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Are you new to Alaska or planning a visit during winter? Wondering what the must-do Alaskan winter activities are? Perfect, I’ve got the Alaska winter bucket list for you!
There are so many things to see, experience, and do during Alaskan winters. Personally, I think winters here are way underrated. The shimmering snow, clear blue days, cozy days inside with some tasty hot chocolate. It’s really a winter wonderland, and there’s so much to explore.
As you go through this list, you may begin to wonder how you can accomplish these things. My advice is to not expect to do all of these in one year. Also, check into doing tours to see some of these sights and activities, and look into gear rental shops to help you save money and get the correct gear to stay warm and enjoy your experience.
Also, I have a few safety warnings before you venture out to conquer this bucket list. Please dress for the weather and conditions. Frostbite and hypothermia are real, and you really don’t want that to ruin your excursions. Let a few people you trust know where you’ll be and when to expect you back. If you will be in an avalanche area, take the proper precautions, bring the right gear, and have training for worst case scenarios. If you are going out on the ice, be one-hundred percent sure it’s thick enough. Also, keep in mind the shorter daylight hours.
Believe it or not, I’m not trying to discourage anyone from enjoying winter activities, I just want you to be safe and have fun while you’re out enjoying all Alaskan winters have to offer. And speaking of winter, I know that winter doesn’t start until later in December, but this list of activities will contain ideas ranging from December through February, with some overlap on either side. So, let’s get to it!
Snowshoeing
Strap on some snowshoes and go take in the sights of winter on foot. There’s nothing quite like seeing the peace and quiet of a crisp winter afternoon via snowshoes.
Skiing
Another great way to see the winter sights, while also getting exercise, is by skiing. Checking out a list of groomed trails online is a great place to start.
Sledding
Sledding is one of my favorite activities. It doesn’t even require much gear, just warm clothing, a sled, the perfect hill, and some hot chocolate to enjoy when you’re done!
Bonfires
Hoping to thaw out? A bonfire is the perfect solution. Hang out by the fire and warm up for your next winter activity!
S’mores
Once you’ve got that fire going it’s time to fuel yourself up with a delicious s’more! Chocolate, gram crackers, marshmallow, yummmmm!
The Alyeska Resort and Hotel Alyeska
Hit the slopes, grab a bite, or just relax at The Alyeska Resort and Hotel Alyeska .
The Alyeska Nordic Spa
Speaking of Alyeska, one of the things on my bucket list for this winter is their Nordic Spa. Relax, unwind, and rejuvenate at this new addition to Alyeska Resort. Learn more about it here!
Snowboarding
If you’re more coordinated than I am, hitting the slopes on a snowboard should be on your Alaska winter bucket list. Check out slopes near your area, or look up classes if you’re just starting out.
Fur Rondy
Fur auctions, winter carnival, fireworks, snow sculptures, outhouse races (Yup, you read that right!), running with reindeer (You also read that right!), and more! This ”only in Alaska” celebration occurs during the end of February/beginning of March, around the time of the Iditarod start. Hope to see you there!
Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market
This Alaska Native arts market should be near the very top of your Alaska winter bucket list. Alaska Native artists and craftsmen from many different regions of Alaska gather together at the Dimond Center during Fur Rondy to showcase and sell a variety of items. You’ll see scrimshaw work, furs, paintings, jewelry, carvings, masks, and more. It’s an amazing display of talent, and it’s really interesting to talk to the artisans and learn more about their crafts and culture.
The Iditarod
Watch “The Last Great Race” at the exciting ceremonial start in downtown Anchorage, view the official restart in Willow, or check out the race along different spots on the trail. You can watch mushers, handlers, and the stars of the show, the pups, get ready for their long journey across the vast landscape of Alaska. It an exciting and adrenaline filled time for competitors and viewers alike, and an experience you will never forget.
Dog Sledding
You don’t have to be a pro Iditarod musher to get a chance to experience a little bit of mushing! Check out dog sledding tours (You can even do some of these in the summer!), and experience the ride yourself!
The Northern Lights
The Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis. The lights. Whatever you call them, they’re a must-see. It’s a light display like no Vegas show or New Year’s fireworks can ever compete with. There’s really just no way to describe it, so you’ll have to visit Alaska, and see the beauty of the Northern Light yourself! Download this Aurora Forecast app to get notified when the Northern Lights are showing in your area.
Chena Hot Springs
I have been trying for years to check Chena Hot Springs off of my Alaska winter bucket list. It is a natural hot spring in Interior Alaska, located outside of Fairbanks. The Chena Hot Springs Resort has many activities for all seasons, but my main reason for wanting to visit during the winter is to view the Northern Lights from the warmth and comfort of the springs. It just sounds magical to me. I hope you get to check it out for yourself!
Aurora Ice Museum
If you’re visiting Chena Hot Springs, stop on by the Aurora Ice Museum! You can take tour, spend the night, or even get hitched at this year-round ice building!
Snowmachining
Snowmachining, or snowmobiling as many of you may refer to it, is a winter staple in Alaska. If you don’t have one of your own and/or haven’t been on one before, a snowmachine tour may be the perfect route for you to experience this Alaska winter activity.
Alaska Snow Cone
Ok, so maybe this is just on my winter to-do list, but it’s kind of fun. Grab snow fresh fallen snow (No yellow snow!), put it in a bowl, and top with some maple, or other variety, of syrup. Boom, you have yourself a fresh snow cone! It’s a pretty tasty winter treat.
Snowball Fight
Speaking of snow, why not have a good, ol’ fashion snowball fight! It costs zero dollars and is probably one of the most fun things you can do for free these days. Just no head shots and no yellow snow, and you’re good to go!
World Ice Art Championship
Head up to Fairbanks and check out the mesmerizing sculptures that artist’s carve from mammoth blocks of ice. It’s incredible what they can create; you won’t believe you eyes!
Ice Fishing
I’ve saved my favorite winter activity for last. If I could only choose one thing to be on my Alaska winter bucket list, it would be this. The excitement of not knowing what fish you’ll pull through the ice, the time on the ice, the views. It’s truly the best.
I know this is a long list, so if you’re visiting and think you should cram all of this into one trip, or if you’re local and want to check everything off in one season, don’t. What I’m saying is if you get the opportunity to have all of these amazing adventures in one winter and check them off your bucket list, that’s amazing. But, don’t cram your schedule with so many fun things that turns it into a chore. That’s not what bucket lists are about. Enjoy the activities. Enjoy the people you’re with. Enjoy winter. And be safe out there, folks.
What do you have on your Alaska winter bucket list? Add it in the comments below!