but it’s also a mini resort. They have a cute little restaurant, an indoor pool, an ice museum, greenhouse tours, ice fishing, northern light tours, snowmobile tours, dog mushing tours, and massages! There is also a small lodge/hotel if you wanted to stay overnight. I personally would not pay for a northern lights tour, as you can do that for free during peak season. The hot spring itself is very relaxing. There is a locker room as well for easy changing. Just keep in mind, if you do go in the winter, remember if your hair gets wet it might freeze!
Look for northern lights. The best months to see the northern lights are September – October and February – March. However, you can see them anytime from August – April if its dark enough. There are plenty of apps out there as well you can download for free to help predict the best times to see the lights. They are beautiful and amazing every time you see them.
Castner Glacier. Located near milepost 217 of the Richardson Highway, Castner glacier is beautiful. It is quite a hike, so you will need to dress accordingly. I would also be very mindful of the actual temperature, because it will start to melt. The trail is neither maintained nor marked. Usually, there is enough traffic that you can see a trail running parallel to Castner Creek. It is a hike which isn’t always easy in the snow, but I have seen people pull kids on sleds to help. It is a decent drive from the Fairbanks area, but totally worth it!
If you’re traveling to Alaska soon don’t miss my other posts: How to Make Flying With Toddlers Easier, Flying With a Baby – What I wish I knew, or Questions to Consider When Packing for a Family Trip.
