2023-24 Explore Fairbanks Winter Guide

Welcome to Fairbanks!

The far-north latitude of this somewhat small community makes Fairbanks one of the best places on Earth to experience the magic of winter. Incredible ice sculptures are the talk of the town, charming and energetic sled dogs mush you along snow covered trails, and the night skies are oft alight with awe-inspiring aurora borealis. Adventure-filled winter days are spent enjoying ultimate outdoor activities like skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing and snowmobiling followed by enchanted evenings under the northern lights. Journey above the Arctic Circle, visit Santa in North Pole, learn about local Alaska Native culture, stroll with reindeer or discover the warmth of an Alaska hot spring. Plan for a truly memorable winter expedition in this sparkling land of aurora, ice and snow.

Dena Athabascan Land Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge the Dena people on whose traditional lands we reside on. We honor the Dena who have been the stewards of Interior lands and waters for centuries, the Elders who lived here before, the Dena people of today and future generations to come. We also recognize that Alaskan Native people would traditionally gather here and harvest Native foods.

Don’t Miss It!

Look for fireworks in December at the Winter Solstice Festival, celebrating the shortest day of the year, and on New Year’s Eve at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Winter Activities

November through March, a visit to Fairbanks is like a trip inside a snow globe. With a landscape covered in ice and snow, Fairbanks has the coolest outdoor activities around including ice skating, ice sculpting, hockey, curling, sledding and more!

Explore the surrounding forests by snowshoe, ski or snowboard with miles and miles of public use areas, world class crosscountry ski trails and nearby slopes for downhill fun.

Experience the rush of snowmobiling with a local guide. Snowmachines—as they are most often called in Alaska—are one of the easiest ways to get into the incredible snowy areas around Fairbanks. A guide can outfit you, show you the ropes and take you on an exciting yet accessible ride through the back country.

Ice fishing on frozen lakes is another popular winter pastime. Connect with a guide to help you drill into clear lake ice which can be up to four feet thick and drop your line to catch chinook or coho salmon, Arctic char, or rainbow trout. Some outfitters will prepare your freshly caught fish in a warm and comfy hut right on the spot.

Feel like taking a walk on the not-so-wild side? Reindeer make engaging and entertaining companions to stroll alongside through the boreal forest. Get to know these whimsical, domesticated cousins of caribou and their history in Alaska and circumpolar regions.

What’s the Weather Like

The subarctic environment here is surprisingly agreeable with low humidity, little precipitation and almost no wind. Whether dashing through the snow or playing on the ice, be sure to check the weather report each day and dress accordingly. If you didn’t pack them for your trip, you can always stop by a local retailer or clothing rental outfitter to gear up with a few essentials:

3 Winter parka

3 Snow pants

3 Warm socks and boots

3 Scarf or face covering

3 Hat that covers your ears

3 Gloves or mittens

3 Long johns/ base layer

View the informative How to Dress for Winter in Fairbanks video at www.explorefairbanks.com/winter.

Average Daylight Hours

Average Snowfall and Temperature

Aurora Borealis

Aurora Season in Fairbanks spans nine months of the year and all four seasons—August 21 through April 21.The aurora borealis is active year-round but it is only during this time period that the midnight sun yields its heavenly canvas, allowing our northern nights to become dark enough to see this mesmerizing and aweinspiring phenomenon.

Why is aurora viewing so great here? There are multiple factors that make Fairbanks the ideal destination for spotting the northern lights, luring visitors from all over the world.

• Located directly under the Auroral Oval. This is a ring-shaped band that hovers in the atmosphere above the Arctic Circle where aurora activity is concentrated.

• Distance from coastal areas and low precipitation means less cloud cover and an increased number of clear night skies.

• Low light pollution thanks to a small population and longer nights for nine months of the year both contribute to darker skies, which make the aurora easier to see.

• Multiple diverse and accessible vantage points to look for or wait for the northern lights to appear in Fairbanks and the surrounding area.

All combined, your likelihood of seeing the aurora borealis in the Fairbanks area is pretty high. Stay for at least three nights and be out actively looking during the late-night hours and your chances of seeing the aurora are more than 90%.

Stop by the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center after you’ve caught an amazing display of northern lights to pick up your personalized Aurora Certificate to take home.

Chasing the Aurora

The aurora may be visible from anywhere in town where you can see the northern sky but the show will be more vibrant a few miles out of town where it is darker. Explore aurora viewing areas in your own vehicle, join a tour for expert guidance or head to a specialized aurora viewing venue.

Some popular aurora viewing destinations include Murphy Dome in the hills west of town, Chena Lake Recreation Area just outside the city of North Pole and Chena River State Recreation Area along Chena Hot Springs Road. All feature public use areas perfect for stopping to view the aurora.

Head north of Fairbanks to Cleary Summit along the Steese Highway for glorious north-facing views. Up the Dalton Highway in the Brooks Range, Coldfoot features spectacular aurora viewing above the Arctic Circle. It is best to get there via tour as the area is remote, the road is mostly gravel and can be rough with very few services along the way.

To the south, Denali National Park and Preserve (Parks Highway) and Delta Junction (Richardson Highway) both offer aurora viewing amidst stunning mountain vistas of the Alaska Range.

Scan here for the Explore Fairbanks Aurora Tracker. Real-time aurora activity and three-day forecasts help you chase the northern lights using data from the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks—the leading aurora research institute.

Helpful Aurora Viewing Tips

• Be resolute and patient. The aurora is unpredictable and weather can change quickly so go looking even if the forecast is below average.

• Plan to stay up all night. The northern lights generally make their appearance between 10pm and 3am but are sometimes spotted in the early evening or early morning hours, too. Give yourself three to five nights in the Fairbanks region for the very best chance of seeing a dynamic aurora.

• If driving yourself, try to scout out viewing locations during daylight hours so you know what kind of road conditions to expect. In snowy conditions, all-wheel or 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended.

• Safety first! Exercise caution when driving and do not stop on roadways. Look for pullouts or other areas to safely get off the road. Be aware that cell service can be irregular the further you get from town.

• Turn off your headlights while parked and turn off your camera flash to minimize light pollution but watch out for wildlife on or near roadways and parking lots.

For more information about the northern lights in Fairbanks including a map to these popular aurora viewing locations, stop by the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center and pick up the Aurora Viewing Map & Guide.

Don’t Miss It!

Throughout the season, catch sprint races at the Jeff Studdert Race Grounds, culminating with the Open North American Championship Sled Dog Race in March. In February, watch the start of the Yukon Quest Alaska, a series of races through Interior Alaska.

Dog Sledding

Long before snowmobiles, ATVs and bush planes made winter travel easy in the remote wilderness, intrepid Alaska Natives used man’s best friend to navigate the snow-covered terrain by having them pull a skinless kayak frame on runners. Later, explorers and prospectors who came to the North relied heavily on dog teams to get around.

Today’s sleds and sled dogs look a bit different than those of centuries ago but the excitement for Alaska’s state sport of dog mushing is greater than ever. Visit a working kennel, meet these charming, four-legged athletes and hear captivating tales of the trail from a veteran musher.

Cheer on dogs and mushers at a local sprint race or take a 30-minute ride in the basket of a dog sled. Learn to drive a team of your own at a half-day mushing school or during an overnight guided tour under the northern lights. High-energy and adorable, Alaska’s sled dogs will steal your heart.

Ice Art

Throughout the winter months, highly detailed incredible works of crystal-clear art can be found around town. Ice sculptures are intricately carved by hand from ice so pure it’s been dubbed “Arctic Diamond.” Locally harvested, the ice blocks range in thickness from four to five feet and can weigh up to 7,500 pounds. Artists come to Fairbanks from around the globe to transform them into massive works of art for all to enjoy for as long as they’ll last.

Mighty polar bears, heavenly angels, fierce dragons, imposing woolly mammoths and more capture the imagination. They’re not all just for viewing, either. Sled down the tail of a dinosaur made into a giant ice slide. Frolic in an ice playground, wind your way through an ice maze or play a game of ice checkers. Visit an indoor ice museum or sip a spirited drink from a glass made of ice at an ice bar! There’s just too much fun to be had to miss out on this delightful Fairbanks winter tradition.

Don’t Miss It!

Mid-February through March features two great opportunities to enjoy ice art: The World Ice Art Championships is one of the largest ice art exhibitions in the world where you can watch the sculptors at work and see their masterpieces come to life from start to finish.

The International Ice Art Classic features numerous ice sculptures plus massive ice slides for kids and adults to enjoy.

Winter Adventures

Go beyond Fairbanks and explore Interior and Arctic Alaska. Pristine wilderness and majestic mountain ranges await all around us. With Fairbanks as your basecamp, head off in any direction for breathtaking vistas and magical winter adventures of a lifetime.

Arctic Alaska

Travel north to discover a landscape like no other. 195 road miles (315 Km) or 140 air miles (225 Km) from Fairbanks, you’ll cross the Arctic Circle at 66° north latitude—the invisible line that puts you in the company of bold explorers, Alaska pipeline workers and ice road truckers.

Driving the Dalton Highway without a properly equipped vehicle and experienced driver is not recommended, especially in winter, but it’s easy to connect with a guide or tour company to fly or drive you to the Arctic Circle and beyond. Hike the snow-covered tundra, cross the mighty Yukon River and spot a caribou, muskox or Arctic fox. Discover the treeless Arctic plain or walk the frozen shores of the Arctic Ocean at the northernmost point in the United States. Take a northern lights tour and scan the Arctic sky for aurora borealis.

In February, celebrate winter in the park with fun, free events for all ages at Denali Winterfest.

Denali

South of Fairbanks you’ll find Denali National Park and Preserve, home to the crown jewel of the Alaska Range. Denali is the tallest mountain in North America, rising 20,310 feet into the sky and glorious to behold. Encompassing six million acres of pure Alaskan wilderness, the park is an easy two-hour drive or four-hour train ride from Fairbanks.

Fairbanks outfitters offer both road and air tours to the park and in mid-February the National Park Service plows a section of the park road, leading to a beautiful spot to view the grand mountain during clear weather.

Hot Springs

Over one hundred years ago, gold miners and early pioneers stumbled upon a welcome find—a natural hot spring—the perfect place to soak their weary bodies. Today, you can enjoy the rejuvenating mineralrich springs to relax your body and warm your soul at the end of an adventure-filled day.

Just 60 miles east of Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs is the largest and most accessible hot spring in Alaska. Imagine yourself floating in warmth despite the crisp winter air around you, your hair freezing in wild and wonderful ways and the northern lights swirling above.

Don’t Miss It!

North Pole

The spirit of Christmas lives year-round in North Pole, Alaska. A short 20-minute drive from Fairbanks, a visit to this charming town will leave you filled with holiday cheer on any day of the year. Take a drive along Santa Claus Lane, St Nicholas Drive or Snowman Lane to admire streetlights decorated as candy canes, holiday twinkle light displays and buildings painted with Christmas colors and motifs.

Double check who’s on your list and browse holiday-inspired gifts for the naughty and nice at the Santa Claus House. Embrace the season with a charming letter from Santa to friends and family back home with an authentic North Pole postmark. Visit Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and the other reindeer and have your picture taken with Santa.

Celebrate the start of the holiday season in December at the annual North Pole Winter Festival with fireworks, candle- and treelighting ceremonies and the crowning of the North Pole King and Queen.

Indoor Arts & Entertainment

When it comes time to warm up inside, don’t worry, there is still plenty to keep you engaged. Exciting indoor activities take place throughout the winter months, including cultural programs, performance arts and sporting events. Browse local galleries and shops for authentic Alaska Native and made-in-Alaska gifts created by Fairbanks artisans. Museums tell fascinating stories of our pioneer past, antique automobiles and aviation history, the raucous pipeline days and thousands of years of cultural heritage and natural history.

Fairbanks loves food and variety is the spice of life. We’ve got the flair and flavor you crave with Mediterranean, Korean, award-winning BBQ, sourdough bakeries and so much more. Loads of restaurants, winterized food trucks and coffee huts can be found all around town, not to mention 20+ Thai food eateries! But fear not, if it’s classic Alaskan fair you’re looking for, salmon, king crab and reindeer sausage are easy to find. Local breweries craft great beer and distilleries here use produce harvested in Alaska to create their fine spirits. Sample these on-site or at many restaurants, bars and tap houses in the area.

Alaska Native Culture

Rich with indigenous culture, Fairbanks honors Alaska Native people and their heritage. The Athabascan Indians of Interior Alaska were traditionally nomadic, living a subsistence lifestyle of fishing, hunting and trapping. Likewise, the Inupiaq Inuit of the Arctic lived on the land and sea of northwest Alaska with its oft extreme climate. Many of these traditions live on today, supplemented by modern conveniences, offering us a link to the past and a bridge to the future.

Dancing, drumming and storytelling express the renowned legacy of Alaska’s indigenous cultures and handmade crafts exhibit the skill it took to survive in Alaska’s rugged wilderness. Expertly sewn and beaded moose hide clothing can be seen on display and for sale, as well as delicate ivory and bone carvings, dolls, masks, and spruce root and grass baskets.

In November, dance along to the music at the lively Athabascan Fiddlers Festival.

In March, the Festival of Native Arts showcases dance, music and dress from Alaska Native cultures around the state.

Don’t Miss It!

Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center

An excellent first stop after your arrival in Fairbanks, the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center is both beautiful and informative, serving as the regional visitor facility with brochures, maps and friendly, knowledgeable staff with answers to all your questions.

Free to roam, the center also features 9,000 square feet of exhibits that act as a portal into life in the Far North, with outstanding displays and dioramas about Interior Alaska’s people, wildlife, landscapes and seasons. You’ll also find Alaska Native cultural programs, an outdoor excursion trip planning area and an Alaska Geographic store. Explore the grounds and find colorful Athabascan flower mosaics and an antler arch. Take a peek inside a classic 100-year-old log cabin for a vision of what life was like for Alaska’s gold rush era pioneers.

Open Daily

101 Dunkel Street in Downtown Fairbanks

8am – 5pm

October through April

Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day Open hours and days are subject to change.

The center is home to Explore Fairbanks, Alaska Public Lands Information Center, Alaska Geographic Store, Denakkanaaga and Tanana Chiefs Conference Cultural Programs.

Activities, Attractions & Tours

Discover all the winter fun that Fairbanks has to offer. Snuggle sled dogs or go for a ride in the basket. Spend a magical night under the northern lights or soaking in a hot spring. Take a tour above the Arctic Circle or snowshoe the Denali wilderness. Whatever it may be, find your favorite activities here and start planning your winter visit today.

Fairbanks

1st Alaska Tours

www.1stalaskatours.com

2240 Hanson Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 590-5900

info@1stalaskatours.com

2 Street Gallery, LLC www.2streetgallery.com

535 2nd Ave, Ste 102

Fairbanks, AK 99701

(907) 455-4070, 2stgallery@gmail.com

7 Gables Inn & Suites

www.7gablesinn.com

4312 Birch Ln, Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 479-0751

Toll Free: (800) 478-7829

gables7@alaska.net

A Taste of Alaska Lodge

www.atasteofalaska.com

Mile 5.3 Chena Hot Springs Rd

Fairbanks, AK 99712

(907) 488-7855

kory@atasteofalaskalodge.com

A&P Tours, Inc.

www.aptoursalaska.com

410 K St, Anchorage, AK 99501 (907) 272-9401

aptours@acsalaska.net

A+ Dog Sled Excursions & Tours

www.dogsledexcursions.com

(907) 328-8982

sleddogexcursions@gmail.com

Arts & Entertainment Arctic Circle ToursAttractionsAuroraToursCityToursClothing/Gear Rental Cross-Country Skiing Downhill Skiing DogMushingEventFlightseeing Hot Springs Ice Fishing Ice Sculpting IceSkatingAlaskaNative Culture SnowmobilingSnowshoeing Curling Tickets & Tours

Exciting tours of Fairbanks year-round. Arctic Circle, hot springs, aurora, dog sledding tours and more!

A fine art gallery with gifts by local Alaskan artists; always an artist on duty to answer your questions.

Free cross-country skis, winter gear and snowshoes for our guests’ use. Exceptional northern lights viewing.

A Taste of Alaska Lodge is 15 minutes from downtown Fairbanks and has aurora viewing for overnight guests.

Offering aurora viewing with or without transfer and many other activities from August-May. Rent winter gear.

Looking for Alaska? We do customized excursions & tours for groups 1-6 people. Come ride with us!

Airlink Shuttle & Tours

www.airlinkalaska.com

1213 Dolphin Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709

(907) 452-3337

Toll Free: (855) 454-8094 jeff@airlinkalaska.com

Alaska Aurora Adventures

www.alaskaauroraadventures.com

(907) 590-3229 alaskaauroraadventures@gmail.com

Alaska Dog Mushers Association, Inc. www.alaskadogmushers.com

Jeff Studdert Race Grounds

925 Farmers Loop Rd (Mile 4) Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 460-6874 admacontact2018@gmail.com

Alaska Element www.alaskaelement.com

(907) 987-6335 martha@alaskaelement.com

Alaska Fishing and Raft Adventures www.akrivertours.com

525 Halvorson Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709

Toll Free: (800) 819-0737 info@akrivertours.com

Alaska Grizzly Lodge www.alaskagrizzlylodge.com

1470 Westmoreland Ave

Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 488-7475 akgrizzlylodge@gmail.com

Alaska Railroad

www.alaskarailroad.com

1031 Alaska Railroad Depot Rd Fairbanks, AK 99701

(907) 265-2494

Toll Free: (800) 544-0552 reservations@akrr.com

Alaska Safari Sultan Tours www.alaskaauroraviewing.com

45 Trinidad Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99709

(907) 378-9680, tekesman@gmail.com

Alaska Skylar Travel LLC www.skylartravel.com

(907) 274-8884 reservation@skylartravel.com

Alaska Tour Guide www.alaskatourguide.org

(907) 488-2699

alaskatourguide@yahoo.com

Alaska Wilderness Enterprises, LLC

www.wildernessenterprises.com

7445 Chena Hot Springs Rd

Fairbanks, AK 99712

(907) 488-7517

wildernessenterprises@gmail.com

Statewide charter/tours. Local area shuttle. Quality and dependable; affordable price. Est. 1992.

Aurora viewing lodge, Arctic Circle, wildlife tours, cabins, dog mushing and private tours. Hotel transfers.

Open North American Sled Dog Race. The oldest and longest consecutively run sprint sled dog race in the world.

Gear up and get out with premium outerwear rentals for your Alaska adventure. Offering parka, boots and bibs.

Aurora viewing. Ice fishing with heated cabins; snowmobile and wilderness dog mushing. Hotel pick up!

Ideal aurora viewing. Home-cooked breakfast, wakeups & photo help. Viewing decks, rental gear, trails nearby.

Experience Alaska in winter from the comfort of a warm railcar. Complete travel packages available.

Specializing in 1-day northern lights Arctic Circle adventures. Fluent in Chinese and Japanese.

Need Mandarin narrated tours? Contact the best Chinese tour operator for your winter and summer travel needs!

We don’t sell tours, we take you on an adventure. Tours include aurora, Arctic Circle...and so much more.

Experience the real Alaska. Providing heated ice house fishing and snowmobile rides since 1979. Book today!

Tickets & Tours

Alaska-Wildlife-Guide

www.alaska-wildlife-guide.com

PO Box 55345, North Pole, AK 99705 (907) 712-4529

info@alaska-wildlife-guide.com

Arctic Dog Adventure Co. www.arcticdogco.com

2270 Hattie Creek Rd Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 841-4694, hello@arcticdogco.com

Arctic Travelers Gift Shop www.arctictravelersgiftshop.com

201 Cushman St, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 456-7080

angelika.t@hotmail.com

Aurora Bear - Aurora and Wildlife Photography www.aurora-bear.com

5465 Nepal Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 750-7572, info@aurora-bear.com

Aurora Borealis Lodge www.auroracabin.com

Cleary Summit, Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 389-2812, info@auroracabin.com

Aurora Expeditions www.aexak.com

737 W 5th Ave, Ste 201 Anchorage, AK 99501 (907) 331-0588, akop@aexak.com

Aurora Husky Lodge

www.aurorahuskylodge.com

9605 Parks Hwy, Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 631-8375 aurorahuskylodge@gmail.com

Aurora in Alaska www.aurorainak.com

PO Box 82119, Fairbanks, AK 99708 (907) 750-5550, book@aurorainak.com

Aurora Pointe

www.aurorapointe.net

570 Funk Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 880-3314, info@aurorapointe.net

Aurora Quest

www.akauroraquest.com (907) 441-2080, ultimate83@live.com

Birch Hill Recreation Area and Cross Country Ski Center

fairbanksak.myrec.com

101 Wilderness Dr

Fairbanks, AK 99712

(907) 457-4488, pioneerpark@fnsb.gov

Black Spruce Dog Sledding

www.blacksprucedogsledding.com

(907) 371-3647

blacksprucedogsledding@gmail.com

Borealis Basecamp, LLC

www.borealisbasecamp.net

2640 Himalaya Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712

(907) 885-2845

info@borealisbasecamp.net

Top rated adventures! Snowmobiling, aurora viewing, Arctic Circle tour, Chena Hot Springs and dog sledding.

Drive your own team of Siberian Huskies on multi-day trips from 2 to 10 days in the Alaskan Interior & Arctic.

The most complete gift shop in the Interior. Aurora-related gifts, ivory, t-shirts, jewelry.

Learn in one evening how to take amazing aurora photos from famous professional photographer Frank Stelges!

View the aurora from a handmade log lodge located atop Cleary Summit. Please check our website for openings.

Chinese-speaking guided tours! Arctic Circle, aurora viewing, snow machines, ice fishing, dog sleds!

Welcome to Aurora Husky Lodge. Come and join us in our warm lodge to await the northern lights.

Alaska’s most thrilling winter adventures. An absolute must!

Aurora viewing 15 minutes from downtown! We are a modern facility and the premier location for aurora viewing.

Aurora viewing and custom winter tours with longtime AK guides; Chena Hot Springs, Fairbanks, Denali Park.

40 km of trails, ski chalet with beautiful view of the stadium, dressing and waxing rooms available.

Scenic, interactive mushing tours with happy, friendly dogs. Hook up the team and try driving the dog sled!

North America’s only clear ceiling igloos for aurora viewing. Full-service restaurant. Immersive experiences.

Borealis Sparks & Kicksled Rentals

www.borealissparks.com

Pioneer Park, 2300 Airport Way

Fairbanks, AK 99701 (844) 993-2704

letskickit@borealissparks.com

Chandalar River Outfitters

5804 Chena Hot Springs Rd Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 488-8402

chandalar.ranch@gmail.com

Chena Hot Springs Resort www.chenahotsprings.com

17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 451-8104 frontdesk@chenahotsprings.com

Chena Outdoor Collective www.chenaoutdoorco.com

7435 Chena Hot Springs Rd Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 799-4420 chenaoutdoorco@gmail.com

Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge www.friendsofcreamersfield.org

Farmhouse Visitors Center

1300 College Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 978-8457 director@friendsofcreamersfield.org

Dew Claw Kennel LLC www.dewclawkennel.com

7711 Steese Hwy, Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 389-8629

jodi@dewclawkennel.com

Douglas Fir Mushing www.douglasfirmushing.com/tours (907) 388-0477

douglasfirmushing@yahoo.com

Kicksledding at Pioneer Park! You’ll be instantly successful and have fun no matter your age or skill level.

Ice fishing for rainbow, char, grayling, salmon & pike. $175 includes license, transportation & lunch.

80 rooms, restaurant and bar, aurora viewing, hot springs, year-round ice museum, summer & winter activities.

Interactive reindeer tours, dog sled rides and multi-day mushing expeditions.

Visitor Center: Mon-Fri, 9-5; Sat, 12-4. Groomed multi-use trails. See our website for full program schedule.

Drive your own dog team along AK’s scenic trails; enjoy winter camping w/campfire meals & cozy heated tents.

Experience the thrill of traveling by dog sled. Offering scenic dog sled rides and interactive kennel tours.

Fairbanks Arts Association

www.fairbanksarts.org

AK Centennial Center for the Arts

Pioneer Park

2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 251-8386, info@fairbanksarts.org

Fairbanks Aurora Tours

www.fairbanksauroratours.com

(907) 978-1766

info@fairbanksauroratours.com

Fairbanks Children’s Museum

www.fairbankschildrensmuseum.com

302 Cushman St, Ste 101 Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 374-7060

info@fairbankschildrensmuseum.com

Fairbanks Community Museum

www.facebook.com/ fairbankscommunitymuseum

535 2nd Ave, Ste 215 Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 457-3669, fcmdogs@gmail.com

Fairbanks Curling Club, Inc. www.curlfairbanks.org

1962 2nd Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 452-CURL manager@curlfairbanks.org

Fairbanks Distilling Company

www.fairbanksdistilling.com

410 Cushman St, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 452-5055

fairbanksdistillingco@gmail.com

Share Your Adventures

Snap a selfie with sled dogs or reindeer, under the northern lights or in front of the most magical winter scene and show us! Connect with us on social media and share your trip of a lifetime to Fairbanks using #explorefairbanks. Maybe you’ll see your photo featured here next year!

Promoting contemporary & traditional arts: art exhibitions, literary events, performances & more.

Aurora chasing tours with free hotel pick up/drop off in the core Fairbanks area. Aurora portraits available.

Family-friendly, interactive exhibits & programs, perfect for children ages 1-8. Downtown Fairbanks.

Exhibits on dog mushing, 1967 flood, winter in Fairbanks, mining and early Fairbanks. Monthly art show.

Nightly league play, various spiels, International Bonspiel. Heated spectator gallery. See website for dates.

Visit our distillery and tasting room at historic Old City Hall in downtown Fairbanks. Cheers!

Fairbanks Dog Sled Rides with Two Rivers Trailblazers, LLC

www.fairbanksdogsledrides.com

4223 & 4240 Chena Hot Springs Rd Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 488-5991 mushwithus@gmail.com

Fairbanks Pioneer Museum & Big Stampede Show www.pioneersofalaskafairbanks.org/ pioneer-museum

Pioneer Park, 2300 Airport Way, Bldg 1 Fairbanks, AK 99701

(907) 456-8579 info@fairbankspioneermuseum.com

Fairbanks Trails and Rivers Tour Company, LLC

www.fbkstrailsandrivers.com

(907) 750-5179 trailsnrivers@gmail.com

Firewalker Alaskan Malamutes www.firewalkerkennel.com

1983 Tunnels Rd, North Pole, AK 99705 (907) 378-3260

The Folk School

www.folk.school

Pioneer Park, Cabin 66 2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 457-1219, operations@folk.school

Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum at Wedgewood Resort

www.fountainheadmuseum.com

212 Wedgewood Dr Fairbanks, AK 99701

(907) 450-2100

Toll Free: (800) 528-4916

faam@fountainheadhotels.com

Frisky Pups Sled Dog Tours

www.friskypupsbb.com

(907) 750-2313 friskypupsbb@gmail.com

Gondwana Ecotours www.gondwanaecotours.com/ alaska-tours

Toll Free: (877) 587-8479 info@gondwanaecotours.com

GOOD Cannabis

www.goodalaska.com

356 Old Steese Hwy

Fairbanks, AK 99701

(907) 452-5463, greg@goodalaska.com

The Great Alaskan Bowl Company

www.woodbowl.com

4630 Old Airport Way

Fairbanks, AK 99709

(907) 474-9663, info@woodbowl.com

Greatland Adventures

www.greatlandadventures.com

Call for directions

(907) 980-8179

info@greatlandadventures.com

Family friendly exciting 2-mile dog sled adventure! Meet the team and take pictures! Cabin rentals available. Rusty Heurlin’s Gold Rush murals; museum features early Fairbanks settlement, growth and mining dioramas. Winter fun! Fat tire biking, dog mushing & ice fishing! Aurora tours and shuttle! Family/small group friendly!

Our kennel is a no-chain facility of purebred Malamutes living together in a social pack. Book tours today!

The Folk School offers all-age classes: traditional crafts, woodworking, outdoor skills, and arts & sciences.

Top-rated gem on TripAdvisor, see world-class pre-WWII autos, the PNW’s largest fashion collection & Alaskana.

Breathtaking “roller coaster” ride! 45-minute ride through forest to lake. Warm gear and warming hut.

Local culture, aurora viewing, reindeer ranch, dog sledding, curling, hot springs, photography and more.

Providing premium brands and products for cannabis enthusiasts.

Alaskan birch bowls, steins, home goods & gourmet food. Open 7 days a week, year-round. Shipping available.

Photos, portraits, hot beverages and snacks included. Personalized forecast service—know before you go!

Hoarfrost Distilling www.hoarfrost.vodka

3501 Lathrop St, Unit F Fairbanks, AK 99701

(907) 479-6128, toivo@hoarfrost.vodka

Ice Alaska www.icealaska.com

Tanana Valley Fairgrounds

1800 College Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709

(907) 888-3393

Toll Free: (833) 442-3278 info@icealaska.com

Interior Tours & Taxi www.interiortourstaxi.com

2820 Sarty Ln, Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 750-1322, intaktaxi@gmail.com

Large Animal Research Station - UAF www.uaf.edu/lars

2220 Yankovich Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 474-5724 uaf-lars-tours@alaska.edu

Last Frontier Mushing Co-Op www.themushingcoop.com

(907) 388-7666 themushingcoop@gmail.com

Latitude 65 Brewing Company www.lat65brewing.com

150 Eagle Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 328-7748 info@lat65brewing.com

Lavelle’s Bistro www.lavellesbistro.com

575 1st Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 450-0555 frank@lavellesbistro.com

Midnight Sun ATV Tours www.midnightsunatvtours.com

625 Two Rivers Rd

Two Rivers, AK 99712

(907) 987-3331 midnightsunatv@gmail.com

Moose Mountain Ski Area www.shredthemoose.com

3450 Moose Mountain Rd Fairbanks, AK 99712

(907) 459-8132 shredthemoose@gmail.com

Northern Alaska Tour Company

www.northernalaska.com

PO Box 82991, Fairbanks, AK 99708

(907) 474-8600

Toll Free: (800) 474-1986 adventure@northernalaska.com

Paws for Adventure

Sled Dog Tours www.pawsforadventure.com

Intersection of Herning Rd & George Rd

Fairbanks, AK 99712

(907) 699-3960

dogs@pawsforadventure.com

Distillery tours, tastings and cocktails. We make world class award-winning vodka by hand from 100% AK barley.

Currently planning the 2024 World Ice Art Championships. More details on our website or find us on Facebook.

Local tour operator making dreams come to life in Alaska’s Interior! 24-hr taxi service throughout Fairbanks!

Join us for a winter tour of LARS! Visit online store at www.uaf.edu/lars for dates & to purchase tickets.

Dog sled under the northern lights, join an interactive day tour or sign up for a dog sledding expedition!

Elevating the standards of beer and cider in the Interior of Alaska. Open M-Th 2pm-8pm, F-Sun 12pm-8pm.

Come out of the cold! Enjoy the warmth of the Interior. Lavelle’s has weekly wine tastings and great food.

Snowmobile tours twice daily from mid-November to mid-April, snow permitting.

Open mid-November to end of March, Fri-Sun. 40 runs. Rentals include poles, boots, skis & snowboards.

Winter in Alaska’s Arctic! Arctic Circle, aurora, Coldfoot and Denali. One-day & overnight adventures.

Best in authentic dog sled adventure since 1998! Rides, mushing schools or multi-day expeditions to remote AK.

Prospector Outfitters

www.prospectoroutfitters.com

1512 S Cushman St Fairbanks, AK 99701

(907) 457-7372

Toll Free: (800) 495-7372 info@prospectoroutfitters.com

Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service

www.rodsalaskanguideservice.com

Serving North Pole and Fairbanks (907) 378-1851 rod@rodsalaskanguideservice.com

Running Reindeer Ranch

www.runningreindeer.com

1470 Ivans Alley, Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 455-4998 info@runningreindeer.com

Salmon Berry Travel & Tours

www.salmonberrytours.com

515 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501 (907) 278-3572 marketing@salmonberrytours.com

Santa Claus House

www.santaclaushouse.com

101 St. Nicholas Dr North Pole, AK 99705

(907) 488-2200

Toll Free: (800) 588-4078 info@santaclaushouse.com

Sirius Sled Dogs Rescue www.siriussleddogsrescue.com

922 Deraco Ln, Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 687-6656, ssdrescue@gmail.com

Ski Land

www.skilandfairbanks.com

2315 Skiland Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 389-2314, info@skiland.org

The clothing, footwear & gear you need to fully enjoy your trip to Alaska.

Guided snowmobile, dog sledding, ice fishing, aurora viewing adventures. Clothing incl. Fish in heated cabins.

Walk with reindeer, up close and personal, in this unique, intimate, birch forest natural history experience.

Voted ‘Best of Alaska’ for winter and summer tours - aurora borealis, dog sledding, glaciers, wildlife & more!

Most unique theme shop with Christmas gifts, toys, apparel & sweets. Home of the Original Letter from Santa!

Sirius Sled Dog Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit—mushing, aurora, reindeer & lodging on a true Alaskan homestead.

Alpine skiing and snowboarding, Fridays through Mondays, midDecember through mid-April.

Sophie Station Suites, Fountainhead Hotels

www.sophiestationsuites.com

1717 University Ave

Fairbanks, AK 99709

(907) 456-3642

Toll Free: (800) 528-4916 askus@fountainheadhotels.com

Trail Breaker Kennel

www.trailbreakerkennel.com

(907) 347-7274 tours@trailbreakerkennel.com

Trax Outdoor Center

www.traxoutdoorcenter.com

314 Birch Hill Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 374-9600, hajduke@mac.com

University of Alaska Museum of the North www.uaf.edu/museum

1962 Yukon Dr, UAF Campus Fairbanks, AK 99775

(907) 474-7505 ua-museum@alaska.edu

Wedgewood Resort, Fountainhead Hotels

www.wedgewoodresortalaska.com

212 Wedgewood Dr Fairbanks, AK 99701

(907) 452-1442

Toll Free: (800) 528-4916 askus@fountainheadhotels.com

Why Knot Adventures

www.whyknotadventures.net

(907) 388-0881 whyknotadventures@gmail.com

Denali

Squid Acres Kennel Dogsled Tours

www.squidacres.com

(907) 699-4939, dogs@squidacres.com

Interior

Steven Miley Photography www.stevenmileyphotography.com

PO Box 1653, Delta Junction, AK 99737

(907) 888-4850

steven@stevenmileyphotography.com

The Lodge at Black Rapids www.lodgeatblackrapids.com

227.4 Richardson Hwy Delta Junction, AK 99737

(907) 388-8391 thelodgeatblackrapids@gmail.com

Wrangell Mountains Wilderness Lodge & Cabins

www.at28mile.com

Mile 28 Nabesna Rd, Nabesna, AK 99586

(907) 308-4043 wrangelllodge@gmail.com

Convenient, all-suite hotel with full kitchens & northern lights wake-up service. On-site bar & restaurant.

Conveniently located historic kennel offering once in a lifetime dog sled rides, aurora tours & custom tours!

XC skis and snowshoe rentals! Skiing lessons available. We also sell new/ used equipment.

Exhibits about Alaska Native cultures, wildlife, the aurora, Alaska history, Arctic dinosaurs. Museum store. Condo-style suites, home to the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, nature trails, XC skiing and aurora viewing.

Come watch the northern lights with true Alaskans. Visit our website for more information.

Dog mushing near Denali. Sled rides, mushing school, aurora viewing, overnight trips & expeditions available. Private aurora photography tours & winter snowshoeing adventures to Fairbanks’ nearest glaciers.

Authentic timber frame lodge offers quiet luxury. Road-accessible destination w/wildlife & views of AK Range.

Excellent aurora, snowmachine, XC ski, snowshoe, fat tire bike & ice fishing adventures.

Arctic

Arctic Getaway Cabin & Breakfast

www.arcticgetaway.com

8 Igloo St, Wiseman, AK 99790

(907) 799-4455

arcticgetaway@gmail.com

Arctic Hive

www.arctichive.com

9000 Dalton Hwy Wiseman Village, AK 99790 (907) 347-3968 hello@arctichive.com

Coldfoot Camp

www.coldfootcamp.com

Mile 175 Dalton Hwy Coldfoot, AK 99709

(907) 474-3500

Toll Free: (866) 474-3400 coldfoot@coldfootcamp.com

Alaskan

Center for Alaskan

Coastal Studies

www.akcoastalstudies.org

708 Smokey Bay Way Homer, AK 99603

(907) 235-6667 info@akcoastalstudies.org

HAI Shirokuma Tours, LLC

www.haishirokuma.com

330 E 4th Ave, Ste 204

Anchorage, AK 99501

(907) 258-4690 hai4690@haishirokuma.com

Oomingmak Musk Ox

Producers’ Co-Op

www.qiviut.com

604 H St, Anchorage, AK 99501 (907) 272-9225

Toll Free: (888) 360-9665 oomingmak@qiviut.com

Explore Fairbanks has made every effort to provide accurate listings but does not guarantee the accuracy of the listings presented and is not responsible for changes, omissions or errors. Requests for more detailed information should be made to the company in the listing. Business listings are as of 6/23. Explore Fairbanks is not responsible for the quality of goods or services provided by firms or organizations listed in the 2023-2024 Winter Guide nor does it make any endorsement, representation or warranty for any listing. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Explore Fairbanks. Explore Fairbanks retains right of refusal on any advertisement submitted.

Accessible as defined by individual businesses

Wild Alaskan wonders. Snowy mountains, frozen rivers, cozy cabins, aurora. Snowshoe, ski, dog mush—you choose.

Arctic Hive is an off-grid wilderness retreat center nestled 63 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Wiseman.

Stay with us and experience winter in the Brooks Mountain Range. We are a prime location for aurora viewing.

Best nature tours in Homer for everyone on both sides of Kachemak Bay!

Aurora tours, Arctic adventures, Alaska Railroad & hotel reservations. Japanese-speaking staff available.

Native Alaskan knitted items. Patterns from traditional aspects of village life & Alaska Native culture.

Midnight Sun Season

Fairbanks’ northern clime gives it not only outstanding aurora viewing and fun winter opportunities, but also amazing summers. Midnight Sun Season—April 22 through August 20—brings an extraordinary amount of golden sunlight to flood the sky. In fact, for seventy straight days, from May 17 until July 27, the sun never dips far enough below the horizon for the sky to ever get dark. Midnight sunsets seamlessly merge with sunrises and the everlasting light creates an irresistible, intangible energy.

After you’ve been inspired by the light of the aurora borealis, come back during summer to explore the last frontier under the warm glow of the midnight sun! Pan for gold, float the Chena River, see vibrant and verdant gardens, go fishing, spot wildlife, play golf in the middle of the night, have dinner on a deck or go on a nature hike and bask in the midnight sun.

Photos

Cover: Amy J. Johnson Photography

Back Cover: Vincent Ledvina

Alaska Fishing & Raft Adventures, 2b

Andy Witteman, 7

Brilliant Media Strategies, 15c

1-800-327-5774

Casey Thompson Photography, 9

Frank Stelges/Aurora Bear Photography School, 28

Ice Alaska, Arms Around the World, sculpted by Heather Brice, 10, 11 @jennytangbeach, 22c

Kelly Huibregtse, 15a

Matt Hage, 29

Mickee McGuire/Explore Fairbanks, 15bd, 17b, 21ab

Nathaly Khoury, 2a, 27

Nathan Klok, 12

www.explorefairbanks.com

Nickolas Warner, 1 @ottsworld, 22a

Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks, 16ab, 17a, 25

State of Alaska/Matt Hage, 2c, 8, 18

State of Alaska/Chris McLennan, 4, 14 @thenomadicpeople, 22d @tonisnell, 22b

Letters indicate position of photos on individual pages from top to bottom, left to right. All photos are copyrighted by respective photographers.