This text could include affiliate hyperlinks the place I make a small fee for purchases you make from hyperlinks that you just click on from this text. By buying by means of these hyperlinks, you help me at no further value to you. Thanks in your help.
Please observe – this tour is at present full. In case you’d prefer to be placed on the waitlist – simply e mail me at [email protected]
I first traveled to Alaska in the summertime – as most individuals do. I fell in love with the individuals and the panorama – I personally assume it’s America’s most lovely state and constantly falls in my prime 5 locations to go to in all the world. I used to be all the time intrigued about how individuals lived there within the winter and what they did – a lot in order that I did my first Alaska winter journey in 2018.
That’s once I actually fell in love with Alaska within the winter.
Since then, I’ve been again three extra instances and it will get higher every time! As I’ve shared my adventures there, I constantly get requested by readers to arrange an Alaska winter tour.
I’ve lastly discovered an organization that I needed to work with, Salmonberry Excursions, that matches my journey mentality and will assist me put a custom-made tour collectively! This Alaska winter tour contains the perfect and most original winter experiences Alaska has to supply!
Why Alaska within the Winter?
Most individuals don’t take into consideration going to Alaska in February. In spite of everything, it’s the coldest, snowiest, and most distant vacation spot in the USA. However I’m not like most individuals. I prefer to journey to the distant corners of our globe as a result of that’s the place you discover probably the most epic experiences and environments.
Whereas most individuals dream of seashores to flee winter in February, I dream of the northern lights, sled canines, sizzling chocolate, and snow-capped mountains. Winter in Alaska is whenever you discover the true Alaskans, the full-timers, and the heartiest of locals. You’ll have the possibility to fulfill them and spend time with this hearty bunch whenever you journey with me.
Aurora Viewing – Why Go in 2025
The northern lights are so prolific within the Fairbanks area and the Arctic that guests who keep a minimal of three nights and are actively out in the course of the late night hours improve their likelihood of seeing the aurora to greater than 80 p.c! And that’s precisely why we’ll have 3 nights of aurora chasing in Fairbanks to begin off the journey! Plus – there are good possibilities we’ll see the lights in Talkeetna and Glacier View.
As well as, scientists have forecasted the subsequent peak of photo voltaic exercise (the photo voltaic most) can be reached in July 2025. As we strategy the photo voltaic most, we’ll begin to see extra intense and extra frequent aurora. So this even will increase our possibilities additional to see some spectacular aurora shows.
On one of many nights, we will even get particular northern lights images directions for these curious about studying tips on how to {photograph} the northern lights.
You may learn extra about why Fairbanks and Alaska are the right locations for Aurora viewing
Overview, Dates, and Prices
Please observe – this tour is at present full. In case you’d prefer to be placed on the waitlist – simply e mail me at [email protected]
In case you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the northern lights, mushing your individual crew of Alaskan Huskies, seeing North America’s tallest peak lined in snow, mountaineering on a glacier, and studying tips on how to play the winter sport of curling – then skip the seaside this winter and begin knocking issues off your bucket listing with my Ottsworld Alaska Winter Tour February 2025!
The tour is an ideal mixture of journey and aurora viewing all whereas getting the chance to fulfill native Alaskans and learn the way they stay (and thrive) within the harsh setting.
Alaska Winter Tour Highlights
I’ve put collectively all of my favourite winter experiences into this tour. You’ll be immersed into the Alaskan tradition and revel in winter to the fullest!
- Aurora Viewing 3 nights in Fairbanks the place you possibly can wait within the consolation of cabins
- Snowshoeing in Fairbanks with a naturalist
- Discover ways to curl on the native Fairbanks Curling Membership
- Drive to the Denali Winter Customer Middle
- Go to a Canine Kennel and study all about mushing in Denali
- Go to breweries, museums, and extra in Talkeetna (non-obligatory flightseeing)
- Go to an Iditarod Champion kennel and discover ways to mush your individual crew of canines
- Hike on the Matanuska Glacier
- Keep in cozy winter cabins (non-obligatory snowmobiling)
- Have our private native information and aurora skilled all through all the journey
We begin in Fairbanks and finish in Anchorage, which will provide you with an unlimited take a look at the state. See for your self!
Dates: February 15-22 2025
Price: Single Room = $5,454
Double Room per individual = $4724 – if you’re prepared to share – it is a tremendous deal!
Triple Room per individual = $4508 – as soon as once more, if three individuals need to share!
All meals and experiences are included!
Itinerary at a Look
February 15 – arrive in Fairbanks, Alaska – night Aurora chasing.
February 16 – Snowshoeing and night Aurora tour.
February 17 – Intro to Curling and night Aurora tour and particular dinner with locals.
February 18: Drive Fairbanks to Talkeetna, take a canine sled experience, and tour the kennel. Cease on the Denali Customer Middle.
February 19 – Discover Talkeetna, tour an Iditarod Kennel, and mush your individual crew of canines.
February 20 – Optionally available flightseeing round Denali, drive Talkeetna to Glacier View.
February 21 – Matanuska Glacier Hike, non-obligatory snowmobiling.
February 22 – Glacier View to Anchorage, discover Anchorage, night departure from Anchorage.
Starting/Ending Level
Fly into Fairbanks (FAI) on February 15, 2025
Fly out of Anchorage (ANC) on February 22, 2025 Afternoon
What’s Included
- All lodging
- All Transportation
- All meals – No alcohol is included however will be bought by yourself
- All listed excursions (3 aurora viewing excursions, snowshoeing, curling lesson, two kennel visits, canine mushing, and glacier hike.)
- Entry to a full gallery of photographs (shot by me!) of all the journey, which you need to use for private functions.
What’s Not Included
- Airfare
- Alcoholic drinks
- Flightseeing in Talkeetna (non-obligatory exercise)
- Snowmobiling at Sheep Mountain Lodge (non-obligatory exercise)
- Muskox Farm Go to (if time permits)
- Suggestions for guides
- Journey Insurance coverage
I strongly recommend you get journey insurance coverage for any of your travels. Right here’s extra information on journey insurance coverage. I take advantage of Allianz Journey Insurance coverage for my very own private travels and have all the time been pleased with their service. I extremely recommend the Annual plan they provide!
E-book This Tour
Please observe – this tour is at present full. In case you’d prefer to be placed on the waitlist – simply e mail me at [email protected]
I’d like to speak to you first to reply any of your questions previous to your reserving. Due to this fact, observe these steps to e-book:
- Ship me an e mail at [email protected] letting me find out about your curiosity. We’ll arrange a name to debate any questions you could have. This can be on a first-come, first-served foundation – there are solely 9 spots obtainable on this tour.
- I’ll then put you in contact with Glenda from Salmonberry, the place you possibly can e-book your $250 deposit per individual together with her and safe your spot for this practice Ottsworld tour.
- 10 persons are required for the tour to run. Please wait to buy airfare till we are able to affirm ten visitors.
Cancellation Coverage and Charges
- A $250 preliminary dedication deposit is required to carry your spot. If the journey doesn’t get confirmed with 10 individuals, then your $250 maintain can be refunded, or you need to use it in direction of one other Salmonberry tour.
- As soon as the tour is confirmed with ten individuals signed up, the complete deposit (50% of the journey value much less the $250 already paid) can be due and non-refundable after October 1, 2024.
- The ultimate cost is due December 1, 2024.
- You may cancel as much as October 1, 2024, and be refunded your deposit. After October 1, 2024, journey prices spent so far are non-refundable.
I like to recommend getting Allianz Journey Insurance coverage to cowl your journey prices in case of cancellation or emergency. Get a quote now.
Detailed Itinerary for Winter Alaska Tour 2025
Day 1 Fairbanks
Arrive in Fairbanks, get checked in, and prepare for our first group dinner. After dinner, we depart for a preferred Northern Lights viewing location outdoors Fairbanks. Your native Alaska information will share the science behind the lights and their significance to Alaska Native cultures, in addition to the historical past of the world and private tales of residing within the Nice Land. This night tour features a heated indoor relaxation space, snacks, Cup Noodles, and sizzling drinks to get pleasure from.
Dinner Included
In a single day Fairbanks
Day 2 Fairbanks
Sleep in and discover downtown Fairbanks by yourself. As we speak, we take a snowshoe stroll the place you’ll discover the boreal forest, transferring by means of birch and spruce bushes and seeing iconic Alaskan dwarf spruce. We’ll stroll by means of a winter wonderland in search of animal tracks, studying about native plant makes use of, and the way vegetation and animals survive life within the chilly. It could be winter, however there are nonetheless birds, mammals, and vegetation to be discovered!
Tonight after dinner we head out for extra aurora chasing! We’ll go to a distinct location outdoors of Fairbanks to scan the skies for the good northern lights. As soon as once more a a heated indoor relaxation space, snacks, Cup Noodles, and sizzling drinks are offered.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included
In a single day Fairbanks
Day 3 Fairbanks
As we speak, we go deep into the native tradition of curling! We’ll head to the Fairbanks curling middle, meet native curlers, and get hands-on on this distinctive sport! It could look easy on TV – however you’ll be shocked at how difficult – and FUN – it’s! We’ll actually have a pleasant group curling match to check out our new abilities!
Tonight, we’ve got a really particular deal with – we’ll get pleasure from an unique night with native Alaskans (Frank and Miriam) residing off the grid! Your hosts and their canine companions open their dwelling to you 25 miles from Fairbanks and the town lights. Benefit from the silence and remoteness, and get glimpse of off-grid residing. Irrespective of should you sit in entrance of the large panoramic home windows from the consolation of the cabin or head outdoors to seek for the aurora, this can be a particular night. Frank is knowledgeable photographer who will help with Aurora Borealis’s images. If the aurora is robust sufficient, Frank will take skilled photographs of you below the aurora.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
In a single day Fairbanks
Day 4 – Drive to Talkeetna by means of Denali
As we speak, we head south and benefit from the beautiful panorama and views of Denali (hopefully, if it’s clear!). Situated on the sting of Denali Nationwide Park and nestled in a small stand of spruce forest, we’ll cease at Moondog Kennel – dwelling to the friendliest group of working sled canines round! Hailing from conventional freighting genetics and immediately associated to the Denali Park Kennel, Brian, and Courtney will share with you what life on the tundra is all about. Get pleasure from a sled canine meet and greet, and comfy up on the sofa with snacks and a gaggle of retired canines as you study in regards to the significance of freighting canines and the historical past of the Denali space. You’ll acquire a greater understanding of the lives of native mushers in inside Alaska.
If time permits, we’ll additionally cease on the Denali Nationwide Park Customer Middle and speak to the ranger about wintertime within the nationwide park.
Arrive within the small city of Talkeetna and get cozy in your cabin! Right here, we are able to additionally search for northern lights down by the river – a brief stroll from the cabins.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
In a single day Talkeetna
Day 5 – Talkeetna
Discover Talkeetna and it’s distinctive character! Cease in at Nagley’s and meet Aurora – the feline mayor! Benefit from the museum and study all about climbing Denali and the historical past of the area. Benefit from the outlets alongside Essential Avenue.
As we speak we’ll go to the house of an Iditarod champion (he gained final 12 months!), Dallas Seavey, and tour his kennel of lively sled canines. The tour begins on the kennel headquarters overlooking the canine yard and snowy boreal forest you’ll mush by means of. Highlights embrace the hook-up, sled driving demo, and a six-mile mush on the identical trails that Dallas trains together with his Iditarod crew. This time, you gained’t merely be driving – you’ll be mushing your individual crew of canines!
Every two visitors will share a canine sled and a canine crew of Alaskan huskies in your mini-expedition! For the primary half of your experience, you’ll information your crew by means of the silent, snow-capped birch and spruce forest; the one sounds are paws pounding, the sled’s runners gliding throughout the snow, and the occasional excited bark. Many picture alternatives can be obtainable as you go to reproduction Iditarod checkpoints and race to the end line below the burled arch!
After your experience, be part of us for a tour of the homestead and kennel operations, in addition to time with the youthful husky puppies. Be sure you take loads of photographs with the longer term Iditarod champions earlier than they’re well-known! End this distinctive expertise again at Kennedy headquarters, the place you meet different members of the skilled mushing crew and heat up with cookies and sizzling drinks.
If climate permits, there can be an opportunity to go on a flightseeing tour of Denali! That is an non-obligatory exercise and roughly $375 per individual needs to be budgeted. For these , we’ll verify climate for in the present day and tomorrow for a doable flight!
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
In a single day Talkeetna
Day 6 – Glacier View
Drive additional south to the Glenn Freeway – one in every of Alaska’s most dramatic drives and a private favourite of mine! You’ll drive by glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. Our vacation spot in the present day is Sheep Mountain Lodge the place you’ll get to remain in a comfortable cabin with unbelievable mountain views.
Right here, you’ll have choices to do snowshoeing on their trails and even do an non-obligatory snowmobile tour.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
In a single day Glacier View
Day 7 – Matanuska Glacier
It’s a bucket listing merchandise for a lot of – there’s nothing like standing in entrance of and on a glacier. The dimensions and energy of this magnificent pure surprise are humbling. We’ll spend a complete afternoon mountaineering and studying in regards to the Matanuska Glacier.
As we speak, we discover Matanuska Glacier’s many unbelievable options, comparable to moraine and glacial blue meltwater swimming pools, in Southcentral’s lovely Matanuska Valley. 1000’s of years outdated, this large glacier is tucked up into the top of the Matanuska Valley. You’ll spend 2 hours trekking with our glacier guides by your facet, studying how the Matanuska Glacier was born and the way it formed the panorama within the Matanuska Susitna Valley. Discover blue meltwater swimming pools and awe-inspiring formations.
We’ll present our helmets, a trekking pole (strolling stick), and microspikes that connect to your footwear.
Cease at a neighborhood lodge for lunch and a wonderful view to spherical out the expertise.
Optionally available snowmobile tour at Sheep Mountain Lodge that afternoon.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
In a single day Glacier View
Day 8 – Anchorage Departure
We’ll depart Glacier view behind and set our sights on Anchorage this morning. We must always get there in time to discover the town a bit, and perhaps even see a moose wandering round (we did final time!). We’ll get pleasure from a going away lunch after which bid farewell.
Departure flight needs to be booked for the afternoon at 4 PM or later.
Breakfast and lunch are included.
I strongly recommend you get journey insurance coverage for any of your travels. Right here’s extra information on journey insurance coverage. I take advantage of Allianz Journey Insurance coverage for my very own private travels.
Discover out the place to go in Alaska for fall coloration
Who Ought to Think about This Tour?
- Individuals who prefer to discover lesser-known locations and be adventurous and lively.
- People who find themselves versatile. You ought to be prepared to exhibit flexibility, as itineraries could change as a consequence of climate, and the aurora could not come out – it’s best to have a ‘prepared to attempt new issues’ angle.
- Individuals who get pleasure from chilly climate actions and being outdoor.
- Individuals who can hike a minimum of 3 miles.
- People who find themselves okay with staying up late to view the northern lights. Usually we don’t exit for viewing till 10 PM and get again to the resort at 2 AM. However don’t fear – we provide you with time to sleep within the subsequent morning with late begins the subsequent day.
- People who find themselves amenable to touring with others.
What is going to the Climate Be Like?
You could be shocked to search out out that the coastal areas in Alaska don’t get as chilly as you assume – they not often fall beneath 20F apart from the occasional storm. Up within the Arctic areas, they don’t get a lot snow as a result of it’s thought-about a desert.
Nevertheless, Alaska’s inside (Fairbanks) will get chilly, and there may be plenty of snow. There you could expertise temperatures dipping into the -20F and get plenty of snow that can stick round all winter from October by means of March. All Alaskans know you can fight winter climate with the correct gear. If in case you have the correct gear – you possibly can get pleasure from Alaska winter – even in Fairbanks!
Uncover 7 of the perfect locations to journey in winter for North Individuals
What Winter Gear Will You Must Be Snug?
I’ve written this submit about what to pack for Alaska within the winter so please check out it – this will provide you with an thought of the gear to convey and doubtless embrace quite a few belongings you hadn’t thought of! The secret’s layers and good boots.
I’ll present an in depth packing listing and may seek the advice of with you indiviually on what gear you’ll want. As well as, we’ll have a couple of group calls previous to the tour to speak about packing and different logistics.
You don’t have to exit and buy a complete new winter wardrobe, although, for this journey – you possibly can really lease gear from Alaska Outside Gear Rental. They lease high quality gear you can get delivered to your resort in Fairbanks, and you may return to your resort in Anchorage. They’ve gear packages to lease or particular person gadgets. See extra at Alaska Outside Gear Rental.
What do Individuals Say About Ottsworld Excursions
“The Ottsworld Alaska Winter Tour is a bucket-list-checking good time! The Aurora viewing, canine sledding, snow shoeing, moose viewing, curling, and glacier mountaineering all occur at a cushty tempo in breathtaking areas, blended in with a few of the greatest food and drinks stops you possibly can think about. Can’t say sufficient good issues – – – go!” – Heather
“I couldn’t have requested for a extra unbelievable approach to expertise Alaska for the very first time than with Sherry Ott. Sherry’s data of distinctive locations and wonderful individuals made all of it come collectively into a tremendous week!! A small group of us had been capable of expertise the off-beaten path and met probably the most real, genuine individuals prepared to share their lifestyle in Alaska. It’s laborious to place into phrases how this expertise made me really feel. I fell in love with Alaska….the place and its individuals! It was all so magical, from seeing the aurora borealis, to snowshoeing within the peaceable, spruce and birch forests, to mountaineering on a glacier, and truly mushing canines and canine sledding!! There was a peace there I had been in search of. It was positively a visit I’ll keep in mind eternally!! I’m eternally grateful to Sherry for sharing her data of this place. I stay up for different journeys Sherry could share, as I do know they are going to be distinctive!! ” – Debbie
“The winter Alaska journey with Sherry Ott was excessive in all respects, ie unbelievable guides, wonderful meals and off the charts surroundings. The tour firm, Salmonberry is a firstclass operation. This journey was neck and neck with the highest ones of my lifetime!” – George
Led by Salmonberry Excursions
What makes this ‘Ottsworld’ worthy? I have to confess – that I’m form of a journey snob. I don’t love to do the ‘anticipated’ or see the everyday sights; I like to hunt out the weird and fewer traveled (which is why I like to go to Alaska within the winter!). I’ve labored collectively very carefully with Salmonberry Excursions to place collectively an itinerary that impresses even me!
Salmonberry is a neighborhood Alaska firm, women-owned, and Alaska specialists! And better of all they’re small however mighty. I really like supporting small, native operators once I journey – and I feel you’ll love them too. They solely rent guides who grew up in Alaska – no transplants – they’re specialists on the terrain, wildlife, and tradition of the state. They are going to be our information and driver as we discover the winter wonderland!
Extensions – Iditarod, Alaska practice journey, and extra!
You may as well simply lengthen your journey on both finish and spend extra time in a particular space or I’m joyful to recommend further actions. Salmonberry has quite a few further day excursions and nice issues to do across the space too.
The 2025 Iditarod is beginning shortly after our tour concludes on February twenty sixth! This can be a nice alternative to remain and expertise Alaska’s spotlight of winter – the beginning of the Iditarod in Anchorage! Salmonberry provides particular staring line experiences.
You may as well select to experience the Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Practice again to Fairbanks should you’d like a distinct perspective of the snowy panorama!
Or perhaps you need to stick round Anchorage and proceed the journey! Listed here are my favourite issues to do in Anchorage within the winter.
Questions?
Be happy to contact me at [email protected] with any questions you could have about this tour, the experiences, what to pack, and many others. I’m joyful to reply something!
Pin it for later!
