Fairbanks, Alaska isn’t your typical winter destination it’s a land of icy beauty, arctic adventures, and otherworldly natural phenomena. Known as one of the best places on earth to view the aurora borealis, Fairbanks transforms into a snowy playground during the coldest months. From chasing the Northern Lights to soaking in hot springs under starry skies, this interior Alaskan city is packed with unforgettable experiences. Here are 10 winter activities and natural wonders you must explore when visiting Fairbanks.
1. Chase the Northern Lights
Fairbanks is one of the top destinations in the world for viewing the magical aurora borealis, especially from late August to April. Thanks to its location under the auroral oval, clear nights frequently reveal waves of green, purple, and red light dancing across the sky. Many visitors head to Aurora Borealis Lodge or remote cabins for an unobstructed view, while others book guided tours that include photography tips and warm shelters. Watching the Northern Lights shimmer overhead is a bucket-list moment like no other.
2. Soak in Chena Hot Springs
There’s nothing quite like sinking into a steamy, natural hot spring while snowflakes fall around you. Just an hour outside Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs Resort offers a large outdoor mineral pool surrounded by snow-covered spruce trees and hills. The resort also features an indoor heated pool and an Aurora Ice Museum made entirely of ice and snow. Visitors often time their soaks with Northern Lights activity, creating the ultimate winter wellness and stargazing experience in the heart of Alaska.
3. Visit the Aurora Ice Museum
Located at Chena Hot Springs Resort, the Aurora Ice Museum is a captivating world of ice sculptures, crystal-clear ice chandeliers, and intricately carved furniture. Open year-round, this icy masterpiece is kept at 25°F and features a whimsical ice bar where guests can sip appletinis served in carved ice glasses. The museum is the work of world champion ice carvers and offers guided tours highlighting the art and science behind the creations. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience Fairbanks’ frosty artistry.
4. Take a Dog Sledding Adventure
Nothing says Alaskan winter adventure like a dog sledding tour. Fairbanks offers numerous opportunities to meet friendly huskies and race through snow-laden forests and frozen rivers. Visitors can choose between short rides or multi-hour mushing experiences, and some outfitters even offer lessons on driving your own sled. Along the way, you’ll learn about the history of dog mushing in Alaska and get an up-close look at the incredible bond between mushers and their dogs. It’s exhilarating, beautiful, and thoroughly unforgettable.
5. Explore the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center
Warm up indoors while learning about the culture, wildlife, and history of Interior Alaska at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. This beautifully curated museum features interactive exhibits on Native Alaskan traditions, local flora and fauna, and the seasonal rhythms of life in Fairbanks. Free to the public, the center also hosts storytelling sessions, artisan markets, and cultural demonstrations throughout the winter months. It’s an excellent place to deepen your understanding of Alaska while escaping the chill.
6. Go Ice Fishing on a Frozen Lake
For a classic Alaskan experience, try your hand at ice fishing on one of Fairbanks’ many frozen lakes. Local outfitters provide heated ice huts, fishing gear, and expert instruction for catching Arctic char, trout, and burbot through thick ice. It’s a surprisingly relaxing pastime, with the crisp air, snow-covered forests, and occasional glimpses of wildlife creating a tranquil winter setting. Some guided experiences even offer the chance to enjoy fresh-cooked fish over a fire right on the ice.
7. Discover the World Ice Art Championships
Each March, Fairbanks hosts the spectacular World Ice Art Championships, one of the largest ice sculpting events in the world. Artists from across the globe gather to transform huge blocks of crystal-clear ice into towering masterpieces, intricate carvings, and whimsical frozen playgrounds. Visitors can stroll through the Ice Park, marvel at multicolored illuminated sculptures, and watch live carving competitions. It’s a dazzling, family-friendly event that captures the magic and artistry of winter in Fairbanks.
8. Experience the Winter Solstice Festival
Winter solstice in Fairbanks is a big deal after all, it marks the return of longer daylight hours in one of the darkest times of the year. Celebrated around December 21st, the Winter Solstice Festival features outdoor light displays, fireworks, bonfires, and local markets selling handmade gifts and Alaskan delicacies. The community comes together to celebrate under the night sky, often with aurora borealis shows and carolers adding to the cozy, festive atmosphere.
9. Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing Trails
Fairbanks is crisscrossed with miles of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, perfect for embracing Alaska’s wild winter landscapes at your own pace. Popular trail systems include Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, Birch Hill Recreation Area, and UAF Ski Trails. Groomed paths lead through snow-dusted birch and spruce forests, frozen wetlands, and serene open fields. Equipment rentals are widely available, and guided tours offer beginner-friendly instruction and a chance to learn about local ecology while gliding across the snow.
10. Visit Pioneer Park in Winter
While best known as a summer attraction, Pioneer Park transforms into a winter wonderland in the colder months. The park’s historical cabins and vintage Gold Rush-era buildings look especially charming when dusted with snow. During special winter events like the Christmas in Ice festival, the park features ice slides, light displays, and seasonal festivities. It’s a lovely place to take a leisurely stroll, snap some snowy photos, and soak in Fairbanks’ quirky, small-town charm.
Leave A Comment