Rates:
$1050.00 per person
All rates include lodging, activities, and food.
Discover winter in Alaska with a three‐day, two‐night aurora borealis adventure that blends exciting outdoor activities with the chance to witness the northern lights. Enjoy dog sledding, ice fishing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing across the rugged Alaskan backcountry. As night falls, indulge in an incredible aurora viewing adventure that lets you see the natural beauty of the northern lights in all their splendour. Every moment offers a balance of thrill and calm, making your journey truly memorable.
This adventure invites you to connect with Alaska’s landscape while enjoying authentic accommodations and hearty meals. It’s the best way to experience all of the exciting activities Alaska is known for in winter. Our friendly guides are there every step of the way and ensure you experience the full excitement of this tour, whether you are a beginner experiencing Alaska for the first time, or a seasoned adventurer.
NOTE: Drivers must be 18 years or older, kids 8 and up may ride as a passenger. We do not provide drivers for our tours. If you are a single participant, please call to book!
Your northern lights trip begins with a two‑hour dog sled ride through Alaska’s snow‑covered forests and over frozen lakes. After a satisfying lunch and a quick break to warm up, you board our top of the line snowmobiles for an exciting ride up the mountain to Snowhook Lodge on Hatcher Pass. Along the way, you’ll see wildlife and mountain views all around us. If we’re lucky, Denali will be out too!
Once you arrive at the lodge, settle in while dinner is prepared. As night falls, step outside for an incredible aurora viewing adventure where the sky transforms into a natural light show. You can witness this spectacle on the trails while snowshoeing, or from the comforts of the lodge.
After a hearty mountain breakfast the next morning, you ride back down the pass for an ice fishing session, attempting to catch arctic char, monster pike and rainbow trout. Later, return to the lodge for lunch and some free time. The afternoon allows you to explore the area at your own pace before gathering for dinner and joining an aurora borealis tour to see more of the night’s display.
On the final day, following breakfast, you ride back down the mountain on your snowmobiles to our base in Willow. This last leg of the journey offers one final look at Alaska’s pristine winter scenery and neatly concludes your adventure.
If you are a single participant, please call to book.
Departs Daily: 12pm (noon)
Available: November – April (dependent on seasonal weather)
Ages: Drivers: 18 years and older | Passengers: 8 years and older
All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
NOTES:
Ice Fishing: Please note fishing license is not included
Dog Sledding: If anyone in your party is uncomfortable around dogs let us know so we can make it a successful experience.
Snowmobiling: We do not provide drivers for our tours. You must be at least 18 and licensed to drive a machine.
Day one of your northern lights tour in Alaska starts with a two‑hour dog sled ride through snow‑covered forests and frozen lakes. Guests zip through the backcountry as energetic sled dogs pull the sled along the trails. This ride immerses everyone in the raw beauty of the landscape and sets a lively tone for the day.
After a warm, hearty lunch that offers time to share stories and relax, take on a snowmobile ride to Snowhook Lodge on Hatcher Pass. The ride climbs through rugged terrain and opens up to sweeping views of the wilderness. Remain alert for local wildlife and, if weather permits, catch a glimpse of Denali along the way.
At Snowhook Lodge, settle into comfortable cabin accommodations and enjoy a satisfying dinner. As night falls, step outside for an incredible aurora borealis adventure that transforms the sky with shifting colors. Snowshoeing on the trails is the best way to see the northern lights in Alaska – as Hatcher Pass offers clear and unobstructed views most of the time. If you don’t feel like snowshoeing, stay behind in the comforts of the lodge, where you will still be able to get a sight of this spectacle.
The second day of the adventure begins with a delightful mountain breakfast at the lodge. This morning meal, full of local flavors and hearty choices, energizes everyone for the day’s adventures. The breakfast also offers a moment to enjoy the tranquil morning views of the Alaskan wilderness, setting a peaceful tone for the day.
Next on the agenda is a 2.5-hour ice fishing experience. Guests are taken to a prime fishing spot, where they can try their hand at catching fish under the guidance of expert instructors. This activity not only provides a fun challenge but also connects you with the traditional Alaskan way of life. It’s a perfect opportunity to learn, relax, and maybe even catch! The crisp, fresh air and the beauty of the Alaskan landscape add to the charm of this experience.
After lunch, guests return to the lodge and cabins to relax or explore the surrounding area at their own pace; as evening nears, a hearty dinner refuels everyone for the night ahead, and soon they step outside to witness a breathtaking natural display—a memorable Alaska aurora experience that captures the wonder of the winter sky.
The third and final day of your northern lights trip in Alaska starts with a satisfying breakfast at the lodge, providing a warm and energizing start to the morning. This meal gives guests a chance to savor the flavors of our state one last time, while soaking in the beauty of the early morning wilderness. It’s a moment to reflect on the adventures of the past days and to gear up for the concluding activities of the tour.
The highlight of the day is the return snowmobile ride. After breakfast, guests hop onto their snowmobiles for a thrilling ride back down Hatcher Pass to the base in Willow. Gliding through the Alaskan landscape, experience the exhilaration of navigating the snowy terrain. The path offers a final glimpse of the stunning wilderness, a farewell salute from the beauty of Alaska.
Upon reaching Willow, your tour ends with warm goodbyes, exchanged contacts, and shared memories. Guests depart with a deep sense of accomplishment and a collection of experiences that capture Alaska’s rugged beauty and the thrill of outdoor adventures. This final moment marks the conclusion of your northern lights trip in Alaska, leaving a lasting impression of the state and the joy of outdoor exploration.
Experience the best in backcountry luxury with Snowhook. Choose from one of five private cabins at our Main Lodge. After an adventure-filled day, see the Northern Lights, compare stories with new friends, and soak in the wilderness of the Last Frontier.
Relax around the campfire. Enjoy true Alaskan hospitality.
We provide all the necessary winter gear and equipment for an authentic Alaskan adventure. Enjoy dog sledding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing experiences, all guided by our skilled professionals. We offer comfortable cabin accommodations and hearty meals throughout your stay. It’s the perfect vacation to see the aurora borealis in person and includes all of the authentic winter experiences Alaska is known for – making it one of the best northern lights trips we offer.
Alcoholic beverages and gratuities are not included in the tour price.
Northern Lights in Alaska occur when charged particles from the sun hit Earth’s magnetic field and collide with atmospheric gases, causing them to glow in vibrant colors. This process creates the stunning light show you see in the night sky and forms the basis for every Alaska aurora borealis viewing experience.
Alaska is ideal for northern lights viewing due to its proximity to the magnetic poles, which creates brilliant displays on clear, dark winter nights. During the aurora season in Alaska, low light pollution offers exceptional visibility, making it one of the best spots for northern lights adventures.
Scientists track solar activity to forecast the northern lights, but nature always has the final say. Even the most knowledgeable aurora borealis experts can only provide estimates, and conditions may change in an instant. That’s why every trip to see the northern lights in Alaska is filled with excitement—the unpredictability of the display makes the experience truly one-of-a-kind.
Use a good DSLR, a sturdy tripod, and practice your manual settings before your trip. Set your camera to a slow shutter speed, high ISO, and wide aperture to capture enough light and detail as the vibrant colors change quickly. Experiment with different exposures during clear nights so you become comfortable with the settings and can adapt to varying conditions. Our guides are experts on how to photograph the Aurora Borealis, and will help you capture stunning images during your Alaska aurora experience.
The best time to visit Alaska to see the northern lights is during winter, from late September through early April, when long, dark nights and clear skies create ideal conditions. This period is known for offering excellent opportunities to experience the stunning natural display. Keep an eye on local weather and solar activity for optimal viewing conditions, and you’ll enjoy an unforgettable aurora borealis tour in one of the world’s most remarkable settings.
Different atmospheric gases produce the varied colors in the northern lights. Oxygen emits green at lower altitudes and can create red hues higher up, while nitrogen releases blue or purple tones when excited by charged particles from the sun. These reactions combine to form the dynamic light display you see, offering a brilliant viewing experience that is a highlight on any aurora borealis tour.
Local cultures view the northern lights as a profound symbol. Many Alaskan native tribes believe the lights represent the spirits of ancestors or the animals they have hunted, while others see them as a sign of nature’s power. These diverse interpretations add meaning to every northern lights tour in Alaska, turning it into more than just a natural spectacle.
During your tour, dress in layers to stay warm in the chilly backcountry. Start with thermal undergarments, add a warm mid-layer, and top it off with a waterproof outer jacket. We provide the necessary snow gear for activities, but your personal comfort is key to enjoying every moment of your northern lights tour in Alaska.
Weather and solar activity strongly affect your northern lights tour. Clear skies and a powerful solar wind create perfect conditions for an aurora borealis viewing experience in Alaska. Our guides monitor these factors closely to ensure you have the best northern lights trip possible, making every moment under the stars as vivid and memorable as possible.
Because this adventure spans 3 days and 2 nights during the peak winter months from November through April, your chances of seeing the northern lights are very high. We plan our activities around the latest solar activity and local weather to ensure you experience one of the best northern lights adventures possible. Our knowledgeable guides, true aurora borealis experts, work hard to provide optimal conditions on every tour.
Prepare for your adventure by dressing in warm, layered clothing and packing essential items like a camera, medications, and extra snacks. Get a good night’s rest so you stay alert during late-night viewing in cold weather. This simple preparation helps you make the most of your experience during the aurora season in alaska and ensures a smooth vacation to see the aurora borealis.
Your safety is our priority. All our guides are well-trained in safety procedures and first aid. We also ensure that all the gear and equipment used are in top condition. During the tour, it’s essential to follow the guides’ instructions to ensure everyone’s safety.
For the best preparation for our tours to see the northern lights, we recommend a few online resources. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game provides information on winter fishing opportunities, helping you understand what to expect on the ice. Meanwhile, Alaskan.org offers valuable insights into the historical world of dog sledding in Alaska.
Equally important is understanding the exhilaration and safety of snowmobiling. Here is an excellent article from Snowmobile Guide on general safety tips. To round out your preparation, don’t forget to check the weather forecast for your trip on the National Weather Service’s Alaska page. With these resources at your disposal, your three-day adventure in Alaska will be an experience of a lifetime.
Snowhook Adventure Guides of Alaska. 23880 Long Lake Rd, Willow, AK 99688 © All Rights Reserved | Provided by The Ohlo Group