Winter is in full swing in the north and will continue for months longer than the rest of the U.S. Luckily, that means you have plenty of time to plan a trip to experience the wonderful season of winter in Alaska! The great land is always fun to explore and although winter travel requires a little more gear and preparation, the adventures are sure to be unforgettable. Visit these amazing places in Alaska ASAP and you’ll fall in love with it even more.

  1. Escape to a Remote Cabin for the Weekend

lexmagnuson | TripAdvisor Head to one of these picturesque and isolated cabins for a peaceful escape from day-to-day life. Most have access to cross-country and downhill ski trails and views of the striking Alaskan mountains.

The 7 Most Remote And Magical Cabins In Alaska For A Snowy Winter Getaway

  1. Go Ghost Hunting

WordRidden | Flickr If you have an interest in the paranormal, visit one of these notable spooky spots and research the history of the ghost sitings for a vacation that’s educational, and a little creepy. Meet 9 Ghosts From Alaska And Hear Their Bone-Chilling Stories

  1. Run off to the Seaside

naql | Flickr Head to the seaside for a wonderful winter getaway. These seaside towns are calm in the winter months, but still great for a peaceful weekend. The fresh sea air may be cold, and the beaches are not for bikinis, but a weekend at the seaside is still a refreshing escape. 14 Seaside Getaways In Alaska That Are Picture Perfect For The Winter

  1. Take a Trip to Nome

Ben Townsend | Flickr Nome is on the edge of the Bering Sea and is an other-wordly site in the winter time. Iditarod parties are great, the bars and restaurants are fun any time, and exploring the strange little town on the edge of the world is an adventure worth taking. The Unique Alaska Town That Looks Straight Out Of Star Wars

  1. Take a Dog Sled Tour

晨 张 | TripAdvisor Head to the hills for a dog sled ride in the fresh air! Zoom through the wilderness in a sled hitched to a team of Alaskan huskies for an unforgettable adventure in the woods. The ride is thrilling as you travel smoothly and quickly in the quiet birch and spruce forest.
Take This Dog Mushing Tour For A Winter Adventure In Alaska

  1. Soak in a Rock Lake

Chena Hot Springs Resort Official Facebook At Chena Hot Springs you can soak outdoors in a beautiful rock lake. The hot mineral water feels rejuvenating in the cold night air, and you may even see the aurora for a completely magical adventure. Alaska’s Naturally Heated Outdoor Pool Is All You Need This Winter

  1. Take a Ride on the Ferry

Alaska Marine Highway (Alaska State Ferry) Official Facebook Take a trip to anywhere in the Panhandle or along the southern coast and you can get there by ferry! Take your car along for when you arrive, or just set out with a backpack and a dream for a simple and fun vacation. The ferry provides a cruise to your destination through the glittering waters of southeast with endless marine life, sunsets and ocean views. Travel by Ferry For A Fabulous, Unique Way To Explore Alaska

  1. Celebrate a Winter Festival

Fur Rondy Official Facebook Visit an Alaskan town for one of their winter festivals. These crazy parties are a sure cure for the wintertime blues, and you may just see a part of Alaska you’ve never seen before. Be adventurous and find out why the locals love these winter fests. 10 Winter Festivals In Alaska That Are Simply Unforgettable

  1. Go Tubing

Arctic Valley Ski Area Official Facebook At the Arctic Valley Ski Area, as well as most of the others in the state, you can head to the slopes on a tube. It’s fun, easy, and accessible to most for a thrilling day on the hill. This Epic Snow Tubing Hill In Alaska Will Give You The Winter Thrill Of A Lifetime

  1. Visit the Town Where It’s Christmas Every Day

Timothy Wildey | Flickr Visit North Pole where it’s Christmas year-round and visit Santa Claus House. This popular attraction is housed in a town that loves the holidays all the time. In This Small Alaskan Town It’s Christmas Every Day

  1. Cruise through the Tracy Arm Fjord

Andy Cross | Flickr This unbelievably beautiful area of the Inside Passage is breathtaking. Head out on a boat to meander through the glaciers, mountains and marine life in this hidden spot in Alaska. This Hidden Spot In Alaska Is Unbelievably Beautiful And You’ll Want To Find It

  1. Party in Talkeetna

mazaletel | Flickr Head to the tucked away little town near Denali for a fantastic weekend vacation. You’ll love the warm and inviting people, the great restaurants and inns and the outdoor activities. There’s A Little Town Hidden In The Alaska Mountains And It’s The Perfect Place To Relax

  1. Visit snowy Valdez

mcav0y | Flickr Go to Valdez to see the town that is covered in mountains of snow every winter. If you are a snow lover, this is the adventure for you. Snow board, ski or take a helicopter into the mountains to see this beautiful spot.
The Snowiest Town In The Nation Is Right Here In Alaska

  1. Go on a Winter Horseback Ride

Alaska C & C Horse Adventures Official Facebook If you are on the Kenai Peninsula, head to this ranch for an amazing romp in the winter snow on a horse.

The Winter Horseback Riding Adventure In Alaska That’s Pure Magic

  1. Explore the Mountains

Paxson Woelber | Flickr Alaska is crisscrossed with mountain ranges. Find an accessible spot and go exploring for a traditional Alaskan thrill.

The 12 Best Places To Play In Alaska’s Mountains This Winter

  1. Walk across the Harding Icefield

JJRider59 | TripAdvisor This absurdly beautiful hike across the ice fields leads past glacier and beautiful vistas for days. You’ll love the adventure in the fresh air and the extreme beauty of this unique part of Alaska. The Absurdly Beautiful Winter Hike In Alaska That Will Make You Feel At One With Nature

  1. Take a Hike

Paxson Woelber/Flickr Try out these winter hikes and see the trails in a whole new way! The glory of Alaska will astound you once you get out of the cities and into the woods. 18 Picturesque Trails In Alaska That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking

  1. Take a Sleigh Ride

Alaska Horse Adventures LLC Official Facebook Ride through the snow in a horse-drawn open sleigh! What could be more magical than a horse ride in the crisp winter air?

This Sleigh Ride Tour In Alaska Is What Winter Wonderland Dreams Are Made Of

This winter has been quite warm, so don’t delay. Play in the snow before it’s all gone. How many of these have you done? Tell us about it in the comments!

lexmagnuson | TripAdvisor

Head to one of these picturesque and isolated cabins for a peaceful escape from day-to-day life. Most have access to cross-country and downhill ski trails and views of the striking Alaskan mountains.

The 7 Most Remote And Magical Cabins In Alaska For A Snowy Winter Getaway

WordRidden | Flickr

If you have an interest in the paranormal, visit one of these notable spooky spots and research the history of the ghost sitings for a vacation that’s educational, and a little creepy. Meet 9 Ghosts From Alaska And Hear Their Bone-Chilling Stories

naql | Flickr

Head to the seaside for a wonderful winter getaway. These seaside towns are calm in the winter months, but still great for a peaceful weekend. The fresh sea air may be cold, and the beaches are not for bikinis, but a weekend at the seaside is still a refreshing escape. 14 Seaside Getaways In Alaska That Are Picture Perfect For The Winter

Ben Townsend | Flickr

Nome is on the edge of the Bering Sea and is an other-wordly site in the winter time. Iditarod parties are great, the bars and restaurants are fun any time, and exploring the strange little town on the edge of the world is an adventure worth taking. The Unique Alaska Town That Looks Straight Out Of Star Wars

晨 张 | TripAdvisor

Head to the hills for a dog sled ride in the fresh air! Zoom through the wilderness in a sled hitched to a team of Alaskan huskies for an unforgettable adventure in the woods. The ride is thrilling as you travel smoothly and quickly in the quiet birch and spruce forest.
Take This Dog Mushing Tour For A Winter Adventure In Alaska

Chena Hot Springs Resort Official Facebook

At Chena Hot Springs you can soak outdoors in a beautiful rock lake. The hot mineral water feels rejuvenating in the cold night air, and you may even see the aurora for a completely magical adventure. Alaska’s Naturally Heated Outdoor Pool Is All You Need This Winter

Alaska Marine Highway (Alaska State Ferry) Official Facebook

Take a trip to anywhere in the Panhandle or along the southern coast and you can get there by ferry! Take your car along for when you arrive, or just set out with a backpack and a dream for a simple and fun vacation. The ferry provides a cruise to your destination through the glittering waters of southeast with endless marine life, sunsets and ocean views. Travel by Ferry For A Fabulous, Unique Way To Explore Alaska

Fur Rondy Official Facebook

Visit an Alaskan town for one of their winter festivals. These crazy parties are a sure cure for the wintertime blues, and you may just see a part of Alaska you’ve never seen before. Be adventurous and find out why the locals love these winter fests. 10 Winter Festivals In Alaska That Are Simply Unforgettable

Arctic Valley Ski Area Official Facebook

At the Arctic Valley Ski Area, as well as most of the others in the state, you can head to the slopes on a tube. It’s fun, easy, and accessible to most for a thrilling day on the hill. This Epic Snow Tubing Hill In Alaska Will Give You The Winter Thrill Of A Lifetime

Timothy Wildey | Flickr

Visit North Pole where it’s Christmas year-round and visit Santa Claus House. This popular attraction is housed in a town that loves the holidays all the time. In This Small Alaskan Town It’s Christmas Every Day

Andy Cross | Flickr

This unbelievably beautiful area of the Inside Passage is breathtaking. Head out on a boat to meander through the glaciers, mountains and marine life in this hidden spot in Alaska. This Hidden Spot In Alaska Is Unbelievably Beautiful And You’ll Want To Find It

mazaletel | Flickr

Head to the tucked away little town near Denali for a fantastic weekend vacation. You’ll love the warm and inviting people, the great restaurants and inns and the outdoor activities. There’s A Little Town Hidden In The Alaska Mountains And It’s The Perfect Place To Relax

mcav0y | Flickr

Go to Valdez to see the town that is covered in mountains of snow every winter. If you are a snow lover, this is the adventure for you. Snow board, ski or take a helicopter into the mountains to see this beautiful spot.
The Snowiest Town In The Nation Is Right Here In Alaska

Alaska C & C Horse Adventures Official Facebook

If you are on the Kenai Peninsula, head to this ranch for an amazing romp in the winter snow on a horse.

The Winter Horseback Riding Adventure In Alaska That’s Pure Magic

Paxson Woelber | Flickr

Alaska is crisscrossed with mountain ranges. Find an accessible spot and go exploring for a traditional Alaskan thrill.

The 12 Best Places To Play In Alaska’s Mountains This Winter

JJRider59 | TripAdvisor

This absurdly beautiful hike across the ice fields leads past glacier and beautiful vistas for days. You’ll love the adventure in the fresh air and the extreme beauty of this unique part of Alaska. The Absurdly Beautiful Winter Hike In Alaska That Will Make You Feel At One With Nature

Paxson Woelber/Flickr

Try out these winter hikes and see the trails in a whole new way! The glory of Alaska will astound you once you get out of the cities and into the woods. 18 Picturesque Trails In Alaska That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking

Alaska Horse Adventures LLC Official Facebook

Ride through the snow in a horse-drawn open sleigh! What could be more magical than a horse ride in the crisp winter air?

This Sleigh Ride Tour In Alaska Is What Winter Wonderland Dreams Are Made Of

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Amazing Places to Visit in Alaska February 16, 2022 Tori Jane Where can I go cold weather hiking in Alaska?   Winter in Alaska might be cold – okay, really, really cold – but that doesn’t mean the outdoor fun has to stop as soon as the first snowflakes fall. As it turns out, there are plenty of amazing state parks and other places that maintain their trails through winter, so you’re able to enjoy them year-round. Some of our favorite trails for cold weather hiking in Alaska are the ones at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, which is truly breathtaking under a layer of fresh snow. Head to the Mat-Su Borough in Willow and hike the Lynx Lake Loop for some amazing scenic views and a whole new appreciation of winter’s unique beauty. Head out to Tongass National Forest and enjoy some of the popular trails there or check out the Rainbow Lake Trail in the Chugach National Forest. Many of Alaska’s beaches are wonderful for cold weather hiking as well. For more information about these and then some, check this article out!   What are some fun things to do in the winter in Alaska?   It’s no secret that our winters can be bitter. Temperatures, even during the daytime, often hover at or below freezing. Sometimes, it seems like the sun will never come back out. It’s cold and snowy and… still pretty awesome, as long as you know where to look. Of course, you can partake in all the wintertime classics like snowball fights, sledding, tobogganing, skiing, snowboarding, and even dogsledding, but those aren’t the only things you can do outdoors in Alaska during the winter. Check out an ice festival, or visit a small, remote town that goes all-out for the season, transforming itself into a wonderland. Ice skating is popular on rinks and local ponds, and sometimes even on frozen lakes. Enjoy winter parades, events, and traditions in the larger cities and the smaller towns. Alaska comes alive in a different way during the coldest season of the year; there are few things as amazing as soaking in a hot tub outside while the Northern Lights dance overhead. The possibilities are only as limited as your ability to bundle up, so get nice and warm and go outside – it’s amazing out there.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

Amazing Places to Visit in Alaska

February 16, 2022

Tori Jane

Where can I go cold weather hiking in Alaska?   Winter in Alaska might be cold – okay, really, really cold – but that doesn’t mean the outdoor fun has to stop as soon as the first snowflakes fall. As it turns out, there are plenty of amazing state parks and other places that maintain their trails through winter, so you’re able to enjoy them year-round. Some of our favorite trails for cold weather hiking in Alaska are the ones at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, which is truly breathtaking under a layer of fresh snow. Head to the Mat-Su Borough in Willow and hike the Lynx Lake Loop for some amazing scenic views and a whole new appreciation of winter’s unique beauty. Head out to Tongass National Forest and enjoy some of the popular trails there or check out the Rainbow Lake Trail in the Chugach National Forest. Many of Alaska’s beaches are wonderful for cold weather hiking as well. For more information about these and then some, check this article out!   What are some fun things to do in the winter in Alaska?   It’s no secret that our winters can be bitter. Temperatures, even during the daytime, often hover at or below freezing. Sometimes, it seems like the sun will never come back out. It’s cold and snowy and… still pretty awesome, as long as you know where to look. Of course, you can partake in all the wintertime classics like snowball fights, sledding, tobogganing, skiing, snowboarding, and even dogsledding, but those aren’t the only things you can do outdoors in Alaska during the winter. Check out an ice festival, or visit a small, remote town that goes all-out for the season, transforming itself into a wonderland. Ice skating is popular on rinks and local ponds, and sometimes even on frozen lakes. Enjoy winter parades, events, and traditions in the larger cities and the smaller towns. Alaska comes alive in a different way during the coldest season of the year; there are few things as amazing as soaking in a hot tub outside while the Northern Lights dance overhead. The possibilities are only as limited as your ability to bundle up, so get nice and warm and go outside – it’s amazing out there.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Winter in Alaska might be cold – okay, really, really cold – but that doesn’t mean the outdoor fun has to stop as soon as the first snowflakes fall. As it turns out, there are plenty of amazing state parks and other places that maintain their trails through winter, so you’re able to enjoy them year-round. Some of our favorite trails for cold weather hiking in Alaska are the ones at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, which is truly breathtaking under a layer of fresh snow. Head to the Mat-Su Borough in Willow and hike the Lynx Lake Loop for some amazing scenic views and a whole new appreciation of winter’s unique beauty. Head out to Tongass National Forest and enjoy some of the popular trails there or check out the Rainbow Lake Trail in the Chugach National Forest. Many of Alaska’s beaches are wonderful for cold weather hiking as well. For more information about these and then some, check this article out!  

What are some fun things to do in the winter in Alaska?  

It’s no secret that our winters can be bitter. Temperatures, even during the daytime, often hover at or below freezing. Sometimes, it seems like the sun will never come back out. It’s cold and snowy and… still pretty awesome, as long as you know where to look. Of course, you can partake in all the wintertime classics like snowball fights, sledding, tobogganing, skiing, snowboarding, and even dogsledding, but those aren’t the only things you can do outdoors in Alaska during the winter. Check out an ice festival, or visit a small, remote town that goes all-out for the season, transforming itself into a wonderland. Ice skating is popular on rinks and local ponds, and sometimes even on frozen lakes. Enjoy winter parades, events, and traditions in the larger cities and the smaller towns. Alaska comes alive in a different way during the coldest season of the year; there are few things as amazing as soaking in a hot tub outside while the Northern Lights dance overhead. The possibilities are only as limited as your ability to bundle up, so get nice and warm and go outside – it’s amazing out there.