Community Forums

SNAIL1 · 02-02-2025, 03:19 PM

We're (wife and I) going to Alaska again, this time not in our motor home but on an airplane and with AIRBB/VRBO. We plan to visit Fairbanks, North Pole and surrounding area in the next month or so to view the Northern Lights. We plan to be in Alaska for about a week. It's on our bucket list and were approaching the point that "if we don't do it now ---it won't get done".

We're looking for advice as to how/were is best areas to see lights, what clothing should we rent to keep warm, should we do our own thing or get a guide service to see light, etc. We also plan to visit the ice festival in Fairbanks. The ice carvings have captivated our minds since our first trip to Fairbanks years agol

Any input greatly appreciated.

SafariBen · 02-02-2025, 04:36 PM

The days are getting longer and the sun is getting higher, so if you can rent clothes there, wait till you see the daily forecast. It was recently warmer in Fairbanks than in New Orleans, so it could easily be a balmy 30-40F, or it could be -20, in which case you want head to toe covered if you'll be outside longer than a minute. Wool mittens with leather outer, ski mask and hood, insulated boots, snow pants.

The lights will be much more dramatic if you can get north of any urban areas at least 10 miles. If you're going mostly to see the lights, I'd try to find some place even further from urban lights. But it's still a crapshoot, could be no lights even with the current solar maximum.

Arch Hoagland · 02-02-2025, 04:40 PM

I didn't know you could rent clothes there. Interesting.

DavidRamey · 02-02-2025, 07:06 PM

I have lived in Alaska for 41 years and I have never heard of renting clothes. Bring your fall, winter, and spring clothes and you should be ok. Bring synthetic long jons, fleece or wool clothing, warm hat, gloves and boots.

Bill Gail · 02-02-2025, 08:17 PM

If you're in Fairbanks , a great place to go is Chena Hot Springs .
It's about 60 miles North of Fairbanks on a paved and well marked road . It's about 30 miles South of the Artic Circle .
We've seen Moose along the route everytime we've gone there .
They have both outdoor and indoor pools . This is an improved facility . If you prefer rustic outdoor natural pools this is not for you .
Besides the Hot Springs on their grounds they have the Aurora Ice Museum .
It's also known as one of the best places on Earth to view the Aurora Borealis.
The Resort has a shuttle that will take you about 30 minutes North of the Resort , on top of a ridge with no light pollution .
Absolutely Spectacular !

twogypsies · 02-02-2025, 08:18 PM

Make sure you can reserve and rent your clothes. I have never heard of that.

When it gets closer to your trip you may want to consult this for times to see the lights.

https://www.gi.alaska.edu/monitors/aurora-forecast

https://www.travelalaska.com/explore...-lights-alaska

... and on this site scroll down a little and click on the town for updates on seeing the lights at present. Right now.... cloudy in Fairbanks so not much chance of seeing the lights.

https://www.explorefairbanks.com/exp...urora-tracker/

Have a great trip!

SNAIL1 · 02-03-2025, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidRamey

I have lived in Alaska for 41 years and I have never heard of renting clothes. Bring your fall, winter, and spring clothes and you should be ok. Bring synthetic long jons, fleece or wool clothing, warm hat, gloves and boots.

We live in south west Florida and have for the past 25 years. Not sure my winter clothes would do any good.

thanks, appreciate the idea that it all depends on the temperatures the days we are there and who knows what that will be a month from now.

AKJohn · 02-03-2025, 03:51 PM

If you go to Chena Hot Springs it will be the high point of your trip even if the Aurora is not visible.

ttavasc · 02-03-2025, 04:10 PM

Another vote for Chena Hot Springs. You won't be disappointed! We were there a few years ago and did the snow coach tour for the Aurora viewing which was absolutely fabulous. There are a couple of heated yurts on the mountain top so you can warm up with some hot drinks and snacks. You can also purchase an Appletini with your Ice Museum ticket, so belly up to the bar and enjoy it in a glass made from ice.