Snowhook Snowmobiling Group Poses 37

Denali Backcountry Adventure

Available: October - April

Rates: $1350 per person

Get off the beaten path and ride deep into Alaska’s remote backcountry on this two-day snowmobile adventure. Starting from our base in Willow, you’ll travel into the heart of the Alaska Range, riding 70 miles through glacier-carved valleys and wide-open snowfields to reach Alpine Creek Lodge. Along the way, keep an eye out for moose and caribou, stop for photos, and enjoy real powder riding with guidance from our experienced team.

Day One – Ride to Alpine Creek Lodge along the Denali Highway
Day Two – Breakfast at the lodge, then ride back to Willow HQ

This trip is built for both beginners and experienced riders. We provide everything you need—gear, machines, guides, and meals—so you can focus on the ride. Spend the night at a backcountry lodge with hearty food, a warm bed, and a shot at seeing the Northern Lights. The next day, ride back with fresh snow under your track and views of Denali ahead.

Tour Details

Snowhook Snowmobiling Group Poses 37

The Denali Backcountry Snowmobile Adventure starts at our Willow Headquarter, just one hour north of Anchorage. After checking in at 9:30 a.m., you’ll meet your guides, get fitted with winter riding gear, and load into our van for a two-hour drive to the Denali Highway trailhead. Once there, you’ll go through a short safety briefing and begin your 70-mile ride into the Alaska Range.

The route takes you through wide valleys carved by ancient glaciers, surrounded by towering peaks and endless snow. Along the way, we stop to take in the views, snap photos, and look for wildlife like moose and caribou. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Alpine Creek Lodge—your home for the night. Settle in with a hot meal, relax by the fire, and, if conditions are right, step outside for a chance to see the Northern Lights.

After a good night’s sleep, we’ll fuel up with a hearty Alaskan breakfast. Then it’s back on the snowmobiles for the return ride to the trailhead. This leg of the trip gives you fresh snow to ride and often includes clear views of Denali. The tour wraps up with the van ride back to Willow HQ, arriving around 3:00 p.m. This two-day ride is the perfect way to explore Alaska’s remote terrain without committing to a longer expedition.

Tour Dates & Times

If you are a single participant, please call to book:
(907) 414.4547

Available: October – April (dependent on seasonal weather)

Ages: Drivers 18 years and older/Passengers 12 years and older. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian

NOTES: 

Drivers must be 18 years or older and a licensed driver to operate a machine, kids 12 and up may ride as a passenger. 12+ minors with a parent or legal guardian

Related Adventures

Anchorage Shuttle +

Call to add an optional round-trip shuttle from Anchorage directly to our headquarters in Willow for your adventure. Enjoy a hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off.

Travel to and from Anchorage: $175 per person, 2-person minimum.

Day 1: Ride Into the Alaska Range

Snowmobile 70 Miles to Alpine Creek Lodge

Your adventure begins at 9:30 a.m. at our Willow Headquarter. After check-in, we’ll get you geared up with insulated boots, snowsuits, gloves, helmets, and goggles. Once everyone is ready, you’ll board the van for a scenic two-hour drive to the trailhead on the Denali Highway. At the trailhead, your guides will lead a safety briefing and walk you through the basics of operating your snowmobile.

From there, the real ride begins. You’ll travel 70 miles deep into the Alaska Range, through wide valleys, frozen lakes, and endless snow-covered terrain. This route is perfect for both new and experienced riders, with plenty of space to practice your skills and enjoy off-trail powder riding. We’ll stop often for photos, wildlife sightings, and breaks to enjoy the scenery. Keep your eyes open for moose, caribou, and other animals that often wander near the trail.

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Alpine Creek Lodge. A hot, homecooked meal will be waiting, along with a place to relax for the night. The lodge has everything you need to unwind after a full day on the trail. If the skies are clear, step outside after dinner—you may catch a brilliant display of the Northern Lights right from the property or join an optional night ride further down the trail.

After a good night’s rest, you’ll start your day with a hearty breakfast at Alpine Creek Lodge. Once you’re geared up and the snowmobiles are ready, we’ll head back onto the Denali Highway for the return ride to the trailhead. Conditions often shift overnight, giving you fresh snow to ride and new scenery to enjoy.

The 70-mile return trip offers wide-open trails, mountain views, and a final chance to practice your snowmobile skills. On clear days, you may catch a glimpse of Denali rising in the distance. There’s time for off-trail powder play and photo stops along the way, and your guides will continue to point out signs of wildlife or scenic areas you may have missed on the first day.

Once we reach the trailhead, we’ll load up the snowmobiles and hop back in the van for the two-hour drive to Willow. The trip wraps up around 3:00 p.m. You’ll return with great photos, new riding confidence, and memories of a real Alaskan backcountry adventure.

FAQ's

No, you don’t need any snowmobiling experience to join this tour. This overnight snowmobile trip is designed for both beginners and experienced riders. Before the ride begins, our guides provide a full safety briefing and show you how to operate your snowmobile. The route includes wide, open trails that are great for learning, with plenty of support along the way.

You’ll ride approximately 70 miles each day. On day one, you’ll snowmobile from the Denali Highway trailhead to Alpine Creek Lodge. On day two, you’ll ride the same 70-mile route back. The total distance covered during this 2-day Alaska snowmobile tour is about 140 miles.

Yes, this tour is family-friendly and welcomes riders aged 12 and up. Drivers must be 18 or older with a valid license, while children 12+ can ride as passengers with a parent or guardian. The gentle pace and clear safety briefing make this 2-day Alaska snowmobile tour ideal for families new to snowmobiling. We provide all the gear and expert guidance to keep everyone comfortable and safe.

The minimum age is 18 to drive and 12 to ride as a passenger. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license. Passengers aged 12 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. This makes the tour a great option for families with older kids looking for a real backcountry snowmobile experience in Alaska. You must have a valid license to drive

 
 

Yes, you can ride as a passenger instead of driving. Passengers must be at least 12 years old and ride with a licensed driver in their group. This is a great option if you want to enjoy the scenery without handling the snowmobile yourself.

There’s a good chance you’ll see wildlife on this snowmobile tour. Moose and caribou are often spotted along the Denali Highway, especially in quieter areas. You may also see foxes, hares, or signs of other animals during the ride. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but this route offers strong opportunities for viewing Alaska’s native species in their natural habitat.

Yes, there’s a chance to see the Northern Lights on this trip. Alpine Creek Lodge is in a remote area with minimal light pollution, making it a great spot for aurora viewing. On clear nights, you may see the Northern Lights in Alaska right from the lodge—or even during an optional night ride if conditions allow.

We use Polaris snowmobiles for this tour. These reliable, modern machines are known for their performance and ease of use in backcountry conditions. Each machine is regularly maintained and fueled by our guides before departure. They’re ideal for both first-time riders and experienced adventurers.

Yes, meals and lodging are fully included. This 2-day tour covers your dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 2 at Alpine Creek Lodge. You’ll also receive a packed lunch for your ride back. The overnight stay at the backcountry lodge is part of the package—so you can focus on the adventure, not logistics.

The route is moderate and suitable for most riders. It follows the Denali Highway, which offers a mix of packed trail and natural backcountry snow conditions. The tour is beginner-friendly, and our guides provide support throughout the trip. Whether you’re new to snowmobiling or have some experience, the pace and structure make it accessible and enjoyable.

You can drive yourself or use our optional shuttle service. Willow is about 1 hour north of Anchorage by car. If you prefer not to drive, we offer a round-trip shuttle from Anchorage hotels to our base for $175 per person (2-person minimum).

If the weather is unsafe, we’ll reschedule or refund your tour. Safety is always our top priority. In most cases, winter conditions are expected and the tour will go ahead as planned. However, if extreme weather or trail closures make travel unsafe, we’ll contact you to arrange a new date or issue a full refund for your snowmobile adventure.

Additional Information

Planning ahead will help you get the most out of your Alaska snowmobile tour. For up-to-date weather conditions along the Denali Highway, check the NOAA Alaska Weather Forecast. Knowing the forecast helps you dress appropriately and prepare for temperature changes during the trip. We also recommend checking the Aurora Forecast from the Geophysical Institute to see the best nights for viewing the Northern Lights.

If you’re flying in for your adventure, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is the closest major airport to Willow. Most guests stay in Anchorage the night before and take our optional shuttle the morning of the tour. For gear and packing questions, feel free to reach out—we’ll make sure you have everything you need for a safe, exciting ride through the Alaska backcountry.