Winter in Alaska is as varied as the state itself. With a state the size of Alaska, being in the North is an entirely different experience than in the Southeast. I’ve worked on television shows as far north as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge(ANWR) in the Arctic circle, where we were filming at -50 and sleeping in tents, and as far south as Prince of Wales Island, where I was working in shorts in a rainforest in December. So, when asking yourself if you want to visit Alaska in the winter, you need to be asking yourself where you want to go and what you want to experience. This article will inform you about the state’s wonders during winter. So drink some hot chocolate, stay warm, and get ready to learn about winter in Alaska.
Article Overview: Winter in Alaska
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Winter in Alaska: Location means Everything
I’ve spent years traveling around Alaska and making television shows. I’ve learned a lot in that time, and one of the most important lessons is that you need to be uniquely prepared for every location in Alaska. First, you must look at what region you are traveling to and pair your gear to that location and activity.
I’ve flown in small planes in the north during the winter months, dressed for the cold temperatures on the ground but not appropriate for the even colder temperatures in the small plane at a high altitude flying to a location. One crew member got frostbite and permanently lost sensation in multiple fingers. Let’s look at the five major regions of Alaska individually and what winter in those places is like.
Southeast (Inside Passage): Southeast Alaska has the mildest winter months in the State. The temperature rarely drops below 20°f, and snow accumulation is minimal. While I’ve been stuck in remote parts of Prince of Whales Island waiting for the road to become passable after snow, it is not a concern compared to other parts of Alaska in the winter. When working in the Southeast, my concern is rain, not snow. In colder temperatures, dry snow is less of an issue than cold rain. I recommend bringing quality rain gear and warm layers if traveling or working in the Southeast in the winter. Stay dry!
South Central: South Central Alaska’s geography varies dramatically, much like its temperature range during the winter. South Central Alaska ranges from the coastal climate, which is milder, to the more extreme weather in the mountains. You can expect significant snow in Anchorage; the city is often ill-equipped to handle its removal. The snowfall is mild compared to what you get in McCarthy or Valdez. Always be prepared when traveling in these conditions. You should travel with chains for your tires, warm layers for yourself, and a bug-out bag just in case you get stranded on an unpassable road. The road from Anchorage to McCarthy can be particularly harrowing in winter.
Northern / Bush (Arctic): The northern region of Alaska is extraordinarily remote and scarcely populated. It is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places I have ever had the opportunity to work. It is also one of the most dangerous if you are not prepared. The winter in the North, particularly in the Arctic, is no joke. The temperatures are well below zero, and the distance between you and civilization is often extreme. Hypothermia is a genuine concern. I’ve been trapped at remote filming locations for days sleeping in a tent hoping we have enough food, waiting for a weather window so a plane can land. While the North is breathtaking, research and plan your trip well before heading out into the cold.
Interior: Winter in the Interior has its extremes. Home to Fairbanks, where winter is severe, and to Denali, where winter is deadly at 20,310 feet above sea level. Fairbanks consistantly has temperatures well below zero in the winter and has a good amount of snowfall. That may sound bad, but this city is well-equipped to handle it. When traveling out of town, things become trickier. Fairbanks also has a wide temperature variant within 24 hours; it isn’t uncommon to be 25°F during the day and -35°F at night.
Southwest: The Southwest is considered to have moderate temperatures, at least by Alaska standards. Winter is typically around 30°F. I spent two weeks filming in Adak, at the far end of the Aleutian Islands. The temperature and precipitation weren’t the culprits. It was the wind. If traveling in the Aleutians, be prepared for extreme wind and rain and be less concerned about low temperatures and snow.
Winter Activities in Alaska
Ice fishing: Fishing is one of the biggest draws for travelers to Alaska. Most people plan their trips around the warmer months. For a unique fishing experience, please don’t shy away from it during the winter season. Ice fishing can be intimidating at first, but there are plenty of resources to help you out. Anchorage offers several good fishing spots once the lakes have thickened enough with at least 5 inches of ice. Be sure to check with the municipality of Anchorage’s Parks and Recreation to ensure it’s safe before walking on any ice. All the equipment needed for ice fishing is available for rent in Anchorage. Here are several outfitters and guides to get you started on your own Alaska ice-fishing adventure this winter.
- Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service: Rod’s offers ice fishing trips ranging from $149-$209. They have daytime and nightly fishing trip in heated cabins. The night fishing trip has the bonus of potentially seeing the aurora. Address: Fairbanks, Alaska Phone: (907) 378-1851
- Alaska Outdoor Gear Rental: They rent a full line of Ice Fishing Equipment. Address: 540 W Potter Drive Anchorage, Alaska 99518 Phone: (907)830-0232
Aurora Borealis: referred to as the Northern lights, is a natural phenomenon where the night sky fills with color. The aurora can be several different colors, but the most common is green. Alaska is an excellent place for seeing the Northern Lights. Fairbanks is probably the best place in the world to view them. You can witness the aurora from many locations around the globe a few dozen nights a year. Fairbanks is the only place you can view the Aurora on average 240+ nights a year. I’ve witnessed the Northern lights all over Alaska, and Fairbanks is the most accessible place to glimpse the green neon lights moving across the sky. Winter in Alaska is the best time to view the Northern lights. Alaska’s shorter days and longer nights give you plenty of dark hours, ideal for viewing the aurora.
Snowmachining: While most people in the lower 48 call them snowmobiles, they call them snowmachines in Alaska. Most of the snow machining in Alaska is utilitarian. There is also recreational snow machining, allowing enthusiasts to access the backcountry in winter. Like four-wheeling in the summer, snow machining can give you access to fantastic locations you couldn’t hike to in a single day. Of all the activities I have done in my decade of working in Alaska, I have had more friends and colleagues get seriously injured while operating snowmachines than anything else. Wear a helmet and take lessons before heading out on the snow. There are several places to rent snowmachines around Alaska in the winter; here are a few:
- Alaska Toy Rental: Address: 1855 S Chugach St, Palmer, AK 99645 Phone: (907)775-1880
Palmer, AK, 99645 - Alaska Backcountry Access: Address: 1 Girdwood Pl, Girdwood, AK 99587 Phone: (907)783-3600
- Fairbanks Snowmobile Tours: Address: 330 Golf Club Drive, Fairbanks, Alaska 99712 Phone (907)231-6148
Skiing: Alaska has plenty of skiing and snowboarding opportunities with seven ski areas. For the more experienced and adventurous skier, heli-ski operators can take clients to more remote locations. These services come at a considerable cost. Of the seven ski areas in Alaska, I’ve only been to Alyeska in Girdwood. It’s a great vacation spot and super accessible from Anchorage (It’s also a fun location in the summer). Here is a complete list of all seven ski areas in Alaska:
- Alyeska Resort: Located in Girdwood, 45 minutes south of Anchorage, this ski area is 1400 acres with five chairlifts, one high-speed tram, and two Magic Carpets. Alyeska also features a lodge and multiple restaurants.
- Eaglecrest Ski Area: Located on Douglas Island, a 15-minute drive from Juneau. This 640-acre ski area has four chairlifts, 36 alpine runs, 2 Nordic skiing loops, and backcountry access.
- Arctic Valley Ski Area: Located in Anchorage on 500 acres with three chair lifts, one rope tow, a tubing lift, and four bowls.
- Moose Mountain: Located just west of Fairbanks, Moose Mountain has 750 acres and 40 runs.
- Mt. Aurora SkiLand: Located 20 miles north of Fairbanks. This 530-acre ski area boasts the northernmost chairlift on the continent. Skiland is also one of the best aurora viewing spots in the area.
- Hill Top: Located in Anchorage, this 30-acre ski area is a non-profit operated by Youth Exploring Adventure.
- Mount Eyak Ski Area: Located in Cordova and operated by the Sheridan Ski Club, Mount Eyak has North America’s oldest working chair lift.
Dog Sledding:
It’s all about layering in the winter. Here I am in Fairbanks, layering but with all the wrong clothes. So much cotton! Please don’t make the same mistakes as me, don’t wear cotton. Wear wool, and stack those layers under a wind and waterproof shell.
What to Wear During the Winter in Alaska?
Don’t let the cold weather hinder your ability to have fun and enjoy the winter in Alaska. Wearing the right gear for the right weather and being flexible when the weather changes throughout the day will allow you to experience this place’s beauty year-round. When packing for the winter months in Alaska, I bring multiple layers of clothing. Depending on the situation, I use them in combination with each other or sometimes all at once. A backup of specific layers allows you to double up when things get extra chilly or if you will be outside but less physically active.
- Base Layer: This layer is worn against your skin and should be synthetic or wool. I prefer merino wool. It’s lightweight, keeps you warm, and isn’t itchy. Stay away from cotton. It does little to insulate you and is dangerous when wet in cold temperatures. I like to pack two or three base layers (top and bottom). If the temperatures get low, I can always double up on my long johns.
- Middle Layer: Fleeces and puff jackets work well. This is where sizing starts to get tricky. As I reach my outer layers, I tend to get larger-fitting clothes. While I usually wear a small, by the time I’ve stacked layers of clothes, my mid or outer layer may be a size medium. I typically have a thick wool sweater as a mid-layer. Wool can be expensive, but it’s worth every dollar, it’s an investment, and you’ll keep a wool sweater for decades. I also travel with a compact puffy jacket in my day pack. If I get chilly, I can always add that layer.
- Outer Layer: This layer can either be a parka or rain gear, depending on where you are and your activity. Nothing is worse than being wet. I never leave the house without rain gear. I prefer rain gear manufactured for the commercial fishing industry. Grundens, Helley Hansen, Guy Cotton, all make quality rain gear that keeps you dry at any cost. If traveling up in the Arctic, you’ll need a massive parka. Don’t shy away from these giant jackets; no one cares what you look like at -50°f; they will care if you become hypothermic because you didn’t pack the right clothes.
- Feet, Hands, Head: When buying boots for the winter, the two main things to consider are traction and insulation. If you’re buying the standard XtraTuf boots, purchase the insulated ones. I prefer a heavier boot like a Baffin or military-issued Bunny Boots if I’m on snow or ice all day. It’s a good idea to pair your boots with an insulated liner, so you may need to get a boot that is one or two full sizes larger than usual. Your hands get cold fast, so take care of them. Wear a liner, then a quality glove. I always have a pair of mittens with hand warmers ready, just in case. Lastly, get a good beanie that covers your ears!
Winter Events in Alaska
Iditarod: The most famous dog-sledding event in the world. The race is 938 miles, starting in Anchorage and ending in Nome. It’s a remarkable event to see. The annual race kicks off the first Saturday in March with festivities in Anchorage. The starting point is on fourth avenue downtown. The first section of the race is ceremonial and does not affect the race times. The anchorage portion of the race is one of the only and easiest ways to see the dogs since most of the route is not easily accessible for onlookers. If you want to experience the Iditarod more thoroughly, there are tours you can book that include an aerial trip of the route and even an opportunity to ride on a dog sled. Check out Alaska Tours for more information. You can also track the race live with the Iditarod App.
World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks: Ice sculptors from around the world travel to Fairbanks for one of the world’s most prestigious ice sculpting competitions. The sculptures are breathtaking and open to view at the Tanana Valley Fairgrounds in Fairbanks (there is an admission fee). The competition is a month-long event from mid-February to mid-March. The park is open for viewing the sculptures for a few additional weeks. When I visited a few years ago, I had the opportunity to watch the artists at work, cutting away at giant blocks of ice with their chainsaws. It’s an incredible process to witness. Ice Alaska Address: Tanana State Fairgrounds, 1800 College Rd, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709 Phone: (833) 442-3278
Homer Winter King Salmon Tournament: This annual event hosted by the Homer Chamber of Commerce has become the largest fishing tournament on the West Coast. Over $200,000 in prize money is awarded for the largest King Salmons caught. The dates can vary and change due to weather, so check out the tournament’s website. If you are boating into Homer and spending the night, be sure to fill out a moorage agreement with the Harbormaster’s office. Address: Homer Chamber of Commerce Phone: 907-235-7740
How Much Does it Snow in Alaska?
To answer the question, how much snow falls in Alaska in the winter? We need to look at the different regions since they vary dramatically with the amount of snow they get. With a state the size of Alaska, generalizing is unproductive. It would be like considering the snowfall in Los Angeles and Lake Tahoe as the same since both are in California. This article will look at winter in five different cities in Alaska, with dramatically different geography and snowfalls.
- Anchorage: 77.9 inches
- Fairbanks: 59.6 Inches
- Nome: 80.8 Inches
- Juneau: 87.6 Inches
- Valdez: 325.3 Inches
So what do these numbers mean? They give you a good idea of the snowfalls in these different towns. Average snowfalls vary dramatically between years. What we can learn from these numbers is that Valdez is MUCH snowier than Anchorage. Altitude has more to do with snowfall than the location in many cases. Also, if it’s the feel of winter you want to calculate, you need to consider temperature, wind speed, and daylight hours in a location.
The one time I worked in McCarthy was for three weeks, and the snow was brutal. I figured it was an average snowfall for the area. It was only after filming in the location for a week that I realized from the locals it was one of the most severe winters anyone could remember. The roads were barely passable, and even the snowmachine paths were getting too deep to navigate safely.
The takeaway is to always get the most up-to-date information from the ground before heading to a location you aren’t familiar with and gear up appropriately. Winter in Alaska is snowy, but how much snow depends on the year and your location within the state.
Since road conditions can affect your trip dramatically, and it’s always good to be informed before moving between locations, check out the Alaska Department of Transportation‘s website for current conditions and road closures.
Facts about Winter in Alaska
- The coldest temperature ever recorded during Winter in Alaska was -80 ‘F in Prospect Creek on January 23, 1971.
- Valdez is the snowiest place in the United States, receiving an average of 300 inches of snow annually.
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