Official State of Alaska Vacation Planner

2018 Official State of Alaska Vacation Planner

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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

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