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Please observe – this tour is at present full. For those who’d prefer to be placed on the waitlist – simply electronic mail me at [email protected]
I first traveled to Alaska in the summertime – as most individuals do. I fell in love with the folks and the panorama – I personally assume it’s America’s most stunning state and persistently falls in my prime 5 locations to go to in the complete world. I used to be at all times intrigued about how folks 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 once I actually fell in love with Alaska within the winter.
Since then, I’ve been again three extra instances and it will get higher every time! As I’ve shared my adventures there, I persistently 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 consists of one of the best and most original winter experiences Alaska has to supply!
Why Alaska within the Winter?
Most individuals don’t take into consideration going to Alaska in February. In spite of everything, it’s the coldest, snowiest, and most distant vacation spot in the US. However I’m not like most individuals. I prefer to journey to the distant corners of our globe as a result of that’s the place you discover probably the most epic experiences and environments.
Whereas most individuals dream of seashores to flee winter in February, I dream of the northern lights, sled canine, sizzling chocolate, and snow-capped mountains. Winter in Alaska is whenever you discover the actual Alaskans, the full-timers, and the heartiest of locals. You’ll have the prospect to satisfy them and spend time with this hearty bunch whenever you journey with me.
Aurora Viewing – Why Go in 2025
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 throughout the late night hours enhance their probability of seeing the aurora to greater than 80 %! And that’s precisely why we’ll have 3 nights of aurora chasing in Fairbanks to start out off the journey! Plus – there are good probabilities we’ll see the lights in Talkeetna and Glacier View.
As well as, scientists have forecasted the subsequent peak of photo voltaic exercise (the photo voltaic most) might be reached in July 2025. As we method the photo voltaic most, we’ll begin to see extra intense and extra frequent aurora. So this even will increase our probabilities additional to see some spectacular aurora shows.
On one of many nights, we may also get particular northern lights pictures directions for these fascinated about studying the way to {photograph} the northern lights.
You possibly can learn extra about why Fairbanks and Alaska are the right locations for Aurora viewing
Overview, Dates, and Prices
Please observe – this tour is at present full. For those who’d prefer to be placed on the waitlist – simply electronic mail me at [email protected]
For those who’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the northern lights, mushing your individual group of Alaskan Huskies, seeing North America’s tallest peak lined in snow, climbing on a glacier, and studying the way to play the winter sport of curling – then skip the seaside this winter and begin knocking issues off your bucket record with my Ottsworld Alaska Winter Tour February 2025!
The tour is an ideal mixture of journey and aurora viewing all whereas getting the chance to satisfy native Alaskans and learn the way they dwell (and thrive) within the harsh surroundings.
Alaska Winter Tour Highlights
I’ve put collectively all of my favourite winter experiences into this tour. You’ll be immersed into the Alaskan tradition and luxuriate in winter to the fullest!
- Aurora Viewing 3 nights in Fairbanks the place you may wait within the consolation of cabins
- Snowshoeing in Fairbanks with a naturalist
- Discover ways to curl on the native Fairbanks Curling Membership
- Drive to the Denali Winter Customer Heart
- Go to a Canine Kennel and study all about mushing in Denali
- Go to breweries, museums, and extra in Talkeetna (non-compulsory flightseeing)
- Go to an Iditarod Champion kennel and discover ways to mush your individual group of canine
- Hike on the Matanuska Glacier
- Keep in cozy winter cabins (non-compulsory snowmobiling)
- Have our private native information and aurora skilled all through the complete journey
We begin in Fairbanks and finish in Anchorage, which provides you with an enormous have a look at the state. See for your self!
Dates: February 15-22 2025
Price: Single Room = $5,454
Double Room per individual = $4724 – if you’re keen to share – this can be a tremendous deal!
Triple Room per individual = $4508 – as soon as once more, if three folks wish to share!
All meals and experiences are included!
Itinerary at a Look
February 15 – arrive in Fairbanks, Alaska – night Aurora chasing.
February 16 – Snowshoeing and night Aurora tour.
February 17 – Intro to Curling and night Aurora tour and particular dinner with locals.
February 18: Drive Fairbanks to Talkeetna, take a canine sled experience, and tour the kennel. Cease on the Denali Customer Heart.
February 19 – Discover Talkeetna, tour an Iditarod Kennel, and mush your individual group of canine.
February 20 – Elective flightseeing round Denali, drive Talkeetna to Glacier View.
February 21 – Matanuska Glacier Hike, non-compulsory snowmobiling.
February 22 – Glacier View to Anchorage, discover Anchorage, night departure from Anchorage.
Starting/Ending Level
Fly into Fairbanks (FAI) on February 15, 2025
Fly out of Anchorage (ANC) on February 22, 2025 Afternoon
What’s Included
- All lodging
- All Transportation
- All meals – No alcohol is included however could be bought by yourself
- All listed excursions (3 aurora viewing excursions, snowshoeing, curling lesson, two kennel visits, 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
- Alcoholic drinks
- Flightseeing in Talkeetna (non-compulsory exercise)
- Snowmobiling at Sheep Mountain Lodge (non-compulsory exercise)
- Muskox Farm Go to (if time permits)
- Ideas for guides
- Journey Insurance coverage
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 and have at all times been pleased with their service. I extremely recommend the Annual plan they provide!
Methods to E book This Tour
Please observe – this tour is at present full. For those who’d prefer to be placed on the waitlist – simply electronic mail me at [email protected]
I’d like to speak to you first to reply any of your questions previous to your reserving. Due to this fact, comply with these steps to e-book:
- Ship me an electronic mail at [email protected] letting me learn about your curiosity. We’ll arrange a name to debate any questions you’ve. This might be on a first-come, first-served foundation – there are solely 9 spots accessible on this tour.
- I’ll then put you in contact with Glenda from Salmonberry, the place you may e-book your $250 deposit per individual together with her and safe your spot for this practice Ottsworld tour.
- 10 persons are required for the tour to run. Please wait to buy airfare till we will verify ten visitors.
Cancellation Coverage and Charges
- A $250 preliminary dedication deposit is required to carry your spot. If the journey doesn’t get confirmed with 10 folks, then your $250 maintain might be refunded, or you need to use it in the direction of one other Salmonberry tour.
- As soon as the tour is confirmed with ten folks signed up, the total deposit (50% of the journey price much less the $250 already paid) might be due and non-refundable after October 1, 2024.
- The ultimate fee is due December 1, 2024.
- You possibly can cancel as much as October 1, 2024, and be refunded your deposit. After October 1, 2024, journey prices spent so far are non-refundable.
I like to recommend getting Allianz Journey Insurance coverage to cowl your journey prices in case of cancellation or emergency. Get a quote now.
Detailed Itinerary for Winter Alaska Tour 2025
Day 1 Fairbanks
Arrive in Fairbanks, get checked in, and prepare for our first group dinner. After dinner, we depart for a preferred Northern Lights viewing location exterior Fairbanks. Your native Alaska 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 dwelling within the Nice Land. This night tour features a heated indoor relaxation space, snacks, Cup Noodles, and sizzling drinks to take pleasure in.
Dinner Included
In a single day Fairbanks
Day 2 Fairbanks
Sleep in and discover downtown Fairbanks by yourself. At present, we take a snowshoe stroll the place you’ll discover the boreal forest, transferring by way of birch and spruce timber and seeing iconic Alaskan dwarf spruce. We’ll stroll by way of a winter wonderland on the lookout for animal tracks, studying about native plant makes use of, and the way vegetation and animals survive life within the chilly. It could be winter, however there are nonetheless birds, mammals, and vegetation to be discovered!
Tonight after dinner we head out for extra aurora chasing! We’ll go to a distinct location exterior of Fairbanks to scan the skies for the sensible northern lights. As soon as once more a a heated indoor relaxation space, snacks, Cup Noodles, and sizzling drinks are offered.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included
In a single day Fairbanks
Day 3 Fairbanks
At present, we go deep into the native tradition of curling! We’ll head to the Fairbanks curling heart, meet native curlers, and get hands-on on this distinctive sport! It could look easy on TV – however you’ll be stunned at how difficult – and FUN – it’s! We’ll also have a pleasant group curling match to check out our new abilities!
Tonight, we have now a really particular deal with – we’ll take pleasure in an unique night with native Alaskans (Frank and Miriam) dwelling off the grid! Your hosts and their canine companions open their house to you 25 miles from Fairbanks and the town lights. Benefit from the silence and remoteness, and get glimpse of off-grid dwelling. Regardless of for those who sit in entrance of the large panoramic home windows from the consolation of the cabin or head exterior to seek for the aurora, this might be a particular night. Frank is an expert photographer who will help with Aurora Borealis’s pictures. If the aurora is powerful sufficient, Frank will take skilled images of you beneath the aurora.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
In a single day Fairbanks
Day 4 – Drive to Talkeetna by way of Denali
At present, we head south and benefit from the beautiful panorama and views of Denali (hopefully, if it’s clear!). Positioned on the sting of Denali Nationwide Park and nestled in a small stand of spruce forest, we’ll cease at Moondog Kennel – house to the friendliest group of working sled canine round! Hailing from conventional freighting genetics and immediately associated to the Denali Park Kennel, Brian, and Courtney will share with you what life on the tundra is all about. Take pleasure in a sled canine meet and greet, and comfortable up on the sofa with snacks and a gaggle of retired canine as you study concerning the significance of freighting canine and the historical past of the Denali space. You’ll acquire a greater understanding of the lives of native mushers in inside Alaska.
If time permits, we’ll additionally cease on the Denali Nationwide Park Customer Heart and speak to the ranger about wintertime within the nationwide park.
Arrive within the small city of Talkeetna and get cozy in your cabin! Right here, we will additionally search for northern lights down by the river – a brief stroll from the cabins.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
In a single day Talkeetna
Day 5 – Talkeetna
Discover Talkeetna and it’s distinctive character! Cease in at Nagley’s and meet Aurora – the feline mayor! Benefit from the museum and study all about climbing Denali and the historical past of the area. Benefit from the outlets alongside Essential Road.
At present we’ll go to the house of an Iditarod champion (he received final yr!), Dallas Seavey, and tour his kennel of energetic sled canine. The tour begins on the kennel headquarters overlooking the canine yard and snowy boreal forest you’ll mush by way of. Highlights embody the hook-up, sled driving demo, and a six-mile mush on the identical trails that Dallas trains together with his Iditarod group. This time, you received’t merely be using – you may be mushing your individual group of canine!
Every two visitors will share a canine sled and a canine group of Alaskan huskies on your mini-expedition! For the primary half of your experience, you’ll information your group by way of the silent, snow-capped birch and spruce forest; the one sounds are paws pounding, the sled’s runners gliding throughout the snow, and the occasional excited bark. Many photograph alternatives might be accessible as you go to duplicate Iditarod checkpoints and race to the end line beneath the burled arch!
After your experience, be part of us for a tour of the homestead and kennel operations, in addition to time with the youthful husky puppies. Be sure you take loads of images with the longer term Iditarod champions earlier than they’re well-known! End this distinctive expertise again at Kennedy headquarters, the place you meet different members of the skilled mushing group and heat up with cookies and sizzling drinks.
If climate permits, there might be an opportunity to go on a flightseeing tour of Denali! That is an non-compulsory exercise and roughly $375 per individual ought to be budgeted. For these , we’ll examine climate for in the present day and tomorrow for a potential flight!
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
In a single day Talkeetna
Day 6 – Glacier View
Drive additional south to the Glenn Freeway – considered one of Alaska’s most dramatic drives and a private favourite of mine! You’ll drive by glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. Our vacation spot in the present day is Sheep Mountain Lodge the place you’ll get to remain in a comfy cabin with unimaginable mountain views.
Right here, you’ll have choices to do snowshoeing on their trails and even do an non-compulsory snowmobile tour.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
In a single day Glacier View
Day 7 – Matanuska Glacier
It’s a bucket record 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 marvel are humbling. We’ll spend a complete afternoon climbing and studying concerning the Matanuska Glacier.
At present, we discover Matanuska Glacier’s many unimaginable options, comparable to moraine and glacial blue meltwater swimming pools, in Southcentral’s stunning Matanuska Valley. 1000’s of years outdated, this large glacier is tucked up into the pinnacle of the Matanuska Valley. You’ll spend 2 hours trekking with our glacier guides by your facet, studying how the Matanuska Glacier was born and the way it formed the panorama within the Matanuska Susitna Valley. Discover blue meltwater swimming pools and awe-inspiring formations.
We’ll present our helmets, a trekking pole (strolling stick), and microspikes that connect to your footwear.
Cease at a neighborhood lodge for lunch and a gorgeous view to spherical out the expertise.
Elective snowmobile tour at Sheep Mountain Lodge that afternoon.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
In a single day Glacier View
Day 8 – Anchorage Departure
We’ll depart Glacier view behind and set our sights on Anchorage this morning. We should always get there in time to discover the town a bit, and possibly even see a moose wandering round (we did final time!). We’ll take pleasure in a going away lunch after which bid farewell.
Departure flight ought to be booked for the afternoon at 4 PM or later.
Breakfast and lunch are included.
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.
Discover out the place to go in Alaska for fall shade
Who Ought to Think about This Tour?
- Individuals who prefer to discover lesser-known locations and be adventurous and energetic.
- People who find themselves versatile. You need to be keen to exhibit flexibility, as itineraries could change resulting from climate, and the aurora could not come out – you must have a ‘keen to strive new issues’ perspective.
- Individuals who take pleasure in chilly climate actions and being open air.
- Individuals who can hike at the least 3 miles.
- People who find themselves okay with staying up late to view the northern lights. Usually we don’t exit for viewing till 10 PM and get again to the lodge at 2 AM. However don’t fear – we provide you with time to sleep within the subsequent morning with late begins the subsequent day.
- People who find themselves amenable to touring with others.
What is going to the Climate Be Like?
You is perhaps stunned to search out out that the coastal areas in Alaska don’t get as chilly as you assume – they hardly ever fall under 20F aside 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.
Nevertheless, Alaska’s inside (Fairbanks) will get chilly, and there’s a number of snow. There you could expertise temperatures dipping into the -20F and get a number of snow that may stick round all winter from October by way of March. All Alaskans know which you can fight winter climate with the best gear. In case you have the best gear – you may take pleasure in Alaska winter – even in Fairbanks!
Uncover 7 of one of the best locations to journey in winter for North Individuals
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 provides you with an concept of the gear to convey and doubtless embody various belongings you hadn’t considered! The secret’s layers and good boots.
I’ll present an in depth packing record and might seek the advice of with you indiviually on what gear you’ll want. As well as, we’ll have just a few group calls previous to the tour to speak about packing and different logistics.
You don’t must exit and buy a complete new winter wardrobe, although, for this journey – you may truly lease gear from Alaska Out of doors Gear Rental. They lease high quality gear which you can get delivered to your lodge in Fairbanks, and you’ll return to your lodge in Anchorage. They’ve gear packages to lease or particular person gadgets. See extra at Alaska Out of doors Gear Rental.
What do Folks Say About Ottsworld Excursions
“The Ottsworld Alaska Winter Tour is a bucket-list-checking good time! The Aurora viewing, canine sledding, snow shoeing, moose viewing, curling, and glacier climbing all occur at a snug tempo in breathtaking areas, blended in with among the greatest foods and drinks stops you may think about. Can’t say sufficient good issues – – – go!” – Heather
“I couldn’t have requested for a extra unimaginable option to expertise Alaska for the very first time than with Sherry Ott. Sherry’s information of distinctive locations and superb folks made all of it come collectively into an incredible week!! A small group of us had been capable of expertise the off-beaten path and met probably the most real, genuine folks keen to share their lifestyle in Alaska. It’s laborious to place into phrases how this expertise made me really feel. I fell in love with Alaska….the place and its folks! It was all so magical, from seeing the aurora borealis, to snowshoeing within the peaceable, spruce and birch forests, to climbing on a glacier, and really mushing canine and canine sledding!! There was a peace there I had been on the lookout for. It was positively a visit I’ll bear in mind eternally!! I’m eternally grateful to Sherry for sharing her information of this place. I stay up for different journeys Sherry could share, as I do know they are going to be distinctive!! ” – Debbie
“The winter Alaska journey with Sherry Ott was excessive in all respects, ie unimaginable guides, superb meals and off the charts surroundings. The tour firm, Salmonberry is a first-class operation. This journey was neck and neck with the highest ones of my lifetime!” – George
Led by Salmonberry Excursions
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 intently with Salmonberry Excursions to place collectively an itinerary that impresses even me!
Salmonberry is a neighborhood Alaska firm, women-owned, and Alaska specialists! And better of all they’re small however mighty. I really like supporting small, native operators once I journey – and I feel 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!
Extensions – Iditarod, Alaska practice journey, and extra!
You may also simply lengthen your journey on both finish and spend extra time in a particular space or I’m joyful to recommend further actions. Salmonberry has various further day excursions and nice issues to do across the space too.
The 2025 Iditarod is beginning shortly after our tour concludes on February twenty sixth! This can be a nice alternative to remain and expertise Alaska’s spotlight of winter – the beginning of the Iditarod in Anchorage! Salmonberry gives particular staring line experiences.
You may also select to experience the Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Prepare again to Fairbanks for those who’d like a distinct perspective of the snowy panorama!
Or possibly you wish to stick round Anchorage and proceed the journey! Listed below are my favourite issues to do in Anchorage within the winter.
Questions?
Be happy to contact me at [email protected] with any questions you’ve about this tour, the experiences, what to pack, and so on. I’m joyful to reply something!
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