At the start of planning an Alaska trip, I would venture to guess that 99% of people think of summertime first. Okay, maybe not quite that many, but summer is definitely the peak season for tourism in the 49th State! However, I’m here to make a strong case for winter, especially in the Anchorage area. And since you’ve landed on this guide, I’m guessing it’s at the top of your mind!

Think quiet frozen viewpoints, snowy adventures, the northern lights, unique tour opportunities (dog sledding, anyone?), and some really cool local winter festivals. Since Anchorage is a large and very popular hub for visiting Alaska, luckily a lot of those activities are located either right in town or just a short drive away.

After living for years just a few minutes outside of Anchorage, I’ve gathered a list of the best winter activities to do in Anchorage to help you plan your own trip! Let’s get into it.

Table of Contents

Introduction
My Experience in Anchorage in Winter
16 Best Winter Activities in Anchorage
FAQ

Short on time? Here are my top hotel picks in Anchorage:

The Wildbirch Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Hotel Captain Cook ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Highliner Suites Hotel ⭐⭐⭐

My Experience in Anchorage in Winter

Living in the Anchorage area in winter taught me so much about how Alaskans approach the cold season - which is to say, they don't avoid it. In fact…they ski it, sled it, fat bike it, and then warm up at one of approximately a thousand wonderful breweries (slight exaggeration, but yes there are a ton).

That attitude is very contagious, and it's something I haven’t seen replicated to that extent anywhere else. I think that this is also good inspiration for anyone visiting - if you fully embrace the cold, you are bound to have an incredible trip! This is what makes Anchorage, and Alaska as a whole, such a great winter destination.

16 Best Winter Activities in Anchorage, Alaska

1. Glacier Landing & Flightseeing

This is the one activity I'd put at the very top of any Anchorage winter list without a moment of hesitation. I've done a glacier landing in winter with Alaska Helicopter Tours - their base is about an hour north of Anchorage, and transfers can be arranged upon inquiry.

To sum it up: the experience was absolutely INSANE. Alaska’s glaciers and wild mountain landscapes are gorgeous all year round, but I was blown away by the frozen scenery in January when we flew. Landing on frozen glacier terrain in winter is a completely different experience from the summer version. Everything is blanketed in white, and the light sits low in the sky, often covering the landscape in a soft purple-pink glow.

Alternatively, for a flight right out of the city, taking a winter bush plane over the snow-covered wilderness is another amazing option. Rust's Flying Service operates flights right out of Anchorage.

Book it:

Alaska Helicopter Tours: 60 Minute Glacier Landing Tour (Anchorage transfers upon request)
Alaska Helicopter Tours: 2 Hour Tour with 3 Landings (Anchorage transfers upon request)
Rust's Flying Service - winter bush plane flights out of Anchorage

2. Chase the Northern Lights

Anchorage itself isn't always the best spot for aurora viewing due to light pollution, but you don't have to go far at all - ideally just to a high point. Drive out to the Glen Alps Trailhead parking area in the Chugach Mountains for an elevated, dark-sky viewpoint above the city. Point Woronzof is another good option right on the water at the edge of the city, and as a plus, it doesn’t require driving up a mountain.

When we lived in Eagle River (about 15-20 minutes north of Anchorage), there was a road out to the South Fork Valley Trail area that was always a great aurora spot - away from the city glow and with a wide open sky. I know some people also recommend the Eagle River Nature Center as a good viewing spot, which is quite easily accessible.

The northern lights season runs September through April, with December through March being the peak window. Clear, cold nights are your best bet - download an aurora forecast app before you go and check it obsessively.

3. Skiing & Snowboarding

Anchorage actually has quite a few ski options! Albeit, some are a short drive outside of the city limits. Regardless, there are plenty to choose from if you’re looking to hit the slopes.

For a full resort experience, Alyeska Resort in nearby Girdwood (about 40 minutes south of Anchorage) is my top recommendation. Extensive terrain, a proper mountain town atmosphere, and easily one of the best ski experiences in the state.

Hilltop Ski Area is right on the edge of the city - small, accessible, and good for a day on the slopes with barely any travel. Arctic Valley Ski Area, just a short drive north, offers weekend skiing in a gorgeous setting. Fair warning that the access road to Arctic Valley is...steep. They also offer tubing!

And then there's Kincaid Park right in the city, which is specifically for cross-country skiing. Almost 40 miles of groomed, partially lit Nordic trails that are considered among the best cross-country skiing in the entire country - and completely free to access! It's kind of incredible that this exists inside a major city, and it's one of the things that makes Anchorage such a unique place to live and visit.

4. Ice Skating

Westchester Lagoon, located just outside of downtown Anchorage, freezes over in winter and becomes a very popular local skating spot - plus it’s totally free and quite scenic. Potters Marsh is another great option on the southern edge of the city, as you head south along the Turnagain Arm towards Girdwood.

For a more "wild" experience, drive out to Eklutna Lake or Portage Lake when conditions allow for it. I don’t know if it gets any more epic than skating on a frozen backcountry lake surrounded by gorgeous snowy mountains! Always check ice conditions before heading out to more remote spots. Wild skating would be my own personal top choice, but there is more to consider when it comes to safety.

5. Winter Hiking & Snowshoeing

Many of Alaska's trails don't “close” in the winter - they just get a lot quieter, a lot snowier, and (arguably) more beautiful. A few favorites for winter:

Eklutna Lake is a personal favorite - the flat, snow-covered lakeshore trail is peaceful and the mountain backdrop in winter light is otherworldly. One of my favorite photos I’ve ever taken (below) is from a hike at Eklutna Lake during our first winter living in Alaska!

Flattop Mountain (from the Glen Alps trailhead) is very doable with proper gear - it’s not difficult, but the snow and the wind play a factor. If you’re bundled up properly and have some good winter boots and microspikes, this is a great one. The Eagle River Nature Center has well-maintained winter trails and is a wonderful option if you want a more low-key experience with beautiful scenery. Barbara Falls is a super short hike that's especially magical in winter when the ice formations build up on the waterfall.

Always go prepared! Micro-spikes or snowshoes depending on conditions, layers, and a headlamp - because winter daylight hours in Alaska are so incredibly short.

6. Dog Sledding Tour

Dog sledding is one of the most iconic Alaska winter experiences, and is actually the state’s official sport (how cool is that?). Technically, you’ll be outside of Anchorage for this activity, but luckily there are plenty of guided tours that handle all of the details, plus transport to and from town.

This Winter Dog Sledding Tour (roughly 6 hours, including drive time) brings you from downtown Anchorage up Willow to meet the sled dogs at a real Iditarod musher’s home kennel, where you’ll learn about the sport, play with the adorable huskies, and of course go dog sledding with the team. Only in Alaska!

>> Book the Winter Dog Sledding Tour

7. Fat Biking

If you like mountain biking in the summertime, then chances are you’ll love fat-tire biking on snow-packed trails in the Alaskan winter landscape. Kincaid Park right in Anchorage (the same park with all of the wonderful cross-country ski trails) has multi-use winter paths that are great for fat tire biking. Alternatively, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is another popular option.

But realistically, there are heaps of trail options in the area - I’d suggest asking your chosen bike rental company for a map and their personal favorites! Downtown Bicycle Rental has fat tire bike rentals, and Pablo’s Bike Rentals has electric fat tire bikes.

For easy planning: book a guided fat tire biking tour in Anchorage, which includes your bike and cold weather gear.

8. Snowmachining (Snowmobiling)

Snowmachining (as Alaskans call it) is a deeply loved winter activity here, and a guided tour gives you access to backcountry terrain you couldn't reach any other way. Glacier City Tours operates a Blue Ice Glacier winter tour that looks absolutely incredible.

A guided tour is definitely the way to go while visiting in the winter. No hassle of researching routes, securing your own rental and transport, etc. This makes it super simple, accessible and (obviously) fun!

>> Book a guided snowmobiling tour

9. Matanuska Glacier Guided Day Tour

I’ve talked about Matanuska Glacier in my 7 Best Glaciers Near Anchorage, Alaska guide, but I failed to mention that it’s equally wonderful to visit in the winter season! Since this is roughly a two hour drive north of Anchorage, a guided day tour & hike like this one (which includes round-trip transport out of downtown Anchorage) will allow you to experience the glacier without worrying about driving on the snowy roads.

Walking on the glacier always requires a guided tour regardless, so in my opinion, you might as well rope it in with the full-service experience! Less stress that way (can you tell winter driving was my least favorite part of living in Alaska? Hah!), so you can solely focus on how epic it is to walk amidst the ice formations and frozen pools.

>> Book the Matanuska Glacier guided day tour & hike

10. Nordic Spa Day at Alyeska

There are so many outdoor adventure opportunities in Alaska, but sometimes you need a cozy and calm refresh. The Alyeska Nordic Spa in Girdwood is one of the best ways to spend an Anchorage-area winter day when you need a break from the cold. They have hot and cold therapy pools, saunas, steam rooms, and full spa services all with a mountain backdrop.

Girdwood is just a short ~30 minute drive south from Anchorage, and deserves a place on your itinerary anyways! This little mountain town is insanely picturesque and has plenty to do, despite its tiny size.

11. Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Train

The Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter train runs between Anchorage and Fairbanks and is one of the most scenic and unique rail experiences in North America! It’s a scenic train ride through the snow-covered Alaska wilderness, with huge picture windows and the potential for northern lights viewing from the train in the darker months.

Since this is a 12 hour journey (with stops in various towns along the way) this is best used as a method of transport between the cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks.

>> Book the Aurora Winter Train (Anchorage to Fairbanks)
>> Book the Aurora Winter Train (Fairbanks to Anchorage)

12. Local Museums

A dark or stormy winter day in Anchorage is the perfect excuse to go digging into Alaska's history and culture. The Anchorage Museum covers everything from history, art and design, science, and culture - all with a focus on the North.

>> Book your Anchorage Museum admission ticket

More of a cultural center than a traditional museum, the Alaska Native Heritage Center covers the traditions, art, and history of Alaska's Indigenous peoples through exhibits and live cultural demonstrations.

13. Attend a Winter Festival

Fur Rendezvous (Fur Rondy)

Fur Rondy is one of the oldest and most loved festivals in Alaska, held every year in February in downtown Anchorage. It's a huge winter celebration including fur auctions, snow sculpture competitions, the Running of the Reindeer, outhouse races (yes, you read that correctly), and a full carnival vibe that takes over downtown Anchorage. If you happen to be in Anchorage in February, make sure you stop by!

The Iditarod

The Iditarod Sled Dog Race begins in Anchorage every year in early March with a ceremonial start right downtown. Thousands of people line the streets to cheer on the mushers and their dog teams - the athmosphere is so lively and exciting! This is an unforgettable and very Alaskan experience if your trip timing lines up. Plus, it’s totally free to attend.

14. Brewery Hopping in Anchorage

Anchorage has no shortage of fantastic breweries, and this was always one of our favorite ways to spend a date night while living in the Anchorage area. You basically never run out of options!

My personal go-tos right in town: King Street Brewing, Turnagain Brewing, Midnight Sun Brewing, and Anchorage Brewing Company. 49th State Brewing is also a must, but I’d almost classify that as more of a restaurant experience (regardless, it’s super good and you shouldn’t skip it!). Odd Man Rush Brewing is another great one, located in Eagle River about 15 minutes north of Anchorage.

In addition to plenty of favorite breweries, I'm also a really big fan of Double Shovel Cider - this spot is great for anyone who prefers cider over beer.

15. Rock Climbing

Rock climbing in the winter? I mean indoors, of course! The Alaska Rock Gym is located right in Anchorage, and it’s a thoroughly impressive (and huge) facility. We used to spend many winter days in here climbing when the weather was simply too unbearable to adventure outdoors.

If you need an indoor yet active way to spend a day, you can buy a day pass (only $28 for adults) and climb to your heart’s content. They also offer rentals on-site, so no need to worry about bringing any of your own gear.

16. Visit the Reindeer Farm or Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

There are two solid options for animal encounters near Anchorage in winter, although both do require a drive outside of town.

The Reindeer Farm in Palmer (about an hour north of Anchorage) lets you get up close and personal with actual reindeer - which in winter, feels especially fitting. I was skeptical that this would be underwhelming, but ended up really enjoying our visit here, especially because it was in the winter season!

>> Book your Reindeer Farm visit

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage is a wildlife sanctuary where you can see moose, bears, bison, wolves, reindeer, and more - all in a stunning valley setting right along the Seward Highway. Inside the non-profit sanctuary, you can walk a 1.5 mile loop to see all of the animals in their respective habitats! They do recommend bringing some traction cleats (i.e. YakTrax) for the walk. Highly worth a stop if you're already heading south past Girdwood onto the Kenai Peninsula.

>> Book your admission ticket

FAQ

Q: Is Anchorage worth visiting in winter?

A: Yes! It can be really quite magical in the winter. Northern lights, snow-covered glaciers, scenic skiing, and so much more. It takes a bit more planning (and layering!) than a summer trip, but it’s highly worth it as long as you’re excited about the snowy vibes and cold temps.

Q: How cold does Anchorage get in winter?

A: It really depends on the stretch of weather, but in the city you're typically looking at teens to low 30s°F, with occasional colder snaps. It's honestly “milder” (by Alaska standards) than most people expect given how far north it is - the coastal location moderates things a bit compared to interior Alaska. That being said, wind chill can be intense, and layering is non-negotiable!

Q: What should I pack for a winter trip to Anchorage?

A: Layers are everything. A moisture-wicking base layer, a warm mid-layer, and a windproof and waterproof outer shell. Insulated waterproof boots, merino wool socks, a hat that covers your ears, and mittens. Check out my full Alaska winter packing list for everything you’ll need: What to Wear in Alaska in Winter (Complete Packing List)

Q: Do I need a car to get around Anchorage in winter?

A: For most of the activities on this list, yes. A car with all-wheel or four-wheel drive is pretty much essential. For getting outside of town, you can always opt for one of the guided tours with included transport!

Q: What is the best time to see the northern lights near Anchorage?

A: December through March are peak months for aurora activity, with the longest dark windows for viewing. You need clear skies and solar activity to line up - download an aurora forecast app and be ready to move quickly when conditions look good. Drive out of the city to spots like Glen Alps to get away from the light pollution.

More Alaska guides:

16 Best Winter Activities in Anchorage, Alaska: My Top Things to Do in 2026

My Experience in Anchorage in Winter