Anchorage is located right on the Cook Inlet to the west and framed by the Chugach Mountains to the east. While Anchorage is most popular during the short summer, it is as stunning in winter, when snow covers most of the landscape and ice creeps across the water. Here, I share with you what outdoor activities I enjoyed around Anchorage during the colder season. Spoiler alert: It is an outdoor paradise year-round, not just summer.

Winter in Fairbanks, Alaska hits hard: freezing temperatures, a sun that barely lifts above the horizon, and snow that swallows every sound. Yet these extremes also make it unforgettable: soaking in steaming hot springs surrounded by ice, dog sledding through snow-laden forests, watching the Northern Lights dance, or the endless sunrises and sunsets. In this article, I’ll share what I learned on my winter trip to Fairbanks, the outdoor activities you shouldn’t miss, and all the essentials for planning your own adventure.

From Anchorage through Denali National Park to Fairbanks: Discover why a winter trip to Alaska is so unforgettable. Whether it’s chasing the Northern Lights, dog sledding, snowshoe hiking, or soaking in steaming hot springs surrounded by snow, there are so many outdoor activities to enjoy. In this guide, I’ll share my favorite activities during the coldest months of the year, plus all the practical tips you need to stay safe and enjoy every moment of Alaska’s wild beauty.