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Our tour is designed to show you the best place to see the Northern Lights in the heart of Alaska, far from city lights and noise.
Our adventure starts in Willow. Once there, we’ll outfit you with warm winter gear for your comfort and safety. Our team will then guide you on a Snowcat ride along the Iditarod Trail. This journey is an adventure in itself, taking you through quiet forests, over frozen lakes, and opening up to expansive views of Denali and the Talkeetna range.
The real show starts when night falls. The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, come alive and dance across the Alaskan sky in displays of green, red, and white. There’s no way to fully describe the spectacle—it’s a sight you’ll have to see to believe.
What makes our tour stand out? We prioritize small group experiences for a more personal touch. On top of that, our experienced guides, the provision of snacks and hot drinks, and photos of your adventure are all part of the package.
Contact us now and embark on an unforgettable journey to see the Northern Lights.
Get ready to experience the Alaskan Northern Lights or, as scientists call them, the Aurora Borealis. These displays of green, red, and occasionally other colors aren’t just pretty – they’re also a marvel of atmospheric science.
The interaction between our planet and the sun. The sun constantly emits a stream of charged particles known as the solar wind. When this wind reaches Earth, it interacts with the magnetic field surrounding our planet. This results in particles colliding with the gases in our atmosphere, causing them to light up, much like a neon sign.
Each color of the Northern Lights holds a clue to the type of gas being excited by these particles. The most common color, a bright, ghostly green, is produced by oxygen molecules located about 60 miles above Earth. Higher-altitude oxygen can create a rare red aurora. Nitrogen, another abundant element in our atmosphere, can create blue or purplish-red auroras.
The closer you are to the Earth’s magnetic poles, the higher your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Given that Alaska is closer to the North Pole, it is ideally situated for viewing this stunning spectacle. Particularly around Anchorage, the conditions are often excellent for aurora viewing, with clear skies and minimal light pollution.
Different cultures interpret the Northern Lights in unique ways. For some Alaskan native tribes, the lights are the spirits of animals they have hunted. For others, they’re the souls of their ancestors. Regardless of interpretation, everyone agrees – they’re a sight to behold.
Predicting the Northern Lights is part science, part experience. Scientists monitor solar activity to provide forecasts about when and where to go to see the Northern Lights. Yet, Mother Nature has the final say. There’s nothing like the thrill of a night under the Alaskan sky, waiting for the lights to dance.
By understanding the science behind the Northern Lights, your experience of viewing this spectacle in the Alaskan sky will be enriched tenfold. It’s not just about seeing the lights; it’s about appreciating what brings them to life.
Contact Us now to book your tour.
A Northern Lights tour is a thrilling adventure. As you prepare for this journey, it’s essential to know what to pack and how to make the most of your Northern Lights viewing experience. Let’s get into some key preparation tips to ensure you’re all set for this Alaskan adventure.
When it comes to the northern lights, Alaska often offers the best viewing conditions, but remember it can be chilly out there in the backcountry. Layer your clothing, beginning with thermal undergarments and adding warm outer layers. Don’t forget a cozy hat, gloves, and insulated boots. We’ll provide the snow gear, but personal comfort is key to fully enjoying your northern lights experience.
The northern lights are a photographer’s dream, yet they can be tricky to capture. A good DSLR camera, a tripod, and some knowledge about your camera’s manual settings are essential. Aim for a slow shutter speed, a high ISO setting, and a wide aperture. And remember, practice makes perfect; consider familiarizing yourself with these settings before the tour.
Aside from warm clothing and photography gear, consider packing a small backpack with additional items for comfort. Snacks, water, and extra batteries for your camera are always a good idea. However, remember to travel light – our tours include snacks, hot drinks, and a backcountry experience like no other!
Weather and solar activity play significant roles in the visibility of the northern lights. Clear skies and strong solar activity often give the best results. As part of our northern lights tour package, our expert guides will keep track of these conditions to optimize your viewing experience.
Remember, each Alaskan aurora borealis viewing is unique, just like our tours. We’re here to provide you with the best northern lights experience possible. Prepare well, and let us take care of the rest!
The Northern Lights hold a significant place in the folklore and traditions of Alaska’s native peoples, adding a layer of profound cultural richness to their breathtaking visual display.
For centuries, the night sky served as a storytelling canvas for the native tribes, with the Northern Lights at its heart. The Inuit people, inhabiting the Arctic regions, viewed these lights as the spirits of their ancestors. They imagined these spirits engaged in a celestial game, with the lights resulting from their playful antics.
The Athabaskans, residing in the interior regions of Alaska, held a different perspective. To them, the Northern Lights represented the dance of animal spirits. These ethereal dances in the sky were seen as signals of good fortune and abundance.
It’s not uncommon to find families and individuals sharing stories and legends associated with the Lights during winter gatherings. Their influence stretches to traditional art and crafts as well. Keep an eye out for Aurora inspired motifs in native carvings, tapestries, and beadwork. These motifs resonate with the community’s intimate bond with the Northern Lights, showing their appreciation and respect.
As you embark on our Northern Lights tour, bear in mind these rich stories and beliefs that add depth to the spectacle. It’s not only an opportunity to witness a natural wonder, but also a chance to immerse yourself in the local folklore that gives it meaning. This cultural heritage creates an experience that is uniquely Alaskan.
Typically, the best time to see the northern lights, or aurora borealis, in Anchorage, Alaska is during the winter months, from late September through early April. During these months, the sky is darkest, providing a great contrast for the dancing lights. However, exact timing may vary and the visibility of the northern lights also depends on solar activity and clear skies.
The occurrence of the northern lights is a natural phenomenon and therefore cannot be guaranteed on every tour. However, Alaska’s long winter nights increase your chances of seeing the northern lights. Our expert guides keep a close eye on the Alaskan aurora forecast and solar activity to plan our tours during the most likely times to see the Northern Lights.
Alaska’s winter can be quite cold, so dressing warmly is essential. We recommend layered clothing, including thermal underwear, a warm middle layer, and a waterproof outer layer. Don’t forget a warm hat, gloves, and thermal socks.
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.
Preparing for the northern lights tour involves dressing appropriately for the weather and bringing any personal items you might need like cameras, medications, or additional snacks. Make sure to have a good rest before the tour as we might stay up late for the best aurora viewing in Alaska.
Expect an exciting adventure! Our northern lights tour will take you through forests and over frozen lakes, offering stunning views of Denali and the Talkeetna range. The highlight of the tour, of course, is the viewing of the beautiful aurora borealis, a truly unforgettable experience.
Our northern lights tour package includes snow gear, snacks, hot drinks, and photos. Our expert guides will ensure you have a backcountry experience in a small group setting for a more personalized experience.
Booking a reservation for the northern lights tour is simple. Just click on the “Book Now” button on our webpage. If you have any special requirements or additional questions about the tour, feel free to call us at 907-414-4547, or contact us here.
We recommend booking your northern lights tour as early as possible to ensure availability. Winter is a popular season for aurora viewing in Alaska, so tours can fill up quickly.
Yes, the northern lights are often visible near Anchorage. Our tour starts in Willow and will take you on the Idiatord trail to places in the backcountry away from the city lights to ensure optimal viewing conditions. Depending on weather conditions, we end up travelling to Hatchers Pass, a popular spot amongst locals to view the lights.
Yes, children are welcome to join the northern lights tour. However, please note that the tour involves staying out late at night in cold temperatures, so it’s important to ensure the children are dressed appropriately and can handle the conditions comfortably. We recommend discussing any specific concerns or requirements regarding children with our booking team.
Absolutely! We encourage guests to bring their cameras to capture the awe-inspiring beauty of the northern lights. Our guides can provide tips and guidance on how to capture the best photos of the aurora borealis.
Planning your Northern Lights journey involves being informed and well-prepared. In anticipation of your aurora viewing experience, keep an eye on the University of Alaska’s Geophysical Institute for real-time data on the intensity and location of the Aurora Borealis. Don’t forget to check the local weather forecast using tools like the National Weather Service’s Alaska page to plan your adventure more effectively. Finally, enrich your experience by learning more about the cultural significance and scientific facts surrounding the Northern Lights through educational platforms like PBS. With these resources at your fingertips, you’re well on your way to an unforgettable Northern Lights adventure.
Rates:
$775.00 per person
The captivating lights of the Aurora Borealis are a signature part of the Alaskan winter experience. The red, green, and white ribbons of lights flow across the dark winter sky creating memories that will last a lifetime. We invite you to journey with us this winter to the backcountry of Hatcher Pass high in the Talkeetna Mountains to experience where these lights live on a one of kind Northern Lights tour.
This all-inclusive overnight combination tour brings together the best of all of Alaska’s great winter adventures from dog sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and northern lights viewing as well as great food and comfortable accommodations.
NOTE: If you are a single participant, please call to book!
Incudes:
Does Not Include:
Our adventure begins with a two-hour dog sled tour through a winter wonderland. Afterwards we’ll go from paw power to a little more full throttle fun as we hop on a snowmobile for a 30 mile trip that has everything from views of Denali and the Alaska range, powder to play in and stunning Alaskan scenery around every turn as we make our way up the mountain to our lodge.
Once you’re settled into your cabin, we’ll enjoy a steak dinner together while we wait for the lights to dance. Venture out by snowshoe or snowmobile amongst the trails of the pass for one-of-a-kind photos. In the morning, enjoy a hearty Alaskan breakfast before we travel back down the mountain again by snowmobile to our base in Willow.
This tour departs daily at 10:00 a.m.
This tour option is available November through April.
This tour is suitable for people of all ages.
Please let us know if you or someone in your party is uncomfortable around dogs so we can make it a successful experience for all involved.
The answer is found in the interaction between our planet and the sun. The sun constantly emits a stream of charged particles known as the solar wind. When this wind reaches Earth, it interacts with the magnetic field surrounding our planet. This results in particles colliding with the gases in our atmosphere, causing them to light up, much like a neon sign.
The closer you are to the Earth’s magnetic poles, the higher your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Given that Alaska is closer to the North Pole, it is ideally situated for viewing this stunning spectacle. Particularly around Anchorage, the conditions are often excellent for aurora viewing, with clear skies and minimal light pollution.
Predicting the Northern Lights is part science, part experience. Scientists monitor solar activity to provide forecasts about when and where to go to see the Northern Lights. Yet, Mother Nature has the final say. There’s nothing like the thrill of a night under the Alaskan sky, waiting for the lights to dance.
The northern lights are a photographer’s dream, yet they can be tricky to capture. A good DSLR camera, a tripod, and some knowledge about your camera’s manual settings are essential. Aim for a slow shutter speed, a high ISO setting, and a wide aperture. And remember, practice makes perfect; consider familiarizing yourself with these settings before the tour.
Typically, the best time to see the northern lights, or aurora borealis, in Anchorage, Alaska is during the winter months, from late September through early April. During these months, the sky is darkest, providing a great contrast for the dancing lights. However, exact timing may vary and the visibility of the northern lights also depends on solar activity and clear skies.
Each color of the Northern Lights holds a clue to the type of gas being excited by these particles. The most common color, a bright, ghostly green, is produced by oxygen molecules located about 60 miles above Earth. Higher-altitude oxygen can create a rare red aurora. Nitrogen, another abundant element in our atmosphere, can create blue or purplish-red auroras.
Different cultures interpret the Northern Lights in unique ways. For some Alaskan native tribes, the lights are the spirits of animals they have hunted. For others, they’re the souls of their ancestors. Regardless of interpretation, everyone agrees – they’re a sight to behold.
When it comes to the northern lights, Alaska often offers the best viewing conditions, but remember it can be chilly out there in the backcountry. Layer your clothing, beginning with thermal undergarments and adding warm outer layers. Don’t forget a cozy hat, gloves, and insulated boots. We’ll provide the snow gear, but personal comfort is key to fully enjoying your northern lights experience.
Weather and solar activity play significant roles in the visibility of the northern lights. Clear skies and strong solar activity often give the best results. As part of our northern lights tour package, our expert guides will keep track of these conditions to optimize your viewing experience.
The occurrence of the northern lights is a natural phenomenon and therefore cannot be guaranteed on every tour. However, Alaska’s long winter nights increase your chances of seeing the northern lights. Our expert guides keep a close eye on the Alaskan aurora forecast and solar activity to plan our tours during the most likely times to see the Northern Lights.
Preparing for the northern lights tour involves dressing appropriately for the weather and bringing any personal items you might need like cameras, medications, or additional snacks. Make sure to have a good rest before the tour as we might stay up late for the best aurora viewing in Alaska.
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.
Planning your Northern Lights journey involves being informed and well-prepared. In anticipation of your aurora viewing experience, keep an eye on the University of Alaska’s Geophysical Institute for real-time data on the intensity and location of the Aurora Borealis.
Don’t forget to check the local weather forecast using tools like the National Weather Service’s Alaska page to plan your adventure more effectively. Finally, enrich your experience by learning more about the cultural significance and scientific facts surrounding the Northern Lights through educational platforms like PBS. With these resources at your fingertips, you’re well on your way to an unforgettable Northern Lights adventure.
Join us on a once in a lifetime Alaska adventure with Snowhook Adventure Guides of Alaska. We’ll take you to places most people never get to see on dog sleds, helicopters, snowmobiles or ATVs.
Snowhook Adventure Guides of Alaska. 23880 Long Lake Rd, Willow, AK 99688 © All Rights Reserved | Provided by The Ohlo Group