Temperatures as low as −60°. Daylight limited to just 5 hours a day during the peak of winter. Yes, such a place exists on planet earth – Alaska. No matter the challenges, mountains, glaciers and the indigenous flora and fauna of Alaska, experiencing this state is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you are up for a winter getaway, these are just the place for you.
Try something hot
If you are not used to the cold, the Alaskan winter can chill your marrow. But how about soaking in the warmth of naturally occurring hot springs that spread across the country? The Chena Hot Springs in Fairbanks is over a 100 years old and is one of the most visited natural hot springs. If you are lucky and your timing is right, you can even watch the northern lights as you soak in the heat.
Experience the adventure thrills and chills
Alaska is a haven for adventure junkies. Snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing and ice climbing are just some snowy activities that you can enjoy in Alaska. The adrenaline will also help drive those winter blues out of the door. Anchorage and nearby Girdwood, Valdez, Palmer, Cordova, Fairbanks, Haines and Juneau and many other cities have ski resorts with everything necessary to get you started on your winter adventure. Though the resorts are well maintained, some areas receive nearly 650 inches of snow, so better look after yourself.
Get on with your racing skills
If regular winter sports aren’t enough to get your blood rushing, Alaska also has bike racing, in snow, yeah, let that sink in, and glacier surfing, winter scuba diving and snow kiting. Glacier surfing and winter scuba diving are exactly what they sound like. It is astounding. And If you go snow kiting, remember you are the kite, yep.
How about some fishing?
After all the sports, hiking and stargazing, when you just want to chill, go ice fishing. Maybe put on some Beethoven and drift off into dreamland. Across most of the country, you can go ice fishing on lakes and rivers from December to March. The areas in and around Anchorage, Matanuska-Susitna, Fairbanks, Glennallen and Copper Valley and Bristol Bay are your best bets to catch some fish.
Watch the canines race it away
When you are in Rome, do as the Romans do. When you are in Alaska, why not watch a sled dog race? As with most things snow, Alaska doesn’t disappoint. The Iditarod Trails Sled Dog Race started in1973 and is the most famous sled dog racing event in the country. Only northern breed dogs can take part in the race, like Alaskan malamutes and Siberian huskies, because smaller dogs cannot bear the cold weather. The team that finishes last, gets a Red Lantern, which signifies the lantern that is lit and not turned off until the last dog crosses the finishing line.
Alaska, your next winter base?
What are you waiting for? Visit LatinOFare and book your flights, hotels and tours for a chilled-out and magical adventure.
