Your Guide to Outdoor Activities in Alaska
Winter Activities
Average winter temperatures in Alaska are around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, making for a comfortable winter getaway, and the state isn’t shrouded in darkness as most may think. In fact, you can expect 6-13 hours of daylight with many more hours of twilight and dawns during winter months. With festival season picking up in February, the early months of the year are the most ideal time for winter enthusiasts to visit the region.
Here are some iconic winter experiences that you simply cannot miss when visiting Alaska:
Dog Mushing: Long before Alaska was a state, dog mushing was part of the culture. Attend one of dozens of dog mushing races like the classic Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race or the Yukon Quest International Dog Sled Race.
Northern Lights Viewing: Long, dark, winter nights away from city centers in the Northern Hemisphere allow for the best northern lights viewing experiences - and Alaska is the place to be. Ask your hotel for a ‘northern lights wake-up call’ if you’re wanting to see the lights but not stay up all night waiting for them!
Alpine Snowmobiling and Skiing: Snowmobile tours offer the best of snowmobiling experiences under the guided direction of a local. Check out where you can book your snowmobile tour or rental <<HERE>>. As for skiing, Southeast Alaska Backcountry Adventures offers the best skiing options in the Inside Passage.
Hiking, Mountain Biking, and Climbing
Not all of Alaska is covered in snow year-round like some might think! In fact, many areas during the warmer months make for comfortable and scenic hiking and mountain biking. With a good chance for seeing exotic wildlife like moose or caribou and maybe even bears, you’re in for more than a workout when you choose one of over 750 trails to travel in Alaska and over 1,200 climbing routes as well.
Make sure that whether you’re hiking or mountain biking that you dress in layers, as the weather can change drastically and quickly. Try some of these trails when visiting Alaska (as chosen by visitors as ‘top picks’):
Harding Icefield Trail: The ending to a long day of hiking in the Exit Glacier area of Kenai Fjords National Park ends with a scenic overlook of Harding Icefield.
Denali National Park: Besides the stunning views and trails of Denali National Park’s Mt. McKinley, there are numerous glaciers and easier paths one may take to get the experience of a lifetime (and some pictures to boot!).
Bridalveil Falls: A classic, long ice line can be done in 5 pitches and is one of the favorites of ice climbers visiting the region.
