I first traveled to Alaska in the summertime – as most individuals do. I fell in love with the individuals and the panorama – I personally suppose it’s America’s most stunning state and constantly falls in my high 5 locations to go to in the complete world. I used to be all the time intrigued about how individuals lived there within the winter and what they did – a lot in order that I did my first Alaska winter journey in 2018.
That’s after I actually fell in love with Alaska within the winter.
Since then I’ve been again 2 extra occasions and it will get higher every time! As I’ve shared my adventures there, I constantly get requested by readers to arrange an Alaska winter tour.
I’ve lastly discovered an organization that I wished to work with, Salmonberry Excursions, that matches my journey mentality and will assist me put a custom-made tour collectively! This Alaska winter tour contains one of the best and most unusual winter experiences Alaska has to supply!
Why Alaska within the Winter?
Most individuals don’t take into consideration going to Alaska in February. In any case, it’s the coldest, snowiest, and most distant vacation spot in the US. However I’m not most individuals. I prefer to journey to the distant corners of our globe as a result of that’s the place you discover essentially the most epic experiences and environments.
Whereas most individuals are dreaming of seashores to flee winter in February, I dream of the northern lights, sled canine, scorching chocolate, and snowcapped mountains. Winter in Alaska is once you discover the actual Alaskans, the full-timers and heartiest of locals. You’ll have the possibility to satisfy them and spend time with this hearty bunch once you journey with me.
Ottsworld Alaska Winter Wonderland Tour
In case you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the northern lights, mushing your individual workforce of Alaskan Huskies, seeing North America’s tallest peak coated in snow, mountain climbing on a glacier, and studying easy methods to play the winter sport of curling – then skip the seashore this winter and begin knocking issues off your bucket listing with my Ottsworld Alaska Winter Tour February 2023.
What makes this ‘Ottsworld’ worthy? I need to confess – that I’m kind of a journey snob. I don’t love to do the ‘anticipated’ or see the everyday sights; I like to hunt out the weird, and fewer traveled (which is why I like to go to Alaska within the winter!). I’ve labored collectively very carefully with Salmonberry Excursions to place collectively an itinerary that impresses even me!
Right here’s what you’ll be able to anticipate:
Alaska Journey Highlights February 11 – 17, 2022
Aurora Viewing
The northern lights are so prolific within the Fairbanks area and the Arctic that guests who keep a minimal of three nights and are actively out in the course of the late night hours enhance their likelihood of seeing the aurora to greater than 80 p.c!
And that’s precisely why we’ll have 3 nights of aurora chasing in Fairbanks to begin off the journey! Plus – there are good possibilities we’ll see the lights in Denali, Talkeetna, and by the Matanuska Glacier.
You may learn extra about why Fairbanks and Alaska are the right locations for Aurora viewing right here.
On one of many nights, we may also get particular northern lights images instruction for these serious about studying easy methods to {photograph} the northern lights.
Glacier Trekking
One other bucket listing merchandise for a lot of – there’s nothing like standing in entrance of, and on a glacier. The dimensions and energy of this magnificent pure surprise are humbling. We’ll spend an entire afternoon mountain climbing on and studying in regards to the Matanuska Glacier.
Be taught to Curl
We’ve all seen it in the course of the winter Olympics – the unusual and international sport of curling. I’m all the time intrigued by issues which might be particular to a area – and the game of curling is unquestionably particular to the far north. You’ll have an opportunity to not solely be taught in regards to the sport – however you’ll additionally get to strive it your self! It might look easy on TV – however you’ll be shocked at how difficult – and FUN – it’s! We’ll head to the Fairbanks curling heart, meet native curlers, and get hands-on on this distinctive sport!
Winter Journey Experiences: Dogsledding, Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling
Not solely will you study essentially the most iconic winter Alaska alternative – canine mushing – however you’ll get to mush your individual workforce of canine by the forest! Anybody can sit in a sled and experience – however you’ll have the possibility to ‘bark’ out instructions and lead the workforce your self as you be taught to mush with canine who race within the Iditarod!
Most individuals suppose that Denali Nationwide Park is simply open in the summertime, but it surely’s really open 12 months spherical! Winter is a superb time to go to Denali Nationwide Park because the crowds have all left, and also you’ll discover that you’ve got the place to your self! We’ll be going there to get iconic views of Denali whereas snowshoeing across the park.
You’ll even have the chance to journey across the Alaska wilderness like an area – on a snow machine! We name them snowmobiles, however if you wish to slot in whereas touring in Alaska – you higher name it a snow machine!
Native Taste
All through all of those experiences, you’ll meet and spend time with locals who will educate you in all issues Alaska winter. Alaska could also be technically part of the US, however I all the time suppose it seems like one other nation as a result of the tradition is so totally different than the decrease 48.
Dates of Tour
February 11 – 17, 2023. We begin in Fairbanks and finish in Anchorage which gives you an enormous take a look at the state. You too can simply prolong your journey on both finish and spend extra time in a particular space or I’m joyful to recommend extra actions. Salmonberry has plenty of extra day excursions and nice issues to do across the space too.
Starting/Ending Level
Fly into Fairbanks (FAI) on February 11, 2023
Fly out of Anchorage (ANC) on February 17, 2023 Afternoon
House is Restricted
NOTE!! This can be a small group tour with a max of 10 individuals. We should replenish the tour for it to run. So as soon as you place down a deposit, it’ll maintain your spot. We don’t recommend you get airfare but till we will verify a full journey.
What’s Included
- All lodging
- All Transportation
- Virtually all meals (7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners) No alcohol is included apart from at Denali Brewing Firm
- All listed excursions (3 aurora viewing excursions, snowshoeing, ice sculpture tour, curling lesson, canine mushing, and glacier hike.
- Entry to a full gallery of images (shot by me!) of the complete journey, which you need to use for private functions.
What’s Not Included
- Airfare
- 1 Dinner and 1 Lunch
- Alcoholic drinks
- Flightseeing in Talkeetna (non-obligatory exercise)
- Snowmobiling at Sheep Mountain Lodge (non-obligatory exercise)
- Muskox Farm Go to (if time permits)
- Suggestions for guides
- Journey Insurance coverage
Value – $3,799 USD
Cancellation Coverage
Salmonberry cancellation coverage: A 50% deposit is required to begin the reserving course of. The remaining steadiness is processed 60 days previous to journey. Cancellations should be made by way of e mail. If canceled outdoors 60 days, a $100 per particular person price applies. 60-31 days there’s a 10% processing penalty, 90% refund is offered. Inside 30 days, the journey package deal is non-refundable.
I strongly recommend you get journey insurance coverage for any of your travels. Right here’s extra data on journey insurance coverage. I take advantage of Allianz Journey Insurance coverage for my very own private travels.
Easy methods to Ebook This Tour
This can be a customized tour I’ve organized with Salmonberry Excursions. With a purpose to reserve your spot you’ll must put down a deposit – 50% of the whole journey value – $1,899.50. Please comply with these steps:
Contact Salmonberry excursions:
E-mail: [email protected]
Cellphone: 866.681.0209
Ask for Glenda and inform her you’d prefer to put a deposit on the Ottsworld Customized Tour operating February 11, 2023. Straightforward!
Who Ought to Take into account This Tour?
- Individuals who prefer to discover lesser-known locations, and be adventurous and lively.
- People who find themselves versatile. You need to be prepared to exhibit flexibility, as itineraries might change attributable to climate, and the aurora might not come out – and it helps if in case you have a ‘prepared to strive new issues’ perspective.
- Individuals who get pleasure from chilly climate actions and being outdoor.
- Individuals who can hike no less than 3 miles.
- People who find themselves happy with staying up late to view the northern lights. Typically we don’t exit for viewing till 10 PM and get again to the resort at 2 AM. However don’t fear – we provide you with time to sleep within the subsequent morning with late begins the following day.
- People who find themselves amenable to touring with others.
What’s going to the Climate Be Like?
You could be shocked to seek out out that the coastal areas in Alaska don’t get as chilly as you suppose – they not often fall beneath 20F apart from the occasional storm. Up within the Arctic areas, they don’t get a lot snow as a result of it’s thought of a desert.
Nonetheless, Alaska’s inside (Fairbanks) does get chilly and plenty of snow. There you might expertise temperatures dipping into the -20F and get plenty of snow that may stick round all winter from October by March. All Alaskans know that you just fight winter climate with the suitable gear. When you have the suitable gear – you’ll be able to get pleasure from Alaska winter – even in Fairbanks!
What Winter Gear Will You Have to Be Snug?
I’ve written this publish about what to pack for Alaska within the winter so please check out it – this gives you an thought of the gear to convey and doubtless embody plenty of stuff you hadn’t thought of!
You don’t must exit and buy an entire new winter wardrobe although for this journey. Salmonberry Excursions really rents winter gear that’s Alaska powerful and field-tested on their chilly climate excursions. At a price of $250 per particular person you’ll be able to hire this package deal for the complete tour:
● Kavik Talkeetna Down Parka with hood (sizes avail: Males’s S-2XL)
● Snow pants (sizes avail: S-3XL, males’s or girls’s)
● Full-hand heavy winter mittens, black
● Pack boot rated to -40F or higher (nearly any dimension out there)
● Canvas 38” heavy-duty duffel with carrying strap
Detailed Day by Day Itinerary
Saturday, February eleventh – Fairbanks and Aurora Viewing
Included: Dinner
Welcome to the Golden Coronary heart Metropolis! Upon arrival in Fairbanks, take the resort courtesy shuttle to achieve our downtown lodging, When you have rental gear, it is going to be ready for you on the resort. Please strive in your rental gadgets this night, and tell us at dinner that the whole lot matches okay.
We are going to dine collectively as a gaggle tonight, and get to know one another. Our Salmonberry information will probably be there to go over the itinerary, be certain everybody has the gear they want, and reply any questions you will have. Then after dinner, we head out on our first aurora viewing tour!
We aren’t losing any time – to see the aurora it’s a must to be outdoors – and the extra you’re out each evening – the extra doubtless that you just’ll see it. We’ll head to a facility inside a well-liked Northern Lights viewing location outdoors Fairbanks. Your information will share the science behind the lights and their significance to Alaska Native cultures, in addition to the historical past of the world and private tales of residing within the Nice Land. This night tour contains round-trip transportation to our location, a heated indoor relaxation space, with snacks, Cup Noodles, and scorching drinks to get pleasure from.
Sunday, February twelfth – Fairbanks Snowshoeing and Aurora Viewing
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Right this moment we’ll head out within the late morning to see a little bit of Fairbanks, get pleasure from lunch at an area eatery, and be taught in regards to the uniquely northern exercise of snowshoeing! We are going to head to Leaf Out Snowshoeing for a snowshoe hike by the boreal forest simply outdoors Fairbanks. We are going to begin and finish of their cozy little one-room cabin, the place you’ll get to see what dry cabin residing is all about. As soon as everyone seems to be comfy with their setup and clothes layers, we’ll head out onto the paths to find the treasures of the forest.
On our snowshoe stroll, you’ll discover the forest, shifting by birch and spruce bushes, together with seeing iconic Alaskan dwarf spruce. We are going to stroll by a winter wonderland searching for animal tracks, studying about native plant makes use of, and the way crops and animals survive life within the chilly. It might be winter however there are nonetheless birds, mammals, and crops to be discovered!
Tonight we’ll head out to Aurora Pointe! We’ll arrive at Aurora Pointe to discover a cozy fireplace, domestically made snacks, and scorching drinks. Keep cozy inside as guides will let you recognize if/when the lights seem and also you’ll step outdoors and stand in awe as you witness the unforgettable show of lovely, eerie colours shifting and reworking towards the darkness above. After all, on some nights Mom Nature retains the aurora to herself. However you’ll have a number of hours to hope for one of the best. And even on nights when the lights don’t seem, testing constellations below an enormous Alaskan sky remains to be a magical expertise.
Monday, February 13 – Fairbanks Curling, Ice Artwork, and Aurora Pictures
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Relaxation up this morning after two late nights, earlier than exploring downtown for lunch by yourself. After lunch, we be taught to twist! First developed in Scotland, this sport has grow to be well-liked over a whole bunch of years, throughout the higher northern hemisphere. This afternoon we’ll go to one of many furthest north curling areas on the planet, meet native curlers, and take a look at our hand at this enjoyable and addicting arctic sport.
This night, we have a good time winter with a go to to the Ice Artwork Park and Worldwide Ice Artwork Exhibition! Take pleasure in interactive ice sculptures, enjoyment of a number of ice slides and examine worldwide ice artwork exhibitions.
Then we head out of city for one more evening of aurora chasing! Take pleasure in an unique night with an expert photographer all night with you to help with aurora borealis images. Your hosts, Frank and Miriam, and their canine companions open their house to you 25 miles from Fairbanks and town lights. Benefit from the silence and remoteness and get an excellent glimpse of off-grid residing. Irrespective of in case you sit in entrance of the massive panoramic home windows from the consolation of the cabin or head outdoors to seek for aurora. If the aurora is powerful sufficient, your images host will take skilled images of you below the aurora.
Tuesday, February 14 – Denali Nationwide Park Snowshoeing and Domes
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Right this moment we’ll head south from Fairbanks to Denali Nationwide Park! Deliver your whole issues and your information will load the whole lot up and we’ll hit the winter freeway. Look ahead to moose, arctic fox, and eagles alongside the way in which!
Once we arrive in Denali, we’ll head out for a snowshoe hike, adopted by lunch and a go to to the Murie Science Middle. (notice: Murie Science Middle has been closed for 2 winters attributable to covid-19, however we’re optimistic that they are going to be open this winter)
Our lodgings for tonight are on the distinctive Denali Dome House, a 7,200 square-foot geodesic mattress and breakfast. The dome has large home windows, 6 widespread areas, and eight bedrooms with 8 personal baths. The Dome House native hosts, of their thirty third 12 months of service, will present a home-cooked dinner this night, and a full breakfast within the morning. And naturally, we’ll preserve look ahead to aurora sightings that evening!
Wednesday, February 15 – Talkeetna Canine Sledding, Small City Life, and Brewery
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we’ll head from Denali to Talkeetna, one other uniquely-Alaskan small city within the wilderness. Go to the homestead of Iditarod Champion Dallas Seavey in Talkeetna and tour his kennel of lively sled canine. The tour begins on the kennel headquarters overlooking the canine yard and snowy boreal forest you’ll mush by. Highlights embody the hook-up, sled driving demo, and a six-mile mush on the identical trails that Dallas trains together with his Iditarod workforce. Each two company will share a canine sled and canine workforce of Alaskan huskies in your mini-expedition! Or, for people who select to, experience with an skilled mushing information.
After your experience, be a part of us for a tour of the homestead, kennel operations, and time with the youthful husky puppies. Be sure you take loads of images with the long run Iditarod champions earlier than they’re well-known! End this distinctive expertise again at kennel headquarters, assembly different members of the skilled mushing workforce and warming up with cookies and scorching drinks.
This afternoon we’ll go to Denali Brewing at this distinctive location for lunch. Every visitor over 21 is handled to a flight of beers so you’ll be able to pattern multiple! For lunch, select amongst recent salads, distinctive pizzas, and comfortable soups.
We’ll keep in cozy cabins tonight and preserve a glance out for aurora over this distant city!
Thursday, February 16 – Sheep Mountain and Scenic Glenn Freeway
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Right this moment we’ll depart Talkeetna after breakfast. For many who need to get nearer to Denali and see some of the magnificent mountain ranges on the planet, there’s an choice to do flightseeing round Denali Nationwide Park.
OPTIONAL TOUR: Friends might select so as to add this Denali flight for our morning in Talkeetna.
This winter flight tour explores the south aspect of the Alaska Vary. Your pilot will probably be your information and customise the tour primarily based on each day climate situations as you enter the center of the Alaska Vary. On this one-hour tour, company will discover countless glaciers, large mountains, and the majesty of Denali itself as you fly by beautiful snow-capped peaks and cascading icefalls.
Drive to Sheep Mountain. Head east over to Sheep Mountain, on the jaw-dropping scenic Glenn Freeway. That is my favourite drive in all of Alaska! This 3-4 hour drive will probably be stuffed with winter surroundings and mountain and glacier views.
Settle in on the distant Sheep Mountain cabins and we’ll preserve a watch out for lively aurora tonight!
Friday, February 17 – Glacier Climbing, Snowmobiling
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a hike on the Matanuska glacier, Alaska’s largest road-accessible glacier situated two hours north of Anchorage. The Matanuska Glacier is a frozen 27-mile river of historical ice. 1000’s of years outdated, this large glacier is tucked on the head of the Matanuska valley. You’ll spend two hours trekking the ice with our skilled guides, studying how the Matanuska Glacier was born and the way it formed the encircling panorama.
This afternoon you might select so as to add a snowmachine tour (non-obligatory) this afternoon, a helicopter tour, or head out for a hike by yourself or with a information. One other nice choice is to calm down, play playing cards, and benefit from the surroundings!
We may have a delicious ‘goodbye’ dinner tonight on the cabins.
Saturday, February 18 – Departure from Anchorage
Included: Breakfast
This morning we’ll head again to Anchorage right this moment for flights out. If time permits we’ll make some enjoyable stops outdoors and in Anchorage. We advocate you ebook your flight house for 4 PM or later!
What do Folks Say About Ottsworld Excursions
“Undoubtedly a ten! I actually loved the truth that the tour was a ‘white glove supply’ experience- the whole lot was so meticulously deliberate so we didn’t have to fret about transportation, meals, what we’re doing for the day, or if we’re attempting to an excessive amount of or not sufficient.”
“Undoubtedly met expectations and likewise uncovered me to issues I’m positive I might not have thought of if I used to be planning a visit.”
“This was an exquisite journey!!!!!! Once more thanks a lot! So appreciative of all of the images you took as nicely!!!! We sit up for becoming a member of you on one other journey.”
Led by Salmonberry Excursions
I labored with Salmonberry Excursions to place this tour extremely custom-made and distinctive tour collectively. They’re an area Alaska firm, women-owned, and Alaska specialists! And better of all they’re small however mighty. I really like supporting small, native operators after I journey – and I believe you’ll love them too. They solely rent guides who grew up in Alaska – no transplants – they’re specialists on the terrain, wildlife, and tradition of the state. They are going to be our information and driver as we discover the winter wonderland!
Easy methods to Ebook This Tour
This can be a customized tour I’ve organized with Salmonberry Excursions. With a purpose to reserve your spot you’ll must put down a deposit – 50% of the whole journey value – $1,899.50. Please comply with these steps:
Contact Salmonberry excursions:
E-mail: [email protected]
Cellphone: 866.681.0209
Ask for Glenda and inform her you’d prefer to put a deposit on the Ottsworld Customized Tour operating February 11, 2023. Straightforward!
NOTE: This can be a small group tour with a max of 10 individuals. We should replenish the tour for it to run. So as soon as you place down a deposit, it’ll maintain your spot. We don’t recommend you get airfare but till we will verify a full journey.
Questions?
Be happy to contact me at [email protected] with any questions you may have about this tour, the experiences, what to pack, and so forth. I’m joyful to reply something!
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