Experiencing Alaska during the winter months is a truly unforgettable experience. The state is covered with a thick blanket of snow that invites you to snowmobiling, x-country skiing, dog sledding and northern lights (Aurora Borealis) observation. Travel along Turnagain Arm with the scenic snowcapped Kenai Mountains in the background, ski and relax at the world-class resort of Alyeska - Alaska’s largest Ski Area and enjoy a guided snowmobile or sled dog tour from Talkeetna in the shadows of Mt.McKinley. The tour concludes at Chena Hot Springs with its mineral pools and renowned Northern Lights observation possibilities.

Anchorage

Superor or First Class Hotels / Lodges

Departure Day

Daily

Total Driving Distance

Anchorage - Alyeska Ski Resort
Arrival in Anchorage. Pick up your 4x4 rental car and drive along the Turnagain Arm with panoramic views of the Chugach and Kenai Mountains. At the Beluga Viewpoint you have a excellent chance to spot Dall Sheep, Mountain Goats or Moose. Stay at Alaska's only four Diamond Resort Hotel nestled at the base of the Alyeska Mountain. Overnight: Alyeska Resort

Girdwood / Alyeska Ski Resort
The Alyeska Ski Resort is remarkably the lowest base elevation (250 feet) for any major ski resort in the United States. This burgeoning mountain resort features 1,000 acres of terrain, ranging from gentle slopes for beginners to double black diamond runs to challenge the experts -- all surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Chugach Range. This afternoon enjoy a 3 1/ 2 hr guided snowmobile. Travel on groomed trails to a private gold mining operation. There are 7,000 ft glaciated peaks all around you with glacier fed rivers, making this area one of the most scenic in South Central Alaska. There have been several Hollywood film productions shot at the mine because of the awesome scenery. This tour includes an Alaskan BBQ lunch around a traditional campfire. Overnight: Alyeska Resort

03

Alyeska Ski Resort - Talkeetna
Continue your journey north with a stopover in Wasilla - Home of the Iditarod Trail Headquarter. The unspoiled wilderness area of the Denali State Park offers excellent panoramic vistas of the Alaska & Talkeetna Mountain Range, glaciers and snowcapped peaks. Don't miss the beautiful sunset against the Alaska Range and Mt. McKinley! Overnight: Talkeetna

Talkeetna - Fairbanks - Chena Hot Springs
You continue your journey on the Parks Highway via Denali National Park and Nenana to Fairbanks. Stopover and visit the famous Alaska University Museum. Enjoy the scenic drive to Chena Hot Springs - a prime Northern Lights viewing area in the hills about 60 road miles northeast of Fairbanks – far away from any city lights. Tonight join the spectacular Snow Coach tour to see the aurora up close (included). From the resort you travel 30 minutes to the top of a hill where no city lights interfere the aurora. After arriving on top you can step inside the heated Mongolian Yurt to warm up and enjoy a hot beverage. For the next few hours you can always step outside and enjoy spectacular 360-degree Aurora displays. Return to the resort at around 2 AM. Overnight: Chena Hot Springs Resort

Chena Hot Springs
Spend your day at leisure: use the different whirlpool tubs, pools and the renowned natural outdoor Rock Lake; snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, get a massage, relax or revitalize your spirit. In the afternoon enjoy a guided sled dog tour (included). Our friendly, experienced guides take you gliding along our serene two mile trail, in one of our locally hand build traditional freight sleds. After the ride, you’ll have a chance to pet one of the amazing dogs who led you around the trail and warm up in our visitor’s center. Tonight you have the opportunity again to observe the Northern Lights dancing across the northern winter skies (optional). Overnight: Chena Hot Springs Resort

Chena Hot Springs - Paxson/ Denali Highway
After breakfast spend some time at Chena Hot Springs before heading south on the Richardson Highway. It passes through stands of white birch and black spruce, often photogenically close to the Tanana River. Soake up the raw beauty of the drive into the central Alaska Range, often paralleled by the Alaska pipeline. Arrive at Paxson, at the junction to the Denali Highway and check in your heated cabin. Here you don't experience any light pollution and can enjoy the aurora admitst the dark sky.

Paxon / Denali Highway - Anchorage
Today’s journey takes you on the Glenn Highway back to Anchorage. You'll be treated to vistas of forested slopes, glacier-filled valleys and snowy peaks of the Mentasta and Wrangell mountain ranges. The road cuts through the fertile, crop-producing Matanuska Valley and passes right above the Matanuska Glacier. Arrive at Anchorage and check in your downtown hotel.

Anchorage
Check out of your hotel and return your rental car ath the airport. We wish you a safe return flight home.

Flexible Tour Options – Activities & Sightseeing Tours

Type

Chena Hot Springs - Evening Aurora Snow Coach Ride - 4 hrs.

Chena Hot Springs: Sled Dog Ride - Drive your own sled dog team (2 hrs)

Chena Hot Springs: Guided Snow Machine Tour (1 hr)