Tr ave l A l a s k a .c o m 3 5
Winter Wonderland
Girdwood to Fairbanks and the Arctic
If you only see Alaska in the summer, you're missing half the adventure. It's one of the best places
to view the northern lights and experience unique winter festivals and events. During February and
March there's plenty of daylight and temperatures are perfect for playing outside!
DAY 1
Anchorage
Time your visit to take advantage of Anchorage's liveliest winter festivals and events – the Anchorage
Fur Rendezvous Festival and the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Spend your first
day taking in Fur Rondy events like the snow sculptures, an Alaska Native arts market and carnival
rides and games.
DAY 2
Girdwood
Rent a car and drive 35 miles (56 km) south to Girdwood, the state's premier alpine ski town. Choose
from activities like backcountry heli-skiing and sightseeing, snowmobiling, or skiing on miles of
downhill and Nordic ski trails. Take a tram ride to the top of Mount Alyeska for dinner and an
unbeatable view. Cap the day off at the spa.
DAY 3
Anchorage
Return to Anchorage for the annual sled dog races. In late February catch the Rondy World
Championship sprint races, and in early March it's the ceremonial start to the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog
Race. For both events, downtown comes alive with performers, reindeer hot dog vendors and other
attractions as teams stream through town.
DAY 4
Mat-Su
Make the short 42-mile (67-km) trip north to the Mat-Su Valley. Travel to the town of Willow and take
in the re-start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Or head northeast and explore the stunning scenery
and recreation at Hatcher Pass. Once home to a booming gold mine, the area is popular for sledding,
snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling.
DAY 5
Fairbanks
In the morning, fly to Fairbanks. Spend the day exploring local museums, art galleries and cultural
facilities, including the University of Alaska Museum of the North and the Fairbanks Community
Museum. Pay a visit to the World Ice Art Championships' outdoor ice park, which features dozens of
glittering ice sculptures lit up to dazzle aer dark.
DAY 6
Chena Hot Springs
Enjoy a scenic drive to Chena Hot Springs. Upon arrival, visit the Aurora Ice Museum, craed from
more than 1,000 tons of ice. Take a dog mushing tour, then soak off the chill in the outdoor geothermal
hot springs pool. Once it's dark, keep your eyes on the sky for sightings of the northern lights.
1-3-DAY ADD-ON
Arctic Adventure
Travel north from Fairbanks on a one- to
three-day guided adventure. Fly over vast
Alaska wilderness, celebrate crossing the
Arctic Circle and visit a rural village or lodge.
Enjoy the stunning winter landscapes of the
high Arctic and the opportunity to witness
the northern lights. Return by air or via the
Dalton Highway, the northernmost highway
in the United States.
World Ice Art Championships, Fairbanks
Dog mushing, Girdwood
Independence Mine, Hatcher Pass