Planning a winter trip to Anchorage? We’ve got you covered!
Alaska’s largest city turns into a winter wonderland when the snow starts to fall. Yes, it’s cold, but that’s part of the magic! This is the perfect season for glacier treks and dogsled rides, and you can still explore the hiking trails using snowshoes or fat bikes, which look truly incredible all blanketed in white. You can even spot moose wandering through quiet neighborhoods and see the northern lights dancing in the night sky.
So get ready to explore Anchorage in all its frosty glory because we’ve rounded up the very best winter activities here to make your trip unforgettable. Let’s dive into it!
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this wildlife and glacier tour! We spotted wildlife in their natural environment, stopped by a conservation center, and saw stunning glaciers along the way. All made possible by our local guide!
Anchorage at a Glance
Anchorage is Alaska’s biggest city, and where you stay, how you get around, and even what you pack can make a huge difference. Here are a few things we wish we knew before visiting:
Important tip: Plan your transport! Some of Alaska’s best sights are outside the city, and you can’t always rely on public transportation to get there. Plan ahead so you don’t miss out on the places you really want to see.
Dress in layers, whatever the season: Anchorage gets around 130 sunny days a year, but winter is something else! You’ll need proper insulated boots, a warm jacket, a hat, and gloves. Temperatures can drop quite a bit, so don’t underestimate the cold.
Keep your eyes open for wildlife: One of the very Alaskan things about Anchorage is spotting a moose wandering past while you’re enjoying your coffee at a downtown café or browsing in someone’s garden (yes, it really happens!). Bears and bald eagles are around, too. Just remember to keep a safe distance, never approach or feed wild animals, and have your camera ready!
Give yourself a little extra time to get around in winter: Winter driving in Anchorage can be tricky, especially when the roads are snowy or icy. Give yourself extra time to get around, and if you’re renting a car, make sure it’s ready for winter conditions.
How I Would Spend 3 Days in Anchorage, Alaska
🌌Day 1: City Tour & Northern Lights
Start by getting to know the city on a small-group Anchorage tour with a local guide. Refuel over lunch, enjoy a relaxed afternoon, then head out on a late-night Northern Lights tour to chase the aurora into the early morning hours.
🐺Day 2: Dog Sled or Waterfall Hike
Start with a lazy morning, then either dog sled in Willow or check out local museums. Both wrap up in time for dinner, followed by live music and local brews.
🫎Day 3: Nature & Wildlife Tour
Spend your final day spotting wildlife on a half-day tour, then check out Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see bears and moose up close. Cap off your trip with dinner and drinks, then enjoy a peaceful sunset stroll through Delaney Park.
Things to do in Anchorage, Alaska
1. See the Northern Lights
Tour Details
If seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, this tour is the perfect way to make it happen! It’s one of the most magical experiences you can have in Alaska, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many.
You’ll head out from Anchorage in a comfortable, heated vehicle with an expert aurora guide who knows exactly where to go for the clearest skies.
Along the way, you’ll learn about the science and stories behind the aurora borealis while sipping on hot drinks and snacking in a cozy portable winter shelter while you wait for the lights to appear. It has a heater, chairs, and everything you need to stay warm. Trust me, you don’t want to be wandering out in the open by yourself looking for the lights!
On nights when conditions are good enough to operate, the success rate for seeing the aurora is over 90%, which is excellent and better than you’ll find pretty much anywhere else in the world! When they do appear, your guide will help you capture amazing photos with hands-on photography tips and take amazing photos of you under the glowing sky.
This tour gives you the best possible chance of seeing the aurora, and it takes the guesswork out of it! But don’t just take our word for it because it has over 100 glowing reviews – you can read them right here!
2. Spot wildlife and see Alaska’s wilderness
Tour Details
Seeing Alaska’s wildlife up close was something we were really looking forward to, and this day tour was spot on! I mean, how often do you get to watch a brown bear go for a swim, spot a wild moose, see a glacier, and even catch a glimpse of a beluga whale? Never, where we live!
We drove through Chugach National Forest, with glaciers all around us and a beautiful lake in the middle. We also stopped at Bird Point, where we kept looking for eagles and heard a bit about Girdwood’s gold-mining days. Talk about a proper Alaskan experience!
Our guide and driver, Patrick, knew the area so well and kept us entertained the whole time. His stories were really something, not to mention his photography tips! Thanks to him, we captured some of the best photos from our trip to Anchorage.
But what we’ll never forget is our time at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. We saw brown bears, musk oxen, bison, caribou, wolves, lynx, and so many other animals. One of the bears was swimming in the river, and a wild moose came so close that I managed to take some incredible photos (I put Patrick’s tips to good use here!).
We loved it and wouldn’t have wanted to miss it! All in all, this was a fantastic way to see several different sides of Alaska in just one day!
3. Discover hidden gems and the local side of Anchorage with a guide
Tour Details
Walking around Anchorage on your own is doable, but without context, it’s easy to miss what makes each stop truly special. We didn’t fully get that until we joined this small-group walking and driving tour and started seeing the city through a local’s eyes.
Our guide, Donna, was incredible! Her deep knowledge of Anchorage’s history, culture, and even quirky local legends added so much to every stop. From the dramatic ground shifts at Earthquake Park to the floatplanes gliding across Lake Hood, she brought the stories behind the scenery to life.
We stopped at Ship Creek to watch salmon battling upstream like tiny warriors, popped into the ULU Factory to see traditional knives crafted with serious precision, and happily taste-tested our way through smoked salmon and reindeer sausage at Alaska Sausage and Seafood.
We also paused at Beluga Point on the Seward Highway, where the wide-open views of Turnagain Arm and the surrounding peaks were absolutely stunning. Then, stopping at Point Woronzof was even more impressive in the winter! We could see snow-dusted mountains, low golden light, and, if you’re lucky, get clear views of Denali! It’s also common to spot moose in winter, as they move closer to the city for food this time of year.
But the real showstopper was the 20-foot (6-meter) chocolate waterfall at Alaska Wild Berry Products. Watching chocolate cascade down the wall like liquid art was wildly satisfying-and yes, we sampled a little of everything!
Not only did we leave with chocolate, reindeer sausage, and maybe a new ULU knife for the kitchen, but we also left with a better understanding of Anchorage’s history, culture, and local life. This is one you don’t want to miss!
4. Explore Anchorage Museums
If you want a change of pace and scenery, Anchorage has fascinating museums where you can escape the cold. Whether you’re in the mood for Alaska Native art and traditional village sites or aviation history, these three are worth adding to your itinerary.
Anchorage Museum
Start with the Anchorage Museum, right downtown. It’s a lovely place to spend an hour or two, with Alaska Native art, cultural objects, and rotating exhibitions. Don’t miss the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, either. It’s a great way to learn more about Arctic peoples and cultures. From October to April, it’s open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm, and Sunday, noon to 6 pm. Closed Mondays. General admission is $25 USD. Check the official website for current exhibitions and details.
Alaska Native Heritage Center
At the Alaska Native Heritage Center, you can walk through life-size traditional village sites and get a closer look at Alaska Native culture through its exhibits and artifacts. During winter, visits are mostly self-guided, and a $15 USD donation is suggested. It’s open Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm. Check the website for visitor details.
Alaska Aviation Museum
The Alaska Aviation Museum is all about Alaska’s aviation history. You’ll find historic aircraft, bush planes, and a wide range of aviation artifacts. Admission is $23 USD for nonresident adults, and it’s open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Take a look at the official website before you go for the latest details.
5. Hike on Matanuska Glacier
Tour Details
Want to get out into the real Alaskan wild but have no idea where to start or how to avoid getting lost? That was us, too. So we joined this small-group wilderness and glacier hike and let someone who actually knows the backroads (and the ice!) do the navigating. Walking on blue glacier ice was one of the coolest things we’ve ever done—literally and figuratively.
Our guide, Patrick, was super knowledgeable and chill and clearly knew this part of Alaska like the back of his hand. He brought us deep into the Matanuska Valley, where we explored glacier-carved terrain, hidden viewpoints, and wildlife-rich areas where we spotted moose and other animals.
During the winter, this truly becomes an ice kingdom with brilliant blue walls, frozen caves, and intricate ice formations that aren’t visible in summer when meltwater covers parts of the surface.
The real highlight was getting up close to the incredible “hanging” glaciers and glacial lakes. With the blue ice shimmering in the sunlight and a bottle of pure glacier water in hand, it felt like stepping into another world.
Patrick even gave us quick photography lessons on the fly, which actually improved our shots. Some of our favorite photos from the whole trip came from this tour!
We were fully outfitted with spiked footwear, helmets, and safety gear, which made walking on the glacier feel exciting but totally doable, even for first-timers like us. We left with tired legs, full camera rolls, and a whole new appreciation for the raw, wild beauty just outside Anchorage!
6. Spend the day on the slopes
Forget about downtown Anchorage for a while and head to Arctic Valley Ski Area, about 30 minutes north of the city. If you love snow, you’re in for a real treat here! Skiing, snowboarding, and tubing are just a few of the fun options!
Families in particular love this area because it’s safe and not overcrowded, so they can keep an eye on the kids. You don’t need to bring your own equipment, either, as rentals and lessons are available on-site.
If skiing isn’t your thing, a 90-minute tubing session costs $28 USD for general admission, which we think is great for some family fun. Or, you can build snow forts or watch the skiers with a cup of hot cocoa from the cozy lodge.
One more thing: don’t get too carried away! We know those chairlifts are fun and an easy way up the mountain, but the only way down is on skis or a snowboard.
Opening days, hours, and prices vary by season and holiday, so check the official website before you go. Getting there is relatively easy, too. You can drive from Anchorage or book a tour with round-trip transportation if you’d rather let someone else handle winter driving.
7. Get incredible views from a helicopter flight with landings
Tour Details
Dreaming of walking on a glacier but don’t have the gear, stamina, or extra day to make it happen on foot? Then give this small-group helicopter tour a try! It’s one of those surreal, pinch-me moments you never forget! You’ll lift off from the Knik River Valley and fly straight into a landscape that feels like a sci-fi movie with jagged ice walls, glittering alpine peaks, and valleys carved out by time.
And instead of just flying over it all, you’ll actually land three separate times: on a snowy alpine ridge, beside a frozen ice wall, and smack in the middle of the Knik Glacier. Stepping out onto the ice with nothing but silence and shimmering blue all around is bound to be an instant goosebump moment. It’s almost like setting off on your own little Arctic expedition!
Partway through, your guide explains the glacier’s geology in a way that makes ice cracks sound thrilling. He answers all your questions and gives you plenty of time to explore, snap photos, and really soak up the moment.
No crampons, hiking boots, or superhuman endurance required-just pure, unforgettable glacier time. And don’t worry if you’re traveling in winter; while snow cover may prevent a landing right on top of the glacier, you’ll still touch down next to massive ice formations that are just as jaw-dropping up close!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
8. Go dog sledding
Tour Details
If you’re dreaming of an authentic Alaskan adventure, this dog sledding adventure is a must! It starts in Willow, which is around a 90-minute drive from downtown, so you’ll need your own transport to get there, but it’s definitely worth it for the fun sled ride and the stunning scenery.
This is actually the most popular dog sledding experience near Anchorage. It offers a real taste of life on the trail without the long hours of mushing, and it’s run by a family-owned kennel that treats the dogs really well. You can tell from just how happy and playful these pups are, and they love to be petted and cuddled. You’ll also get to say hey to some retired huskies who now just enjoy their golden years on the estate.
After meeting the dogs, you’ll help harness the team, hop into the sled, and then let an experienced musher guide your pack along private trails. It’s an exhilarating experience, and as you glide through the snowy landscape, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Denali, one of the most iconic peaks in the state!
What makes this tour so special is its private, small-group format. With a maximum of four travelers, you get personalized attention from your guide and plenty of time to interact with the dogs. And we’re not the only ones who love it – read hundreds of 5-star reviews here!
9. Indulge in some Nordic self-care
After days spent exploring Anchorage in the cold, it’s time to give yourself a little break, wouldn’t you agree? A few hours in a hot pool or sauna can do wonders, especially when you have more outdoor adventures lined up for later. A couple of places are worth checking out, depending on how much time and money you want to spend. These are our favorites:
Alyeska Nordic Spa is about 40-45 minutes south of Anchorage, in beautiful Girdwood, surrounded by the Chugach Mountains. You can move between the hot pools, steam rooms, and salt sauna, relax in the outdoor forest tubs, or grab something to eat at the bistro. Don’t forget the cozy fire pits, where you can enjoy the mountain scenery and stay warm.
Prices start at around $125 USD, depending on the treatments you choose, and we’d probably make a whole day of it. Check their official website for details or to book your tickets.
If you don’t want to leave Anchorage, Ravens Nest is the more convenient option, especially for couples. You can book a couples massage, enjoy the sauna together, or try halo therapy. Just remember that visits are by appointment only, so book ahead through their website.
At Nordic Spa at The Alaska Club, you can enjoy hot tubs, a fire pit, a steam room, and a salt stone sauna. Non-member admission is $95 USD per person. It’s open from 8 am to 8 pm Monday to Friday and 8:15 am to 6:30 pm on weekends, but be sure to check the website before visiting.
10. Walk like a local with a pair of snowshoes
Tour Details
If you’ve ever wanted to try snowshoeing, Anchorage is the perfect place to start, and this winter snowshoeing adventure makes it both easy and fun! And since it lasts just 1.5 hours, it’s easy to fit it into any itinerary.
The meeting point for the tour is right in town, which is convenient, and transportation from there to the trailhead is included. All you have to do is show up ready to explore!
Once you get to the trailhead, you’ll get a quick introduction to snowshoeing and practice balancing and walking in your shoes. Then it’s off on a roughly two-mile circuit, where you’ll float above the snow while learning about the local ecosystem! Keep your eyes peeled because you might spot birds, small mammals, or even a moose along the way.
Snowshoeing is so much fun, and lots of Alaskan locals use snowshoes as part of their day-to-day life in the winter. If you’ve never tried it before, then I highly recommend it!
The scenery is just breathtaking, too, so don’t miss the chance to hit the trails and see it for yourself. This tour also provides all of the equipment for you, and you’ll be with a local guide who knows the area well, which is a lot safer (and easier) than heading out by yourself, especially if you’ve never snowshoed before.
11. Stroll the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
If you’d rather get some fresh air, head to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail! This 11-mile (18-kilometer) trail winds along the coast from downtown Anchorage toward Kincaid Park, with gorgeous views across Cook Inlet and the Alaska Range. On a clear day, you might even spot Denali in the distance!
In winter, it’s especially peaceful, with locals snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and enjoying the snow-covered scenery. We found it lively without feeling crowded, so there was plenty of room to stop for photos and take in the views.
And keep your eyes peeled for wildlife! Moose are often spotted along the trail, and we actually saw THREE during our visit. Needless to say, we gave them plenty of space and let them enjoy their afternoon in peace! Bears can also be found in the area, so always stay alert and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Even if you only have time for a short stroll, we’d highly recommend it. Where else can you enjoy mountain views, coastal scenery, and the chance to spot a moose without even leaving the city?
12. Go Ice Skating
Who says winter walks are the only way to enjoy Anchorage outdoors? Grab a pair of skates and head to Westchester Lagoon! Once winter arrives, the lagoon is groomed for skating and becomes a popular spot with locals. And don’t worry if you’re a beginner. Just remember, when you fall, to fall nicely!
Parks and Recreation sets up warming barrels around the lagoon, so you can take a break and warm up, which we thought was really nice. And there’s plenty of space to skate, plus benches around the edges where you can rest and leave your shoes.
If you visit on a weekend, you might catch a community event with music and food trucks selling snacks. It’s a great way to spend your time, especially if you love skating and mingling with locals.
You can rent skates at Play It Again Sports, then walk over to the lagoon. Just check the ice conditions before heading out, since skating depends on the weather and the ice being safe. Oh, and take it easy on those first few laps. Remember the goal is to enjoy yourself, not spend the afternoon on your backside!
13. Hit the trails on an e-bike tour
Tour Details
There’s a lot to see along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, and we found this e-bike ride was a fantastic way to cover plenty of ground without wearing ourselves out! We loved taking in the beautiful views of Cook Inlet and the mountains in the distance, with plenty of fresh Alaskan air along the way. And who knows, you might even spot a moose or a bear!
If you’ve never ridden an e-bike before, don’t worry. Our guide showed us how everything worked and gave us time to get comfortable before setting off. They’re really not that difficult to handle if you can ride a regular bike (so no need to panic!).
The ride itself was nice and relaxed, which we really appreciated. We could focus on soaking up the scenery rather than trying to keep up with a guide talking a mile a minute! We made a few stops along the way, including Point Woronzof, which was a fantastic spot for photos. We also passed the tidal flats and learned about the devastating 1964 earthquake from the information boards along the trail.
Our group was small, with around seven people, which made it feel more like a ride with a few fellow travelers than a big tour. We had plenty of time to catch our breath, enjoy the views, and snap some photos, while still spending lots of time on the bikes. And trust us, the electric assistance made a BIG difference, especially if you’re not used to biking long distances!
14. Go ice fishing
Tour Details
Ever wondered what it’s like to go fishing in the middle of a frozen lake? Well, in Alaska, that’s all part of the fun! This guided ice fishing adventure takes you out onto a frozen lake near Anchorage, where you’ll drill through the ice, try your luck at catching fish, and soak up some incredible winter scenery. Talk about a unique Alaskan experience!
The adventure starts with pickup from your hotel, so you can leave the winter driving to someone else. Once you reach the lake, you’ll help drill a fishing hole using an electric auger. And we’re not talking about a thin layer of ice here!
Depending on the lake, the ice can be anywhere from 6 inches (15 cm) to 3 feet (91 cm) thick. You might even get to watch fish swimming beneath your feet, either through the hole itself or on a sonar screen. How cool is that?
All the fishing gear is provided, and there’s even a heated, insulated tent right on the ice where you can warm up while waiting for a bite. Depending on conditions, you could reel in rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, Arctic char, or Dolly Varden, typically measuring 12 to 26 inches (30 to 66 cm). Fingers crossed for a big one!
And if the fish aren’t cooperating, don’t forget to look around! You might spot moose wandering near the lake or bald eagles perched in the surrounding trees. Sometimes the best part of an Alaskan adventure isn’t even what you came for!
With the equipment, transport, and guidance all taken care of, just bundle up, bring a little patience, and see what bites. Even if you don’t catch a thing, we think fishing on a frozen Alaskan lake is a pretty unforgettable experience!
15. Taste locally made wine and chocolate
Tour Details
Who says an Alaskan adventure has to involve hiking boots and freezing temperatures? Sometimes, a glass of wine and a little chocolate are exactly what the doctor ordered! And that’s where this three-hour wine and chocolate tasting tour comes in. It’s a delicious way to slow things down and discover some of Alaska’s sweeter offerings!
You’ll meet your guide in downtown Anchorage, then head to 61 Degree North Winery, where the fun begins with a selection of locally made chocolates. And these aren’t just any old chocolates! You’ll learn about the ingredients, how they’re made, and the local makers behind these tasty treats.
Then comes the part we’ve all been waiting for: the wine! You’ll sample five Alaskan wines and experiment with pairing each one with different chocolates. With tasting cards to guide you, it’s a fun chance to discover which flavors complement each other. Who knows, you might even find your new favorite combination!
And if something really wins you over, you can purchase a bottle or some chocolates to take home. Although we can’t promise those chocolates will survive the journey!
Another thing we love about this experience is that it’s limited to a small group. That means plenty of opportunities to chat with your guide, ask questions, and enjoy the tastings without feeling rushed.
We think this is a fantastic way to spend a relaxed afternoon in Anchorage, especially if you’re looking for something a little different from the usual outdoor adventures. After all, exploring Alaska is hard work, and you’ve earned a treat or two!
Where to Stay in Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage is a vibrant city with plenty of great places to stay, whether you’re after comfort, convenience, or something easy on the wallet. From spacious suites with room to spread out to cozy spots that cover all the basics, there’s something for every kind of traveler.
To make planning easier, I’ve rounded up some of the best places to stay in Anchorage. If these hotels are still available, they will be your best bet!
Staybridge Suites Anchorage – $$$
Staybridge Suites Anchorage by IHG is one of the top places to stay in Anchorage, offering spacious suites with full kitchens, cozy living areas, and modern amenities. Just minutes from downtown and the airport, it’s ideal for travelers who want comfort, convenience, and great service. Guests love the indoor pool, complimentary hot breakfast, social evenings, and the friendly, accommodating staff. Whether you’re in town for business or exploring Alaska’s wild beauty, this hotel feels like a home base.
Rates typically start around $300–$750 USD per night. Check availability for your travel dates on Booking.com.
Comfort Suites Anchorage International Airport – $$
Comfort Suites Anchorage International Airport is a convenient and comfortable choice just moments from the terminal. Ideal for layovers or early flights, it offers spacious suites with microwaves and fridges, plus a free 24-hour airport shuttle. Guests appreciate the hot breakfast spread, friendly staff, and indoor heated pool. With quiet rooms, clean facilities, and a reliable shuttle, it’s a stress-free spot to unwind before or after a flight.
Nightly rates typically range from $170 to $400, depending on room type and season. Book your stay on Booking.com.
Aptel Studio Hotel – $
For a budget-friendly stay in Anchorage, Aptel Studio Hotel is a solid choice! Located just a short drive from downtown, this no-frills hotel offers clean, modern studio rooms complete with kitchenettes—ideal for longer stays or travelers who like the option to cook. Each unit includes a seating area, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom. Guests appreciate the free Wi-Fi, ample parking, and quiet, safe surroundings.
Rooms start at around $93 USD per night. Head over to Booking.com to lock in your stay!
For more options, see all of Anchorage’s hotels listed here!
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
Ready to hit the road and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms?
AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code “DTRAVEL15”
What’s an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card. Instead of buying a little plastic chip and swapping it into your phone, you just download it. It connects your phone to a local network in whatever country you’re visiting — no stores, no waiting, and no fiddling with tiny cards.
In simple terms, it’s the easiest way to get data and stay connected while traveling.
We’ve tested a bunch of eSIMs over the years, and after a few frustrating experiences, we’ve found our favorite — Airalo. It’s fast, reliable, and incredibly easy to use. You can set it up in minutes (even my mom managed it solo on her first try!), and the prices are some of the best out there.
💡 Bonus: We’ve got an exclusive 15% discount for our readers. Use the codes:
Thanks for reading!
If you’re looking for a totally unique winter escape, you’ll love Anchorage! We had so much fun exploring the city and taking day trips to enjoy the scenery. Follow this list and I know you’ll love it as much as we did!
Before you go, check out our other USA blogs or our Canada blogs! We love sharing our favorite places and experiences with fellow travelers. Here are a few related reads to help you plan your next great adventure – cheers!
10 Best Things to do in Denver, Colorado
10 Best Things to do in Whistler, British Columbia
The Best Alaska Cruise Excursions: For Every Port of Call
The Services We Recommend
From hotels to guided tours, we only recommend services we know and trust. Here are our recommended partners so you can explore with confidence.
