That’s when I really fell in love with Alaska in the winter.
Since then I’ve been back 2 more times and it gets better each time! As I have shared my adventures there, I consistently get asked by readers to set up an Alaska winter tour.
I’ve finally found a company that I wanted to work with, Salmonberry Tours, that fits my travel mentality and could help me put a customized tour together! This Alaska winter tour includes the best and most unique winter experiences Alaska has to offer!
Why Alaska in the Winter?
Most people don’t think about going to Alaska in February. After all, it’s the coldest, snowiest, and most remote destination in the United States. But I’m not most people. I like to travel to the remote corners of our globe because that’s where you find the most epic experiences and environments.
While most people are dreaming of beaches to escape winter in February, I dream of the northern lights, sled dogs, hot chocolate, and snowcapped mountains. Winter in Alaska is when you find the real Alaskans, the full-timers and heartiest of locals. You’ll have the chance to meet them and spend time with this hearty bunch when you travel with me.
Ottsworld Alaska Winter Wonderland Tour
If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the northern lights, mushing your own team of Alaskan Huskies , seeing North America’s tallest peak covered in snow, hiking on a glacier, and learning how to play the winter sport of curling – then skip the beach this winter and start knocking things off your bucket list with my Ottsworld Alaska Winter Tour February 2023.
What makes this ‘Ottsworld’ worthy? I must confess – that I am sort of a travel snob. I don’t like to do the ‘expected’ or see the typical sights; I like to seek out the unusual, and less traveled (which is why I love to go to Alaska in the winter!). I’ve worked together very closely with Salmonberry Tours to put together an itinerary that impresses even me!
Here’s what you can expect:
Alaska Trip Highlights February 11 – 17, 2023
Aurora Viewing
The northern lights are so prolific in the Fairbanks region and the Arctic that visitors who stay a minimum of three nights and are actively out during the late evening hours increase their chance of seeing the aurora to more than 80 percent!
And that’s exactly why we’ll have 3 nights of aurora chasing in Fairbanks to start off the trip! Plus – there are good chances we’ll see the lights in Denali, Talkeetna, and by the Matanuska Glacier.
You can read more about why Fairbanks and Alaska are the perfect places for Aurora viewing here .
On one of the nights, we will also get specific northern lights photography instruction for those interested in learning how to photograph the northern lights.
Glacier Trekking
Another bucket list item for many – there’s nothing like standing in front of, and on a glacier. The size and power of this magnificent natural wonder are humbling. We’ll spend a whole afternoon hiking on and learning about the Matanuska Glacier.
Learn to Curl
We’ve all seen it during the winter Olympics – the strange and foreign sport of curling. I am always intrigued by things that are specific to a region – and the sport of curling is definitely specific to the far north. You’ll have a chance to not only learn about the sport – but you’ll also get to try it yourself! It may look simple on TV – but you’ll be surprised at how challenging – and FUN – it is! We’ll head to the Fairbanks curling center, meet local curlers, and get hands-on in this unique sport!
Winter Adventure Experiences: Dogsledding, Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling
Not only will you learn about the most iconic winter Alaska opportunity – dog mushing – but you’ll get to mush your own team of dogs through the forest! Anyone can sit in a sled and ride – but you’ll have the chance to ‘bark’ out commands and lead the team yourself as you learn to mush with dogs who race in the Iditarod!
Most people think that Denali National Park is only open in the summer, but it’s actually open year round! Winter is a great time to visit Denali National Park as the crowds have all left, and you’ll find that you have the place to yourself! We’ll be going there to get iconic views of Denali while snowshoeing around the park.
You’ll also have the opportunity to travel around the Alaska wilderness like a local – on a snow machine! We call them snowmobiles, but if you want to fit in while traveling in Alaska – you better call it a snow machine!
I’ve never had so much love! Photo by Michaela Potter
Local Flavor
Throughout all of these experiences, you’ll meet and spend time with locals who will educate you in all things Alaska winter. Alaska may be technically a part of the US, but I always think it feels like another country because the culture is so different than the lower 48.
Dates of Tour
February 11 – 17, 2023. We start in Fairbanks and end in Anchorage which will give you a vast look at the state. You can also easily extend your trip on either end and spend more time in a specific area or I’m happy to suggest additional activities. Salmonberry has a number of additional day tours and great things to do around the area too.
Beginning/Ending Point
Fly into Fairbanks (FAI) on February 11, 2023 Fly out of Anchorage (ANC) on February 17, 2023 Afternoon
Space is Limited
NOTE!! This is a small group tour with a max of 10 people. We must fill up the tour for it to run . So once you put down a deposit, it will hold your spot. We don’t suggest you get airfare yet until we can confirm a full trip.
What’s Included
All lodging All Transportation Practically all meals (7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners) No alcohol is included except for at Denali Brewing Company All listed excursions (3 aurora viewing tours, snowshoeing, ice sculpture tour, curling lesson, dog mushing, and glacier hike. Access to a full gallery of photos (shot by me!) of the entire trip, which you can use for personal purposes.
What’s Not Included
Airfare 1 Dinner and 1 Lunch Alcoholic beverages Flightseeing in Talkeetna (optional activity) Snowmobiling at Sheep Mountain Lodge (optional activity) Muskox Farm Visit (if time permits) Tips for guides Travel Insurance
Cost – $3,799 USD
Cancellation Policy
Salmonberry cancellation policy: A 50% deposit is required to start the booking process. The remaining balance is processed 60 days prior to travel. Cancellations must be made via email. If canceled outside 60 days, a $100 per person fee applies. 60-31 days there is a 10% processing penalty, 90% refund is provided. Inside 30 days, the travel package is non-refundable.
I strongly suggest you get travel insurance for any of your travels. Here’s more info on travel insurance. I use Allianz Travel Insurance for my own personal travels.
How to Book This Tour
This is a custom tour I’ve arranged with Salmonberry Tours. In order to reserve your spot you’ll need to put down a deposit – 50% of the total trip cost – $1,899.50. Please follow these steps:
Contact Salmonberry tours: Email: [email protected] Phone: 866.681.0209 Ask for Glenda and tell her you’d like to put a deposit on the Ottsworld Custom Tour running February 11, 2023. Easy!
Who Should Consider This Tour?
People who like to explore lesser-known places, and be adventurous and active. People who are flexible. You should be willing to exhibit flexibility, as itineraries may change due to weather, and the aurora may not come out – and it helps if you have a ‘willing to try new things’ attitude. People who enjoy cold weather activities and being outdoors. People who can hike at least 3 miles. People who are ok with staying up late to view the northern lights. Often we don’t go out for viewing until 10 PM and get back to the hotel at 2 AM. But don’t worry – we give you time to sleep in the next morning with late starts the next day. People who are amenable to traveling with others.
What will the Weather Be Like?
You might be surprised to find out that the coastal areas in Alaska don’t get as cold as you think – they rarely fall below 20F except for the occasional storm. Up in the Arctic areas, they don’t get much snow because it’s considered a desert.
However, Alaska’s interior (Fairbanks) does get cold and lots of snow. There you may experience temperatures dipping into the -20F and get lots of snow that will stick around all winter from October through March. All Alaskans know that you combat winter weather with the right gear. If you have the right gear – you can enjoy Alaska winter – even in Fairbanks!
What Winter Gear Will You Need to Be Comfortable?
I have written this post about what to pack for Alaska in the winter so please take a look at it – this will give you an idea of the gear to bring and probably include a number of things you hadn’t thought about!
