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Northern Lights Hero

Northern Lights Snowmobile Adventure

Available: Nov – Apr

Rates:
$350 – single person machine
$450 – two person machine (ride together & save!) 

Discover the excitement of snowmachining in Alaska with an evening adventure tailored for both thrill-seekers and those looking for a unique way to see the Aurora Borealis. This adventure combines the thrill of snowmachine riding with the beauty of Alaska’s nighttime landscapes. Riding along the iconic Iditarod Trail, you’ll have the best chance to see northern lights while taking in the scenery, including views of Denali and the Chugach Mountains.

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.

Perfect for all skill levels, including beginner riders, this tour provides everything you need for a safe and memorable ride. Along the way, enjoy plenty of opportunities for photos and breaks. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the best snowmobiling in Alaska combined with the magic of the aurora, now is your chance. Join us for a tour that promises unforgettable memories under Alaska’s starlit skies.

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Tour Details

Northern Lights Hero

Starting at 9pm, this adventure begins at our Willow Headquarter, where guests are outfitted with all the necessary gear for a safe and comfortable ride. From snowsuits and boots to helmets and goggles, we provide everything you need to enjoy the adventure. After a safety orientation and a brief lesson, you’ll be ready to hit the trails. Perfect for riders of all skill levels, including those looking for a good beginner snowmobile experience, this tour focuses on the excitement of riding while exploring one of the best locations to see the northern lights in Alaska. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll feel confident navigating the trails even if it’s your first time.

As you ride along the iconic Iditarod Trail, you’ll take in breathtaking views of the Alaskan wilderness, including possible glimpses of Denali and the Chugach Range. Stops along the way provide opportunities to take in the views, enjoy snacks, and capture photos of the Aurora Borealis, if conditions allow. Whether you’re drawn to the adventure of snowmobiling along the Iditarod Trail or the chance to see the northern lights, this experience is perfect. The tour concludes at midnight with a return to our Willow Headquarter, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Alaska at night.

What's Included?

This tour includes a 3-hour snowmobile ride along the Iditarod Trail, full winter gear (snowsuit, boots, gloves, helmet, and goggles), snacks, and opportunities to view the Northern Lights (weather permitting).
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Tour Dates & Times

If you are a single participant, please call to book.

Departs Daily: 9pm

Available: November – April (dependent on seasonal weather)

Ages: 18 years and older | Must have a valid license to drive

NOTE: If anyone is not comfortable driving, they may ride as a passenger, discounts are not given to those who do not wish to drive. We do not provide drivers for our tours. You must be at least 18 and licensed to drive a machine.

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FAQ's

The best time to see the lights in Alaska is from November to April due to the long nights and clear skies. Peak viewing hours are typically between 10 PM and 2 AM, when the sky is darkest. Choosing the best location to see the northern lights in Alaska is just as important as timing—areas away from city lights, such as Hatcher Pass, offer clear unobstructed views. Booking a northern lights evening snowmobile tour with us ensures you have expert guides who take you to ideal locations with ideal conditions, increasing your chances of a great display.

The best locations are away from city lights, where dark skies improve visibility. We’re based in Willow, about 90 minutes north, and pride ourselves on offering some of the best northern lights tours near Anchorage in the best locations. Riding along the snowmobile Iditarod route as well as Hatcher Pass, our tours provide clear views with minimal light pollution. Many visitors choose the Northern Lights Snowmobile Adventure, as it combines the excitement of snowmachine riding with nighttime views over a short period of time. We also offer multi-day northern lights tours, which you can find more about on our All Northern Lights Adventures page.

This adventure lasts three hours, starting at 9 PM and ending at midnight. It includes plenty of time for snowmachine riding, photo opportunities, and stops at prime viewing locations. The route offers a chance to experience snowmobiling along the Iditarod Trail while searching for the lights. This tour is designed for all skill levels, making it one of the best beginner snowmobile adventures for those new to the sport. Guests ride through remote areas with clear skies, increasing their chances of seeing the lights in ideal conditions.

Yes, this tour is beginner-friendly and a great choice for those new to snowmachining in Alaska. The route follows great trails, and guides provide a safety briefing before the ride. This is a good beginner snowmobile experience, with plenty of stops to rest and take in the scenery. If you’re looking for a way to combine a first-time ride with the best chance to see the northern lights, this tour is a great option. Whether you’re here purely for the snowmobile adventure or planning a trip to see the northern lights, this tour offers a safe and exciting way to explore Alaska’s winter landscapes.

We use Polaris snowmobiles, known for their reliability and smooth handling in Alaska’s winter conditions. We also offer models for riders who prefer to share a machine. These snowmobiles provide a stable ride, perfect for exploring the Iditarod route and enjoying the best snowmobiling in Alaska. Whether you’re joining us for a northern lights adventure like this one, or a different one of our backcountry snowmobile trips, our machines are built for comfort and control. Guests on our tours can expect well-maintained equipment designed to handle nighttime terrain, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride.

Yes, you can ride as a passenger behind a driver on a standard machine. This makes the tour a great option for those who prefer not to drive but still want to experience snowmachining in Alaska. Our Polaris snowmobiles provide a smooth and stable ride, making them a good beginner snowmobile choice. Riding as a passenger lets you focus on enjoying the northern lights and the Denali views from the Iditarod Trail without handling the controls. All passengers must be at least eight years old.

This adventure is available from November to April, depending on seasonal weather conditions. This is prime northern lights viewing season in alaska.

The ideal conditions for northern lights viewing in Alaska depend on solar activity, weather, and darkness. The aurora happens when charged particles from the sun hit Earth’s atmosphere, creating colorful displays. Strong solar storms increase the intensity, leading to brighter, more active lights. The best way to see the northern lights in our state is on nights with high aurora forecasts, clear skies, and minimal light pollution. Locations away from artificial light improve visibility. Cold, dry air helps keep the sky clear, making winter a great season for a northern lights trip. For the best experience, avoid full moons, check aurora activity levels, and choose a northern light tour that takes you to remote areas for the brightest and most vivid displays.

 
 

The best way to see the northern lights in photos is by using a camera with manual settings and a tripod for stability. A long exposure time, typically between 5 to 20 seconds, helps capture the movement and color of the aurora. A wide-angle lens with a low f-stop lets in more light, making the display appear brighter. Choosing the best location to see the northern lights away from cities and artificial light improves clarity. Those snowmobiling to see the northern lights often stop at dark, open areas for better shots. Adjusting ISO settings based on brightness helps balance the exposure. Many of our guests enjoy using quick stops to take pictures while riding snowmobiles on the Iditarod Trail under the night sky.

Dress in warm layers to stay comfortable during your northern lights adventure. Wear a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating middle layer, and a waterproof outer layer. We provide a snowsuit, boots, gloves, helmet, and goggles. Bringing a face covering or balaclava helps protect against wind and cold.

Yes, there are age and license restrictions for this northern lights adventure. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license to operate a snowmobile. Passengers must be at least 8 years old to ride along. If you’re planning a trip to see the northern lights but prefer not to drive, you can ride as a passenger on a snowmobile with another participant. These rules ensure a safe and enjoyable ride for all participants on our snowmobile tours in Alaska.

Yes, all necessary gear is included in the adventure. We provide a snowsuit, insulated boots, gloves, a helmet, and goggles to keep you warm and protected during your northern lights snowmobile adventure. Guests should wear warm base layers and bring a face covering or balaclava for added comfort. Having the right gear ensures a safe and enjoyable experience. You’ll joining one of the best northern lights tours, and you’ll need to be fully equipped for the cold temperatures and open landscapes. Our goal is to make sure every rider is comfortable, whether they’re riding as a passenger or navigating the trails solo under the night sky.

Yes, you can book this northern lights tour as a private experience. Private bookings allow your group to enjoy a more personalized adventure, whether you’re planning a northern lights trip with friends, family, or a special occasion. Riding with a private group means more flexibility in pacing, stops, and photo opportunities. If you’re interested in securing a private tour, we recommend reaching out in advance to check availability and pricing. This option is great for those looking for the best trips to see the northern lights in a more intimate setting. Contact us to book for your private group.

The duration of the aurora varies depending on solar activity and atmospheric conditions. Once they appear, the lights can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Stronger displays tend to last longer, while weaker ones may fade quickly. During a northern lights trip, the aurora often comes in waves, with periods of brightness followed by moments of fading. Those on a northern light tour may see shifting colors and patterns as the display changes throughout the night. Choosing the best northern lights tours near Anchorage like ours increases your chances of seeing longer-lasting displays in the right conditions. 

Additional Information

For those planning a northern lights trip, a little preparation can enhance the experience. Checking the aurora forecast is key to finding the best trips to see the northern lights, as solar activity influences the strength of the display. The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) provides real-time aurora activity reports, helping visitors choose the best nights for viewing. If you’re joining our northern lights tour, it’s also helpful to understand the science behind the aurora. The University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute (Aurora Forecast) offers detailed information on how and why the northern lights occur.

Another key factor for a successful northern lights snowmobile adventure is dressing appropriately for Alaska’s winter conditions. The REI Expert Advice (Cold Weather Layering Guide) provides practical tips on layering for extreme cold, helping ensure comfort on the trails. Whether you’re riding the trails, or stopping for northern lights photography, these resources will help you prepare for an unforgettable night under the Alaskan sky.

Snowhook Adventure Guides of Alaska Call 907-414-4325

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