Phylicia StitzelYou’ve just stumbled upon snow-packed terrains blanketing the city of Fairbanks as the Northern Lights flicker across the sky, painting the Alaskan night in iridescent colors. These mesmerizing experiences are just the prelude to the abundance of thrilling winter activities Fairbanks offers. This is why I’ve written the top 10 activities in Fairbanks, Alaska!
Join me as we journey through flurries of winter delights. From ice sculpting to dog sledding, this post unveils the magic of winter in Fairbanks, offering essential guidance and insider tips to make your icy escapades unforgettable. So grab a mug of hot cocoa, and let’s dive into this winter wonderland!
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- 1. Chase the Northern Lights
- 2. Dog Sledding Adventures
- 3. Ice Fishing Excursions
- 4. World Ice Art Championships
- 5. Hot Springs Relaxation
- 6. Cross-country skiing or Sledding
- 7. Hockey Games
- 8. Snow Machine Fun (The Rest of the World Calls this a Snowmobile)
- 9. Visiting the Reindeer Ranch
- 10. Winter Train Rides
My town of Fairbanks is counted as the largest city in the interior region of Alaska, with around 35,000 in the city proper and over 100,000 in the surrounding area. It is only 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle. The University of Alaska Fairbanks is located here, the founding campus of the university system. And the beautiful and mighty Chena River flows through my tiny city center.
1. Chase the Northern Lights
There’s nothing quite as enchanting as the Aurora Borealis, dancing and rippling across the Arctic sky. As the Northernmost city in the U.S., Fairbanks boasts one of the most consistent occurrences of this celestial spectacle. For the optimal viewing experience, head to the University of Alaska’s Fairbanks campus or the Murphy Dome.
If you follow Travel and Leisure, Fairbanks, Alaska is among the 12 best places to view the northern lights. If you want to do a northern lights trip, Fairbanks is THE best place in the United States to do so. The best time to go is in the winter, generally between January and March (but that has changed in recent years). I have spent my whole life having people ask me about the Northern Lights once they learned I was from Alaska.
Just because you visit Alaska during those months does not mean that it is a guarantee that you’ll see the lights. There are a lot of factors. You need complete darkness (I grew up outside of city limits, so I was privy to many private shows), clear skies free of clouds, solar winds, and the sun’s activity. And even though it is cold, you will have to be patient. Trying to see the lights means many late nights because the best viewing time is generally between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. It makes for very long nights, but if/when you do see them, it’s nothing short of magic.
2. Dog Sledding Adventures
Experience the timeless Alaskan tradition of dogsledding first-hand at the Paws for Adventure lodge. Here, you can mush your own team, led by experienced guides who’ll share unique tidbits about the sport. Remember to bundle up and hold tight! This is the classic thing to do in Alaska!
There are many options because there are several dog mushing (sledding) businesses in the Fairbanks area – so you have many options, but I recommend you do your homework to find a good place that treats their dogs well. Not to say that any of us Alaskans wouldn’t, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!
3. Ice Fishing Excursions
Nothing says “Alaskan winter” like ice fishing. Charter a guide and trek onto a solidly frozen lake to try your luck at catching salmon or trout. One top spot is the Chena Lake Recreation Area. The thrill of landing a big catch amidst the snowdrifts is an indescribable adventure.
4. World Ice Art Championships
Fairbanks hosts the annual World Ice Art Championships every February and March, where world-class ice sculptors transform ice blocks into astonishing masterpieces. Visitors can observe the sculpting process, view the finished works, and even attempt their own sculptures in an amateur competition.
The Fairbanks Ice Sculpture Competition has been around for over 30 years! Artists who work with Ice come from around the world to compete. Competitions include one person or two people, and multi-block exhibits are open to a limited number of contestants.
This is a cold and grueling timed competition, so you can visit while the artists are still carving through all hours of the day and all temperatures that an Alaskan winter can throw at them. I always loved this competition! I always recommend you go early enough in the day to see the sculptures in daylight, but nothing beats the view at night.
A day pass from Ice Alaska costs $17 (2024) and lasts all day, with discounts for families, children, and military personnel. They provide a band so you can leave if you wish to return when the sculptures are lit up in the evening. You can purchase your tickets here.
5. Hot Springs Relaxation
After days out in the cold, what could be more tempting than a steaming soak? Chena Hot Springs Resort is just an hour’s drive from Fairbanks, offering warm and mineral-rich waters to rejuvenate your spirit amidst the snowy vistas. The resort features a restaurant, single or family cabins, two kinds of hotel areas to sleep in, and an ice museum (with an ice bar – you need to book the tour ahead of time to go in).
There is a slew of activities that you can book, from a massage to dog sledding and everything in between, and a hot spring lake. The average temperature is 106 degrees. Going back home in the winter is a “must experience” location for me to go back and revisit time and time. I have stayed in the cabins and the hotel and can say it was a lot of fun! (I wouldn’t recommend it, though, if you aren’t much of a woodland person, they are all dry cabins).
Again, don’t forget about visiting the ice hotel and bar! I touched on it briefly above, but I wanted to give this activity its due glory. As an Alaskan and someone who has gone to other ice bars around the world, this is still one of the most exciting and unique experiences that you will ever have with ice in your life! I highly recommend it and also recommend to book early! Only so many tickets are available daily, and you DO NOT want to miss out!
6. Cross-Country Skiing or Sledding
Fairbanks is home to some of the best-maintained ski trails in the state. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned skier, the Birch Hill Recreation Center has a trail for you, with around 32km of groomed routes through frosty, beautiful backwoods.
Did you ever have the chance to go sledding as a child? If you haven’t and you want to – Fairbanks is the place to do it! Up at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, there is a great sledding hill just outside the ice skating rink, and it is epic! Definitely be careful though, that hill can be slick so you can slip or if you aren’t keeping an eye out a sledder can take you out too.
7. Hockey Games
Join the local fans at a hockey game, a winter tradition in Fairbanks. The local collegiate team, The Alaska Nanooks, has energetic, entertaining fixtures and an excellent way to mingle with locals. It is worth going just to be entertained by the crowds!
8. Snow Machine Fun (The Rest of the World Calls this a Snowmobile)
Also known locally as “snowmachining,” snowmobiling is both a practical mode of transportation and a popular winter pastime. Check out local agencies for rental options and guided tours. There are many options all around the state, and you can even tie in taking a snowmachine to see a Northern Lights viewing point!
9. Visiting the Reindeer Ranch
The Running Reindeer Ranch is a must-visit destination in Fairbanks, offering guided tours through the birch forest with a herd of friendly reindeer! It is ideal for families and animal lovers alike.
10. Winter Train Rides
For a unique and relaxed perspective of the Alaskan scenery, hop aboard the Aurora Winter Train. This icy journey between Fairbanks and Anchorage offers fantastic wilderness views and occasional wildlife sightings.
Your Winter Adventure Awaits
Fairbanks, with its kaleidoscope of winter activities, is a paradise for arctic adventurers, offering a blend of adrenaline-fueled excitement, cultural immersion, and serenity. So, don’t hibernate this winter. Instead, pack your bags and head to Fairbanks, Alaska, to savor the delightful chill of your own icy escapade. A season of unforgettable winter magic awaits!
(Please note that all activities should adhere to safety guidelines and precautions)
For more information about traveling to Alaska, check out my newest E-book: Alaska Uncovered: The Ultimate Travel Guide.
