Planning Your Trip to Fairbanks

 

  1.  Check the Weather -- For trips based in Fairbanks like snowshoeing and dogsledding adventures, our neighbor has an official weather station: https://swingleydev.com/weather/dw1454/  For trips based at our homestead on the Tanana River, the forecast for Nenana, AK is your best bet.

  2. Aurora Forecast-- Check the forecast with the university's Geophysical Institute: http://www.gi.alaska.edu/auroraforecast.  Here is a good guide to aurora viewing: http://auroraforecast.gi.alaska.edu/travelers-guide.php

  3. Prepare Your Camera- Taking good pictures in cold weather involves some unique challenges.  Be prepared with this great article by Dave Shaw: https://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-take-care-of-your-camera-in-cold-weather/ You may also want to download an aurora photography app.

  4. Pack Your Bags- Our aim is to provide all of the serious warm weather clothing that you wouldn’t need at home. We are happy to lend you gear if we have it so please ask! There are also a number of companies who will rent you warm clothing such as Alaska Element: https://alaskaelement.com/

  5. Arrange transportation- Fairbanks is a tough place to get around without a car. If you are comfortable driving in ice and snow, we recommend that you rent a vehicle. It is nearly always slippery here so make sure to get 4-wheel or all-wheel drive, rental car tires are notoriously bad. Past guests have raved about renting from this place: https://www.alaska4x4rentals.com/.

Bruce Lee training at Tanana Lakes ice rink

Plan Other Winter Activities--

  1. Want to take an educational walk in the woods? Our friend Shannon is a top-notch nature guide.  Check her business out at: www.leafoutak.com           

  2. Go ice skating at Tanana Lakes Recreation Area (free, call 907 459 1070 for details) of the outdoor rink at the Big Dipper ice arena where you can rent skates for just $3 :)

  3. The University of Alaska Museum of the North is world-class and worth going to, especially on an extra cold day.  https://www.uaf.edu/museum/

  4. Want to see the aurora? We highly recommend that you book an aurora-specific tour where you drive around and “chase” the aurora. https://www.theaurorachasers.com/

  5. The World Ice Art Carving Championships takes place in Fairbanks in February and March and it’s amazing! https://icealaska.com/

jenna cooking dinner on the trail

Recommended Restaurants-

  1. We love Lemongrass Thai Food for really good Thai food made with local ingredients- http://www.lemongrassalaska.com/

  2. We also recommend Bahn Thai, Soba, and Bobby's Greek food downtown.

  3. For a true musher experience, head to Ivory Jacks Bar in the heart of Goldstream Valley http://www.ivoryjacksrestaurant.com/

  4. For a relaxing place to sit and enjoy the best tea and treats in town, check out Sipping Streams


Recommended Reading-

Coming on a trip with us and looking to learn some essentials or just get in the mood for an adventure in the North? Here are some books that we like, you can find most of them waiting for you in our guest cabin :)

Winter travel

  1. A Snow Walker’s Companion- Garret and Alexandra Conover

  2. Paradise Below Zero- Calvin Rustrom

  3. Bushcraft- Mors Kochanski

Dog Mushing

  1. Sled Dog Trails- Mary Shields

  2. Dog Driver-Miki and Julie Collins

Alaskana

  1. The Snow Child- Eowyn Ivey

  2. Born on Snowshoes- Evelyn Shore

  3. Shopping for Porcupine- Seth Kantner

  4. Giant’s Hand- Nick Jans

  5. Riding the Wild Side of Denali- Miki and Julie Collins


More Questions?

Email or call us at alaskahomesteadadventures@gmail.com or (248) 568 0345