FAIRBANKS WINTER GUIDE DENALI • ARCTIC • NORTH POLE • INTERIOR ALASKA
Dena Athabascan Land Acknowledgement We respectfully acknowledge the Dena people on whose traditional lands we reside on. We honor the Dena who have been the stewards of Interior lands and waters for centuries, the Elders who lived here before, the Dena people of today and future generations to come. We also recognize that Alaskan Native people would traditionally gather here and harvest Native foods.
1 welcome to winter in FAIRBANKS! The far-north latitude of this somewhat small community makes Fairbanks one of the best places on Earth to experience the magic of winter. Incredible ice sculptures are the talk of the town, charming and energetic sled dogs mush you along snow covered trails, and the night skies are oft alight with awe-inspiring aurora borealis. Adventure-filled winter days are spent enjoying ultimate outdoor activities like skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing and snowmobiling followed by enchanted evenings under the northern lights. Journey above the Arctic Circle, visit Santa in North Pole, learn about local Alaska Native culture, stroll with reindeer or discover the warmth of an Alaska hot spring. Plan for a truly memorable winter expedition in this sparkling land of aurora, ice and snow. Winter Fun Aurora Borealis Dog Mushing Ice Art Alaska’s Basecamp North Pole Indoor Arts & Entertainment Alaska Native Culture Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center Activities, Attractions & Tours Share Your Adventures Midnight Sun 2 4 8 10 12 14 15 16 17 18 22 28 Explore. . .
average DAYLIGHT, SNOWFALL and TEMPERATURES Snowfall Temperature OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH 10.6 hrs 6 hrs 4.3 hrs 5.3 hrs 8.4 hrs 11.8 hr 8" 13" 11" 10" 10" 7" 32oF/0oC 12oF/-11oC 7oF/-14oC 3oF/-16oC 11oF/-12oC 25oF/-4oC Daylight Look for fireworks in December at the Winter Solstice Festival, celebrating the shortest day of the year, and on New Year’s Eve at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Don’t Miss It! 2
A winter visit to Fairbanks is like a trip inside a snow globe. With a landscape covered in ice and snow from November through March, Fairbanks has the coolest outdoor activities around including ice skating, ice sculpting, hockey, curling, sledding and more! Experience the rush of snowmobiling with a local guide. Snowmachines—as they are most often called in Alaska—are one of the easiest ways to get into the incredible snowy areas around Fairbanks. Explore the surrounding forests by snowshoe, ski or snowboard with miles and miles of public use areas, world class crosscountry ski trails and nearby slopes for downhill fun. Ice fishing on frozen lakes is another popular winter pastime. Connect with a guide to help you drill into clear lake ice which can be up to four feet thick and drop your line to catch chinook or coho salmon, Arctic char, or rainbow trout. Feel like taking a walk on the not-so-wild side? Reindeer make engaging and entertaining companions to stroll alongside through the boreal forest. Get to know these whimsical, domesticated cousins of caribou and their history in Alaska. 3 SNOW much fun What’s the Weather Like The subarctic environment here is surprisingly agreeable with low humidity, little precipitation and almost no wind. Whether dashing through the snow or playing on the ice, be sure to check the weather report each day and dress accordingly. If you didn’t pack them for your trip, you can always stop by a local retailer or clothing rental outfitter to gear up with a few essentials: 3 Winter parka 3 Snow pants 3 Warm socks and boots 3 Scarf or face covering 3 Hat that covers your ears 3 Gloves or mittens 3 Long johns/ base layer Visit www.explorefairbanks.com/winter to learn how to dress for winter in Fairbanks.
4 chase the AURORA
5 Aurora Season in Fairbanks spans nine months of the year and all four seasons—August 21 through April 21. The aurora borealis is active year-round but it is only during this time period that the midnight sun yields its heavenly canvas, allowing our northern nights to become dark enough to see this mesmerizing and aweinspiring phenomenon. Why is aurora viewing so great here? There are multiple factors that make Fairbanks the ideal destination for spotting the northern lights, luring visitors from all over the world. • Located directly under the Auroral Oval. This is a ring-shaped band that hovers in the atmosphere above the Arctic Circle where aurora activity is concentrated. • Distance from coastal areas and low precipitation means less cloud cover and an increased number of clear night skies. • Low light pollution thanks to a small population and longer nights for nine months of the year both contribute to darker skies, which make the aurora easier to see. • Multiple diverse and accessible vantage points to look for or wait for the northern lights to appear in Fairbanks and the surrounding area. • The 11-year solar cycle that loosely correlates to more solar activity and therefore more auroras does not significantly impact aurora viewing in the Fairbanks area due to our far-north position under the Auroral Oval. All combined, your likelihood of seeing the aurora borealis in the Fairbanks area is pretty high. Stay for at least three nights and be out actively looking during the late-night hours and your chances of seeing the aurora are more than 90%. For more information about the northern lights in Fairbanks, including a map to popular aurora viewing locations, stop by the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center and pick up the Aurora Viewing Map & Guide. Once you’ve seen the aurora, return to the center for your personalized Aurora Certificate to take home.
6 LOOK to the sky The aurora may be visible from anywhere in town where you can see the northern sky but the show will be more vibrant a few miles out of town where it is darker. Explore aurora viewing areas in your own vehicle, join a tour for expert guidance or head to a specialized aurora viewing venue. Some popular aurora viewing destinations include Murphy Dome in the hills west of town, Chena Lake Recreation Area just outside the city of North Pole and Chena River State Recreation Area along Chena Hot Springs Road. All feature public use areas perfect for stopping to view the aurora. Head north of Fairbanks to Cleary Summit along the Steese Highway for glorious north-facing views. Up the Dalton Highway in the Brooks Range, Coldfoot features spectacular aurora viewing above the Arctic Circle. It is best to get there via tour as the area is remote, the road is mostly gravel and can be rough with very few services along the way. To the south, Denali National Park and Preserve (Parks Highway) and Delta Junction (Richardson Highway) both offer aurora viewing amidst stunning mountain vistas of the Alaska Range.
7 aurora viewing TIPS • Be resolute and patient. The aurora is unpredictable and weather can change quickly so go looking even if the forecast is below average. • Plan to stay up all night. The northern lights generally make their appearance between 10pm and 3am but are sometimes spotted in the early evening or early morning hours, too. Give yourself three to five nights in the Fairbanks region for the very best chance of seeing a dynamic aurora. • If driving yourself, try to scout out viewing locations during daylight hours so you know what kind of road conditions to expect. In snowy conditions, all-wheel or 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. • Safety first! Exercise caution when driving and do not stop on roadways. Look for pullouts or other areas to safely get off the road. Be aware that cell service can be irregular the further you get from town. • Turn off your headlights while parked and turn off your camera flash to minimize light pollution but watch out for wildlife on or near roadways and parking lots. Don’t Miss It! Scan here for the Explore Fairbanks Aurora Tracker. Real-time aurora activity and three-day forecasts help you chase the northern lights using data from the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks—the leading aurora research institute.
8 Throughout the season, catch sprint races at the Jeff Studdert Race Grounds, culminating with the Open North American Championship Sled Dog Race in March. In February, watch the start of the Yukon Quest Alaska, a series of races through Interior Alaska. Don’t Miss It! snowy TRAILS and wagging TAILS
Long before snowmobiles, ATVs and bush planes made winter travel easy in the remote wilderness, intrepid Alaska Natives partnered with man’s best friend to navigate the snow-covered terrain by having them pull a skinless kayak frame on runners. Later, explorers and prospectors who came to the North relied heavily on dog teams to get around. Today’s sleds and sled dogs look a bit different than those of centuries ago but the excitement for Alaska’s state sport of dog mushing is greater than ever. Visit a working kennel, meet these charming, four-legged athletes and hear captivating tales of the trail from a veteran musher. Cheer on dogs and mushers at a local sprint race or take a ride in the basket of a dog sled. Learn to drive a team of your own at a half-day mushing school or during an overnight guided tour under the northern lights. High-energy and adorable, Alaska’s sled dogs will steal your heart. 9
10 Throughout the winter months, highly detailed incredible works of crystal-clear art can be found around town. Ice sculptures are intricately carved by hand from ice so pure it’s been dubbed “Arctic Diamond.” Locally harvested, the ice blocks range in thickness from four to five feet and can weigh up to 7,500 pounds. Artists come to Fairbanks from around the globe to transform them into massive works of art for all to enjoy for as long as they’ll last. Mighty polar bears, heavenly angels, fierce dragons, imposing woolly mammoths and more capture the imagination. They’re not all just for viewing, either. Sled down the tail of a dinosaur made into a giant ice slide. Frolic in an ice playground, wind your way through an ice maze or play a game of ice checkers. Visit an indoor ice museum or sip a spirited drink from a glass made of ice at an ice bar! There’s just too much fun to be had to miss out on this delightful Fairbanks winter tradition. the art of ICE
11 Mid-February through March, visit the World Ice Art Championships, one of the largest ice art exhibitions in the world, where you can watch the sculptors at work and see their masterpieces come to life from start to finish. Don’t Miss It!
12 Go beyond Fairbanks and explore other parts of Interior and Arctic Alaska. Pristine wilderness and majestic mountain ranges await all around us. With Fairbanks as your basecamp, head off in any direction for breathtaking vistas and magical winter adventures of a lifetime. Interior Alaska Heading southeast from Fairbanks on the Richardson Highway you will find yourself surrounded by pristine wilderness. The area is dotted with lakes that are perfect for ice fishing, winter camping, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and more. The Alaska Range in the distance offers an awe-inspiring backdrop. Bold explorers can venture closer with a visit to the Castner Glacier ice cave or book a tour with an experienced guide to reach other amazing glaciers throughout Interior Alaska. Denali An easy two-hour drive or fourhour train ride south from Fairbanks, Denali National Park and ALASKA’S BASECAMP for adventure Preserve encompasses six million acres of pure Alaskan wilderness and is home to the tallest mountain in North America. Denali rises 20,310 feet into the sky and is a glorious sight to behold. Outfitters offer both road and air tours to the park and in mid-February the National Park Service plows a section of the park road, leading to a beautiful spot to view the grand mountain during clear weather. Visitors to the park in winter can borrow snowshoes from the Murie Science and Learning Center. Hot Springs Over one hundred years ago, gold miners and early pioneers stumbled upon a welcome find just 60 miles east of Fairbanks—a natural hot spring—the perfect place to soak their weary bodies. Today, you can enjoy the rejuvenating mineral-rich springs to relax your body and warm your soul at the end of an adventurefilled day. Chena Hot Springs is the largest and most accessible hot spring in Alaska. Imagine yourself
13 In February, celebrate winter in the park with fun, free events for all ages at Denali Winterfest. floating in warmth despite the crisp winter air around you, your hair freezing in wild and wonderful ways and the northern lights swirling above. Arctic Alaska Travel north to discover a landscape like no other. 195 road miles (315 Km) or 140 air miles (225 Km) from Fairbanks, you’ll cross the Arctic Circle at 66° north latitude—the invisible line that puts you in the company of Alaska pipeline workers and ice road truckers. Driving the Dalton Highway without a properly equipped vehicle and experienced driver is not recommended, especially in winter, but it’s easy to connect with a guide or tour company to fly or drive you to the Arctic Circle and beyond. Hike the snow-covered tundra, discover the treeless Arctic plain, cross the mighty Yukon River and spot a caribou, muskox or Arctic fox. Take a northern lights tour and scan the Arctic sky for aurora borealis. Don’t Miss It!
Celebrate the start of the holiday season in December at the annual North Pole Winter Festival with fireworks, candle- and treelighting ceremonies and the crowning of the North Pole King and Queen. Don’t Miss It! 14 A short 20-minute drive from Fairbanks will lead you to North Pole, Alaska,“where the spirit of Christmas lives year-round.” A visit to this charming town will leave you filled with holiday cheer on any day of the year. Take a drive along Santa Claus Lane, St Nicholas Drive or Snowman Lane to admire streetlights decorated as candy canes, holiday twinkle light displays and buildings painted with Christmas colors and motifs. Double check who’s on your list and browse holiday-inspired gifts for the naughty and nice at the Santa Claus House. Embrace the season with a charming letter from Santa to friends and family back home with an authentic North Pole postmark. Visit Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and the other reindeer and have your picture taken with Santa. the spirit of CHRISTMAS
15 When it comes time to warm up, don’t worry, there is still plenty happening indoors to keep you engaged. Exciting indoor activities take place throughout the winter months, including cultural programs, performance arts and sporting events. Browse local galleries and shops for authentic Alaska Native and madein-Alaska gifts created by Fairbanks artisans. Museums tell fascinating stories of our pioneer past, antique automobiles and aviation history, the raucous pipeline days and thousands of years of cultural heritage and natural history. Fairbanks loves food and variety is the spice of life. We have the flair and flavor you crave with Mediterranean, Korean, award-winning BBQ, sourdough bakeries and so much more. Loads of restaurants, winterized food trucks and coffee huts can be found all around town, not to mention 20+ Thai food eateries! But fear not, if it’s classic Alaskan fair you’re looking for, salmon, king crab and reindeer sausage are easy to find. Local breweries craft great beer and distilleries here use produce harvested in Alaska to create their fine spirits. Sample these on-site or at many restaurants, bars and tap houses in the area. chill out INSIDE
16 Rich with indigenous culture, Fairbanks honors Alaska Native people and their heritage. The Athabascan Indians of Interior Alaska were traditionally nomadic, living a subsistence lifestyle of fishing, hunting and trapping. Likewise, the Inupiaq Inuit of the Arctic lived on the land and sea of northwest Alaska with its oft extreme climate. Many of these traditions live on today, supplemented by modern conveniences, offering us a link to the past and a bridge to the future. Dancing, drumming and storytelling express the renowned legacy of Alaska’s indigenous cultures and handmade crafts exhibit the skill it took to survive in Alaska’s rugged wilderness. Expertly sewn and beaded moose hide clothing can be seen on display and for sale, as well as delicate ivory and bone carvings, dolls, masks, and spruce root and grass baskets. In November, dance along to the music at the lively Athabascan Fiddlers Festival. In March, the Festival of Native Arts showcases dance, music and dress from Alaska Native cultures around the state. Don’t Miss It! a rich tapestry of ALASKA NATIVE CULTURE
17 Morris Thompson CULTURAL and VISITORS CENTER Open Daily 101 Dunkel Street in Downtown Fairbanks 8am – 5pm October through April Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day Open hours and days are subject to change. An excellent first stop after your arrival in Fairbanks, the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center is both beautiful and informative, serving as the regional visitor facility with brochures, maps and friendly, knowledgeable staff with answers to all your questions. Free to roam, the center also features 9,000 square feet of exhibits that act as a portal into life in the Far North, with outstanding displays and dioramas about Interior Alaska’s people, wildlife, landscapes and seasons. You’ll also find Alaska Native cultural programs, an outdoor excursion trip planning area and an Alaska Geographic store. Explore the grounds and find colorful Athabascan flower mosaics and an antler arch. Take a peek inside a classic 100-year-old log cabin for a vision of what life was like for Alaska’s gold rush era pioneers. The center is home to Explore Fairbanks, Alaska Public Lands Information Center, Alaska Geographic Store, Denakkanaaga and Tanana Chiefs Conference Cultural Programs.
Arts & Entertainment Arctic Circle Tours Attractions Aurora Tours City Tours Clothing/Gear Rental Cross-Country Skiing Downhill Skiing Dog Mushing Event Flightseeing Hot Springs Ice Fishing Ice Sculpting Ice Skating Alaska Native Culture Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Curling Tickets & Tours Fairbanks 1st Alaska Tours www.1stalaskatours.com 2240 Hanson Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 590-5900 info@1stalaskatours.com 2 Street Gallery, LLC www.2streetgallery.com 535 2nd Ave, Ste 102 Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 455-4070 2stgallery@gmail.com A Taste of Alaska Lodge www.atasteofalaska.com Mile 5.3 Chena Hot Springs Rd Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 488-7855 kory@atasteofalaskalodge.com A&P Tours, Inc. www.ap-tours.co.jp 410 K St, Anchorage, AK 99501 (907) 272-9401 aptours@acsalaska.net 18 www.explorefairbanks.com Exciting tours of Fairbanks year-round. Arctic Circle, hot springs, aurora, dog sledding tours and more! A fine art gallery with gifts by local Alaskan artists; always an artist on duty to answer your questions. A Taste of Alaska Lodge is 15 minutes from downtown Fairbanks and has aurora viewing for overnight guests. Offering aurora viewing with or without transfer and many other activities from August-May. Rent winter gear. Discover all the fun winter activities, attractions and tours that Fairbanks has to offer. Snuggle sled dogs or go for a ride in the basket. Spend a magical night under the northern lights or soaking in a hot spring. Take a tour above the Arctic Circle or snowshoe the Denali wilderness. Whatever it may be, find your favorite activities here and start planning your winter visit today. where to find WINTER FUN
Airlink Shuttle & Tours www.airlinkalaska.com 1213 Dolphin Way Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 452-3337 Toll Free: (855) 454-8094 jeff@airlinkalaska.com Alaska Aurora Adventures www.alaskaauroraadventures.com (907) 590-3229 alaskaauroraadventures@gmail.com Alaska Dog Mushers Association, Inc. www.alaskadogmushers.com Jeff Studdert Race Grounds 925 Farmers Loop Rd (Mile 4) Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 460-6874 info@alaskadogmushers.com Alaska Element www.alaskaelement.com (907) 987-6335 martha@alaskaelement.com Alaska Fishing and Raft Adventures www.akrivertours.com 525 Halvorson Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709 Toll Free: (800) 819-0737 info@akrivertours.com Alaska Railroad www.alaskarailroad.com 1031 Alaska Railroad Depot Rd Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 265-2494 Toll Free: (800) 544-0552 reservations@akrr.com Alaska Safari Sultan Tours www.alaskaauroraviewing.com 45 Trinidad Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 378-9680 tekesman@gmail.com Alaska Skylar Travel LLC www.skylartravel.com (907) 274-8884 reservation@skylartravel.com Alaska Wilderness Adventures LLC www.akwildernessadventures.com 1533 Old Murphy Dome Rd Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 987-8007 t.kohnert.awa@gmail.com 19 Arts & Entertainment Arctic Circle Tours Attractions Aurora Tours City Tours Clothing/Gear Rental Cross-Country Skiing Downhill Skiing Dog Mushing Event Flightseeing Hot Springs Ice Fishing Ice Sculpting Ice Skating Alaska Native Culture Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Curling Tickets & Tours Accessible as defined by individual businesses Clothing/Gear Provided Statewide charter/tours. Local area shuttle. Quality and dependable; affordable price. Est. 1992. Aurora viewing lodge, Arctic Circle, wildlife tours, cabins, dog mushing and private tours. Hotel transfers. Open North American Sled Dog Race. The oldest and longest consecutively run sprint sled dog race in the world. Gear up and get out with premium outerwear rentals for your Alaska adventure. Offering parka, boots and bibs. Ice fishing & aurora viewing in heated cabins; snowmobile and wilderness dog mushing. Hotel pick up. Experience Alaska in winter from the comfort of a warm railcar. Complete travel packages available. Specializing in 1-day northern lights Arctic Circle adventures. Fluent in Chinese and Japanese. Need Mandarin narrated tours? Contact the best Chinese tour operator for your winter and summer travel needs! Sled dog tours in the Golden Heart of Alaska—Fairbanks. Drive your own sled dog team and learn to mush.
Alaska Wilderness Enterprises, LLC www.wildernessenterprises.com 7445 Chena Hot Springs Rd Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 488-7517 wildernessenterprises@gmail.com Alaska-Wildlife-Guide www.alaska-wildlife-guide.com PO Box 55345, North Pole, AK 99705 (907) 712-4529 info@alaska-wildlife-guide.com Arctic Dog Adventure Co. www.arcticdogco.com 2270 Hattie Creek Rd Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 841-4694 hello@arcticdogco.com Arctic Travelers Gift Shop 201 Cushman St, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 456-7080 angelika.krinner1@gmail.com Aufeis Eatery & Tavern + Aurora Viewing www.douglasfirmushing.com/tours 4660 Spinach Creek Rd Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 388-6908 aufeislodge@gmail.com Aurora Borealis Lodge www.auroracabin.com Cleary Summit, Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 389-2812 info@auroracabin.com Aurora Husky Lodge www.aurorahuskylodge.com 9605 Parks Hwy, Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 631-8375 aurorahuskylodge@gmail.com Aurora in Alaska www.aurorainak.com PO Box 82119, Fairbanks, AK 99708 (907) 750-5550 book@aurorainak.com Aurora Pointe www.aurorapointe.net 570 Funk Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 880-3314 info@aurorapointe.net Aurora Quest www.akauroraquest.com (907) 441-2080 ultimate83@live.com 20 Arts & Entertainment Arctic Circle Tours Attractions Aurora Tours City Tours Clothing/Gear Rental Cross-Country Skiing Downhill Skiing Dog Mushing Event Flightseeing Hot Springs Ice Fishing Ice Sculpting Ice Skating Alaska Native Culture Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Curling Tickets & Tours Clothing/Gear Provided Drive your own team of Siberian Huskies on trips from 2 hours to 7 days. The most complete gift shop in the Interior. Aurora-related gifts, ivory, t-shirts, jewelry. Join us for an evening of aurora viewing from our cozy Alaskan log lodge. Tour includes food and drinks. View the aurora from a handmade log lodge located atop Cleary Summit. Please check our website for openings. Welcome to Aurora Husky Lodge. Come and join us in our warm lodge to await the northern lights. Northern lights experts. Travel in comfort in our Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van. Photography, dinner included. Aurora viewing 15 minutes from downtown! We are a modern facility and the premier location for aurora viewing. Aurora viewing and custom winter tours with longtime AK guides; Chena Hot Springs, Fairbanks, Denali Park. Accessible as defined by individual businesses www.explorefairbanks.com Top rated adventures! Snowmobiling, aurora viewing, Arctic Circle tour, Chena Hot Springs and dog sledding. Experience the real Alaska. Providing heated ice house fishing and snowmobile rides since 1979. Book today!
21 Arts & Entertainment Arctic Circle Tours Attractions Aurora Tours City Tours Clothing/Gear Rental Cross-Country Skiing Downhill Skiing Dog Mushing Event Flightseeing Hot Springs Ice Fishing Ice Sculpting Ice Skating Alaska Native Culture Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Curling Tickets & Tours Aurora Villa www.akauroravilla.com 1110 John Kalinas Rd Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 616-1661 auroravilla2019@gmail.com Birch Hill Recreation Area and Cross Country Ski Center www.fnsb.gov/parks 101 Wilderness Dr Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 457-4488 parks@fnsb.gov Black Spruce Dog Sledding www.blacksprucedogsledding.com (907) 371-3647 blacksprucedogsledding@gmail.com Borealis Basecamp, LLC www.borealisbasecamp.net 2640 Himalaya Rd Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 885-2845 info@borealisbasecamp.net Chena Hot Springs Resort www.chenahotsprings.com 17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 451-8104 frontdesk@chenahotsprings.com Chena Outdoor Collective www.chenaoutdoorco.com 7435 Chena Hot Springs Rd Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 799-4420 chenaoutdoorco@gmail.com 5-star luxury hotel in Fairbanks with tour packages for Arctic Circle, dog mushing, city tour and more. 40 km of trails, ski chalet with beautiful view of the stadium, dressing and waxing rooms available. Scenic, interactive mushing tours with happy, friendly dogs. Hook up the team and try driving the dog sled! North America’s only clear ceiling igloos for aurora viewing. Full-service restaurant. Immersive experiences. 80 rooms, restaurant and bar, aurora viewing, hot springs, year-round ice museum, summer & winter activities. Interactive reindeer tours, dog sled rides and multi-day mushing expeditions.
22 Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge www.friendsofcreamersfield.org Farmhouse Visitors Center 1300 College Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 978-8457 director@friendsofcreamersfield.org Douglas Fir Mushing www.douglasfirmushing.com/tours (907) 388-0477 douglasfirmushing@yahoo.com Fairbanks Arts Association www.fairbanksarts.org AK Centennial Center for the Arts Pioneer Park, 2300 Airport Way Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 251-8386 info@fairbanksarts.org Fairbanks Aurora Tours www.fairbanksauroratours.com (907) 978-1766 info@fairbanksauroratours.com Fairbanks Children’s Museum www.fairbankschildrensmuseum.com 302 Cushman St, Ste 101 Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 374-7060 info@fairbankschildrensmuseum.com Arts & Entertainment Arctic Circle Tours Attractions Aurora Tours City Tours Clothing/Gear Rental Cross-Country Skiing Downhill Skiing Dog Mushing Event Flightseeing Hot Springs Ice Fishing Ice Sculpting Ice Skating Alaska Native Culture Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Curling Tickets & Tours Family-friendly, interactive exhibits & programs, perfect for children ages 1-8. Downtown Fairbanks. www.explorefairbanks.com Snap a selfie with sled dogs or reindeer, under the northern lights or in front of the most magical winter scene and show us! Connect with us on social media and share your trip of a lifetime to Fairbanks using #explorefairbanks. Maybe you’ll see your photo featured here next year! share your ADVENTURES Visitor Center: Mon-Fri, 9-5; Sat, 12-4. Groomed multi-use trails. See our website for full program schedule. Aurora chasing tours with free hotel pick up/drop off in the core Fairbanks area. Aurora portraits available. Offering thrilling and scenic dog sled tours as well as aurora viewing from our cozy and comfortable lodge. Promoting contemporary & traditional arts: art exhibitions, literary events, performances & more.
23 Fairbanks Community Museum www.facebook.com/ fairbankscommunitymuseum 535 2nd Ave, Ste 215 Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 457-3669 fcmdogs@gmail.com Fairbanks Curling Club, Inc. www.curlfairbanks.org 1962 2nd Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 452-CURL manager@curlfairbanks.org Fairbanks Pioneer Museum & Big Stampede Show www.pioneersofalaskafairbanks.org/ pioneer-museum Pioneer Park, 2300 Airport Way, Bldg 1 Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 456-8579 info@fairbankspioneermuseum.com Fairbanks Trails and Rivers Tour Company, LLC www.fbkstrailsandrivers.com (907) 750-5179 trailsnrivers@gmail.com Firewalker Alaskan Malamutes www.firewalkerkennel.com 1983 Tunnels Rd North Pole, AK 99705 (907) 378-3260 The Folk School www.folk.school Pioneer Park, Cabin 66 2300 Airport Way Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 457-1219 operations@folk.school Fountainhead Antique Auto & Transportation Museum www.fountainheadmuseum.com (907) 450-2100 faam@fountainheadhotels.com The Goat Project Kennel, Home of Noble Paws www.noblepaws.org (907) 209-9185 Gondwana Ecotours www.gondwanaecotours.com/ alaska-tour Toll Free: (877) 587-8479 info@gondwanaecotours.com Arts & Entertainment Arctic Circle Tours Attractions Aurora Tours City Tours Clothing/Gear Rental Cross-Country Skiing Downhill Skiing Dog Mushing Event Flightseeing Hot Springs Ice Fishing Ice Sculpting Ice Skating Alaska Native Culture Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Curling Tickets & Tours Clothing/Gear Provided Free to visit exhibits on dog mushing, aurora, 1967 flood, winter, mining, early Fairbanks. Monthly art show. Nightly league play, various spiels, International Bonspiel. Heated spectator gallery. See website for dates. Museum features early Fairbanks settlement, growth and mining dioramas. Sept-May open by appointment only. Glacier tours & snowshoe winter trails! Aurora tours and dog mushing shuttle! Family/small group friendly! Our kennel is a no-chain facility of purebred Malamutes living together in a social pack. Book tours today! The Folk School offers all-age classes: traditional crafts, woodworking, outdoor skills, and arts & sciences. Don’t miss this top-rated gem! Vintage cars & fashion—relocating winter 2025 to include historic Alaskan aviation! Learn to mush with The Goat Project, home of Noble Paws. Let our team of sled dogs teach you how to mush. Local culture, aurora viewing, reindeer ranch, dog sledding, curling, hot springs, photography and more. Accessible as defined by individual businesses
24 GOOD Cannabis www.goodalaska.com 356 Old Steese Hwy Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 452-5463 greg@goodalaska.com The Great Alaskan Bowl Company www.woodbowl.com 4630 Old Airport Way Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 474-9663 info@woodbowl.com Greatland Adventures www.greatlandadventures.com Call for directions (907) 980-8179 info@greatlandadventures.com Ice Alaska www.icealaska.com Tanana Valley Fairgrounds 1800 College Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 888-3393 Toll Free: (833) 442-3278 info@icealaska.com Interior Tours & Taxi www.ittalaska.com 2820 Sarty Ln, Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 750-1322 intaktaxi@gmail.com Last Frontier Mushing Co-Op www.themushingcoop.com (907) 388-7666 themushingcoop@gmail.com Latitude 65 Brewing Company www.lat65brewing.com 150 Eagle Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 328-7748 info@lat65brewing.com Lichen www.shoplichenliving.com 301 Cushman St, Fairbanks, AK 99701 Midnight Sun Golf Course www.midnightsungolfak.com 330 Golf Club Dr, Fairbanks,AK 99712 (907) 415-1264 midnight@nfhak.org Moose Mountain Ski Area www.shredthemoose.com 3450 Moose Mountain Rd Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 459-8132 shredthemoose@gmail.com Arts & Entertainment Arctic Circle Tours Attractions Aurora Tours City Tours Clothing/Gear Rental Cross-Country Skiing Downhill Skiing Dog Mushing Event Flightseeing Hot Springs Ice Fishing Ice Sculpting Ice Skating Alaska Native Culture Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Curling Tickets & Tours Clothing/Gear Provided Join us on a private 1.5-hour mushing experience along the historic Yukon Quest trail! Elevating the standards of beer and cider in the Interior of Alaska. Open M-W 12-9pm, Th-Sat 12-10pm, Sun 12-8pm. Alaskan gifts + homewares curated for intentional living. Offering art workshops and pop-ups all winter long! Enjoy our Rip & Chip experience—1hour trail ride followed by an hour in our golf simulator. Open mid-November to end of March, Fri-Sun. 40 runs. Ski and snowboard equipment rentals available. Snacks. Accessible as defined by individual businesses www.explorefairbanks.com 2026 World Ice Art Championships— check Facebook for updates. Local tour operator making dreams come to life in Alaska’s Interior! 24-hr taxi service throughout Fairbanks! Providing premium brands and products for cannabis enthusiasts. Alaskan birch bowls, steins, home goods & gourmet food. Open 7 days a week, year-round. Shipping available. Photos, portraits, hot beverages and snacks included. Personalized forecast service—know before you go!
25 Northern Alaska Tour Company www.northernalaska.com PO Box 82991, Fairbanks, AK 99708 (907) 474-8600 Toll Free: (800) 474-1986 adventure@northernalaska.com Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service www.rodsalaskanguideservice.com Serving North Pole and Fairbanks (907) 378-1851 rod@rodsalaskanguideservice.com Running Reindeer Ranch www.runningreindeer.com 1470 Ivans Alley, Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 455-4998 info@runningreindeer.com Salmon Berry Travel & Tours www.salmonberrytours.com 515 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501 (907) 278-3572 marketing@salmonberrytours.com Santa Claus House www.santaclaushouse.com 101 St. Nicholas Dr North Pole, AK 99705 (907) 488-2200 Toll Free: (800) 588-4078 info@santaclaushouse.com Sirius Sled Dogs Rescue www.siriussleddogsrescue.com PO Box 440, Ester, AK 99725 (907) 687-6656 ssdrescue@gmail.com Arts & Entertainment Arctic Circle Tours Attractions Aurora Tours City Tours Clothing/Gear Rental Cross-Country Skiing Downhill Skiing Dog Mushing Event Flightseeing Hot Springs Ice Fishing Ice Sculpting Ice Skating Alaska Native Culture Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Curling Tickets & Tours Winter in Alaska’s Arctic! Arctic Circle, aurora, Coldfoot and Denali. One-day & overnight adventures. Guided snowmobile, dog sledding, ice fishing, aurora viewing adventures. Clothing incl. Fish in heated cabins. Walk with reindeer, up close and personal, in this unique, intimate, birch forest natural history experience. Voted ‘Best of Alaska’ for winter and summer tours - aurora borealis, dog sledding, glaciers, wildlife & more! Most unique theme shop with Christmas gifts, toys, apparel & sweets. Home of the Original Letter from Santa! Sirius Sled Dog Rescue is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit—sled dogs, mushing & aurora viewing at our Alaskan home.
26 Ski Land www.skilandfairbanks.com 2315 Skiland Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 389-2314 info@skiland.org Sophie Station Suites, Fountainhead Hotels www.sophiestationsuites.com 1717 University Ave Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 456-3642 Toll Free: (800) 528-4916 askus@fountainheadhotels.com Trail Breaker Kennel www.trailbreakerkennel.com (907) 347-7274 tours@trailbreakerkennel.com Trax Outdoor Center www.traxoutdoorcenter.com 314 Birch Hill Rd, Fairbanks,AK 99712 (907) 374-9600 hajduke@mac.com University of Alaska Museum of the North www.uaf.edu/museum 1962 Yukon Dr, UAF Campus Fairbanks, AK 99775 (907) 474-7505 ua-museum@alaska.edu Wedgewood Resort, Fountainhead Hotels www.wedgewoodresortalaska.com 212 Wedgewood Dr Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 452-1442 Toll Free: (800) 528-4916 askus@fountainheadhotels.com Arts & Entertainment Arctic Circle Tours Attractions Aurora Tours City Tours Clothing/Gear Rental Cross-Country Skiing Downhill Skiing Dog Mushing Event Flightseeing Hot Springs Ice Fishing Ice Sculpting Ice Skating Alaska Native Culture Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Curling Tickets & Tours Convenient, all-suite hotel with full kitchens & northern lights wake-up service. On-site bar & restaurant. Conveniently located historic kennel offering once in a lifetime dog sled rides, aurora tours & custom tours! XC skis and snowshoe rentals! Skiing lessons available. We also sell new/ used equipment. Exhibits about Alaska Native cultures, wildlife, the aurora, Alaska history, Arctic dinosaurs. Museum store. Condo-style suites, home to the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, nature trails, XC skiing and aurora viewing. Alpine skiing, snowboarding and aurora viewing. Fridays through Mondays, December through mid-April.
27 Clothing/Gear Provided Native Alaskan knitted items. Patterns from traditional aspects of village life & Alaska Native culture. Denali’s winter visitor center with educational films and displays. Borrow snowshoes to take on the trails. Authentic timber frame lodge offers quiet luxury. Road-accessible destination w/wildlife & views of AK Range. Private aurora photography tours & winter snowshoeing adventures to Fairbanks’ nearest glaciers. Experience Alaska’s Arctic and the Brooks Mountains. We are located under the Auroral Oval—prime location. Aurora tours, Arctic adventures, Alaska Railroad & hotel reservations. Japanese-speaking staff available. Explore Fairbanks has made every effort to provide accurate listings but does not guarantee the accuracy of the listings presented and is not responsible for changes, omissions or errors. Requests for more detailed information should be made to the company in the listing. Business listings are as of 6/25. Explore Fairbanks is not responsible for the quality of goods or services provided by firms or organizations listed in the 2025-2026 Winter Guide nor does it make any endorsement, representation or warranty for any listing. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Explore Fairbanks. Explore Fairbanks retains right of refusal on any advertisement submitted. Accessible as defined by individual businesses www.explorefairbanks.com Denali Murie Science and Learning Center Mile 1.4 Denali Park Rd Denali, AK 99755 (907) 683-9532 denali_info@nps.gov Interior The Lodge at Black Rapids www.lodgeatblackrapids.com 227.4 Richardson Hwy Delta Junction, AK 99737 (907) 388-8391 thelodgeatblackrapids@gmail.com Steven Miley Photography www.stevenmileyphotography.com PO Box 1653, Delta Junction, AK 99737 (907) 888-4850 steven@stevenmileyphotography.com Arctic Coldfoot Camp www.coldfootcamp.com Mile 175 Dalton Hwy Coldfoot, AK 99709 (907) 474-3500 Toll Free: (866) 474-3400 coldfoot@coldfootcamp.com Alaskan HAI Shirokuma Tours, LLC www.haishirokuma.com 410 Denali St, Anchorage, AK 99501 (907) 258-4690 hai4690@haishirokuma.com Oomingmak Musk Ox Producers’ Co-Op www.qiviut.com 604 H St, Anchorage, AK 99501 (907) 272-9225 Toll Free: (888) 360-9665 oomingmak@qiviut.com Arts & Entertainment Arctic Circle Tours Attractions Aurora Tours City Tours Clothing/Gear Rental Cross-Country Skiing Downhill Skiing Dog Mushing Event Flightseeing Hot Springs Ice Fishing Ice Sculpting Ice Skating Alaska Native Culture Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Curling Tickets & Tours
28 Photos For More Information 1-800-327-5774 to request a free Visitors Guide (907) 456-5774 for personalized travel information www.explorefairbanks.com info@explorefairbanks.com Connect with Explore Fairbanks Cover: Kalyn Holl Photography/Chena Outdoor Co. Back Cover: Niaz Uddin @athabascan.adventures, 27 @kel_vin_klein, 22d @natyexplora/Nathaly Khoury, 22b @waterproject/Seth Willingham, 22a Alaska Fishing & Raft Adventures, 25b Amy J. Johnson Photography, 26 Brilliant Media Strategies, 15b Claus Cramer/Adobe Stock, 28 Danielle Fairbanks, 2, 14b, 15a Design Pics Inc/Alamy Stock Photo, 12 Ice Alaska, Arms Around the World, sculpted by Heather Brice, 10, 11a Julien Schroder/Yukon Quest, 8 Kelly Huibregtse, 15c Kristen Pearson, 15d Matt Hage, 16a, 29a Mickee McGuire/Explore Fairbanks, 17a, 21b Nathan Klok, 13a Niaz Uddin, 1, 4 Nickolas Warner, 21a Schame87/Adobe Stock, 29b Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks, 11c, 17b State of Alaska/Chris McLennan, 3b, 6, 9, 14a State of Alaska/Matt Hage, 3a, 13b Todd Paris/Explore Fairbanks, The Land Calls, sculpted by Oleg Klavdeev and Eduard Ponomarenko, 11b Travel Alaska/@rachandlaurexplore, 22c Travel Alaska/@theworldpursuit, 13c, 18 UAF/JR Ancheta, 16b Vincent Ledvina, 5 Yvette Cardozo/Alamy Stock Photo, 25a Letters indicate position of photos on individual pages from top to bottom, left to right. All photos are copyrighted by respective photographers. bask in the MIDNIGHT SUN Fairbanks’ northern clime offers not only outstanding aurora viewing and fun winter opportunities, but also amazing summers. Midnight Sun Season—April 22 through August 20—brings an extraordinary amount of golden sunlight to flood the sky. In fact, for seventy straight days, from May 17 until July 27, the sun never dips far enough below the horizon for the sky to ever get dark. Midnight sunsets seamlessly merge with sunrises and the everlasting light creates an irresistible, intangible energy. After you’ve been inspired by the light of the aurora borealis, come back during summer to explore the last frontier under the warm glow of the midnight sun! Pan for gold, float the Chena River, see vibrant and verdant gardens, go fishing, spot wildlife, play golf in the middle of the night, have dinner on a deck or go on a nature hike and bask in the midnight sun.
29 View or order the free year-round Visitors Guide at www.explorefairbanks.com/guide
101 Dunkel Street • Suite 111 Fairbanks, AK 99701-4806 1-800-327-5774 • (907) 456-5774 www.explorefairbanks.com
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