5 Unique Things to do in Alaska in the Winter | Travel Guide

This post may contain affiliate links which means I will get a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for details.

Planning a trip to Alaska and wondering about fun things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska? I've got you covered! Explore 5 unique and spectacular things you must do on your visit to this magnificent state. You'll discover some of the hidden gems in Fairbanks and how to plan your trip so you get the most out of your vacation. Also included is a packing guide to keep you cozy even at freezing temperatures. #alaska travel guide, aurora borealisI still remember my first visit to Alaska.

WANT TO SAVE THIS POST?

Enter your email below to get this post straight to your inbox!

Shop The Look

350

If you're exploring the possibilities of visiting the Last Frontier or the arctic to see the mesmerizing Northern Lights on a winter vacation, Iโ€™ve got your covered. I've rounded up 5 fun things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska that'll give you a bang for your money. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! Plus find out the essential must-haves to keep you warm in Alaska (packing list). #alaska travel guide, aurora borealisNot for a vacation. But for a job interview. My interviewer was trying to sell me on the idea of moving to Alaska (it worked by the way!). He talked about the pros and cons of life in Alaska. But one selling point he mentioned, stood out. The Northern Lights. I had no idea the aurora existed or that Northern Lights were a sight to behold.

If you're exploring the possibilities of visiting the Last Frontier or the arctic to see the mesmerizing Northern Lights on a winter vacation, Iโ€™ve got your covered. I've rounded up 5 fun things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska that'll give you a bang for your money. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! Plus find out the essential must-haves to keep you warm in Alaska (packing list). #alaska travel guide, aurora borealisI really had no idea what the northern light was. Back at my hotel, I searched online and was speechless by the photos I saw. I came at the beginning of April and kept looking out the window hoping to magically catch a glimpse of the aurora like an expected pizza delivery.

 

I left Fairbanks, Alaska disappointed. But… I relocated to Alaska a few short months later for that job. Since then, Iโ€™ve called Alaska home for a few years now.

 

I routinely get questions about life in Alaska like what to wear on a trip or cruiseย (packing guide) or what fun things to do in Alaska. In this post, I am sharing 5 unique things to do on a visit to Fairbanks, Alaska.

 

  1. Getting a keepsake portrait under the Northern Lights – Of course, this ranks #1 on my list. The aurora borealis is nothing short of phenomenal. After 3 years of living in Fairbanks (you tend to take the wonders of where you live for granted), I had seen the Northern Lights too many times to count. But one thing was missing! A photo of me + the aurora. You see, the aurora is just as elusive as it is breathtaking. If you're exploring the possibilities of visiting the Last Frontier or the arctic to see the mesmerizing Northern Lights on a winter vacation, Iโ€™ve got your covered. I've rounded up 5 fun things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska that'll give you a bang for your money. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! Plus find out the essential must-haves to keep you warm in Alaska (packing list). #alaska travel guide, aurora borealis
    You get your cell phone or digital camera hoping to capture this magnificent beauty only to see a pitch black photo! It takes special knowledge to be able to capture the aurora on your DSLR. A photo of you and the aurora is a must and Sean Kurdziolek is your guy.

    ย 
    His specialty is shooting aurora portraits but his spots fill up quickly every year. Sean Kurdziolek and his wife, Amanda are really kind and on their A-game! They will tell you everything you need to know (what to wear, what to expect…) so youโ€™re prepared for an experience of a lifetime.

    If you're exploring the possibilities of visiting the Last Frontier or the arctic to see the mesmerizing Northern Lights on a winter vacation, Iโ€™ve got your covered. I've rounded up 5 fun things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska that'll give you a bang for your money. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! Plus find out the essential must-haves to keep you warm in Alaska (packing list). #alaska travel guide, aurora borealis

  2. Chena Hot Springs resort – When I first arrived in Fairbanks, visiting Chena Hot Springs was one of the top recommendations by locales. I visited in October after the first few snow showers and absolutely loved it. Chena Hot Springs is about 60 miles from Fairbanks so youโ€™ll need a rental car to get there.
    If you're exploring the possibilities of visiting the Last Frontier or the arctic to see the mesmerizing Northern Lights on a winter vacation, Iโ€™ve got your covered. I've rounded up 5 fun things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska that'll give you a bang for your money. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! Plus find out the essential must-haves to keep you warm in Alaska (packing list). #alaska travel guide, aurora borealis
    The roads are good but phone network is patchy. During the winter months, we have limited daylight so plan to visit earlier in the day to give you enough time to enjoy the hot springs and return back to Fairbanks. While youโ€™re there, check out the Aurora Ice Museum. The museum was closed when I visited.

     
  3. Visit the Arctic Circle – Visiting the arctic circle has been on my bucket list for a little while now. I liken it to visiting the Four Corners Monument, where you can stand in four states at once: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah.
    If you're exploring the possibilities of visiting the Last Frontier or the arctic to see the mesmerizing Northern Lights on a winter vacation, Iโ€™ve got your covered. I've rounded up 5 fun things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska that'll give you a bang for your money. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! Plus find out the essential must-haves to keep you warm in Alaska (packing list). #alaska travel guide, aurora borealis
    Visiting the Arctic Circle will require planning if itโ€™s a trip you want to embark on your own because it is a long drive with limited gas stations along the way. You donโ€™t want to get stranded. Luckily, theย Arctic Circle Tour will get you there and back while on your visit to Fairbanks, Alaska.

     
  4. The World Ice Art Championshipsย – The BP World Ice Art Championships is the largest ice sculpting competition in the world! And it happens right here in Fairbanks. If you plan on visiting Alaska in February or March, which are great aurora viewing months, you should plan on visiting the ICe Art Championships.
    If you're exploring the possibilities of visiting the Last Frontier or the arctic to see the mesmerizing Northern Lights on a winter vacation, Iโ€™ve got your covered. I've rounded up 5 fun things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska that'll give you a bang for your money. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! Plus find out the essential must-haves to keep you warm in Alaska (packing list). #alaska travel guide, aurora borealis
    They even have covered, heated tents to get you feeling warm. The sculptures are magnificent. You might see a few polar bears sculptures en route to University of Alaska – Fairbanks (UAF) as well as on campus. The showcase dates are subject to change as it all depends on how cold or warm the weather is. Visit Ice Alaskaโ€™s website for schedule details.

     
  5. Aurora Workshop – If you have a love for photography or just want to capture the Northern Lights while on your visit to Alaska, sign up for this aurora workshop. Sean offers limited workshops for aurora enthusiasts.
    Planning a trip to Alaska and wondering about fun things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska? I've got you covered! Explore 5 unique and spectacular things you must do on your visit to this magnificent state. You'll discover some of the hidden gems in Fairbanks and how to plan your trip so you get the most out of your vacation. Also included is a packing guide to keep you cozy even at freezing temperatures. #alaska travel guide, aurora borealis, aurora workshop
    One visit to his gallery to see his work and youโ€™ll never want to leave. Sean Kurdziolekโ€™s gallery is located in North Pole, Alaska which is about a 25 minutes drive from the airport. Youโ€™ll be mesmerized by his work. And if photography is not your thing, you can get holiday cards and postcards to send to your friends.
     

Other fun things to see and do in Fairbanks in the winter include dog sledding, hiking on a glacier, ice-fishing, and watching the Iditarod sled dog race live!

 

Fairbanks might be a small town but it is Alaskaโ€™s second largest metropolis. This little piece of interior Alaska is packed full of adventure and rich in culture.

 

I am wearing:

Zara skinny pants (similar)

Scallop neck sweater (exact)

Tory Burch riding boots (similar)

Missguided longline coat (similar)

Photos by Sean Kurdziolek Photography

 

Interested in more Alaska-related posts? Check out this popularย post:

 

PIN FOR LATER!

Planning a trip to Alaska and wondering about fun things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska? I've got you covered! Explore 5 unique and spectacular things you must do on your visit to this magnificent state. You'll discover some of the hidden gems in Fairbanks and how to plan your trip so you get the most out of your vacation. Also included is a packing guide to keep you cozy even at freezing temperatures. #alaska travel guide, aurora borealis

 

 

16 Comments

  1. The photos are pretty nice and surreal. The choice of colour of your outfit goes perfectly with the aurora…I guess it was an intentional choice? Nice write-up!

  2. Such a beautiful style!! You look stunning. Any advice for a couple about to travel to Chena Hot Springs at the end of January 2018? Best wishes

    1. Thank you Kimberly! My best advice is to dress warm, very warm. January and February are the coldest months in Alaska. You might find this travel guide/packing list helpful: https://www.lapassionvoutee.com/best-packing-list-trip-alaska/

      If you get a rental, opt for one with plug in (to keep the engine/oil from freezing up) and snow tires if available as the roads to Chena Hot Springs do get sleek. Most importantly, have fun and look out for the aurora (January and February are great viewing months with clear skies) ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. I saw a post of you on Pintress then it let me to your blog, absolute love your style, my figure is very similar to yours, so it gave me great ideas on how to put together outfits to flatter my body type.
    Thanks for sharing

    1. Thank you so much for the kind words, Yvonne. Feel free to reach out anytime whenever you have a question about style and personal fit. Happy to be a resource ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. Oh my goodness this is amazing! I haven’ thad the chance to see the aurora borealis yet so this surely makes me jelly ๐Ÿ˜‰ I love the shots they’ve made on you too and you’re lucky to have witnessed it as well! Some of my friends have never had the chance after several tries.Hopefully I get to see it too soon!

  5. Ah I saw that photo on Instagram and it is SO STUNNING. Green is my favorite color, too; so of course I am all *drool* over here. I have four states left to visit and Alaska is one of them. I am getting one done next month (Maine) and I hope next year in August I can get to Alaska. Though, LOL, I admit I’ve always wanted to go to the World Ice Art Championships! So cool you live in AK. Definitely will be following along on more of your adventures.

  6. My goodness! These images are breathtaking! I have always wanted to see the Northern Lights. It’s definitely on my bucket list! Alaska has always been of great intrigue to me. Thank you for sharing so many wonderful things to see and do there!

  7. These pictures are nothing short of amazing! They make me want to refresh my skills on off-camera-flash photography. I would love to visit the Northern Lights in person!

  8. My husband worked for the railroad for 25 years and has often talked about taking a winter rail tour. I believe he mentioned there’s a line that goes from Fairbanks to Anchorage. It would be a lot of fun to see the wintery wonderland! x

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *