People fill the Alaskan planes during the summer when it is actually the best time to visit. But after people leave the state, Alaskans prepare for the cold and dark winter days. That doesn’t mean, however, that they don’t know how to have fun as Alaskans have winter-themed activities prepared all-year-round. With its snowy landscapes and world-class skiing opportunities, you never have to worry about the lack of winter activities in Alaska. And more than that, this might be the best time to see the state as it has a relatively low number of Covid-19 cases. It also doesn’t require visitors to quarantine as long as they can show proof of a recent qualifying negative Covid-19 test.
Snowy Landscapes
The temperature in Alaska is changing because of global warming but for now, the winters still look like a scene from Disney’s Frozen. In winters, you will see snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes and riverbanks, and pine trees covered with snow crystals. It’s a sight to behold. You can finally fill your Instagram page with winter wonderland photos.
Skiing
You’d think that because of the cold temperature, Alaskans would stay inside their homes and sip a mug of hot cocoa. They’re actually known to love outdoor sports. Thanks to their natural ski slopes, you’ll have plenty of options for skiing, snowboarding, tubing, cross-country skiing, and scuba diving. One of the best things to do, of course, is to try your hands on the beginner slopes. Skiing is almost a national sport in Alaska. That and the ski towns will make your trip to this state unforgettable.
Fishing
Alaskan fish don’t hibernate during winter. In fact, they are well and active. Salmon fishing trips in Alaska are one of the most popular activities. You can go on one for less than $300 per trip. Alaska is known for its salmon. There are five varieties that you can find in the state, although King Salmon is the most active in winter. Don’t forget that you need a license to go fishing in Alaska. Some tour packages already included the fishing license, so check that before you go.
Slow Pace
Cruise ships land on Sitka, Fairbanks, Juneau, Anchorage, and Seward during the summer, bringing in people from all over the country. That makes Alaska quite a bit crowded. If you want to avoid the crowds, winter is your best bet to see the state. You can enjoy a slower pace of life and marvel at the sceneries without a crowd of people pushing you.
Northern Lights
You do not have to travel to Norway or Finland to see the aurora borealis or the northern lights. You can see it from Anchorage, too. It’s more budget-friendly to see it from Anchorage and the show is massive. The best way to see the lights is to book a tour. You should check the forecast before you book the trip, though, since you wouldn’t want to waste your time gazing at the sky if there are no light shows. But even if you do, what’s so wrong about gazing at the night sky? You’ll feel a sense of calm wash over you.
National Parks
Alaska has three popular National Parks—the Denali National Park, the Fjords National Park, and the Glacier Bay National Park. You can see some wildlife during the winter, though many of them hibernate. In case you didn’t get to see them, there’s always the snow-filled beaches and glaciers to wow you. And if you have a couple of days to spare, you can even rent a cabin to experience the remote winter lifestyle in Alaska.
Hot Springs
There’s nothing like dipping your body in the hot springs when it’s -60 degrees. You can soak in the natural hot springs which have a temperature of 106 degrees all-year-round. There’s also an indoor hot pool that’s heated to about 90 degrees. You may want to stay in a hotel that offers hot springs amenities so you can enjoy this every night.
Alaskan Railroad
The Alaskan Railroad can take you to the more remote places up north. It also has a nostalgic feel to it because the railroad isn’t the same modern one you see in the city. The train connects Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Fairbanks during the winter. It runs usually on weekends and select mid-week dates, so check the schedule before you go.
Alaska isn’t usually on top of your travel bucket list. You should put it right in your top five. Who knows when the state will feel the impact of global warming? Those snow-capped mountains may never look the same again, so head on over there the moment you can and marvel at what an amazing place it is.
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