Your 8 Day Alaska Winter Trip
Alaska is breathtaking in the winter. The snow capped peaks, frozen lakes, and glacier blues are bound to inspire you to go on some wild adventures. Winter is the best time to visit for those who want to go snowmobiling, try dog sledding, and enjoy the quiet and chill pace of wintertime.
Take your chance at catching the Northern Lights and go on some incredible adventures only found when the snow starts to fall. This 8 day trip itinerary is best for families who want to come and visit Alaska in the wintertime and go on some adventures!
Advice for Visiting Alaska in the Wintertime
Best Winter Months to Explore Alaska
Winter is Alaska’s longest season which gives you plenty of time to come enjoy the winter wonderland. The Northern Lights can be found from late August to early April as the winter months bring longer nights and a higher chance of seeing the aurora
Which is the best month for visiting Alaska? This depends on what activities are most important for your trip!
November through January – These months have longer nights, a great chance to see the Northern Lights, early season snow fall, and a higher chance for wild ice skating. These months tend to be colder and many adventure experiences, like snowmobiling with us, do not start until December. For a better chance of snow on the ground, visit in December or later.
February through April – These months are most recommended for visiting Alaska. The days are longer, but you can still catch the Northern Lights, ski season, snowmobiling, and dog sledding are in full swing. Temperatures tend to be less frigid too! Keep in mind that adventure experiences like snowmobiling wrap up towards the end of March.
Be Road Trip Ready with a 4×4 Vehicle
An AWD or 4×4 vehicle with snow tires is a must have for a safe winter trip in Alaska! A rental with studded or snow tires will help you feel more secure in case the roads are icy. Don’t drive during snow storms for safety!
Ensure your rental car has a snow shovel and windshield ice scraper. You’ll want to be prepared for driving around in the snow!
Plan Extra Weather Days
You never know what snow storms may move through Alaska while you are visiting! It’s important to have some indoor activities that you can enjoy in case snow stops you from going on one of your excursions. Having a free day can also ensure you get to reschedule and enjoy that activity.
An Alternative to Driving; Take the Train
The Aurora Winter Train is a great way to get around Alaska so that you can enjoy the views and spend less time worrying about travelling in snowy conditions. If you are not as used to driving in the wintertime, or want to travel to both Anchorage and Fairbanks, the train is the perfect way to connect the two with less stress.
The train does not run every day – it runs from Anchorage to Fairbanks on Saturdays and some mid week days, so be sure to check the train schedule and plan your own trip accordingly. You could always add an extra day in Anchorage or Fairbanks to this itinerary depending on what works for your vacation. You can also opt for a quick flight from Anchorage to Fairbanks instead!
What to Pack for Winter in Alaska
It is important to be well prepared when visiting Alaska! Temperature can range from high 30s all the way down to negative 20s or lower. You’ll need to be prepared for the snow and the cold so that you can make the most of your adventure in Alaska!
Layers are your best friend when visiting Alaska. Wool or synthetic layers are best – especially for base layers. Make sure you don’t layer up too tight or your heat will just escape through your clothes. Embrace being warm and comfy!
What you’ll want to pack for winter in Alaska:
- Wool or synthetic base layers
- A fleece or synthetic mid layer
- A warm puffy coat or wool jacket
- Beanies and/or earmuffs
- Gloves: Insulated mittens are best for warmth
- Scarves
- Waterproof layers
- Wool socks: Bring multiple pairs!
- Waterproof boots or insulated boots
- Hand warmers and toe warmers
Your 8 Day Winter Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Fly into Anchorage and Explore
Take some time to explore Alaska’s big city with excellent restaurants, museums, and trails for outdoor excursions. Here are some ideas for your first day in Alaska to help you with jet lag and allow you to better adjust to the cold.
Visit the Anchorage Museum – Experience local art, history, culture, and science. This museum gives you a look into Alaska’s many histories. The Discovery Center section is hands on and great for kids and adults who are kids at heart.
Eat at 49th State Brewery – Eat at one of Anchorage’s largest brewpubs for an extensive beer list and array of pub eats and seafood.
Spenard Roadhouse – Enjoy Alaskan comfort food with a twist. This cozy diner has delicious food and drinks that are perfect for the whole family.
Get the Best Pizza in Alaska – Grab pizza at Moose’s Tooth for a slice you won’t forget! Try one of the more unique flavor combinations for a little adventure.
Try Wild Ice Skating – Depending on the month you visit in, you may be able to try wild ice skating! You can rent some skates in town and head to one of the maintained lakes for a unique Alaskan adventure.
Be sure to read up on wild ice safety. Connecting with locals in a Facebook group is a great way to get some more information on which lakes are skatable!
Day 2: Snowmobile to the Knik Glacier in Palmer
Come along for a glacier adventure you’ll be dreaming of for the rest of winter! Ride out to the Knik Glacier with us to have a chance to spot wildlife, see mountain views, and explore on a frozen lake at the toe of the glacier.
You’ll love seeing the deep blue icebergs frozen in place in the lake. You may find natural slides, see ice arches, and even ice caves! This winter playground is fun for everyone.
We outfit you in all the gear that you need to stay safe and warm while out riding in the backcountry. You’ll just need to wear some comfortable layers under your snowsuit, bring along your camera, and get ready to have fun exploring!
New for 2025!
We are offering heated machines for our trips out to the Knik Glacier. These enclosed machines will ensure that you stay cozy on your ride while you enjoy the views. Stay tuned for more information on these machines plus a brand new winter adventure!
Day 3: Get Outside & Enjoy the Snow!
There are lots of fun, outdoor adventures to be had around Anchorage. Get outside and enjoy the snow on one of these adventures.
Go Skiing or Snowboarding – Head to Hilltop, Arctic valley, or out to Skeetawk to go skiing or snowboarding! These ski areas are perfect for beginners and experts alike. Enjoy the community ski hills and find some pow!
Go Snowshoeing – Anchorage is full of hiking trails that are perfect for walking or snowshoeing depending on the amount of snow. Rent some snowshoes and lace up your boots to take in the winter wonderland and mountain views.
Try Fat Tire Biking – Want a unique way to hit the trails? Rent a fat tire bike and go explore!
Day 4: Day Trip to Girdwood
Girdwood is beautiful in the wintertime and is a short drive from Anchorage! Enjoy the views along the Knik Arm as you head into this coastal forest. From outdoor adventures, to excellent dining options, Girdwood is a great spot to visit on your trip.
Ski or Snowboard at Alyeska Resort – Alyeska is a bucket list ski resort for many and should be top on your list if you are an avid skier! Enjoy the longest black diamond in the nation, beautiful views, and fun tree runs at this resort.
For those who would rather relax, check out the Nordic Spa or take the tram for some beautiful views and dinner at Seven Glaciers.
Explore Downtown – Downtown Girdwood has some nice walking trails along the river and through the forest and great restaurants to try. Head to spots like Jack Spratt, the Double Musky, or the Girdwood Brewery to enjoy some food.
Head to the Conservation Center – After hitting the town, see some wildlife and support conservation efforts at the Conservation Center. You can learn about species whose populations have been rebuilt like the Wood Bison, visit Bears, and see other animals like Musk Ox, Moose, or Wolves.
Drive to Portage Glacier Lake – Looking for another activity? Take a scenic drive to Portage Glacier Lake and stare up at the glaciers and mountains. When conditions are just right, ice skating on this lake is a wild experience.
Day 5: Take the Aurora Winter Train to Fairbanks
The Aurora Winter Train heads on a 12 hour journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks so that you can relax and enjoy epic views from the train windows. Spot wildlife along the way, have a chance to see Denali and the Alaska Range, and enjoy some quality time with your family.
Take in those views – you’ll travel through parts of Alaska that are otherwise inaccessible unless you were to hike for days!
The train stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna, and a few more towns along the way, so your train schedule may vary. Use this as a scenic rest day and enjoy the heated railcar and comfort.
Day 6: Chena Hot Springs & Northern Lights
Enjoy your first day in Fairbanks with some of the most iconic stops. We hope you catch the Northern Lights!
Chena Hot Springs – A must stop when visiting Fairbanks. Soak in geothermal pools and just relax after some days of adventuring. You can stay on site, enjoy the farm to table restaurant, and look for the Northern Lights at night. You may be lucky enough to see them from the hot springs!
Fairbanks Ice Museum – During your stay check out the nearby ice museum for incredible and interactive ice sculptures, a cool atmosphere, and delicious drinks.
Day 7: Explore Fairbanks
Spend your last full day in Alaska exploring Fairbanks and going on some more adventures! You can opt to rent a car for the day or set up shuttles to help you get around. There are also some restaurants in town that you should try during your visit!
Go Dog Sledding – Meet the sled dogs and mushers and learn to mush your own team. Alaska’s most iconic mode of transportation is a thrill! Enjoy mushing through snowy forests on your preferred tour.
Go for a Reindeer Walk – Visit Running Reindeer Ranch to get to know some reindeer on a walk through the boreal forest. Learn about the reindeer, enjoy some snacks, and have a chance to pet them.
The Cookie Jar – Love breakfast? This restaurant is for you. They serve delicious breakfast all day! You should probably get a chocolate chip cookie too.
Jazz Bistro – Enjoy Cuban and Latin inspired cuisine and seafood at this casual eatery. This spot is a favorite among locals and offers live music.
Lemongrass Thai – Fairbanks is known to have some of the best Thai food in Alaska. Enjoy this spot with a seasonal menu and Alaskan inspired dishes.
Day 8: Fly out of Fairbanks
Enjoy your last day in Fairbanks. Depending on when your flight leaves, you may have saved one of the adventure excursions from Day 7 for your last day. You could also explore the local museum and see the famous “Into the Wild” bus.
University of Alaska Museum of the North – Learn about Alaska Native culture, the Arctic, local wildlife, and see local art. You’ll dive into exhibits featuring Alaska’s major ecological and cultural regions, so you’ll learn about everything from gold mining to the Northern Lights.
Start Planning Your Winter Trip and Snowmobile With Us!
We can’t wait for you to see Alaska in the winter! Start planning your trip today, gear up for some unique adventures, and get ready to see what makes Alaska so special.
We look forward to meeting you on our snowmobile tour out to the Knik Glacier. It’s going to be one of your favorite days of your trip!
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