How To Pack & Plan for A Perfect Winter in Alaska Vacation

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Are you ready to brave the cold of winter in Alaska? Whether you’re planning a ski trip, an outdoor adventure, or just a visit to experience the beauty of the state, it’s important to be prepared for the chilly temperatures. Below, we’ll discuss what to pack for winter in Alaska, so you can enjoy your time in the Last Frontier with confidence.

From the right clothing and footwear to the essential items you’ll need for outdoor activities, we’ll cover it all so you can be ready to take on the cold in style. So grab your coat and let’s get packing!

Many travelers venture to see Alaska in the height of summer. Who can blame them, with the warm, long days and flowers blooming everywhere! Even though summer is the most popular time to visit, Alaska is a magical place in the winter.

The beauty of winter is incomparable, and the days are short, so we pack in the fun whenever we can.

See why you should visit Alaska in the winter, what activities you should try, and get the ultimate Winter in Alaska packing list!

What the Weather Is Like During Winter in Alaska

In short…it’s cold. However, winter weather in Anchorage, Alaska is often warmer than many other places, including Upper New York and Michigan, for example!

The average temperature in Anchorage in the winter is around 26 degrees. That said, it can vary wildly. Last January, it was 49 degrees on my birthday! A few days later, it dropped down to well below zero.

Interior Alaska, where Fairbanks is located, is often much colder in the winter. The mean January temperature is −7.9 °F. It’s also been known to get to −40 °F from time to time. OUCH.

Why You Should Visit Alaska in Winter

Besides the beauty and winter fun, visiting Alaska in the winter is a perfect way to vacation while staying on a budget. Flights can be as much as 40% cheaper than they would be during peak summer prices. Hotels and resorts often offer specials during the winter, as well.

What Is There To Do During Winter In Alaska

Living in Alaska, we get out no matter what the weather is like. That means there’s always something to participate in and fun to be had! Below are some of our favorites.

For some examples of what to do in Palmer, Alaska click here!

Go Aurora Borealis Chasing

The aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, is a bucket list item for many people! It’s absolutely breathtaking to see the sky light up in bright green hues. It’s virtually impossible to 100% guarantee you’ll see the northern lights during your Alaska trip, but there are ways to maximize your chances!

The aurora borealis can typically be seen from September through March. Before and after those times tends to have too much sunlight to see it well.

You’ll want to keep an eye on geomagnetic activity. There are times when coronal holes cause more geomagnetic activity to reach Earth’s atmosphere, which can cause the aurora to be much brighter or more active than typical.

NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center is one of the best resources for that, but it can be a little confusing to learn. The Aurora Borealis Notifications Facebook group is a fantastic resource for learning the science behind the lights and where to go near your vacation spot.

The more north you go, the better the chance you’ll get to see the aurora. Keep in mind, if it’s cloudy out, or snowing heavily, the aurora usually can’t be seen.

Those clear, calm nights also tend to be the coldest, so make sure you have plenty of sturdy, warm winter gear handy. Plan on lots of coffee to stay up all night if the space weather forecast looks promising!

Sled Tubing in Arctic Valley

Sled tubing is a blast for those that find it difficult to stay upright while skiing or snowboarding. Arctic Valley Ski Area is up through the Chugach Mountain range and has a great sled Tube Park to ride down. It’s even good for kids!

Added bonus – Arctic Valley is a great place to spot moose, coyotes, and even the occasional wolf. It’s my favorite springtime drive. I mean, check out this adorable baby bear we saw last spring! While they’ll be hibernating when you visit, maybe you’ll get lucky with some other wildlife sightings!

Iditarod and Fur Rondy Winter Festival

Dog mushing is Alaska’s state sport, and the Iditarod is the biggest event of them all. To kick off the Iditarod, there’s the amazing Fur Rondy winter festival! You’ll get to experience the history, native culture, and a wide range of fun activities.

With a vast schedule of events happening daily, everyone will have a blast! Our favorite event is the Open World Championship Sled Dog Races. The Start/Finish line is right in downtown Anchorage, so you’ll get to see the dogs get ready to race off and cheer on the teams as they cross the finish line.

In addition to all the events, there’s also a carnival. And let me tell ya, you haven’t lived until you’ve ridden a ferris wheel in 10-degree temperatures!

You’ve seen the Running of The Bulls, right? Well, for a much safer, tamer option, join in the Running of the Reindeer! It’s a fundraiser for Toys for Tots where you join teams and try to outrun reindeer!

Williams Reindeer Farm in Palmer

Speaking of reindeer, The Williams Reindeer Farm is THE place to see them. Located in Palmer, about an hour northeast of Anchorage, the reindeer farm offers tours with reservations during the winter season. You’ll get to pet and even feed reindeer! It’s an amazing experience, and they’re such gentle creatures.

In addition, they have Santa Tours before Christmas, where Santa stops by for a visit. If you’re in town for Christmas, then Christmas On The Farm is not to be missed. With reindeer sled rides, indoor snowball fights, and arts & crafts, it’s a blast!

The teams from the Reindeer Farm also pop up at events throughout the Southcentral Alaska area (which includes Anchorage and Palmer) so keep an eye on their Facebook page to stay updated!

Chena Hot Springs

Pack a bathing suit if you’re heading up to Chena Hot Springs, 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks. Lounge in the 106-degree thermal hot springs and relax your stress away. On extremely chilly nights, dip under the water and watch your hair and eyelashes frost over once you come up.

There are plenty of events to keep you occupied when you’re not soaking in the springs. Play with sled dogs, or see the Ice Museum and have a green appletini in an ice martini glass.

On clear nights, Chena is a great place to see the northern lights. Oh, and their boozy Winter Warmers drinks are super yummy and will warm you up after playing in the snow.

But First…Coffee!

One thing Alaskans don’t mess around with is coffee consumption! Alaska ranks among the highest coffee shops per capita in the US.

Whenever you’re driving around, you’ll notice all the cute little coffee kiosks, some with adorably clever names. Everyone has their shop they insist is the best (ours is Palmer Coffee Co.) so give them a shot and find your favorite!

Are you going to be stuck on a long flight for your trip to/from Alaska? Check out these tips for long flights so you can actually enjoy your travel time!

Packing for a winter trip in Alaska takes a little more planning than a basic summer vacation. Here are some essentials to make sure you come prepared.

Roomy Checked Luggage

I’m all about minimalist-style packing, but Alaska’s frequent weather variations make carry-on only travel incredibly difficult.

While we have plenty of stores with great deals on winter clothes (hello, Burlington Coat Factory!), expenses can pile up quickly if you’re having to load up on warm gear once you get here, and try to squeeze it into your bag on the way home. Besides, who wants to spend time inside a mall shopping when adventure is calling?

My favorite checked bag is the Samsonite Solyte DLX. It’s super roomy inside and has spinner wheels to make getting around nice and smooth. It weighs less than 9 pounds empty, which leaves you with lots of extra space to play with and still come in under 50lb checked bag limit.

Pro tip: a tiny travel scale is a lifesaver that keeps you from having to do the airport baggage shuffle. Keep it in your bag and weigh them to keep your bag under the weight limit.

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes make a world of difference when it comes to packing for trips, especially for one where you’ll be wearing tons of layers. Packing cubes help you organize so you don’t have to take everything out to locate that super-warm base layer before heading out in the cold.

Hair Dryer

Even if you typically rock a wash n’ go hairstyle, you’re going to want to dry your hair as much as possible before stepping out into the cold. Not every hotel or cabin offers blow dryers to use, so plan to bring your own. This travel blow dryer is a great option for vacation! 

Warm, Waterproof Boots

Warm, waterproof boots are an absolute must for Alaska. Frostbite is no joke, so this isn’t the place to skimp on quality gear. And no gear is more important than sturdy boots. Sorel boots are among the more popular options. To blend in with local Alaskans, XtraTufs are the way to go! They’re completely waterproof and offer an insulated version for the cold.

Pro Tip: Wear your boots on the plane to save on luggage weight. Boots are bulky and can be heavy, so that will free up lots of room in your bag!

Ice Cleats

Even in the height of winter, we still get the occasional “warm” day, which can lead to snow melt. Once that freezes, it can turn dangerously slick! Even parking lots can be painful if you slip and fall. Ice cleats wrap around your shoes and keep you from slipping. Just make sure to have a bag ready for them before heading into a store.

Good Quality Socks, Gloves, Hat, and a Scarf

There are 2 types of people in winter – those that use gloves and those that swear by mittens. After trying various pairs of each, I’m fully in the glove camp while my husband prefers mittens. Luckily, there are great options in both styles.

While thick cotton socks are great for lounging in front of the fireplace, surprisingly, they’re not great for outdoor activities. Merino wool socks are a better option to keep your feet dry and warm without making them feel like sausages stuffed into boots. Add a cute ski hat and a scarf and you’re all set!

Snow Pants

If you’re going to be playing out in the snow, you’re gonna need some snow pants! They’re warm and keep the snow from soaking through to your base layer. Columbia makes some of the best ones; check them out here!

Base Layers

Base layers are lightweight shirts and pants that add a warm layer to keep you toasty without a ton of added bulk. The materials wick sweat away and dry quickly, making them ideal for outdoor activities in the winter.

A Cozy Sweater

A soft fleece sweater for lounging around the hotel or cabin makes evenings indoors oh-so-cozy. Bonus – stow it in your carry on and you’ll have it during the flight if it’s chilly.

A Warm Coat

A well-insulated coat is essential to staying warm. Columbia has a wide range of jackets to pick from, so you’ll find exactly what you need to stay warm and dry!

Binoculars

Most people come to Alaska hoping to see some sort of wildlife. Bringing binoculars will help you spot far-away moose and caribou.

A Good Camera

While phones can take decent photos, if you’re only in Alaska for a short time, you’re going to want clear, quality photos to remember your magical visit.

The Nikon D3500 is a great starter camera that takes amazing pictures right out of the box. It can also take wonderful photos of the northern lights when you add a wide lens like this one! 

Are you planning a winter trip to Alaska? Let me know below!