Top things to do in Alaska in winter

Alaska in winter feels like stepping into a snow globe you never want to leave. When I first planned a cold-season trip to Alaska with my husband, I wasn’t sure what to expect—other than freezing temperatures and maybe a few northern lights sightings. But traveling to places like Anchorage and Fairbanks in winter turned out to be one of the most magical travel experiences I’ve ever had.

From chasing the aurora at midnight to soaking in steaming hot springs surrounded by snow, Alaska in winter is pure adventure. I spent one week in Alaska, and yes, it was cold — like really cold. But with the right layers and an open mind, there are so many winter activities in Alaska worth traveling for—from dog sledding and glacier hikes to ice museums and cozy downtown explorations.

If you’re planning a winter trip and wondering about the top things to do in Alaska in winter, especially around Fairbanks and Anchorage, I’ve got you covered. I’ll walk you through the best experiences, what to expect, and answer the most common questions people have before visiting Alaska in the colder months.

Let’s dive into all the top things to do in Alaska in winter!

1. Chase the Northern Lights in Fairbanks

If you’re traveling to Alaska in winter, chasing the northern lights in Fairbanks is an absolute must. This part of the state sits directly under the auroral oval, which means your chances of seeing the aurora borealis are incredibly high between late fall and early spring. That said, the peak season for aurora viewing in Fairbanks runs from December through March, but the lights can appear as early as late September.

You can book an aurora viewing tour that takes you to remote, dark-sky locations outside the city, often with heated cabins or yurts so you can warm up between sightings. If you’d rather keep it cozy, many aurora lodges and wilderness stays offer on-site viewing areas and even wake-up alerts when the lights appear—so you don’t spend the whole night waiting outside in the cold.

You may also find this helpful: Are Northern lights Tours in Fairbanks Worth It?

Since it was my first time chasing the northern lights, I spent a lot of time researching the best strategy. Ultimately, I chose to visit in March during a New Moon and booked tours based near Fairbanks to maximize our chances. I considered doing it myself, but there were two main reasons I went with guided tours instead: first, I had limited time, and I wanted the expertise of guides to find the perfect viewing locations; second, I didn’t want to risk driving on snow- and ice-covered roads late at night. Everything was handled by the tour guides, from transport to finding the best dark-sky spots with heated cabin facility.

I’ll never forget the first sight I stepped outside the cozy cabin, bundled head to toe in layers, and watched vibrant greens and purples swirl across the sky. It felt like the nature was putting on a private show just for us.

We booked three nights of aurora tours, and it paid off—we were lucky enough to see the lights dance across the sky three nights in a row. I even scheduled three different tours to experience a variety of settings: one included the Arctic Circle, another combined Chena Hot Springs with aurora viewing, and the last was a photography-focused tour. Each offered a unique perspective and helped me fully savor the experience without worrying about logistics or safety.

Of course, you can do it yourself if you have a rental car and don’t mind late-night drives to places like Murphy Dome, Cleary Summit, or the outskirts of North Pole. But if you want to maximize your chances and relax while someone else handles the planning, a guided aurora tour is worth every penny.

Book this Northern Lights tours in Fairbanks

2. Soak in Chena Hot Springs (Fairbanks)

If there’s one place that captures the magic of Alaska in winter, it’s Chena Hot Springs. Just outside Fairbanks, this geothermal oasis lets you soak in steaming mineral pools while you’re surrounded by snow-covered trees and icy air. The contrast of hot water and freezing temperatures feels surreal—in the best way.

I remember sinking into the outdoor rock pool with frost forming on my hair while it was snowing. It’s the kind of experience that makes you forget about the cold completely.

Chena isn’t just about the hot springs, though. The resort also has an incredible Ice Museum that’s open year-round, where everything from the sculptures to the bar is made of ice. You can wander through frozen tunnels, sip an appletini from an ice glass, and watch artists carve blocks of ice into art.

If you’re visiting in winter, you can also book snowshoeing tours, take a snowmobile ride, or join guided aurora outings right from the property. If possible I would recommend staying overnight in one of the cabins or lodge rooms so they can watch for the northern lights without leaving the resort.

Chena Hot Springs is about a 1 hour and 15 minute drive from downtown Fairbanks. Renting a car is the most flexible option, but make sure it has good winter tires—roads can be snowy and icy. If you’d rather not drive, Chena Hot Springs Resort also offers round-trip shuttle transportation from Fairbanks for an added fee. It’s a great option if you’re not used to winter driving or prefer to sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Whether you come for a day trip from Fairbanks or make it part of a longer stay, Chena Hot Springs is one of the most relaxing and unique winter activities in Alaska. Soaking in the hot water while snow falls around you is a core memory waiting to happen.

Visit Chena Hot Springs in Fairbanks

3. Go Dog Sledding in Anchorage or Fairbanks

Dog sledding is one of those classic Alaska winter activities that feels just as magical in real life as it looks in photos. Standing on the back of a sled while a team of huskies races through snowy trails is unforgettable—especially when the only sounds are the runners gliding over the snow and the dogs breathing in rhythm. I went into it thinking it would be more of a touristy experience, but it ended up being one of the most authentic and heartwarming things I’ve done in Alaska.

You can go dog sledding in both Anchorage and Fairbanks, and tours range from quick 30-minute rides to half-day excursions where you learn to “mush” and even help harness the dogs. Many tour operators are run by local mushers who train for events, so you’re getting a real behind-the-scenes look at Alaska’s sled dog culture.

You may also find this helpful: Ultimate Alaska winter travel guide

Near Anchorage, spots like Girdwood and Willow offer some of the most scenic sledding routes through forests and open valleys. In Fairbanks, tours often take you into quiet backcountry areas where you’re surrounded by snow-covered trees and, if you’re lucky, the glowing aurora at night.

We did dog sledding in Fairbanks, Alaska during daytime surrounded with snow and ice.

Winter gear is usually included or available to borrow—think parkas, boots, mittens, and snow pants—so you don’t have to stress if you didn’t pack everything. Most tours also offer transportation from central pick-up points if you don’t have a car.

Book this Dog Sledding tour in Fairbanks

4. Walk on the Matanuska Glacier

If walking on a glacier is on your Alaska bucket list, Matanuska Glacier is one of the easiest places to do it.

It’s about two hours from Anchorage along the Glenn Highway, so it works well as a day trip. The glacier is open year-round, but winter gives it a completely different feel. You get the snow-covered mountains, frozen landscape, and those bright blue ice formations that make the whole place feel really special.

I remember stepping onto the glacier for the first time and being surprised by how unreal it looked in person. The good thing is you don’t need to be experienced or bring your own gear. Guided tours usually provide crampons, helmets, and poles, and they help you navigate the ice safely.

During the tour, you’ll walk through glacier valleys, see crevasses, and depending on the conditions, you may even get to see blue ice caves. It’s definitely adventurous, but still very doable for first-timers.

Since Matanuska Glacier is on private land, you can’t just drive up and walk onto it on your own. You’ll need to book a guided tour, which is honestly a good idea anyway since you’ll be walking on ice and the conditions can change.

Most tours meet at Matanuska Glacier Lodge or a nearby parking area. Some tour companies also offer transportation from Anchorage, which can be helpful if you don’t want to drive in winter conditions. If you do rent a car, make sure it has good winter tires and give yourself extra time for the drive, especially if the roads are icy.

Overall, exploring Matanuska Glacier was one of the most memorable things I did in Alaska in winter. It’s such a unique experience, especially if you’re staying in Anchorage and want to do something adventurous without going too far. There aren’t many places where you can actually walk on a glacier, and this is one of the most accessible ways to do it.

Book this tour to visit Matanuska Glacier from Anchorage

5. Go Snowmobiling (Snowmachining)

In Alaska, snowmobiling is so common that locals usually call it snowmachining. And once you try it in the middle of winter, it makes sense why it’s such a popular way to get outside and explore.

I was a little nervous the first time I got on a snowmachine, but once we started riding through snowy forests and open valleys, it quickly became one of my favorite winter experiences in Alaska. It’s fast, scenic, and gives you a completely different way to see the landscape.

You can go snowmachining around both Anchorage and Fairbanks, and you don’t need any previous experience. Guided tours make it really easy for beginners, and most of them provide the gear you’ll need, including helmets, boots, gloves, and insulated suits.

Near Anchorage, some popular areas for snowmachine tours include Hatcher Pass, Talkeetna, and the trails near Girdwood. In Fairbanks, the tours usually take you into quieter backcountry areas, where it’s mostly snow-covered trees, open trails, and wide winter scenery.

You may also find this helpful: What to Pack for Alaska in Winter

Some tours are more scenic and relaxed, while others are faster and a little more adventurous, so you can choose based on your comfort level. You can usually ride solo or share with a partner, which is a good option if you’re trying it for the first time and want to ease into it.

The scenery is a big part of the experience too. You’ll ride past frozen rivers, mountain views, snowy forests, and wide-open stretches of powder, and it really gives you that classic Alaska winter feeling.

If you’re visiting without a rental car, check whether the tour company offers pickup and drop-off from central locations. Also, try to book in advance, especially if you’re visiting Fairbanks during peak aurora season, since winter tours can fill up quickly.

Book this Snowmobiling tour in Fairbanks

6. Take a Winter Train Ride on the Alaska Railroad

One of the most scenic and relaxing ways to experience Alaska in winter is by hopping on the Alaska Railroad. The Aurora Winter Train runs between Anchorage and Fairbanks from mid-September through winter, and the ride feels like gliding through a snow-covered postcard. I loved being able to sit back with a warm drink and watch mountains, frozen rivers, spruce forests, and tiny off-grid cabins roll by outside the window.

Traveling by train in winter has a totally different feel than driving—you don’t have to worry about icy roads, and you get to see areas you’d never spot from the highway. The journey between Anchorage and Fairbanks takes about 12 hours, so a lot of people use it as part of a longer itinerary, combining both cities in one trip. You can also do shorter segments, like Anchorage to Talkeetna, which is a charming little winter town worth visiting on its own.

The seats are comfy, the windows are huge, and the vibe is relaxed. There’s a dining car with hot meals and drinks, and you’ll probably end up chatting with other travelers (and maybe even a few locals). If you’re lucky, you might spot wildlife along the way—moose, caribou, or even a fox darting across the snow.

Book Alaska Railroad here

7. Take a Helicopter or Flightseeing Tour Over Glaciers

A winter helicopter ride in Alaska is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that genuinely takes your breath away. Seeing the mountains, ice fields, and frozen valleys from above—completely covered in snow—feels surreal, like you’re flying over another planet.

From Anchorage, many tours depart from Girdwood or Knik River Valley, taking you over the Knik Glacier or the Chugach Mountains. Some tours include a glacier landing, where you actually step out onto the ice and explore the blue crevasses and snow-covered landscape. In winter, the low sun and long shadows make the glacier look even more dramatic.

In Fairbanks, winter flightseeing is all about frozen rivers, mountains, and remote Arctic scenery. You can also take flights up to the Arctic Circle, over the Brooks Range, or even pair a flight with aurora viewing in more remote areas.

You don’t need to rent a car if you don’t want to—most helicopter and small-plane tour companies in Anchorage and Fairbanks offer round-trip transportation from hotels. If you’re already driving, you can meet your pilot directly at the airstrip. Tours typically last between 30 minutes and 2 hours, and winter gear (like boots or overpants) is often provided.

Because daylight is limited in winter, flights usually run between late morning and mid-afternoon, and weather can occasionally delay trips—so it’s smart to keep your plans flexible.

When I visited, I had this on my list but the weather didn’t cooperate—so I always tell people: if you can fit it into your budget and the forecast looks good, do it! Just keep plans flexible since winter flights depend heavily on visibility and wind conditions.

Whether you land on a glacier or just soar above one, a helicopter ride in Alaska’s winter landscape is unforgettable and gives you a perspective you just can’t get on the ground.

Book the Glaciers Helicopter ride here

FAQs about visiting Alaska in Winter