1. Home
  2. North America
  3. United States
  4. Alaska Winter Adventure
Map of Alaska Winter Adventure including United States Of America

Embrace the wintery wilderness of Alaska

Ready to chase the Northern Lights and explore virtually untouched natural wonders? This 8-day adventure through Alaska is perfect for travellers looking to connect with nature in one of the world’s most stunning winter wonderlands. Explore one of Alaska’s largest glaciers, the Matanuska Glacier, take part in a guided snowshoeing experience in the pristine Denali State Park and just when you’re ready to warm up, you can bliss out in Chena’s natural hot springs. With the opportunity to view the Northern Lights from strategically chosen viewing points, this is an adventure that you will never forget.

Start
Anchorage, United States
Finish
Fairbanks, United States
Destination
United States
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
SASA
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Enjoy guided Northern Lights viewing opportunities, at locations strategically chosen by your local leader near your accommodation. (Weather dependent)

  • Take part in a leader-led Snowshoe Hike in the stunning Denali State Park.

  • Stay at Sheep Mountain, which is virtually untouched by tourists, making it perfect for spotting the Northern Lights thanks to no light pollution.

  • Get up close and personal with the mesmerizing Matanuska Glacier on a guided tour.

  • Soak in Chena’s natural hot springs for some well-earned relaxation time.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This is a winter trip so you must have the appropriate footwear and clothing. If you don't want to take all your winter gear consider buying some in Anchorage.

  • During winter in Alaska many of the restaurants and stores close for the season, therefore our choices in restaurants will be limited.

  • Packed lunches will be simple, so if you think you will get hungry between meals, perhaps bring some of your own snacks along on day trips too.

  • Weather is unpredictable in Alaska, especially in the winter. Although the first snow typically occurs in October, there is sometimes very little snow until late November in some regions. Depending on weather, we may need to make itinerary changes to keep the group safe and well at all times. If this occurs, we will do our best to find comparable activities and experiences.

Alaska_Northern_Lights
Pax in Chena Hot Springs
Cruise_View_of_Matanuska_Glacier
Alaska_Dog_Sledding
Snowshoe_Hike_in_Denali_with_Pax

Itinerary
Expand All Collapse All

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 Jul 2023 to 31 Dec 2024.
 View the 2022 itinerary

Welcome to Alaska! Today you can arrive in Anchorage any time that suits you to check in to your accommodation. If you have some free time, you might like to head out for a stroll in the crisp, Alaskan air and get acquainted with the town.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
If you don't want to bring all your cold weather gear with you, Anchorage has a big store, Alaska Outdoor Gear Rental where you can buy parkas, snowpants/bibs, boots and gloves. They also rent baselayers, hats, wool socks, facemasks.

This morning your Welcome Meeting will take place at 9 am where you will meet your local leader and fellow travellers. After the meeting, you’ll hop into your private van and travel along the scenic Turnagain Arm of the Seward Highway. It is one of only 13 highways in the US with the distinction of ‘All American Road’, meaning it is considered a tourist attraction unto itself. Along the way, you will have great opportunities to view and photograph some of the most scenic vistas that you pass, before arriving at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC). The AWCC takes in injured and orphaned animals year-round, providing spacious enclosures and quality animal care. This morning you’ll have the chance to learn more about some of Alaska's iconic animals and how they are nursed to recovery. Head back to Anchorage in the late afternoon and enjoy some down time for your own discoveries. Tonight, providing the weather permits, you will be given the opportunity to join a local guide – at the most strategic location within driving distance of your accommodation – for the chance to see the Northern Lights.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Turnagain Arm - Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
  • Anchorage - Northern Lights Viewing
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

NORTHERN LIGHTS TOURS:
Depending on weather conditions, we will aim to include two guided Northern Lights tours during your trip. We will monitor local forecasts to determine the best nights to view the Northern Lights and make the decision locally on which nights we operate the tour. Tours are offered from Anchorage, Sheep Mountain, Denali or Fairbanks. At Sheep Mountain, the remote location and lack of light pollution means that Northern Lights viewing is best done independently from the grounds of your lodge.

Get ready for another special day. This morning you’ll head to out to the Matanuska Valley to visit a local musk oxen or reindeer farm (depending on availability) to learn about these iconic animals of the north. Then continue your adventure north to a remote lodge in Sheep Mountain – this area has very few tourists so there is no light pollution, meaning it’s the perfect place to see the Northern Lights if weather permits. After an included dinner, you'll have a chance to spot the Northern Lights from the lodge grounds
Accommodation
  • Lodge (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Palmer - Farm Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Today after breakfast you’ll drive up to The Matanuska Glacier, one of Alaska's most famous destinations. At 27 miles (43 kilometres) long and 4 miles (6 kilometres) wide, it is Alaska's largest glacier that can be accessed by road. It is also one of the most accessible areas to walk on of any glacier in Alaska. Spend some time soaking up the views of the ice that formed thousands of years ago high in the Chugach Mountains. Depending on weather conditions, each day is unique due to the dynamic nature of the glacier. Hop back in your vehicle for a short drive right up to the toe of the glacier, where you’ll spend the next few hours, including enjoying lunch at a local eatery before your return to Sheep Mountain.
Accommodation
  • Lodge (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Matanuska - Glacier Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Hit the road this morning for the quirky town of Talkeetna. This small village is famous for its big views of Denali and the Alaska Range to the north. The afternoon is yours to explore on your own. You may like to take a scenic flight to capture views of North America's tallest mountain, Denali, or maybe you'd prefer to stay grounded and try a beer tasting at the local brewery, take a walk along the river, or hang with the locals in a cozy pub. No matter how you decide to spend your day, there’s always the option of meeting up with the group for dinner to swap stories at the end.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

This morning is free to explore Talkeetna, or you may wish to try your hand at Alaska's official state sport, dog sledding. Known to the locals as ‘dog mushing’, you’ll meet racing dogs. Each ride consists of up to three riders hooked up to a dog sled team, led by a local Alaskan musher as your guide. Enjoy the serenity of the Alaskan winter landscape in a way that only a dog sled ride can provide. In the afternoon, we head to Denali National Park for to experience the picturesque local trails by snowshoe on a two-hour guided walk with a break to stop and enjoy your packed lunch. We explore what's considered the "front country" of Denali. The snowshoeing is considered easy to moderate. If there's not enough snow today, then you'll embark on a scenic hike instead. Tonight, celebrate your adventures during an included dinner in Healy.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Denali National Park - Leader-led Snowshoe Walk
Optional Activities
  • Talkeetna - Winter Dog Sledding - USD240
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

This morning you're northbound again as we head to Fairbanks. We'll drop our luggage at the hotel before heading to Chena Hot Springs Resort for some well-deserved relaxation in the natural hot springs. The resort was officially formed back during the gold rush, when weary gold miners discovered that soaking in the warm waters helped their aching bodies after a day of digging. Chena is also home to the world's largest year-round ice museum where you'll discover a frigid wonderland of ice sculptures, an ice chapel, and even an ice bar. Perhaps treat yourself to a drink from an ice glass (at own expense). Tonight, you'll have the chance to search for the Northern Lights again if weather permits.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Fairbanks - Northern Lights Viewing
  • Fairbanks - Aurora Ice Museum (Entrance fee & Transport)
  • Fairbanks - Chena Hot Springs (Entrance fee & Transport)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today your Alaskan adventure comes to an end after breakfast. There are no activities planned and no accommodation provided for the night, so say goodbye to your fellow travellers and local leader. You’ll either need to arrange additional post-trip accommodation or make your way home from here.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights), Lodge (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Turnagain Arm - Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
  • Anchorage - Northern Lights Viewing
  • Palmer - Farm Visit
  • Matanuska - Glacier Tour
  • Denali National Park - Leader-led Snowshoe Walk
  • Fairbanks - Northern Lights Viewing
  • Fairbanks - Aurora Ice Museum (Entrance fee & Transport)
  • Fairbanks - Chena Hot Springs (Entrance fee & Transport)

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Alaska Winter Adventure trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
Jump to a departure month

Important notes

1. A welcome meeting will be held at 9 am on Day 2 in Anchorage. There are no activities planned for the first day or final day so you may arrive and depart at any time.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. Temperatures at this time of year in Alaska can be well below freezing. Please ensure you bring appropriate clothing and footwear.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

Reviews

Go to dates