Winter in Alaska — a remote, snow-covered wonderland — might seem intimidating, but this 8-day adventure will win over even the most dedicated sun worshipper. Kick things off in Anchorage, where you’ll explore cultural landmarks and dive into the stories of Alaska’s Indigenous peoples at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Then, it’s time for some serious fun: go dog sledding with Iditarod champion pups and learn to mush like a pro. Hop aboard the Aurora Winter Train and glide through the frozen tundra to Fairbanks. Walk across the shimmering surface of Matanuska Glacier, visit the festive town of North Pole, and chase the Northern Lights on a thrilling nighttime expedition. Top it all off with a soak in the steamy Chena Hot Springs, and you’ve got a winter adventure you’ll never forget.
Travel Style
Classic
Service Level
Upgraded
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Eagle River Nature Center trail walking. Alaska Native Heritage Center visit. Matanuska Glacier guided tour. Iditarod Dog Sledding excursion. Ride on the Aurora Winter Train between Talkeetna and Fairbanks. Reindeer Farm visit. Northern Lights Viewing Tour. Chena Hot Springs. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Bask in Alaska’s incredible winter wonderland climate, Walk on the icy blue surface of the Matanuska Glacier, Practice your mushing skills during a dog sled excursion with champions of Alaska’s famous Iditarod, Soak in the warm soothing waters of Chena Hot Springs, Set out on a Northern Lights tracking mission in the Alaskan wilderness, Ride a train through the frozen winter tundra to Fairbanks
How large will the group be?
Max 13, avg. 10
What meals are included in this trip?
7 breakfasts
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, train.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (7 nts)
Itinerary
Anchorage
Arrive at any time. Attend a welcome meeting in the evening and afterwards choose to have an optional dinner together as a group.
Anchorage
In the morning visit the tranquil beauty of the Eagle River Nature Centre for a hike along one of the many trails located in the mountainous landscape of Chugach State Park. Return to Anchorage for lunch on your own, before a private afternoon visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Centre for a more in-depth look into Alaska’s Indigenous history. Following the tour, the group will spend free time at the museum before a winter evening to explore Anchorage and have dinner on your own.
Anchorage/Talkeetna
After breakfast the group will head further north to the mighty Matanuska Glacier for an unforgettable walk on the icy blue surface with a local guide. Then visit a reindeer farm located just outside of Talkeetna where you’ll learn some interesting facts about these beautiful beasts and have the opportunity to feed them amid the forest. Head onwards to Talkeetna where there will be free time in this outdoorsy, mountaineering town. The days might be short, but tonight there could be an opportunity to see The Northern Lights, and a great view of Mt. Denali.
Talkeetna
Start the morning with a walk around Talkeetna Lakes and soak in the snowy scenery. Then, get ready for an epic Alaskan winter activity this morning with an incredible dog sledding experience where you’ll learn to mush with the most successful Iditarod dogs of all time. The Alaskan Iditarod race is an annual 1,000-mile sled dog race from Anchorage to Nome. It’s known for testing the unique bond between mushers and their canines. See the pups for yourself and feel the adrenaline rush of sledding. The remainder of the afternoon is free for optional activities in the area like a flight sightseeing tour, nordic ski rentals, or a fat bike activity.
Talkeetna/Fairbanks
Today is every traveller’s winter Alaska dream! Have breakfast at the hotel, then board the Aurora Winter Train through the gorgeous snowy landscape of Alaska’s tundra en route to Fairbanks. Along the hundreds of miles of track, the group will pass by the state’s most spectacular landscapes, chugging through spruce forests white with frost and along wide rivers completely frozen beneath layers of ice. Meals can be purchased on board. Arrive to Fairbanks later in the evening and transfer to the hotel.
Fairbanks/Chena Hot Springs
Leave Fairbanks behind today and travel to the Chena Hot Springs, located on a property in the Chena River State Recreation Area surrounded by forest. The resort offers plenty of winter oriented activities to choose from and of course some steamy hot springs to soak in while surrounded by snow. Upon arrival, enjoy a free afternoon to experience the many amenities and outdoor activities on offer. This evening after dinner on your own, the group will reconvene and depart on an included Aurora Viewing tour to try and catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, if the weather allows.
Chena Hot Springs/Fairbanks
Enjoy a relaxing morning at the resort to perhaps go for a walk on the property, or soak in the steaming waters one last time. Then, travel to North Pole, Alaska where this small city has fully embraced its year-round commitment to all things Christmas and Santa Claus. Explore the town and have lunch at your leisure before travelling back to Fairbanks. Spend the remainder of the afternoon on your own, or perhaps choose to visit the Museum of the North, and the Morris Thompson Cultural Centre. This evening, there will be an optional group farewell dinner at a local spot.
Fairbanks
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
