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Fairbanks, Alaska is really a winter wonderland when the snow flies. The rugged fantastic thing about the snow-covered roads, evergreen bushes, and big mountains of the Alaskan Interior will little question dazzle guests. Fairbanks prides itself in being the primary US vacation spot for seeing the aurora borealis and guests from across the globe make a pilgrimage to Fairbanks every winter to catch a sight of the magical, dancing Northern Lights.
There are so many issues to do in Fairbanks in winter that you just doubtless will run out of time earlier than you run out of enjoyable actions! From snowshoeing to canine mushing to sizzling springs to museums and extra, you received’t wish to miss out on a winter journey to Fairbanks.
In this publish, we share our high issues to do for guests searching for winter journey in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Getting to Fairbanks
Fairbanks is the biggest metropolis within the Alaska Interior with a inhabitants of round 35,000 within the metropolis, and 100,000 within the surrounding space. It’s fairly far north – solely 200 miles from the Arctic Circle!
Alaska Airlines and a handful of different airways have direct winter flights into Fairbanks from Seattle (3 hours 50 minutes). Delta flies on to Fairbanks from Minneapolis (5 hours 10 minutes).
The Fairbanks airport is just some miles exterior of town heart, and most of the inns present free airport shuttle service, making Fairbanks a surprisingly easy-to-reach winter vacation spot.
You also can select to fly into Anchorage and drive all the way down to Fairbanks on Route 3 with a one-way automotive rental. This is a 6.5 hour drive and it passes by way of Denali National Park, which stays open with restricted amenities all through the winter. Keep in thoughts that you just’ll be driving in winter situations, so solely go for this selection for those who’re snug driving in winter and have flexibility in your schedule in case there’s a storm.
Transportation In Fairbanks
Renting a automotive is a should in Fairbanks, particularly through the winter. Taxis, Ubers, and Lyfts are scarce – I spent an hour one afternoon ready for a Lyft that by no means arrived. Fairbanks does have a bus service (MACS), with eight traces, however if you wish to chase the aurora borealis, get out into nature, and even simply make a fast journey to the grocery retailer, the one dependable method to get there’s by automotive.
Book the rental automotive far upfront, as there’s usually a scarcity of obtainable leases. While all of the rental automobiles have studded winter tires, it’s useful if you’re aware of driving on snow and ice. I additionally extremely advocate getting further windshield insurance coverage as a result of Alaska doesn’t salt its roads for traction. Instead, they solely use gravel and this may trigger a fair proportion of cracked windshields and different harm.
Best Time to Visit Fairbanks in Winter
The winter season in Fairbanks begins in mid-October and extends by way of late March. Winter Solstice sometimes sees about 3 hours and 41 minutes of daylight. The phenomenon often called “Civil Twilight” happens when the solar by no means actually rises above the horizon.
To have a better proportion likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights whereas nonetheless having sufficient daylight to do different outside actions, the most effective time to go to Fairbanks is in February or March. By the time I left Fairbanks on the finish of February, I used to be handled to virtually twelve hours of daylight, however nonetheless had loads of darkness to see the Northern Lights.
Timing your go to within the later a part of the winter season may also give you a chance to expertise the World Ice Art Championships that happen yearly in Fairbanks from Mid-February by way of Mid-March.
A Note on Alaska Time:
If you intend on chasing the Northern Lights in Alaska, be ready to shift your sleeping and waking hours drastically. Aurora chasers and midnight solar seekers will discover that their sense of time shifts when visiting the far north. Build time into your schedule for relaxation if you’re chasing aurora borealis. Naps are key. I didn’t sleep by way of the evening as soon as throughout my week-long keep as a result of I used to be so centered on seeing the Northern Lights that are sometimes most energetic from 11:30pm-3am.
Where to Stay in Fairbanks
Fairbanks affords a variety of lodging for each sort of traveler, together with majestically scenic lodges, Airbnbs, and basic Bed & Breakfasts with educated hosts who’ve intimate information of the realm. Fairbanks additionally has three hostels and a plethora of inns and motels.
During my go to, I stayed on the charming Pike’s Waterfront Lodge, positioned on the fringe of city near the airport. The lodge is adorned with Alaskana of all kinds, from taxidermy to walrus tusk carvings, native artifacts, and a very fantastic assortment of work.
Pike’s proprietor Jay Ramras’ portray assortment of Alaska scenes rivals any of the Alaskan Interior museum collections. I additionally loved the aromatherapy steam room, the aurora conservatory, and walks on the frozen Chena River simply exterior of the property.
What to Pack for Fairbanks in Winter
Layers, layers, layers. You will want lots of layers to be snug for winter adventures in Fairbanks. Fairbanks can attain temperatures of minus-40 levels within the winter and guests have to be ready for excessive chilly. During my keep, the temperature shifted over 40 levels, from -10F to 30F. Avoid carrying cotton as a lot as attainable as a result of cotton absorbs moisture and traps it subsequent to your pores and skin and can make you are feeling colder. Stick with wool and artificial materials in your winter go to to Fairbanks.
To make sure you keep heat and comfortable in your winter journey to Fairbanks, I like to recommend packing:
- Wool or artificial base layers: a lengthy sleeve shirt and leggings are key for staying heat.
- Warm mid-layers: carry an insulated artificial down jacket in your journey
- Outer parka: my -25 diploma rated parka was fantastic for all of the frozen waits for the aurora and all different outside actions.
- Heated gloves and heated socks: I used to be actually grateful to have the ability to preserve my extremities heat for lengthy durations exterior
- Wool hat: I usually discovered that I wanted a hat together with my parka hood even when the temperature was simply within the low teenagers.
- Neck gaiter
- Wool socks
- Insulated snow pants: I cherished my Columbia Women’s Wild Card Pants as a result of they weren’t as puffy as downhill pants and with a base-layer beneath, I used to be a lot heat and will enter retailers and eating places with out feeling like a clumsy strolling snowwoman.
- Polarized sun shades: snow is tremendous vibrant and reflective when the solar comes out
- Swimsuit: for those who plan to soak at Chena Hot Springs
Don’t wish to purchase a bunch of cold-weather gear in your journey to Fairbanks? Alaska Element affords rental gear in your go to to Fairbanks and they’ll even meet you on the airport so that you don’t freeze in your method to your lodge!
>> Read Next: Winter Hiking Clothes & Cold Weather Layering Basics
Best Things to Do in Fairbanks in Winter
Aurora Borealis Searching
Fairbanks is world-renowned for aurora borealis viewing as a result of it’s positioned below the “Aurora Oval”, a ring-shaped dome over the Geomagnetic North Pole the place aurora exercise is concentrated. Seeing the Northern Lights in individual actually is a wide ranging expertise and was a spotlight/obsession throughout my week-long go to to Fairbanks this winter.
What is the aurora borealis precisely?
The mild from the aurora is brought on by energetic electrons from Earth’s magnetosphere hanging atoms and molecules within the Earth’s higher ambiance. The inexperienced colour is atomic oxygen and the crimson/pink is atomic nitrogen.
According to Geophysicist Dr. Don Hampton of the University of Alaska at Fairbanks, “the aurora is part of a solar system-wide phenomenon we now call space weather.” It’s a bit difficult however mainly, when the photon power from a beforehand excited atom or molecule begins to calm, that photon power emits mild and on a big scale, creates the dazzling show of the shifting, shifting northern lights. If you wish to be taught extra, Dr. Hampton has a pleasant rationalization of the aurora phenomenon on this Science Friday section.
You can’t simply look out your window in Fairbanks and see the Northern Lights more often than not. Even in such a small metropolis, the sunshine air pollution makes seeing the aurora quite tough, however not unimaginable.
Traveling away from town lights is useful however much more necessary is to search out areas the place cloud protection clears.
Here are some ideas for seeing the Northern Lights in Fairbanks:
- Find a spot with darkish skies, away from town lights
- Be prepared to remain up late; the most effective auroras are from 11:30 pm to three:00 am.
- Dress warmly, and don’t neglect hand and ft heaters.
The Explore Fairbanks web site has a really correct aurora tracker that mixes each the aurora predictions, the climate forecast, and the time of day to give you a really correct guess of whether or not or not the aurora can be seen. If you might be out searching for the aurora by yourself, the Facebook group Alaska Aurora Addicts is an efficient group to affix.
Using a tour firm to search out the lights is actually useful, particularly for those who don’t have a rental automotive. I spoke with various individuals who cherished their expertise with Aurora Chasers and their pictures have been unbelievable.
It’s useful to go not less than as soon as with an skilled information as a result of the aurora doesn’t appear like the colourful pictures to the bare eye. Sometimes it simply seemed like white smoke. As I realized extra, I received higher at recognizing it however I usually needed to snap a photograph on my cellphone to verify that what I used to be was the precise aurora borealis. Aurora looking requires tenacity, persistence, and a little bit of luck.
>> For an unforgettable expertise, e-book a Moonlight Dog Sled, Dinner, & Northern lights Tour
Chena Hot Springs
Chena Hot Springs Resort, positioned sixty miles Northeast of Fairbanks, affords many Alaskan winter actions together with outside and indoor sizzling springs, Aurora Ice Museum tour, canine sledding, geothermal and hydroponics excursions, snowmobile excursions, and massages.
It’s a few 2 hours winter drive from Fairbanks. Chena Hot Springs can organize a shuttle to/from Fairbanks as a part of a day-trip bundle or you possibly can drive your self for those who lease a automotive.
The focus of the resort is on the geothermal sizzling springs that characteristic an out of doors pure pool in addition to an indoor family-friendly pool home. Chena Hot Springs is a straightforward day journey from Fairbanks, or you possibly can spend the evening of their lodge.
It was cloudy the evening I spent at Chena however I cherished the concept of being in a comfy sizzling spring and searching as much as see the Northern Lights.
Downhill and Cross Country Skiing
Skiing was one of many issues that I didn’t get to throughout my go to to Fairbanks. But given the heavy snowfall and chilly temperatures, Fairbanks hosts a large number of epic powder days. Great cross-country trails abound from town heart and there are many locations to lease ski gear together with the Fairbanks REI.
There are three most important downhill ski areas near Fairbanks: Ski Land, Moose Mountain, and Birch Hill.
Dog Mushing
Nothing says Alaska winter expertise higher than canine mushing. Originated by the Native folks of Alaska and Northern Canada, canines have been used to move mail, meals, and significant medicines by pulling sleds throughout Alaska for hundreds of years.
2022 marks the fiftieth working of the Iditarod, the 1,000-mile canine sled race throughout Alaska which honors the traditions and tradition native to the state of Alaska. Iditarod winners immediately turn into Alaskan heroes as canine sledding is woven into the material of the place.
You can expertise a small style of the marvel and fantastic thing about canine sledding throughout your go to to Fairbanks through the winter. I had the chance to journey with Paws for Adventure, a professionally run canine sledding enterprise. I solely went on a brief tour however I’d like to return to attend their “dog mushing school” the place after a number of hours of coaching, people can information the canine staff themselves.
Snow Machine Tour
There are many Fairbanks tour corporations that provide snowmachine or snowmobile rides. I took a snow machine tour at Chena Hot Springs however we went a bit too sluggish for my liking. Luckily, I used to be the final individual on our single-file tour, so I simply waited till there was a wholesome distance between me and the following snowmobile so I may gun my engine.
I noticed a lot of snowmachines racing up and down the frozen Chena River that snakes by way of city.
Snowshoeing
The quiet solitude and pure fantastic thing about Fairbanks will shine by way of when you get out on the snowshoe trails. If you might be staying at an Airbnb or a trip rental, there could also be snowshoes you possibly can borrow, or head over to the native REI to lease a pair.
I cherished my morning snowshoe in Coldfoot up above the Arctic Circle with the tender mild, the snow sparkles, and the northern quiet.
>> Learn How to Snowshoe With Our Beginner Tips
University of Alaska Museum of the North
The Museum of the North positioned on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus is an artwork museum, pure historical past museum, and cultural museum. This mixture of artifacts and specimens collected on public lands in Alaska makes it a frontrunner in pure and cultural historical past analysis within the state.
I used to be impressed by the third-floor artwork gallery that includes a big selection of Native Alaskan modern and historic artwork items.
World Ice Art Championships
The World Ice Art Championships happen in Fairbanks every winter from mid-February by way of the tip of March. Every 12 months, ice sculptors from around the globe compete and it’s fairly superb to see all the large ice sculptures!
Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
Over 95 pre-World War II vintage race automobiles, horseless carriages, a snowmachine, and different pleasant automotive treasures could be discovered on the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum. Paired with most of the automobiles is what the museum boasts as essentially the most in depth classic trend assortment within the Pacific Northwest.
The mixture of classic attire and automobiles makes it fairly simple to think about what life was like through the period of every automobile.
Go ice fishing
Just like canine sledding, ice fishing has a protracted and necessary historical past for folks in Alaska. Natives and residents nonetheless fish all through the winter for meals, but it surely has additionally turn into a preferred exercise for vacationers.
I didn’t get to expertise ice fishing throughout my go to, however for those who’d prefer to strive your hand at it, Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service supplies a half-day guided tour that features entry to a heated ice fishing cabin, sizzling drinks, grilled reindeer sausages, and extra.
Visit Running Reindeer Ranch
If it’s been your childhood dream to see a reindeer, you then’re in luck! Running Reindeer Ranch is positioned about half-hour north of Fairbanks and guests can be part of guided strolling excursions within the surrounding boreal forest and rise up shut to those light and swish animals.
Reservations are required to go to the ranch and I like to recommend reserving early as a result of excursions promote out!
Best Places to Eat in Fairbanks
Fairbanks has a stunning quantity of nice eating places to select from. Here are some high locations to eat:
- Pike’s Landing: the restaurant related to the lodge the place I stayed in Fairbanks. Chef Jeffery Brooks whips up basic American meals with an Alaskan twist. The greatest issues I discovered on the menu have been the Halibut Fish and Chips and the reindeer sausage.
- Lemongrass: Did that Fairbanks boasts 27 Thai eating places? That’s lots of curry for 37,000 folks! The first Thai restaurant opened in 1987 and the chef/proprietor skilled his workers who then opened their very own locations. Lemongrass is an area favourite.
- The Pump House: examine this out if you’d like the total Alaska eating expertise! This is likely one of the solely few tremendous eating establishments in Fairbanks, so be sure that to snag a reservation properly upfront.
- Soba Authentic Moldovan Cuisine: hardy meals with huge parts is the specialty at this genuine Slavic eatery positioned in downtown Fairbanks.
- The Crepery: Sweet and savory crepes are filled with contemporary components which could be onerous to come back by within the Far North.
- Silver Gulch Brewing: The pub fare at Silver Gulch options native Alaskan components together with standout pizzas, burgers, and naturally – wonderful beer.
- Hoodoo Brewing Company: Fairbanks has a ton of nice breweries and this is likely one of the greatest for his or her European-style craft beers and meals vehicles.
Are you planning a visit to Fairbanks, Alaska in winter? What actions are you trying ahead to most? Leave us a remark under!
