Alaska Winter Tourism｜The Golden Year of the Aurora Borealis! Aurora Borealis, Glacier, Arctic and Sleigh Ride 7-Day Tour
Seven days, six nights, all-inclusive, on a near-perfect light chase.
Aurora activity is expected to peak in 2025, so you may have to wait another decade to miss it!
Departure every Wednesday, 9/1～4/10, registration is now in progress.
Alaska's winters are picturesque, with pristine mountains and forests cloaked in pure white, and time seems to stand still in the world of snow and ice, as quiet and slow as a glacier, or like the aurora borealis dancing in the air.
Such an experience is not just one of the chapters of a trip, but a romantic encounter given by the universe.
[Features of the tour]
- Small groups of less than 14 persons, accompanied by a Chinese-speaking tour guide
- No hidden fees, all-inclusive and easy to travel
- Departure every Wednesday (for groups of 4 or more)
- The February tour dates during the 2026 Chinese New Year are 2/4, 2/14, and 2/21
[Five highlights of the trip
Highlight 1In addition to capturing the Northern Lights four times to maximize the chance of success, you can also step on the Arctic Circle, soak in natural polar hot springs, and enjoy the ultimate feast in the snowy country!
Highlight 2The first peak in North America, the first thousand-year glacier in the Gorge, the blue ice of the glacier, up the mountain and down to the sea without fear.
Highlight 3The city's most popular attractions include a dog sledding experience, a visit to the birthplace of Santa's Village, polar wildlife encounters, and a two-city experience in Fairbanks and Anchorage.
Highlight 4The tour is a high-quality small group with exquisite depth and a professional local Chinese driver and guide, who will accompany and take care of you throughout the whole journey.
Highlight 5The all-inclusive, non-shopping itinerary, no tips, no need to get up early to pull the car, to experience comfortable and stress-free service and quality of the journey.
Alaska Winter Travel｜Selected Hotels
* The above hotels are for class reference, on-site accommodation is subject to actual booking.
Why Alaska for the Aurora Borealis in 2025? This is the home of the Golden Year of the Aurora!
Alaska is located at the center of the aurora borealis belt and is the world's premier location for aurora viewing. Compared to Iceland and Norway, there is less light pollution here, which has a higher success rate, and the climate is stable, so you don't need to travel far to the sparsely populated polar wilderness to enjoy the beautiful aurora. The Fairbanks area, in particular, is a popular spot for aurora viewing due to its location and climate. The aurora season usually lasts from August 21st to April 21st.
In addition, the year 2025 will coincide with the "Extreme Period" of solar activity, which is the period in the 11-year cycle of the sun when the number of sunspots is the highest and the activity is the most frequent, thus triggering more frequent and spectacular auroral phenomena, with both higher chances and higher brightness, which is a rare opportunity that comes along once in a decade, so those who want to have a special experience or to take photographs of auroras should not miss this golden year of chasing the light!
Alaska Winter Tour｜7-Day Itinerary Outline
Fairbanks in, Anchorage out.
D1 Day 1.Origin → Fairbanks(Fairbanks)
Aurora Borealis, a prelude to an adventure from Aurora Borealis, Alaska.
Alaska's winter adventure begins in Fairbanks, the Aurora Capital. As one of North America's closest cities to the Aurora Borealis, Fairbanks has a clear night sky, dry climate, and virtually zero light pollution, making it a top choice for aurora viewing.
*We recommend that you take a flight that arrives between noon and mid-afternoon local time. Your tour guide will pick you up and arrange for you to check in to your hotel.
After a short rest, we will depart at around 10pm for our first aurora observation at locations carefully selected by the local team, such as lakeside, hills, and observatories. These places are protected from light hazards and have an open view, making them ideal for viewing and capturing the aurora dance. The accompanying Chinese guide will introduce the causes of the aurora borealis, photography techniques, and help you adjust the camera settings. We also offer a complimentary Aurora Portrait Photography Service valued at US$300, which will give you a beautiful reminder of your first experience with the aurora borealis.
🛏️ Accommodation: Westmark Fairbanks or similar hotels.
🍴 Meals: lunch and dinner on your own
D2 Day 2・MaejinArctic Circle → Second Aurora Observation
Cross the tundra, drive the most challenging Dalton Highway, and encounter the mysterious land at 66° Arctic Circle.
Departing around noon, we embarked on a highly adventurous road trip along the Dalton Highway to the Arctic Circle. Known as one of the "World's 10 Most Challenging Highways", the 666-kilometer wilderness highway is restricted to vehicles with professional operating permits. It takes about five hours each way to cross the vast tundra, pass the Yukon River, the largest river in Alaska, and the oil pipeline through Alaska, witnessing the dialogue between human civilization and nature on the frozen land. If you are lucky, you will have the chance to meet wild animals such as North American caribou, Arctic snow fox, wolves, bears and musk oxen.
The long trek ends at 66°33'20" N in Alaska, where it is memorialized with a certificate of the Arctic Circle.
On the way back at night, depending on the weather and the aurora index, we will conduct the "Second Aurora Chase" operation. The car is equipped with a real-time aurora monitoring system, which allows us to adjust the observation point at any time to create an elaborate moment of meeting the aurora. We are expected to return to the hotel around 2:00 a.m. for a rest, and the whole trip will take about 12 hours.
🛏️ Accommodation: Westmark Fairbanks or similar hotels.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast (in hotel), lunch and dinner on your own
D3 Day 3.Denali National Parkhike → Third Aurora Observation
Travel through a fairytale world of silver and white, and experience the awe and serenity of North America's highest peak.
About 10:00 a.m. Departure to the [Denali National Park] (Denali National Park), outside the window is a snow-covered rolling snowy mountains, covered with colorful forests on both sides, as if through the scene of a fairy tale. 2.5 hours of driving in the company of the beauty outside the window, and then arrived at the United States of America's largest national park, three times bigger than Yellowstone National Park, and is the world's longest-protected ecological reserve. It is three times larger than Yellowstone National Park and is the longest protected ecological reserve in the world.
The guide will lead a 2-hour hike on the snow and ice trails to get a closer look at Mt Denali (6,194m), the highest peak in North America. It is also the habitat of wildlife such as moose, snowshoe hare, red fox, etc. If the weather is clear, you can even see the vast view of the mountain range interspersed with the sea of clouds.
In the evening, we will start the "Third Aurora Australis Observation" and go to the Secret Observation Station again to experience the romance and excitement of waiting for the aurora to fall. We are expected to return to the hotel around 2:00 a.m. to rest, and the whole trip will take about four hours.
🛏️ Accommodation reference: same as first day
🍴 Meals: Breakfast (at the hotel), lunch and dinner on your own (hot meals available at service stations en route)
D4 Day 4Dog sledding experience → Jenna Polar Hot Springs → 4th Aurora Australis observation
Ride through the forest with sled dogs, have a soup in the snow and look at the aurora borealis.
Depart at around 11:00pm and head to the deep snowy plains to experience the most classic [dog sledding] activity. Under the leadership of professional sledders and dogs, two people and one vehicle will travel through the silver-white forests and icy trails, enjoying the unique sledding thrill and the silent interaction between dogs and people.
*Travelers shouldn't worry too much about the sled dogs, they are well cared for and have fun pulling the sled!
Then we will head to the popular Chena Hot Springs, a natural sulfur hot spring with over 100 years of history, famous for its environmentally friendly renewable energy projects. The outdoor hot spring pools are never frozen and are surrounded by snow, soaking in the hot springs while enjoying the night sky is a unique Alaskan healing experience. We expect to return to the hotel at 6:00 p.m. for a rest, and the tour will take about eight hours.
At 10:00pm, we will depart again to the carefully selected aurora observation site to welcome the fourth aurora observation of the trip. Aurora viewing from different perspectives and in different atmospheres will allow you not only to witness the aurora, but also to immerse yourself in the mystery and wonder of the aurora. The tour guides will provide real-time software and aurora observation equipment for each aurora observation, so travelers can stay warm on the bus or in the aurora observation house, so as not to miss any aurora appearances.
🛏️ Accommodation reference: same as first day
🍴 Meals: Breakfast (in hotel), lunch and dinner on your own
D5 Day 5.Santa's Village → Northern Polar Museum → Fly toAnchorage (Alaska)
Santa's Village, Polar Culture Tour Embark on Second Half of Twin Cities Exploration
Check out at 11:00am and visit Santa's Village, the earliest and most representative Santa's Village in the United States. You can send a postcard stamped with "Arctic Circle" or take a free photo with Santa on duty. In the village, there are also reindeer, which are Santa's gift-delivering rides, which are both fantastic and fun for children and adults.
Then visit the Northern Polar Museum, where you can learn about the culture and hunting tools of the Eskimos (Inuit), as well as a wealth of animal specimens and 3D terrain models, to gain a deeper understanding of the natural and human background of Alaska.
At the end of the tour, we will take a flight to Anchorage (please purchase a flight after 16:30, the flight will take a little over an hour). Upon arrival in Anchorage, you will be picked up by the hotel's complimentary shuttle and checked in to prepare for the next day's waterfront excursion.
🛏️ Accommodation Reference: SpringHill Suites Anchorage or equivalent
🍴 Meals: breakfast (at the hotel), lunch and dinner on your own (plenty of restaurants in downtown Anchorage, tour guides can advise)
D6 Day 6・Anchorage → Seward Scenic Highway → Black Sand Beach Hike → Marine Conservation Center
A day trip to the waterfront with snowy canyon and harbor atmosphere
8:30am Depart from the hotel and head south on the famous Seward Highway, one of Alaska's most scenic coastal highways in winter. This highway has been selected by National Geographic as one of the "World's Ten Most Beautiful Scenic Highways", with snow-capped mountains and glaciers reflecting on the bays along the route, making the scenery picturesque.
The first stop is Beluga Point. Although it is not the season for whale watching in winter, it is still an excellent spot to take photos of the Chugach Mountains and the bay. Then head to Black Sand Beach in Kenai Fjords National Park for an hour-long hike. The contrast between the snowy black volcanic beach and the pure white snow-covered mountains around it is like being in a fantasy world. The beach is sparsely populated in winter, making it a private spot to take photos and soak up the natural surroundings.
After enjoying the harbor and local cuisine in the town of Seward, you will come to the Alaska Sea Life Conservation Center, an aquatic research facility that combines education and research functions. You will be able to observe sea otters, seals, sea lions and other lovely sea creatures from a close distance, and at the same time, you will be able to learn about their lives in the freezing cold waters and the conservation work of the researchers.
Return to Anchorage around 7:00 p.m. to finish the rich one-day Winterfjord itinerary, which lasts about 10.5 hours.
🛏️ Accommodation reference: same as day 5
🍴 Meals: Breakfast (at the hotel), lunch and dinner on your own (local seafood specialties in Seward)
D7 Day 7Matanuska Glacier Trekking → End of the tour, transfer to the airport
Step onto a blue ice wonderland for a powerful ending to Alaska's winter polar adventure!
The finale of the polar adventure is a close encounter with a spectacular Alaskan glacier.
8:30 Check out of the hotel and transfer to Matanuska Glacier, a 2.5-hour drive to the east. This is the only glacier in the U.S. that can be reached directly by car, and one of the few ice fields in Alaska that can be hiked year-round.
Upon arrival, you will have a 2-hour glacier hiking experience under the guidance of a professional glacier guide. Wearing crampons, helmets and snow poles, you will step out onto the thousand year old ice field and observe the blue ice crevasses, ice caves and natural ice bridges in a safe environment, experiencing the magnificence and awe of the real "foot on the ice field".
This glacier adventure will leave you with some of the most stunning memories of your trip. Return to Anchorage at approximately 5:00 p.m. We recommend booking a return flight after 8:00 p.m. to end an unforgettable week in the polar regions.
* :: Free ice crampons, trekking poles and helmets at the venue
Suggested equipment: warm clothing, spare socks, non-slip hiking shoes, sunglasses, etc.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast (at the hotel), lunch on your own (simple meals available at the Glacier Hut), dinner available at the airport
🛄 Remarks: Please complete check-out the night before or early in the morning of the day and bring your luggage with you to the car.
Discover Alaska's Aurora Borealis
See the Aurora Borealis with a local Chinese-speaking tour guide and exclusive tours!
Alaska Winter Travel｜Tips before you go
I. Dressing Recommendations
In Alaska, where winter temperatures range from -10°C to -30°C, it is important to have the following equipment:
- Down jacket (resistant to -20°C or more), brushed lining, windproof outer layer
- Warm snow boots, waterproof hiking shoes
- Cold-resistant gloves (windproof and waterproof are better), woolen hat, scarf, ear protectors
- Portable Warmer Pack (recommended to prepare from Taiwan)
🎒 Special reminder: Basic equipment (e.g. crampons, helmets) is provided for outdoor activities, but for comfortable photo-taking and walking, it is recommended to bring your own well-fitting hiking shoes and thick socks.
Cellular network
Cell phone signals are weak in some parts of Alaska, so it is advisable to make arrangements for emergency contact and internet access.
T-Mobile will automatically transfer to your local carrier upon arrival; AT&T and Verizon will work fine; please check with customer service for other carriers.
Sky Horse is exclusively recommended:Saily eSIM｜One-click activation without card replacement is the most convenient!
Supports eSIM-capable iPhones and Android phones with multi-day flexibility.Save the most for seven days for just $ $3.79 If you don't need to make a call, just use the Internet, such as sending LINE, sending IG, watching Google Maps! If you don't need to make a phone call, but just need to access the Internet, such as sending LINE, sending IG messages, or looking at Google Maps, using eSIM is the easiest and most CP-value-added way to travel to the United States!
Dietary Recommendations
Alaska is a bit more remote, but you can still enjoy Asian cuisine, local seafood and craft beer. You can also bring your own personal favorite, energy-boosting snacks, but don't bring meat products into the U.S., such as jerky and meat loaf.
IV. Event security
Most Alaskan trips are outdoor activities, and there are professional tour guides to maintain safety in the areas we visit. Please fully understand the safety instructions of the tour guides when visiting the attractions and follow the rules of not leaving the group at will.
V. Environmental Protection
Please abide by local conservation laws and regulations, do not litter, do not destroy vegetation, do not feed wildlife, and work together to protect Alaska's precious ecological resources.
Alaska Winter Tour｜7-Day Trip Fee
※ The above prices are for a group of 4 persons, and the prices include the trip fee, accommodation, transfer, and gratuities (except for the items that do not include accommodation).
※Tours are held on Wednesdays.
※ In case of extension of stay, ANC will be charged US$$200 per room per night and FAI will be charged US$$120 per room per night.
Included in the above fees:
- Accommodation at reference hotels or hotels of the same class as listed in the itinerary
- Airport pick-up and drop-off service during designated hours
- Professional Chinese tour guide service (driver and tour guide for less than 15 passengers)
- Tickets for transportation and attractions listed in the itinerary
- Breakfast at some hotels and meals specified in the itinerary
- Tips for tour guide and driver
Fees are not included:
- International/Domestic airfare and transportation to/from Alaska from other regions
- Meals not specified in the itinerary (e.g. lunch, dinner) and optional tours
- Private consumption and shopping expenses
- Extra charges (e.g. overtime charges) arising from personal requests or changes in weather conditions
- Tips and service charges for "non-" tour guides (e.g. baggage handlers, restaurant waiters, pilots, site-specific interpreters, etc.)
Enrollment Information
- The tour guides are professional Chinese-speaking tour guides who have been living in the area for a long time.
- It is recommended to purchase the ticket after receiving the confirmation of the tour.
- If you are unable to enter the U.S. for personal reasons, please note that there are no refunds, transfers, or rescheduling.
- Please keep your personal belongings in a safe place. Do not leave them in the car or entrust others to take care of them, as the Company is not responsible for their safekeeping.
- In order to protect the rights and interests of the group as a whole, the tour guide has the right to terminate an individual's participation in the tour if the individual's behavior seriously affects the safety or normal operation of the tour, and the tour guide has the right to terminate the individual's participation in the tour if the individual's behavior has been repeatedly advised to no avail. From the time of departure, all actions are your own responsibility and have nothing to do with the Company; unused itineraries are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- A valid U.S. visa is required for this tour. The following descriptions are for reference only and are subject to the latest regulations:
- Taiwan and Singapore: Visa-free for 90 days, prior to departureApplication for ESTAThe
- Hong Kong and Macau: Visa-free for 90 days, recommendedApplication for ESTAto speed up the entry process.
- Mainland China: B1/B2 visa required, 10-year B1/B2 visa holders must complete before departure.EVUS RegistrationThe
- Malaysia: US B1/B2 visa is required.
- If the trip is canceled due to weather conditions, a full refund will be made; if the trip is canceled due to personal reasons, no refund will be made.
- If there is any difference between the schedule and the time announced by the tour guide, please refer to the time announced by the local tour guide.
- In the event of force majeure or unforeseen events that prevent the trip from proceeding as scheduled, the instructions are as follows:
- Force Majeure: refers to objective circumstances that cannot be foreseen, avoided or overcome, including but not limited to natural disasters, strikes, major epidemics of infectious diseases, government policies, etc.
- Unforeseen events: refers to unforeseen situations not caused by the travel agency, such as traffic congestion, flight or train delays, etc.. In such cases, the Company reserves the right to adjust the itinerary, time and content of the tour, or even cancel part or all of the sightseeing spots according to the actual situation on the spot, and reserves the right of final explanation. Travel expenses incurred are non-refundable. Additional expenses (such as extended stay, transportation, meals, ticket change, etc.) are the responsibility of the traveler, and it is recommended that travel insurance be purchased to reduce the risk.
- Please do not stop in the middle of the road if you need to get off the bus to take photos during the trip; you will be responsible for any traffic accidents or personal injuries caused by your personal behavior.
- Weather in Alaska changes rapidly, in order to ensure the smooth running of the tour, the tour guide will adjust the daily itinerary according to the actual local conditions, but does not affect the overall content. If part of the tour is canceled due to unavoidable factors, refunds will be made according to the actual situation, and the final explanation belongs to the Company.
- All vehicles on the trip will be prioritized to arrange the company's commitment to the car model, but in case of travel season, holidays, vehicle maintenance and repair, etc., the company reserves the right to replace the equivalent car models to ensure the smoothness of the trip.
Cancellation and Change Policy
If you are unable to join the tour as scheduled due to force majeure or personal factors such as transportation breakdown, personal health problems, weather changes, etc., and need to cancel or reschedule the tour, we will try our best to help minimize the loss. However, please note that if you are unable to join part of the itinerary or included services, partial refund is not possible.
