Winter Wonderland: Anchorage, Alaska

Discover the northern lights as they shimmer over Anchorage. Find outdoor adventure, skiing, skating, sledding, or biking, from November to April. Whether playing in the snow, dining mountainside, or curling up by a fireplace is your idea of winter fun, Alaska’s largest city is the ultimate winter playground.

Explore any of the three downhill ski areas within 45 minutes of downtown Anchorage, all with stunning views and thrilling terrain for every skill level. After hitting the slopes, be sure to check out Alaska’s first-ever Nordic Spa at Alyeska Resort for ultimate pampering and relaxation. The 50,000-square-foot sanctuary features indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pools and barrel saunas nestled in the woods, and a stylish bistro for dining and drinks.

Plan ahead for signature events such as Fur Rendezvous, Alaska’s largest and oldest winter festival, in February. Fur Rondy events put locals and visitors to the test squaring off in outhouse races, build giant snow sculptures, and trying their skills in a Pamplona-style running of the reindeer dash. Also, be sure to check out the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race on March 4, 2023. Cheer on mushers and their sled dog teams during the ceremonial start of the “Last Great Race” in downtown Anchorage’s Mushing District.

For a wild Alaska adventure, take a dog sled ride with a friendly team of huskies along a snow-packed trail. Enjoy a fat tire bike ride along one of the many connected trails throughout the city. Or take to the skies with a flightseeing tour of Denali, North America’s tallest peak. When it comes to winter, Anchorage has plenty to boast about. America’s favorite winter activities are all right here. Learn more at anchorage.net/winter.