Alaska has a lot to offer travelers during the winter months (September to March), such as dog sledding and northern lights chases. What's even more gratifying is that hotels can be priced half as much as in the summer, making Alaska an affordable vacation destination.
Northern Lights viewing. When you take time out of your winter months to visit Alaska, witness the most spectacular light show. Admire the stunning Aurora Borealis in Fairbanks, or head to Denali National Park to enjoy heli-skiing during the day and the stunning Aurora Borealis at night.
Alaska Railroad Tour. During the warm-weather months in Alaska, it's a great time to see the state's landscape, but in the winter, it's even more magical. The railroad ran from Fairbanks in the north to Seward in the south. Book the Aurora Winter Train for an adventure-worthwhile trip to Alaska's snow-capped backcountry. Take the train from Anchorage all the way to Fairbanks (12-hour journey). Or, jump off the train along the Talkeetna and go cross-country skiing.
Winter Zoo. Everyone loves the zoo. But Alaska Zoo in Anchorage is a real pleasure in winter. You can see the state's native animals, such as bears, moose and wolves, in their natural winter habitat. This year, The Alaska Zoo celebrates its 50th anniversary with up-close viewing and interaction on 25 acres of land and more than 100 animals. Say hello to the zoo's newest resident, Cranbier, a 17-year-old polar bear who moved in from Denver last year.
Snowshoe tour. Hiking through knee-length, fluffy snow in snowshoes can be fun (and a great workout). There are snowshoe tours to try in Fairbanks, with a guided two-hour snowshoe tour. Guests venture into the northern forests of alaska's interior to keep an eye out for wildlife such as snowshoe hares, reindeer, and flying squirrels. Snowshoeing tours allow you to enjoy animal tracks, how animals survive the harsh winters, and expertise in how to use local plants. Even in winter, there is a large number of flora and fauna to be found.
Santa Claus House look. Started as a trading post in 1952, later the Arctic Post Office, and later the House of Santa Claus, famous for its 42-foot-tall world's largest statue of Santa Claus, visitors welcomed him with happy smiles and cheers. Get personalized letters from Santa Claus to the kids. Each letter is stamped with a playful "Santa Claus Official Mail" stamp.
Snowmobiling. Whether you call it a snowmobile or a snowmobile, just like Alaska, plan to experience magical snow-covered forests and refreshing mountain streams on this unique local transportation, Alaska's favorite pastime, with a half-day snowmobile tour in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley north of Anchorage. Set off into remote areas of Alaska, stopping along the way to admire breathtaking winter scenery. Another popular tour is the world-famous full-day snowmobile adventure on the Iditarod Trail, which you'll follow deep into the Alaskan wilderness along trails used by locals.
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage has a variety of native baby animals that can be seen in this winter's snow-covered environment. You will find new bison, a female baby reindeer, five baby elk, a baby moose, a baby reindeer and a baby male porcupine. The reserve hosts and cares for injured and orphaned animals. Many become permanent residents and cannot survive if released back into the wild. Sign up for the popular "Walk on the Wild Side" tour and you'll be impressed by the adorable sanctuary animals, including bears, foxes and reindeer.
World class skiing. Visit the winter ski resort town of Alaska, ride the aerial tram up the mountain and get inspired by the panoramic views at the top of Mount Alessa. Keep your eyes open and see moose and bears wandering through the winter wilderness from the cable car, which is not uncommon. Skiers will be blown away by the 669 inches of snowfall each year, as well as the longest double black diamond pistes in the United States.
Take part in a dog-pulling sleigh ride where huskies are carefully selected to put on their harnesses, hang them on the sled, and ride through miles of fluffy snow and tranquil forests in the Arctic wilderness.
If you can arrange it just right, a trip to Alaska to watch the annual Editarod dog sled race is a must. Known as the greatest race on earth, a herd of sheepdogs starts in downtown Anchorage and travels to the frigid Alaskan wilderness for the 938-mile race to Nome.