Guide To Alaska in Winter: Top Outdoor Adventures Around Anchorage, Denali And Fairbanks
There was a silent danger lurking in the air. I could feel it in every bone of my body. The scrunching of the spiky metal noses beneath my feet and now on the ground were the only sounds. The thick white was swallowing everything else. I gripped the oval shape in the palm of my hand a little tighter. My lashes felt oddly present. I soon realized that was because a plethora of icicles were weighing onto them like ornaments on a Christmas tree.
As cozy as I felt wrapped in the many layers of wool, fleece, and other materials, I was still aware of how small mistakes could, quite literally, snowball in such extreme conditions. It was below -30°F, and the air was the driest I had ever experienced. In fact, it was so devoid of moisture that I could see electric bursts of light in the darkness every time I’d shake my blanket just a little that morning. Because of the dryness and the non-existent wind, it was elusive how frigid it truly was. A reality, when so well wrapped in layers and layers of functional clothing, you could only grasp the small things that seemed extraordinary: the tiny drops on your lashes freezing the moment you step outside, your hands getting frigid the second you remove your gloves, the metal of your tripod so cold that it feels like it is on fire, or the zoom of your camera just frozen in time, unable to move.
Yet, the cold, together with the stillness and the hours-long lasting dusk, created an indescribable magic that felt like being in a fairytale. A magic I could sense now, just walking through the woods around our cabin; the night before watching the northern lights dance above our heads in so many colors; many days earlier when we were watching the endless sunset above the bay, the ice floating like a river while the reddish colors of the sky covered the scenery in, at least visual, warmth.
Then suddenly, I was snatched from my thoughts by a sound that was getting closer and closer: Steps hurrying through the snow. As the sounds got closer, we saw what it was: the husky kennel that had taken us on a sled through this wonderland the day before was approaching us, this time not to take us casually on a ride, but training for their next race. Highly focused on the mission, they passed us at the speed of light, yet their trainer, whom we got to know the day before, waved at us with her plushy gloves while we watched them disappear again into the white wonderland.
Visiting Alaska in the winter is a truly unique experience, and one I thoroughly enjoyed — not despite the extremes, but because of them! Imagine being surrounded by intense cold while cozily wrapped in layers of warm clothes, soaking in the stillness of nature where even the slightest sound is swallowed by a blanket of snow, watching the Northern Lights dance above your head at night, or seeing the low, golden sun create a soft, magical light throughout the day. There are many things that make Alaska in winter magical — if you come prepared.
A trip including the areas around Anchorage, Denali National Park, and Fairbanks is perfect for exploring Alaska in winter, as there is such a variety of things to do and see. In this article, I’ll share everything I learned from my trip to Alaska during the cold season, my favorite outdoor activities that you should not miss, and all the essentials you need to know before heading into this icy adventure!
In a Nutshell: What to Expect from This Guide
- This guide is for those seeking a nature-focused experience in Alaska during the snowy, cold months.
- I cover the areas around Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Denali National Park: what to do and key tips for planning a winter trip connecting these locations.
- While many guides focus on summer, winter offers an entirely different experience: I’ll show you the best winter hikes, unmissable activities like dog sledding and Northern Lights viewing, what it’s like to visit hot springs in freezing temperatures, scenic road trips, and more.
- Most importantly, I’ll provide all the practical information you need to make your trip safe and enjoyable despite the harsh winter conditions.
If that all sounds good to you, settle in, grab a cup of coffee, tea, or whatever you need to get cozy, and let’s get started!
Just so you know: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tours, gear, or services I truly believe in and think you’ll love too. Thanks for supporting my blog!
Table of Contents
Outdoor Adventures Near Anchorage
Outdoor Adventures Near Fairbanks
Turnagain Arm Scenic Drive & Tonsina Creek Trail (Or: Matanuska Glacier)
The drive from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula is absolutely spectacular and should not be missed! Traveling along the Seward Highway, a designated National Scenic Byway, takes you right along Turnagain Arm (part of Cook Inlet). The views of water framed by towering mountains are jaw-dropping. On a clear day, you can even see across to the Alaska Range. There are plenty of pullouts along the road where you can pause to take in the scenery—or stretch your legs and explore a bit. Watching chunks of ice drift on the calm inlet, with snow-capped peaks in the background and the sun lingering low on the horizon, is nothing short of magical.
Make sure to stop at:
Potter Marsh Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk: Walk above the frozen marshland on a wooden boardwalk and take in the quiet winter landscape. The creeks here often freeze over, and wildlife stands out against the snow—especially moose, whose dark brown fur makes them easier to spot. Keep your eyes on the skies, too: Bald eagles are frequent visitors. We were lucky enough to see one perched nearby.
Beluga Point: A dramatic highway turnout offering 180-degree views of Turnagain Arm, with spotting scopes and interpretive signs. We enjoyed so much just watching ice floes float on the water that seemed so still, yet moving quite fast with the golden-glowing sun and mountains in the background.
This is also one of the best vantage points to catch the bore tide when conditions are right. A bore tide occurs when the difference between low and high tide is large and the incoming tide rushes through a narrow channel, such as a river or estuary, often against the current. The incoming wave, which can reach 6 to 10 feet in height and travel at speeds of 10 to 15 miles per hour, typically arrives an hour or more after low tide (so this has to be timed really well).
When you reach the Kenai Peninsula, keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles again. They are common here, often perched in tall trees, on high poles, or soaring overhead.
Bald eagle perched on a branch on the Kenai Peninsula.
Tonsina Creek Trail
📍 Distance: 3.0 mi (4.8 km)
⛰ Elevation Gain: 652 ft (199 m)
🔁 Route Type: Out & Back
In late November, with a light dusting of snow on the ground, we chose a hike that offered a wonderful variety of scenery for this time of year. The Tonsina Creek Trail first winds through the quiet forest, where the crisp air and muted colors give everything a peaceful feel, before opening up to an absolutely spectacular shoreline: think moss-covered stones, dense foliage around the edges, mountains in the background, and even tidepool critters if you arrive during low tide. Check conditions before heading out and bring microspikes.
Mossy, ice-dusted stones and a calm creek framed by panoramic mountains near the end of the Tonsina Creek Trail.
Matanuska Glacier
The Kenai Peninsula is home to Kenai Fjords National Park and the stunning Matanuska Glacier, a popular summer destination, but you can also visit in the winter! The glacier is accessible only by tour.
If you want to experience this famous glacier up close, check out the tour below. Included in the package is also pick-up directly in Anchorage and the scenic drive along Turnagain Arm, so you can enjoy incredible views while sitting back and relaxing and don’t need to worry about potentially slippery roads.
Of course, this is more expensive compared to driving yourself and hiking Tonsina Creek Trail (mentioned above, which is free), but if you’re eager to see the glacier in the National Park and want to avoid dealing with snowy driving conditions on your own,
Eagle River Nature Center: Albert Loop (Chugach State Park)
📍 Distance: 3.1 mi (5 km)
⛰ Elevation Gain: 344 ft (105 m)
🔙 Route Type: Loop
For most of the summer and early fall, the Albert Loop Trail is closed due to the salmon run and high bear activity. By November, the trails have reopened, covered in snow, with the river beginning to freeze, while the bears are slumbering instead of hunting for fish. Hiking the Albert Loop was one of my favorite experiences in Alaska, and everyone in my group agreed! Even with nature mostly blanketed in snow, there are countless details to discover: the last glowing red currant berries clinging to dusted branches, American Dippers hunting fish in the frigid waters, ice flowers “blooming” on the frozen parts of the river, and Bald Eagles soaring overhead. Hiking this easy yet incredibly beautiful trail felt simply magical. After your hike, warm up in the visitor center.
Musk Ox Farm (Palmer)
Muskoxen once roamed the northern regions of Alaska but were hunted to near extinction by the late 1800s. Thanks to reintroduction efforts beginning in the 1930s, small wild populations are now slowly recovering in remote tundra areas of western and northern Alaska. However, you are very unlikely to encounter them around Anchorage, Denali, or Fairbanks.
The Musk Ox Farm in Palmer (about 45 minutes from Anchorage) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation, education, and husbandry of these impressive animals. Guided tours last about 45 minutes to an hour, during which you’ll learn about their history, biology, and cultural significance.
The farm also combs the muskoxen for their fine underwool, called qiviut (pronounced kiv-ee-ute), which is then hand-spun into yarn. In their gift shop, you can purchase pure qiviut products, renowned for being one of the softest and warmest natural fibers in the world. It really feels amazing. However, because qiviut is rare and valuable, it is not exactly cheap, so they also offer more affordable blends with other natural fibers.
Fun fact: While muskoxen look both massive and small at the same time, did you know that their closest relatives are actually sheep and goats—not cattle or bison? To me, this becomes especially clear when I look into their eyes, which have the gentle expression of a giant, woolly sheep.
Tickets
The tour is best booked directly through their website.
If you prefer to be picked up by a guide directly in Anchorage and simply enjoy the view along the way while someone else drives, check out this option here.
Kincaid Park (Anchorage): Hiking, Moose Watching & Sunset
Anchorage truly amazed me with its charming bake shops, bars, and restaurants, all nestled within close proximity to nature. One park on the very western edge of Anchorage that you shouldn’t miss is Kincaid Park. It’s a fantastic spot to observe moose while hiking to the coast! Since we were eager to see a moose and I had read that this is a park where moose are commonly seen, this was an easy choice—and we were fortunate enough to spot one!
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail To Beach Trail
Even if you aren’t as lucky, this is a great place to strap on your snowshoes or microspikes (check conditions before heading out), and hike through the snow while surrounded by nature. We parked at the Chalet parking lot in Kincaid Park and then followed the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail to the beach. If you arrive near sunset like we did, it is simply magical! The sky was an incredible shade of orange, the water with ice floating on the surface blanketed in reddish hues, and the air so crisp that I can almost feel it now just writing about it.
By the way, we later saw another moose right at our vacation rental in Anchorage too—so be patient, the chances of seeing a moose are quite good in and around Anchorage!
Trail Map
Here is a map of the Kincaid Park trails to help you navigate the trail network and plan your route.
Denali National Park: Views of Denali & Snowshoeing
On the way from Anchorage to Denali National Park, be sure not to miss the views of Denali! A great spot to get a glimpse of Denali and other mountains is at Denali Viewpoint South. The parking lot was accessible despite the snow, and from there it was possible to walk through the deep snow to the viewpoint (note: this was at the very end of November, conditions can vary).
While a large portion of the park is inaccessible in winter — the Denali Park Road typically closes at Mile 3 — there are still enough trails open to experience the wintry landscape! The Murie Science and Learning Center, the designated Winter Visitor Center, at Mile 1.3 is a great starting point for your adventure (and a perfect place to warm up after your hike). On weekends, you may also visit the Sled Dog Kennels during ranger-hosted hours from 1–4 p.m. (except major holidays).
Late November view from Denali Viewpoint South, with the Alaska Range glowing in cool, blue winter light.
Snowshoeing In Denali National Park: Horseshoe Lake Trail
📍 Distance: 2.1 mi (3.4 km)
⛰ Elevation Gain: 410 ft (125 m)
🔙 Route Type: Loop
We snowshoed the Horseshoe Lake Trail, which can be conveniently started right from the Winter Visitor Center. While the trail can be busy in summer, in winter it transforms into a quiet, snow-covered wonderland, with spruce trees dusted in white and the frozen lake shimmering through the trees. At just 2.1 miles long with just some elevation gain, it’s a great winter hike during the shorter days!
See The Northern Lights
Fairbanks is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, because it lies under the Auroral Oval, a region around the magnetic pole where auroras are most frequent. While you might get lucky in Anchorage as well, the chances of witnessing the Northern Lights are much higher in Fairbanks or Denali National Park, as both are further north and thereby closer to the Auroral Oval. The best chances to see the auroras are typically between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m., according to the Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska. They also provide an Aurora Forecast, which you can check here.
A note regarding the auroras: Pictures of the Northern Lights are typically taken with longer exposure times (for example, the first picture below was exposed for 25 seconds, and the second, featuring the cabin, for 15 seconds). This allows the camera to gather more light than the human eye can perceive. As a result, the images often appear more vivid than what you actually see. If the aurora activity is strong, you will absolutely see the lights dancing above your head, and it is truly magical — just don’t expect them to be as colorful as the photographs typically show!
Green, red, and purple aurora borealis lighting up snow-covered trees, right at our vacation rental.
My Recommendation: Watch the Northern Lights at a Cabin Outside of Fairbanks
In my view, it’s most magical to witness the Northern Lights surrounded by nature and silence, away from roads and city lights. The best way to do this is by renting a cabin outside of town, ideally with large windows, so you can watch the sky from the warmth of a cozy log cabin. You can still step outside when the aurora begins to dance, but you don’t have to spend hours in the freezing cold which is a major consideration at such northern latitudes.
Below, I’ve linked the cabin we rented, which we were thrilled with! It was the coziest log cabin in the middle of the woods, and we kept our eyes on the sky from the windows until the aurora appeared. We didn’t even need to brave the frigid temperatures to see them, but we couldn’t resist stepping outside every time the activity increased, then returning inside to warm up. Highly recommended!
Booking Details Linked Below
Northern Lights Photo Tour
If you’re looking for someone to guide you through the experience, someone who knows the most beautiful spots to witness this spectacle if it appears and how to photograph it, the tour below may be just right for you.
Chena Hot Springs
Imagine sitting in a giant hot tub steaming like a fumarole into the crisp, frigid air, making it hard to see far as the steam glides over the water surface. Your body feels on the verge of overheating, while your hair is slowly freezing solid.
That’s the best way I can describe visiting Chena Hot Springs in winter. It’s a unique experience to feel the extreme contrast between the warm to hot water and the frigid air around your head.
The most fun part? Getting into the water. Since the pools are outside, you have to walk in your bathing suit through temperatures down to –30 °F. Part of the way leads through the so-called “ice tunnel”, which is protected from the elements. After exiting it, there’s a short path through the open, freezing air. It’s not as bad as it sounds — once you’re in the hot springs, you may even enjoy the refreshing air, and your body barely notices the chill.
Another fun activity is letting your hair freeze into crazy styles. At those temperatures, it won’t take long, and it’s surprisingly entertaining!
How to Visit Chena Hot Springs
Buy a Day Pass: Online or Onsite.
Book a Tour from Fairbanks: Includes transportation, Aurora Ice Museum, and Northern Lights viewing.
If you’d like to skip the hassle of driving on icy roads and combine soaking in the hot springs with a guided tour of the Aurora Ice Museum and the surrounding area, the tour below may be perfect for you:
Dog Sledding
Another unique experience you absolutely should not miss is dog sledding. Racing through a snow-blanketed forest, bundled up like a Christmas present, is an incredibly magical experience.
The dogs are both adorable and fascinatingly hardworking. Watching them so focused on pulling the sled through the snow, yet so joyful in their movement, is amazing. It is a raw, fun, and close-to-nature adventure, and easily one of our favorite experiences in Alaska.
I highly recommend dog sledding. Alaska is one of the best places in the world to try it. There are many skilled mushers who are happy to introduce you to their world and share this unforgettable experience.
Which Dog Sledding Tour To Choose
We booked the tour directly through our vacation rental. The owners not only have an incredibly cute cabin, but they are also experienced mushers who will pick you up directly from the cabin with their amazing dogs. It was an amazing experience with them — both the dog sledding as well as staying at their cabin — and I can’t recommend them enough! Note: The tour is not included in the cabin rental price and must be booked separately after reserving the cabin. Be sure to check with them beforehand if this is your main reason for booking the place.
Excellent Options Around Fairbanks (Independent of Your Rental)
If you stay elsewhere or the owners’ tour is not available during your visit, there are several excellent dog sledding options in the Fairbanks area:
Where To Stay
We split our time between Anchorage (5 nights) and Fairbanks (5 nights) with Denali National Park (1 night) in between — and that balance turned out perfect! If you want to spend longer in one of the places, I'd recommend spending more nights in Anchorage rather than Fairbanks, just because there is more to do and the temperatures are less extreme, so you can spend more time outdoors.
Anchorage
We stayed in a vacation rental close to the bay, and it was amazing. From our bedroom, we could see the glittering half-frozen water, and one morning, moose wandered right through the neighborhood! The house itself was ideal for two couples: two nearly identical bedrooms with ensuite baths upstairs, plus a spacious open kitchen and living room with another bath downstairs. The place felt modern yet cozy, with big windows and glass fronts that made it bright and inviting.
Denali National Park
There are options surprisingly close to Denali National Park and I'd recommend spending the night before visiting near the park to make most the of available daylight hours. One or maybe two nights is enough though since the road into the national park is closed at mile 3, so you will only have access to a small portion of the national park during the winter time. We stayed at a cabin very close to the visitor center and hiking trails, which I highly recommend.
Fairbanks
Since Fairbanks offers the best chance to see the Northern Lights, I’d recommend renting a cabin outside of town. That way, you can enjoy dark skies right where you’re staying, without driving around in the freezing cold looking for a viewing spot. Also, there is not a lot to do in Fairbanks itself, so you won't miss out on much when not staying within the town. We chose an extremely cozy cabin that felt like being in the middle of the woods, and that you can check out below:
Looking for a different vibe? Check more available accommodations here:
Know Before You Go
Extreme Temperatures
Inland Areas: Places like Denali and Fairbanks can drop below –30 °F (as we experienced at the end of November/beginning of December). The average temperature in Fairbanks in December is around -0.3°F (-17.9°C). Source
Coastal Areas: Anchorage is more moderate but still cold, with average winter temperatures in December around 18.8°F (-7.3°C). Source
Gear & How to Dress
Functional Layers: Base layers, wool sweaters, and thick insulated jackets will keep you warm. Layer your gloves (thin gloves + thick mittens) and consider hand warmers.
Footwear: Invest in winter boots rated for extreme cold. Hands and feet are most susceptible.
Head: A warm hat, neck gaiter (more effective than a regular scarf in my view!), and balaclava for extreme cold are essential.
Handwarmers: Rechargeable hand warmers helped me so much in keeping my hands toasty: I put them in my mittens and I never had cold hands despite frigid temperatures and a tendency to have cold hands.
Microspikes: Absolutely essential for icy paths. Easy to put on over boots and provide excellent traction on packed snow or ice.
Snowshoes: Crucial for deep snow or unbroken trails. We used them both in Denali and on the trails around our Fairbanks vacation rental.
Limited Daylight
Short Days, But Long Twilight: Winter days are short, but dusk and dawn last long due to Alaska’s northern latitude. After sunset, civil and nautical twilight provide extended light. Don’t be discouraged by early sunsets.
All-Day Glow: The low sun creates soft, golden light, which is great for photography and just enjoying an all-day long magical atmosphere.
Plan Ahead: Check sunrise, sunset, and twilight times for your location and time of visit, and plan accordingly.
Road Conditions, Driving Tips & Car Rental
Slippery Roads: Roads can be extremely slippery in winter, and sudden movements can make you lose control very quickly. We witnessed several cars in ditches and one instance where another vehicle slid across our lane into deep snow. Expect black ice and compacted snow, even in cities and on major highways. Drive slowly and avoid sudden braking or steering.
Stay Focused: Because roads are slippery, it is crucial to stay 100% focused to drive as smoothly as possible and anticipate upcoming hazards.
Don’t Follow Local Speeds: Locals often have studded tires; most rental cars do not. Let them pass.
Rental Cars: Ideally, choose all-wheel drive. If you rent in Anchorage, but plan to drive to the even colder areas like Fairbanks & Denali, let the rental company know so you get a car with a block heater and plug. The small battery drains quickly in extreme cold, so plug it in overnight and whenever possible. Shorter periods unplugged usually work fine, but it is crucial to plug it in overlight. Check below to compare rates for the best features and price:
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