Best Winter Activities Near Anchorage
Winter in Anchorage is beautiful. The snow brings a stillness to the landscape and the cold opens up the opportunity for unique adventures. From snowmobiling, to skiing, and wild ice skating Anchorage is a hub for some of the most exciting winter activities. Don’t let the cold stop you from enjoying Alaska in the wintertime!
Enjoy Winter in Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage makes for a great place to stay and experience winter in Alaska. Use the city as your base camp for your stay, or explore for a few days before heading off to your next destination. Anchorage is home to two ski areas, plenty of trails to hike, snowshoe, or cross country ski on, and lakes where you can try wild ice skating.
Drive an hour from Anchorage to go snowmachining (that’s snowmobiling in Alaskan!), dog sledding through the snow, or skiing at Alaska’s most popular resort. Start planning your trip so you can enjoy Alaska’s longest season and have a chance at seeing the Northern Lights!
Getting Around Anchorage
We recommend getting an AWD or 4×4 vehicle for better traction on the winter roads. While Anchorage is pretty quick to plow major roads and surrounding highways after heavy snowfall, Alaska doesn’t salt the roads in order to protect waterways and wildlife. This means that roads can get icy and you should always plan buffer time when driving.
Plan for Weather
You may be lucky enough to visit while it snows. The landscape becomes sparkly white, the sledding is prime, and you can feel like a kid again running around outside. Weather can also mean travel or tour delays. Be sure to give yourself a time buffer when driving in snowy conditions.
It’s a good idea to have at least one weather day in your itinerary. This can look like a day of down time where you don’t schedule an excursion so that you can rest, spend time inside, or have a day to reschedule other tours in case of weather. There are plenty of cozy activities in Alaska that can be included in your itinerary!
What to Wear in the Winter
Temperatures in Anchorage vary from mid 30s to single digit temps. Daylight hours vary from 6 to 12 hours depending on the month. After the winter solstice in late December, the days slowly start to grow longer. Due to the average temperatures and hours of daylight packing layers and dressing warm is essential.
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!
Gear 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
- Bonus points if the jacket goes past your waist for extra warmth!
- Beanies and/or earmuffs
- Gloves: Insulated mittens are best for warmth
- Scarves
- Waterproof layers
- Wool socks
- Waterproof boots or insulated boots
The Best Winter Months to Visit Anchorage
Winter is Alaska’s longest season. This gives you multiple months to come and experience winter adventures and see the Northern Lights! The Northern Lights are best viewed from late August to early April, but the winter months bring longer nights and a higher chance of seeing the aurora glow.
When is the best month to visit? This is up to you, what activities are top on your bucket list, and what side of the Alaskan winter you want to experience. Read on to see which month would be best for your trip to the Anchorage area!
Anchorage in November
Snow starts to fall in November if it hasn’t already started in October. Skiing returns at the end of the month around Thanksgiving. Days range from 6-7 hours as sunrise slowly becomes later and later. Temperatures average in the 20s towards the end of the month as winter truly sets in.
This is typically a great month for wild ice skating as it has gotten cold enough for most lakes and rivers to freeze, but not enough snow has fallen to stop skating. With enough snowfall cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding can begin!
Anchorage in December
Snowmobile season begins for us this month! Snowfall tends to increase, temps hang in the mid 20s, and days have up to 6 hours of daylight.
This can be a great time to snowmobile, ski, skate wild ice, and more depending on snowfall. After the Winter Solstice, on December 21st, the days start to get longer.
Anchorage in January
The new year brings a good mix of exciting outdoor adventures and cost time inside. Days still see an average of 6 hours of daylight and temperatures linger in the low 20s.
January is a great month to find a good amount of snow for any desired winter sport. You’ll also have ample time to chase the Northern Lights or have an excuse to curl up and relax by a fire.
Anchorage in February
Furondy kicks off in Anchorage to cheer on all those who are about to begin the Iditarod. This 10 day celebration is a must visit in Anchorage! Along with going dog sledding, winter sports are in full swing and there are plenty of snowy trails to explore.
Days start to get longer and we can have up to 8 hours of daylight. February weather can be tricky, but tends to hover in the mid 20s.
This is a great month to plan more adventures for your trip while still having enough night to chase the Northern Lights!
Anchorage in March
March is often regarded as the best winter month to visit Alaska due to the longer days mixed with lots of activities to try. This is the last month for snowmobiling! Come ride while the powder is plenty. Spring is in the air as the days begin to get longer, woah up to 12 hours of daylight, and temperatures start to increase into the 30s.
These longer days are perfect for snowmobile adventures, spring skiing, and other snow related adventures. The Iditarod starts in Willow, and grey whales return to Resurrection Bay in Seward.
This is one of the last months to see the Northern Lights as April brings longer and lighter days and they become more rare to spot.
Winter Activities near Anchorage
Go Snowmobiling
Come snowmobiling with us in the Alaska backcountry to cruise through serene landscapes, hunt for powder, or explore a snowy glacier! We offer half and full day tours that will get you out and exploring a winter wonderland!
Our half day Glacier View Snowmobile Tour is a perfect winter ride for those with just a few hours to spend. Enjoy the mountain and glacier views on your ride and have a chance at spotting some wildlife like moose or wolves if you are lucky!
Choose between riding out to a glacier or exploring up in the mountains for our full day tours. Our Knik Glacier Snowmobile Tour will allow you to explore the toe of the Knik Glacier. In the winter time the lake freezes and locks up icebergs that float around in the summer. Come and explore these ice sculptures, find natural slides, and look for ice caves! This is a popular adventure among locals – come experience it for yourself!
On our Extreme Powder Experience we’ll be heading out into the mountains in search of fresh snow to surf. Enjoy epic mountain views, ride through forests, and rip around the trail with us. We’ll teach you skills like reentry and carving so you can start dreaming about buying a sled of your own.
If one day of riding isn’t enough, we also offer Overnight Snowmobile Experiences so you can check off multiple trails. We’ll take you to the glacier and show you some hidden gems, or we’ll ride out to Sheep Mountain Lodge for an epic adventure. Did we mention hot meals are included? Get in touch so we can get planning!
Skiing and Snowboarding
Alaska is home to some of the best mountain riding you can find. Whether you hit up a resort, go heliskiing, or go backcountry skiing you are going to have a great time surfing pow in the mountains.
Alyeska, over in Girdwood, is Alaska’s most well known resort. It boasts the longest black diamond run, beautiful views of the Knik Arm, and challenging yet fun terrain. Take some laps, grab a snack at the Sitzmark, and head to the Nordic Spa to relax afterwards.
Skeetawk is a growing non-profit ski area up in Hatcher Pass. This family friendly spot currently has one lift and offers cat skiing on the weekend. This is a great beginner hill that also offers some fun for more experienced skiers and snowboarders too.
Hilltop Ski Area and Arctic Valley Ski Area are both located in the Anchorage area. Enjoy both ski areas, fun runs and dynamic terrain. Arctic Valley has night skiing so you can get your turns in even after the sun goes down.
Hilltop has tubing if skiing is not your thing! Be sure to book your spots in advance as they limit the capacity to ensure you have a more enjoyable time.
Wild Ice Skating
Alaska is full of wild ice skating opportunities. Explore lakes and creeks in Anchorage for some fun skating adventures! When the ice is in, bigger lakes like Eklutna or Portage make for incredible skating. Be sure to check out local ice reports and be on the lookout for signs of ice instability. You can rent ice skates from spots like Alaska Outdoor Gear Rental or Play it Again Sports.
Try Dog Sledding
Dog sledding is a timeless Alaskan tradition and means of transportation that many folks still use today. Experience it for yourself at kennels like Alaskan Husky Adventures in Willow. You’ll meet Iditarod racing mushers, play with sled dogs, and get to mush a team of your own through the snow.
The Iditarod officially starts in Willow each year, but celebrations begin in Anchorage. Kick off the Iditarod festivities at Fur Rondy, an annual winter festival at the end of February, where you can meet the mushers, learn more about the history of mushing, and see fun events like the world famous Outhouse Races.
Chase the Northern Lights
Alaska is a hot spot for geomagnetic activity resulting in the incredible display that is the Northern Lights. Check the Aurora Forecast to see if the KP index is high (4 or higher) for a better chance at seeing the Northern Lights. You’ll want a clear view north so you can watch the lights dance across the sky.
Northern Lights tend to come out after midnight so be ready to stay up late or set an alarm on nights of high activity. It’s easy to get out of bed when you get to see such a beautiful sight!
You can also book a guided tour with Anchorage Aurora Quest to have some help in tracking down the lights. They’ll also help you capture them on any phone or camera.
Fat Tire Bike in the City
Book a fat tire biking tour with Alaska Trail Guides to explore the many trails that weave through Anchorage. Riding a fat tire bike is a fun way to get outside and work up a sweat even in the snow. Explore more of the city and add on the brewery tour for a little more motivation for your ride.
Experience Brighter Winter Nights
Explore holiday lights at the Alaska Botanical Garden. Walk through a tunnel of lights, explore ice castles, and enjoy the creativity of local artists. Try kicksledding for some more fun! Grab a warm drink and enjoy the night time like a local.
Cozy Winter Experiences Near Anchorage
Have Alaskan Seafood at a Restaurant
Alaska is known for its stellar seafood that can be found in the surrounding rivers and oceans. Try Alaskan crab, salmon, or halibut at places like Simon and Seafort’s in Anchorage, Inferno Seafood Boil in Anchorage, or Everett’s in Wasilla.
Visit a Museum
Learn more about Alaska and take in local exhibits at a museum like the Anchorage Museum. This makes for a great adventure for a weather day or down day. Alaska has many more niche museums like the Iditarod Headquarters over in Wasilla where you can learn about a cherished tradition.
Learn about Native Culture
Learn about Alaska’s diverse culture, explore life-seized Village Sites, and go on a self-guided tour through the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Celebrate the Native People and learn about their traditions, language, and more.
Hit the Spa
Find the ultimate relaxation at this Nordic Spa in Girdwood. You’ll find full body wellness, massages, sauna, steam room, and different hot and cold pools for plunging or hanging out in. This is a great option after a day of skiing or snowboarding! Go for the full day and treat yourself, or go at night for a chance to see the Northern Lights overhead.
Stay in a Cozy Cabin
It’s no secret that Alaska is full of cozy cabins that you can stay at. Choose from an off grid experience to full on luxury with some of Alaska’s most beautiful stays. Some of our favorites include Alaska Backcountry Cottages, Bluewater Basecamp, or Hatcher Pass Lodge.
Take the Aurora Train to Fairbanks
Take the Aurora Winter Train to get to Fairbanks and explore. The train departs on Saturdays from Anchorage and then heads back from Fairbanks on Sundays. Stop in towns like Talkeetna along the way and enjoy the beautiful scenery as you ride. Go on a quick weekend getaway or fly out of Fairbanks, instead of returning to Anchorage, for a great chance to see the Northern Lights and explore iconic spots like Chena Hot Springs.
Start Planning Your Winter Trip to Alaska
There are amazing winter adventures to be found for those that are willing to embrace the cold. Make the most of your trip by being prepared with layers and go on a new adventure! There’s so much beauty to be found among the snowy peaks.
Come with us on a snowmobile ride to experience the winter landscape and make some incredible memories. We might help you have the best day of your trip and leave you wanting to get your own sled to get out and ride!
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