Wintertime in Alaska
Winters in Alaska provide the perfect conditions for many wintertime outdoor activities, but you’d better move fast, because there isn’t much daylight to play in. Some areas have very mild winters, like Southeastern Alaska, while others have brutally cold temperatures, like in the Far North. The weather in Alaska is always quick to change. Make sure to be up to date on forecasts in the areas you will be visiting.
Winter Exploration
Winter biking, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling are just a few of the activities available from Anchorage to Denali. If you are well prepared, winter camping can also be an enjoyable experience. Many lodges and resorts offer amenities that provide additional creature comforts.
Considering the Hazards
Winters in Alaska are a time to take extra precautions. Cold temperatures, short days, and unique challenges such as overflows can be uncomfortable or deadly. Water lying on top of ice and beneath snow (overflows) is hidden and can trap snow machines, dog sled mushers, or anyone venturing onto the ice. You can quickly find yourself with icy, cold, wet boots, leading to hypothermia and exhaustion.
An Alaskan Experience
Winters in Alaska are a great time to see the wilds in the care of professional guides. Services are available to fly you in comfort to sightsee the mountains, valleys, and up the glaciers. Additionally, resort skiing and heli-skiing are becoming increasingly popular winter destinations for visitors to Alaska. There are opportunities to speed across snowfields on dog-sled tours, and snowmobiling tours are available as well.
Another Alaskan phenomenon is the chance to view the Aurora Borealis. Many sources can generate highly accurate sighting projections and help you plan the best time to see the lights. The farther away from the sources of human light pollution, the better. Winter’s darkness is ideal for watching the Northern Lights. Even though the upper atmospheric event occurs year-round, the advancing daylight of the other seasons washes out the viewing opportunities.
