canada yukon dawson city northern lights voyage o-nord

Alaska Winterland

REGION
Alaska
THEME
Self drive tour, Stay, Visit
ACTIVITIES
Aurora borealis, Cross country skiing, Dogsledding, Snowshoes
DURATION
9 days
DIFFICULTY
Very easy

Enjoy Alaska’s most popular winter outdoor activities in two different resorts and view spectacular winter scenery aboard the Alaska Railroad.

At Alyeska Resort, just 40 miles south of Anchorage, you can enjoy great downhill or cross-country skiing, snowshoe through forests or relax in the resort’s fitness center and spa.

Then board the Alaska Railroad to travel through central Alaska to Fairbanks where accommodation at another of Alaska’s biggest names, Chena Hot Springs Resort is reserved. With natural hot springs, hot tubs and warm indoor swimming pool, this resort offers a fabulous, relaxing environment.

Aurora Borealis / Northern Lights viewing during clear winter nights is brilliant. At Chena, outdoor activities include: cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, guided snow mobile tours and sled dog rides.

Detailed program

DAY 1: ANCHORAGE ARRIVAL

Arrival in Anchorage and hotel transfer on own. Overnight Comfort Inn or similar.

DAY 2: ANCHORAGE TO GIRDWOOD (68 km)

This morning pick up rental car and drive the picturesque highway along Turnagain Arm to Girdwood. Once at The Hotel Alyeska explore the area and enjoy one of the exciting outdoor winter sports (snow conditions permitting). In the evening relax in the whirlpool or go swimming. Overnight The Hotel Alyeska.

DAY 3: ALYESKA RESORT

Today free day in Girdwood for more winter activities. In the evening have dinner at the Seven Glaciers Restaurant which sits on the mountain above the hotel and can be reached by the tram (not included). Overnight The Hotel Alyeska.

DAY 4: ALYESKA RESORT – ANCHORAGE (68 km)

Relax this morning. Later today, drive back to Anchorage and return your rental car Overnight Comfort Inn or similar.

DAY 5: ANCHORAGE – FAIRBANKS

Transfer to Anchorage train station on own this morning. Board the famous Alaska Railroad and travel through a stunning and memorable winter landscape to Fairbanks. Spectacular views of Alaska Range and Denali (weather permitting). Evening arrival, transfer to hotel by hotel shuttle. Overnight Springhill Suites or similar.

DAY 6: FAIRBANKS – CHENA HOT SPRINGS

Mid-day transfer from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs Resort (approx. 1-hour travel time). After checking in, explore the resort and soak in the hot springs. Chena Hot Springs is geographically well positioned for good aurora borealis / Northern Lights viewing. This evening enjoy a 4-5 hour Aurora Viewing Expedition Tour. You will travel in a tracked, military style Small Unit Support Vehicle (can operate on all types of terrain, with or without snow) up to the top of the hill to see the Northern Lights (weather permitting). Here you have a 360° unobstructed view (heated yurt and outhouses available). Overnight Chena Hot Springs Resort.

DAY 7: CHENA HOT SPRINGS

Today enjoy one of the many outdoor activities the resort has tooffer: guided snowmobile and dog sled rides, snow coach tours, ice skating and snowshoeing. (optional activities / NOT included, snow conditions permitting) Overnight Chena Hot Springs Resort.

DAY 8: CHENA HOT SPRINGS – FAIRBANKS – ANCHORAGE

Depending on your flight departure time from Fairbanks you may decide to take a dip in the hot pools. Transfer from resort to Fairbanks Airport. Flight Fairbanks to Anchorage. Overnight Comfort Inn or similar.

DAY 9: ANCHORAGE – DEPARTURE

Transfer to airport on own and depart or start additional program.

Travel periods

Departures from 01/12/2023 to 31/03/2024

Prices

From 2,600€
Ask for a quote

Pricing information

OUR PRICE INCLUDE:

  • 8 nights’ accommodation as specified (standard room category) or similar
  • 3-day midsize rental car incl. unlimited miles, LDW **
  • Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Fairbanks
  • Roundtrip transfers Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs
  • 4 to 5-hour Aurora Viewing Expedition Tour
  • Alaska Airlines Flight Fairbanks to Anchorage (coach)
  • Travel Documentation (via e-mail only)
  • All taxes

OUR PRICE DON’T INCLUDE:

  • International flights
  • Meals
  • Optional excursions
  • Transfers in Anchorage & Fairbanks (hotel shuttle might be available)
  • Ski lift ticket in Girdwood

Good to know

IMPORTANT

1) Winter weather conditions in Alaska vary. Throughout the wintertime, we experience warmer weather periods with little or no snow on the ground!

2) Alaska Railroad train journey takes place in standard rail car seating; dome rail car seating (GoldStar) is not available during the wintertime!

Car rental upgrade SURCHARGE

to Fullsize Car: USD XX total

to SUV **: USD XXX total

** For inexperienced winter drivers, a SUV vehicle is highly recommended!

Or for clients who do not want to drive at all, we can offer private transfers between Anchorage – Girdwood – Anchorage: SURCHARGE: USD XXX total

This is a straight roundtrip private transfer; no touring and vehicle/driver will not be at client’s disposal while in Girdwood.

Formalities and Health

As with any trip to the United States, a passport is essential. To be eligible for the visa waiver program, the passport must be a biometric (or electronic) passport, or an optical machine-readable passport for passports issued before October 26, 2005. The stay should not exceed 90 days, and a round-trip ticket is mandatory. You will also need to fill out the ESTA form online at least 72 hours before departure and pay the associated $21 fee. Be sure not to overlook filling out the forms provided by the flight attendants on the plane, as they are necessary for a smooth exit from the country.