Top 8 Reasons to Visit Fairbanks, Alaska in the Winter

Mary Kate gKing
11 minutes ago
4 min read

Our friends Christian & Helen moved to Fairbanks, Alaska.. and WOW how awesome was it to visit them in the winter. If you were like me, you might've thought, what in the heck is here to do in Alaska in winter?! There are so many awesome activities that will be listed out below, thanks to our local expertise.

Top 8 Reasons to Visit Fairbanks, Alaska

.... in the Winter

Northern Lights

]Neighborhood in Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks Alaska is one of the best destinations to see the northern lights in North America. Best viewing times for the northern lights is late August - mid April. (Most visible between 10pm-2am). You'll need good visibility (aka no clouds), so plan to give yourself a few nights to try to see this beautiful phenomenon.

Aurora Night 2, North Pole Alaska

International Ice Art Competition

The International Ice Art Championship was one of the coolest things I've ever experienced. We got to witness artists from across the world compete to show off their complex ice sculptures. The World Ice Art Championship takes place in Fairbanks, Alaska every year. This past year the competition lasted February 14th - March 31st. This month long event attracts about 45,000 people each year to witness about 100 artists compete and create magnificent ice sculptures.

The World Ice Art Championship is a family-friendly event that has ice activities including ping-pong, corn hole, mini golf, ring toss, and sledding. It feels like you've entered a winter wonderland. The tickets are extremely affordable at $25. They also sell hot choloate, hot cider, and other snacks. The best time to visit is before sunset and then stay as it gets dark to watch the crystal clear ice come to life. Some argue that you can appreciate the details of the ice during the day better, while others argue there isn't anything more magical than seeing them all lit up. Regardless, visiting before sunset allows you to enjoy it both. This even should be added to everyone's bucket-list. It is an event of a lifetime.

International Ice Art Championship, Fairbanks, AK

Visiting an Ice Cave in a Glacier

We visited a super cool ice cave inside a glacier and hiked along a frozen river to get to get to the glacier. Make sure to be wearing snow boots and snow gear. Packing head lamps is very helpful. This was about a 90 minute drive from Fairbanks, but worth the trip. We did a day trip from Fairbanks and appreciated the views of Alaska during the entire drive. There was no entrance fee. Parking is along the side of the road, then you'll make the mile long hike hike along the river to the glacier. There is a foot path created in the snow making it easy to follow.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is another super cool experience to convince you to visit Fairbanks, Alaska in the winter. We definitely enjoyed the perks of being with locals to use their equipment but there are companies that will let you rent supplies and do everything for you. There is the option to drill a hole right in the middle of the lake and fish (done by our friends quite a few times). Another option is to splurge on renting a hut with a fire pit ($40/day) which is what we did when we visited. Our friends Christian and Helen had the fishing rods, camping chairs, firewood and bate for us. Regardless of what company you use to book ice fishing, make sure you get an ice fishing license on the Alaska Fishing Website.

Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, & Snowmobiling

We enjoyed cross country skiing two times during our stay. It was such a good workout. We rented our equipment from REI and were able to pick it up quickly after getting a quick lesson from our friend, Helen. There are also opportunities to snowshoe and snowmobile. While we didn't fit this in during our trip, we trust the recommendation from our local expertise that is worth trying next time we visit.

Dog Sledding

This was such a fun experience. We loved asking our guide information about the dogs and mushing during our ride. They fit up to two people in the dog sled. There are options for 30 minutes and hour long tours. Again, thanks to our local insights, we were informed that 30 minutes was an adequate enough time and I'd have to agree after doing it. We were bummed that we missed the Iditarod by 1 day. It normally starts in Anchorage but due to a warmer season they needed to move it to Fairbanks, AK. It is truly incredible what these dogs do and we hope to visit to see the Iditarod next time we visit.

Visiting Denali National Park

Denali National Park, about 1 hour away from Fairbanks, Alaska. While the park is open year round, there are more limitations of where you can visit during the winter. We are so excited to visit Denali this summer but think it is worth noting that you can appreciate the beauty of this park in the winter too.

Visiting the Big Man in the North Pole

Did I forget to mention that our friends technically live in the North Pole? The North Pole is about 20 minutes from Fairbanks, Alaska. Here the snow covered town is decorated for Christmas year-round. Candy-cane light poles line the streets leading up to the one and only, Santa's Workshop. Santa's House had everything from Christmas decorations, toys, and even reindeer! Who wouldn't want to put in a good word to the big man? Even if it is only March.

There is so much to enjoy in Alaska no matter the season, but winter in Alaska has way more to offer than you'd expect. I am so lucky I have such awesome friends to visit and explore this massively beautiful state with. Stay tuned for more Alaska travels!

THANK YOU FOR READING!