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Please notice – this tour is presently full. In the event you’d wish to be placed on the waitlist – simply e-mail me at [email protected]
I first traveled to Alaska in the summertime – as most individuals do. I fell in love with the individuals and the panorama – I personally assume it’s America’s most lovely 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 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 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 contains the most effective 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 any case, it’s the coldest, snowiest, and most distant vacation spot in the US. However I’m not like most individuals. I wish 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 possibility 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 in the course of the late night hours improve 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 start out off the journey! Plus – there are good possibilities 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) will probably 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 possibilities additional to see some spectacular aurora shows.
On one of many nights, we may also get particular northern lights images directions for these desirous about studying {photograph} the northern lights.
You may learn extra about why Fairbanks and Alaska are the right locations for Aurora viewing
Overview, Dates, and Prices
Please notice – this tour is presently full. In the event you’d wish to be placed on the waitlist – simply e-mail me at [email protected]
In the event you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the northern lights, mushing your individual group of Alaskan Huskies, seeing North America’s tallest peak lined in snow, mountain climbing on a glacier, and studying play the winter sport of curling – then skip the seaside this winter and begin knocking issues off your bucket checklist 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 stay (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 revel 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
- Learn to curl on the native Fairbanks Curling Membership
- Drive to the Denali Winter Customer Heart
- Go to a Canine Kennel and be taught all about mushing in Denali
- Go to breweries, museums, and extra in Talkeetna (elective flightseeing)
- Go to an Iditarod Champion kennel and learn to mush your individual group of canine
- Hike on the Matanuska Glacier
- Keep in cozy winter cabins (elective snowmobiling)
- Have our private native information and aurora professional all through the complete journey
We begin in Fairbanks and finish in Anchorage, which gives you an unlimited take 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 prepared to share – it is a tremendous deal!
Triple Room per individual = $4508 – as soon as once more, if three individuals need 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 – Non-obligatory flightseeing round Denali, drive Talkeetna to Glacier View.
February 21 – Matanuska Glacier Hike, elective 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 may 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 should utilize for private functions.
What’s Not Included
- Airfare
- Alcoholic drinks
- Flightseeing in Talkeetna (elective exercise)
- Snowmobiling at Sheep Mountain Lodge (elective exercise)
- Muskox Farm Go to (if time permits)
- Ideas for guides
- Journey Insurance coverage
I strongly counsel 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 proud of their service. I extremely counsel the Annual plan they provide!
Tips on how to E-book This Tour
Please notice – this tour is presently full. In the event you’d wish to be placed on the waitlist – simply e-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 e-mail at [email protected] letting me learn about your curiosity. We’ll arrange a name to debate any questions you will have. This will probably 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 along 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 affirm ten friends.
Cancellation Coverage and Charges
- A $250 preliminary dedication deposit is required to carry your spot. If the journey doesn’t get confirmed with 10 individuals, then your $250 maintain will probably be refunded, or you should utilize it in direction of one other Salmonberry tour.
- As soon as the tour is confirmed with ten individuals signed up, the complete deposit (50% of the journey price much less the $250 already paid) will probably be due and non-refundable after October 1, 2024.
- The ultimate cost is due December 1, 2024.
- You may cancel as much as October 1, 2024, and be refunded your deposit. After October 1, 2024, journey prices spent to this point 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 residing within the Nice Land. This night tour features a heated indoor relaxation space, snacks, Cup Noodles, and sizzling drinks to get pleasure from.
Dinner Included
In a single day Fairbanks
Day 2 Fairbanks
Sleep in and discover downtown Fairbanks by yourself. In the present day, we take a snowshoe stroll the place you’ll discover the boreal forest, transferring by way of birch and spruce bushes and seeing iconic Alaskan dwarf spruce. We’ll stroll by way of 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 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 good northern lights. As soon as once more a a heated indoor relaxation space, snacks, Cup Noodles, and sizzling drinks are supplied.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included
In a single day Fairbanks
Day 3 Fairbanks
In the present day, we go deep into the native tradition of curling! We’ll head to the Fairbanks curling middle, meet native curlers, and get hands-on on this distinctive sport! It might 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 expertise!
Tonight, we have now a really particular deal with – we’ll get pleasure from an unique night with native Alaskans (Frank and Miriam) residing 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 a superb glimpse of off-grid residing. Regardless of should you sit in entrance of the large panoramic home windows from the consolation of the cabin or head exterior to seek for the aurora, this will probably be a particular night. Frank is an expert photographer who will help with Aurora Borealis’s images. If the aurora is robust 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
In the present day, we head south and benefit from the beautiful panorama and views of Denali (hopefully, if it’s clear!). Situated 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 instantly 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 comfy up on the sofa with snacks and a gaggle of retired canine as you be taught in regards to 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 discuss 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 be taught all about climbing Denali and the historical past of the area. Benefit from the outlets alongside Primary Avenue.
In the present day we’ll go to the house of an Iditarod champion (he gained 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 gained’t merely be using – you’ll be mushing your individual group of canine!
Every two friends will share a canine sled and a canine group of Alaskan huskies to 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 picture alternatives will probably be accessible as you go to duplicate Iditarod checkpoints and race to the end line beneath the burled arch!
After your experience, be a part of us for a tour of the homestead and kennel operations, in addition to time with the youthful husky puppies. Ensure 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 will probably be an opportunity to go on a flightseeing tour of Denali! That is an elective exercise and roughly $375 per individual ought to be budgeted. For these , we’ll verify climate for at present 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 – one in all Alaska’s most dramatic drives and a private favourite of mine! You’ll drive by glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. Our vacation spot at present 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 elective snowmobile tour.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
In a single day Glacier View
Day 7 – Matanuska Glacier
It’s a bucket checklist merchandise for a lot of – there’s nothing like standing in entrance of and on a glacier. The scale and energy of this magnificent pure surprise are humbling. We’ll spend a complete afternoon mountain climbing and studying in regards to the Matanuska Glacier.
In the present day, we discover Matanuska Glacier’s many unimaginable options, equivalent to moraine and glacial blue meltwater swimming pools, in Southcentral’s lovely Matanuska Valley. Hundreds of years outdated, this large glacier is tucked up into the top of the Matanuska Valley. You’ll spend 2 hours trekking with our glacier guides by your aspect, 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 sneakers.
Cease at an area lodge for lunch and an attractive view to spherical out the expertise.
Non-obligatory snowmobile tour at Sheep Mountain Lodge that afternoon.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
In a single day Glacier View
Day 8 – Anchorage Departure
We’ll go away Glacier view behind and set our sights on Anchorage this morning. We must 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 get pleasure from 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 counsel 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 colour
Who Ought to Think about This Tour?
- Individuals who wish to discover lesser-known locations and be adventurous and energetic.
- People who find themselves versatile. Try to be prepared to exhibit flexibility, as itineraries might change resulting from climate, and the aurora might not come out – it is best to have a ‘prepared to strive new issues’ perspective.
- Individuals who get pleasure from chilly climate actions and being outside.
- Individuals who can hike at the least 3 miles.
- People who find themselves okay 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 subsequent day.
- People who find themselves amenable to touring with others.
What’s going to the Climate Be Like?
You could be stunned to search out out that the coastal areas in Alaska don’t get as chilly as you assume – they not often 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-about a desert.
Nonetheless, Alaska’s inside (Fairbanks) will get chilly, and there may be plenty of snow. There it’s possible you’ll expertise temperatures dipping into the -20F and get plenty of snow that may stick round all winter from October by way of March. All Alaskans know which you could fight winter climate with the proper gear. If in case you have the proper gear – you may get pleasure from Alaska winter – even in Fairbanks!
Uncover 7 of the most effective locations to journey in winter for North Individuals
What Winter Gear Will You Must Be Snug?
I’ve written this submit about what to pack for Alaska within the winterso please check out it – this gives you an thought of the gear to carry and possibly embody numerous belongings you hadn’t considered! The bottom line is layers and good boots.
I’ll present an in depth packing checklist and might seek the advice of with you indiviually on what gear you’ll want. As well as, we’ll have a number of 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 Outside Gear Rental. They lease high quality gear which you could get delivered to your resort in Fairbanks, and you’ll return to your resort in Anchorage. They’ve gear packages to lease or particular person gadgets. See extra at Alaska Outside 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 mountain climbing all occur at a cushty tempo in breathtaking areas, combined in with a number of the greatest food and drinks stops you may think about. Can’t say sufficient good issues – – – go!” – Heather
“I couldn’t have requested for a extra unimaginable solution to expertise Alaska for the very first time than with Sherry Ott. Sherry’s data of distinctive locations and wonderful individuals made all of it come collectively into an incredible week!! A small group of us have been in a position to expertise the off-beaten path and met probably the most real, genuine individuals prepared to share their lifestyle in Alaska. It’s exhausting to place into phrases how this expertise made me really feel. I fell in love with Alaska….the place and its individuals! It was all so magical, from seeing the aurora borealis, to snowshoeing within the peaceable, spruce and birch forests, to mountain climbing on a glacier, and truly mushing canine and canine sledding!! There was a peace there I had been searching for. It was positively a visit I’ll keep in mind ceaselessly!! I’m eternally grateful to Sherry for sharing her data of this place. I sit up for different journeys Sherry might 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, wonderful meals and off the charts surroundings. The tour firm, Salmonberry is a firstclass 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 have to confess – that I’m form of a journey snob. I don’t love to do the ‘anticipated’ or see the standard sights; I like to hunt out the bizarre 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!
Salmonberry is an area Alaska firm, women-owned, and Alaska specialists! And better of all they’re small however mighty. I 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 prolong your journey on both finish and spend extra time in a selected space or I’m completely happy to counsel further actions. Salmonberry has numerous 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 affords particular staring line experiences.
You may also select to experience the Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Practiceagain to Fairbanks should you’d like a distinct perspective of the snowy panorama!
Or possibly you need to stick round Anchorage and proceed the journey! Listed below are my favourite issues to do in Anchorage within the winter.
Questions?
Be at liberty to contact me at [email protected] with any questions you will have about this tour, the experiences, what to pack, and so forth. I’m completely happy to reply something!
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