Ronn Murray Photography

Transcription

Ronn Murray Photography
© Ronn Murray Photography
Welcome to
Winter in
Fairbanks,
Alaska!
W
The media is
raving about
Fairbanks! Scan
here to see what
they’re saying.
Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks
inter in our extraordinary
river city is simply beyond
compare. Fairbanks’ latitude on
the globe makes this one of the
best places on earth to see the
captivating light of the aurora
borealis, view incredible outdoor
ice sculptures and experience the
exhilarating sport of dog mushing. This surprising trio of events
makes the winter season a travelers’ snowy paradise. Not to mention the multitude of other winter
activities, celebrations and sporting events happening during
our energy-filled winter season.
Skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing,
curling, tubing and ice hockey
abound. Challenge the snowcapped hills or birch-laden trails,
mush a team of huskies across
the wilderness, and see three-ton
pieces of ice being turned into
works of art. Journey above the
Arctic Circle, visit Santa in North
Pole or discover the incredible
warmth of an Alaska hot spring
at the end of an adventure-filled
day. Use this Winter Guide to
plan a truly memorable winter
expedition in this sparkling land
of ice and snow.
Morris Thompson Cultural and
Visitors Center����������������������������������� 2
Alaska’s Cultural Heritage������������������� 3
When Do We Turn On The
Northern Lights?�������������������������������� 4
Quick Tips for Photographing
the Northern Lights��������������������������� 5
Howling With The Dogs��������������������� 6
Have an Ice Day!�������������������������������� 7
Denali Rising....................................... 8
On Top of the World�������������������������� 8
Some Like It Hot�������������������������������� 9
Some Like It Cold������������������������������ 9
Vibrant Art Scene.............................. 10
The Spirit of Christmas...................... 11
Small Town, Big Events�������������������� 12
Who Offers Winter Fun?������������������� 19
Be Safe and Have Fun in the
Winter Sun....................................... 26
What’s Under There?����������������������� 26
What’s the Weather Like?����������������� 27
Meet a Real Alaskan������������������������� 27
Get Connected�������������������������������� 28
Who to Call...................................... 28
You Loved Winter, Now Try
Our Summer!................................... 29
Todd Paris
Todd Paris
Inside the Guide
Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks
Morris
Thompson
Cultural
and
Visitors
Center
N
ot only beautiful but informative, the Morris Thompson Cultural
and Visitors Center (MTCVC) has a wide variety of brochures,
maps of all kinds, daily vacancy listings, walking and driving tours,
WiFi and Internet access and free daily films on Alaska’s natural and
cultural history. Serving as the regional visitor facility, our friendly
and knowledgeable staff have answers to all your questions. Be
wowed by the free 9,000 square foot exhibit hall featuring outstanding displays and dioramas about Interior Alaska’s people, wildlife,
landscapes and seasons. The center also has cultural programs, an
artisans’ workshop, an outdoor excursion trip planning area and an
Alaska Geographic store.
The center is home to Explore Fairbanks, Alaska Public Lands Information Center, Alaska Geographic Store, Denakkanaaga and Tanana
Chiefs Conference Cultural Programs.
For More
Information
Toll-free
1-800-327-5774
to request
information or a
free Visitors Guide
(907) 456-5774 for
travel information
(907) 456-INFO for
events hotline
Winter Hours:
8am – 5pm daily, October through April
Closed:
Thanksgiving Day and Nov. 28, Christmas Day
and Dec. 26, and New Year’s Day
www.explorefairbanks.com
info@explorefairbanks.com
2
Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks
MTCVC Hours and Location
101 Dunkel Street in Downtown Fairbanks
Open 7 days a week year-round
Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks
Alaska’s
Cultural
Heritage
© Ronn Murray Photography
ur northern Alaska clime has a rich tapestry of indigenous cultures—Athabascan
Indians in the Interior and Inupiaq Eskimos
in the Arctic. Traditionally a nomadic people,
many Athabascans retain a subsistence lifestyle which includes fishing, hunting and
trapping supplemented by modern technology. The Inupiaq Eskimos subsist on the land
and sea of northwest Alaska with its often
extreme climate. This rich tapestry comes
to life through beadwork, ivory and bone
carvings, dolls and skin sewing, and birch,
spruce root and grass baskets all handmade
by Alaska Native artists. Dancing, drumming
and storytelling also enjoy a rich legacy in the
Interior and the Arctic. Dance along during
the Athabascan Fiddle Festival in November
or learn more about Alaska’s Native culture
at the Festival of Native Arts in March. You’ll
find beautiful beaded moose hide slippers,
caribou skin masks, baleen baskets, walrus
ivory cribbage boards and more on display
and for sale. Outstanding Alaska Native artists
offer a very real link to the past, as well as a
bridge to the future.
Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks
O
Athabascans are renowned for their intricate
beading and skin sewing. A traditional art that
is still popular today.
www.explorefairbanks.com
3
When Do
We Turn
On The
Northern
Lights?
W
e can’t make them appear with a flip of the
switch, but Fairbanks is the ultimate place for
viewing the aurora borealis. Fairbanks’ position under
the “Auroral Oval”—a ring-shaped region around the
North Pole—makes it one of the best places on the
globe to see the aurora borealis. Our location offers
a great balance of clear nights, occurrence frequency
and activity that draws people from all over the
world. The “Aurora Season” begins August 21 and
extends through April 21. Beautiful and mysterious
auroral curtains range in color from green to red to
purple, with the brightest and most common being
green. Intensity varies from night to night, with the
best displays happening in the late evening to the
early hours of the morning. When the nights are
clear and dark enough, there will be aurora visible
an average of four out of five nights. If you stay a
minimum of three nights and are actively out during
the evening hours, your chances of seeing the aurora
increase to more than 90%. Take a drive to a nearby
vantage point and wait for the northern lights to appear. Or see them from a heated “aurorium” cabin
or lodge, during an overnight dog sled adventure,
by snow cat tour or on a flight above the Arctic
Circle. Ask your accommodation’s front desk if they
offer a wake-up call when the aurora appears. No
guarantees, but the longer you’re here, the better
your chances of seeing a great show.
4
View the aurora and take home your
personalized Aurora Certificate available from tour operators and Explore
Fairbanks staff at the Morris Thompson
Cultural and Visitors Center.
Scan for a preview of
the show that awaits
during your Fairbanks
winter adventure. Also
visit the University of
Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute website at www.
gi.alaska.edu for local aurora forecasts
and educational materials.
y of Nea
l Brown
Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks
Courtes
“Look up often during your nights in Fairbanks. The light of the
aurora can quietly fill our skies with shapes and motions within
minutes. Watch the tall curtains of light sweep from east to west
become more and less colorful and move like a dancer’s long skirt.
You can view the aurora any time it is dark but they happen more
often during the hours just after midnight. Once you see the northern
lights they will likely dance, fade, ebb and flow, most of that same night.
Take a picture of the aurora that you can treasure for the rest of your life.”
Neal Brown, rocket scientist
Quick Tips for Photographing
the Northern Lights
It may seem impossible to capture the dancing lights
but follow these tips and you’ll be able to show the
folks back home!
• Locate a dark area with minimal light pollution.
Point to the northern sky and compose your
medium-distance foreground with a fixed object
such as trees, hills or a cabin.
• Use a digital camera with manual settings and a
solid tripod. Bring extra camera batteries, a flashlight and dress for extended times outdoors.
Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks
•Manually set your camera on its highest ISO
setting, widest focal point and lowest aperture.
Expose each shot for approximately 5 to 10
seconds. Longer exposures will result in brighter
images, but stars will streak and the aurora will
soften. Short exposures may have sharper detail,
but dimmer images.
• Every aurora and camera is distinctive, so experiment with different settings and exposure times
to get the best shot. Review your shots and adjust
the settings as needed.
www.explorefairbanks.com
5
© State of Alaska/Matt Hage
Howling
With the
Dogs
6
©State of Alaska/Matt Hage
©State of Alaska/Matt Hage
laska’s four-legged athletes love to run
and accessing Alaska’s state sport—dog
mushing—has never been easier. By combining “man’s best friend” with a skinless kayak
frame on runners, Alaska Natives established
the practical use of dog sleds centuries before
explorers, trappers, prospectors and missionaries made mushing their preferred mode
of winter transportation. Those dog days of
yore can be a part of your adventure today.
There are tours at working kennels where you
can meet the dogs and hear captivating tales
from veteran mushers. Try a 30-minute ride in
the basket or learn to drive your own team at
a half-day mushing school. You can even fly
to a remote lodge and “mush” your team on
a guided tour. Spectators come out to the Jeff
Studdert Race Grounds to see events in the
“sprint” category. Catch the February finish
of the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog
Race—an epic 1,000-mile marathon along
the gold rush trail from Whitehorse, Yukon
Territory, Canada to Fairbanks. In March,
downtown comes alive with the “granddaddy of all sprint races,” the Open North
American Championship Sled Dog Race.
Todd Paris
A
For local sled dog races, visit the Alaska Dog
Mushers Association at www.sleddog.org or the
Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race at www.
yukonquest.com.
Geoflames, sculpted by Stan Kolonko, Chris Uyehara,
Jerry Perun & Wei Sen Liang. Photo by Todd Paris
Have an
Ice Day!
Ice blocks are
h a r v e s t e d l ocally, range in
thickness from
4 to 5 feet, and
can weigh up to
7,500 pounds.
www.explorefairbanks.com
Prickly Reception, sculpted by Junichi Nakamura, Shinichi Sawamura, Satoru Mahoe &
Takahiro Sueyoshi. Photo by Todd Paris
s soon as winter comes to Fairbanks ice artists begin creating beautiful works of art.
Fantastical creatures emerge from crystal-clear
blocks of ice, abstract and realistic ice art catches
the light and dazzles the viewer and grand multiblock works inspire onlookers. In Fairbanks, ice
art is not only remarkable, but commonplace
during winter months with sculptures found
all around town. The making of ice art culminates late February through the month of
March, when the George Horner Ice Park hosts
the World Ice Art Championships. Watch the
progress (day or night) as the sculptors work
around the clock and turn solid blocks of ice into
brilliant artworks. More than 70 teams and 100
ice artists from around the globe carve more
than three million pounds of ice. The ice harvested and moved by forklift from a local pond
is called “Arctic Diamond” and is renowned for
its translucent quality. The Kid’s Park, a veritable
winter wonderland, offers an ice skating rink as
well as amazing slides and mazes. Climb atop a
polar bear, slide down a dragon’s neck or crawl
through a giant maze. Ice art is truly magnificent, the sculptures rival those wrought in stone
and never cease to capture both the mind and
the imagination.
Hunting Dragons, sculpted by Steve Brice,
Heather Brice, Steve Cox & Justin Cox. Photo
by Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks
A
7
©Patrick Endres/AlaskaPhotoGraphics.com
Denali
Rising
D
enali, also known as Mount McKinley, rises 20,237 feet into the sky and is North
America’s highest peak. Steeped in history, glorious to view, the mountain beckons like
no other. So why not visit in winter? The welcoming Murie Science and Learning Center
is open daily year-round and offers free snowshoes and advice on how to explore the park
during winter months. Mid-February, the National Park Service starts plowing the first 12.5
miles of the Denali Park Road to the Mountain Vista Rest Area—a beautiful spot with views
of the grand mountain during clear weather. About a two-hour drive from Fairbanks, Denali
National Park is a magnificent winter journey’s end.
On Top of the World
Northern Alaska Tour Company
T
The Arctic Circle’s latitude is 66° 33’ north. Here, the sun
does not rise for one day during winter solstice, nor does
it set for one day during summer solstice.
8
he Arctic Circle sparks the imagination like few other places on
earth. This place that many dream
about visiting is just shy of 200 miles
north of Fairbanks. Take a tour via
van or plane and cross over that
invisible line that puts you in the
company of folks like ice road truckers, Alaska pipeline workers and
intrepid travelers. Hike across the
tundra, see the mighty Yukon River
and spot a caribou or an arctic fox.
Fly bush mail routes that land in rural
communities accessible only by air.
Walk the frozen shores of the Arctic
Ocean at the northernmost point in
North America. Take a late evening
northern lights tour and scan the sky
for the aurora borealis. Receive an
official Arctic Circle Certificate and
tell stories about your trip to the Top
of the World.
© State of Alaska/Matt Hage
Some Like
It Hot…
I
magine yourself floating in a world-class hot springs…the crisp winter air, the swirling
northern lights above, your hair freezing in wild and wonderful ways. Let healing, mineralrich springs relax your body and warm your soul. One hundred years ago, gold miners and
early pioneers rested their weary souls and bodies in natural outdoor hot springs. Today,
you can carry on the tradition and soak away your own worldly worries here in an Interior
Alaska hot spring.
…Some Like It Cold
I
© State of Alaska/Matt Hage
ce fishing, ice skating, ice sculpting, ice
climbing, curling and hockey are among
the many ice activities you’ll find in Fairbanks
during the winter. Ice fish from a rented hut
on a frozen lake! Hook up with an outfitter that
will provide you the gear and license and let
them guide you to just the right fishing hole.
Practice double toe loops inside the heated
Big Dipper Ice Arena or on an outdoor rink or
learn to sweep a rock at a local curling club.
Winter’s white mantle provides countless
opportunities to get out and explore—skiing, snowboarding, mushing, snowshoeing,
sledding, tubing and even sleigh riding! From
bunny to steep-and-deep slopes and easy trails
to challenging courses, there’s a run waiting
for both novice and veteran alike. The downhill skiing and snowboarding options include
one colorful place that forgoes a ski lift for a
bus and another site that enjoys a panoramic
vista. When there’s a chill in the air, we heat
Check out pages 19-25 to find who offers your up the fun with some of the coolest ice and
kind of winter adventure.
snow sports around.
www.explorefairbanks.com
9
Todd Paris
Vibrant
Art Scene
O
10
Many art galleries
and specialty stores
participate in First
Fridays—offering
shows or receptions
on the first Friday
evening of each
month.
Todd Paris
Oil painting by Cynthia West
Todd Paris
ur thriving arts scene may be your biggest surprise when you
come to Fairbanks. Stop by a First Friday event and be inspired
by the brilliant work of local artists. Enjoy a concert or symphony
featuring world-renowned performers and concertmasters. Let the
music take you away in one of our dance clubs featuring everything
from ballroom to country to contemporary. Many poets, authors,
illustrators, historians and composers call Fairbanks home and you’ll
find their work proudly on display around town. Galleries and specialty stores provide venues for respected artists to offer one-of-a-kind
works of art for sale to visitors and locals alike. Select that perfect gift
from Alaskan photographers, watercolor painters, jewelers, potters
and more.
Courtesy Santa Claus House
The
Spirit of
Christmas
V
www.explorefairbanks.com
Courtesy Santa Claus House
Courtesy Santa Claus House
Have a letter sent to family and friends back home
from the jolly old elf himself!
Candy Dancer, sculpted by Heather Brice. Photo courtesy Santa Claus House
isit North Pole, Alaska, where the spirit of
Christmas lives year-round! Embrace the
season with a charming letter from Santa to
friends and family back home with an authentic
North Pole postmark. Drive along Santa Claus
Lane and admire the streetlights decorated in
candy cane motifs. Double check who’s on
your list and browse holiday-inspired gifts for
the naughty and nice at the Santa Claus House.
One great event that would make Santa
proud is North Pole’s Christmas in Ice. Huge
blocks of ice are carved into holiday-themed
ice sculptures. Featuring a frosty playground
equipped with a fantastic ice maze and ice slides
from kid-sized 10-footers to epic 100-foot-long
rides. Celebrate the happiest time of the year
at the annual candle- and tree-lighting ceremonies. Just a short 20-minute drive from Fairbanks,
North Pole will leave you whistling your favorite
holiday tune.
11
Barry McWayne/Fairbank Symphony Association
Small
Town,
Big
Events
W
12
Courtes
y
“Living in Fairbanks for an ice sculptor is like living in Italy
near the marble quarries for a stone sculptor. Fairbanks has
become the mecca for the ice sculpting world because of
the possibilities of what can be done on a large scale with
large ice and a stable environment. Of the top 50 ice carvings of all
time it would be hard to say a single one of them has been made
outside Interior Alaska. The excitement of the public viewing an ice
sculptor at work is the fuel that pushes ice carvers to ever higher
levels year after year—trying to get that short and intense burst
of inspiration that comes when your piece turns out the way you
envisioned it. As nice as some photographs of ice carvings are,
it is not the same as seeing them in person.”
Steve Brice, 16-time World Champion ice sculptor
of Stev
e Brice
Todd Paris
here else can you find a snowmobile
tug-of-war, symphony performances, giant ice sculptures, championship sled
dog racing, an Athabascan fiddlers festival,
a parka parade, rock and bluegrass concerts, theatrical performances, roller derby,
curling bonspiels, fireworks displays, Division I hockey tournaments, winter solstice
celebrations, and a Native arts festival with
traditional singing and dancing? Fairbanks,
of course! Don’t miss our celebratory winter season, including the many festivals.
Indoors or out, Fairbanks’ exceptional
calendar of events features activities for all!
2014–2015 Winter Calendar
For the most up-to-date information, call the events hotline at (907) 456-INFO, visit
www.explorefairbanks.com or visit the individual event websites. All dates subject to
change, so please confirm event dates prior to making your travel plans.
October 2014
Sep 19–Oct 5 Kung Fu Hamlet
Fairbanks Drama Association performance at the Riverfront Theatre.
(907) 456-PLAY, www.fairbanks
drama.org
3–5 & 10–12Les Misérables
Bob Wilkinson
Todd Paris
Fairbanks Light Opera Theatre
performance. (907) 456-FLOT,
www.flot.org
Year Round
Many art galleries, specialty shops
and the Morris Thompson Cultural
and Visitors Center host shows or
receptions the first Friday evening
of each month.
Guided Nature Walks and
Children’s Programs
Learn more about the wonders of
Interior Alaska at Creamer’s Field
Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. (907)
452-5162, www.creamersfield.org
Noel Wien Library Youth
Programs
Free reading fun, learning and activities for children of all ages. (907)
459-1052, www.fnsblibrary.org
Seasonal
Performance at the Davis Concert
Hall. (907) 474-5733, www.
fairbankssymphony.org
17–18Brice Alaska Goal Rush
Division I men’s ice hockey tournament featuring the Alaska Nanooks.
(907) 474-5977, www.alaska
nanooks.com
September-May Roller Derby
High-speed, high-impact fun!
Catch a bout in Fairbanks (www.
fairbanksrollergirls.org) or North
Pole (www.northpolebabesin
toyland.com).
18International Friendship
Day
November-April Cross Country
Ski Races
Interval, mass and relay starts; free,
classic and mixed techniques at
Birch Hill Recreation Area. (907)
457-4435, www.nscfairbanks.org
December-March Sled Dog
Events & Races
Celebration of our community’s
cultural diversity. Performances and
ethnic food booths. (907) 4740928, rjkan@alaska.edu
24Black Violin
Presented by the Fairbanks Concert
Association. (907) 474-8081, www.
fairbanksconcert.org
24–Nov 9 The Mousetrap
Skijoring, 4-, 6- and 8-dog and
open classes at Jeff Studdert
Race Grounds on Farmers Loop
Road. (907) 457-MUSH, www.
sleddog.org
Fairbanks Drama Association performance at the Riverfront Theatre.
(907) 456-PLAY, www.fairbanks
drama.org
25Creepy Critters
Discover Alaska’s creepy critters
through activities and crafts at
Creamer’s Field. (907) 452-5162,
www.creamersfield.org
25Pizza Con Funghi
Performance by Opera Fairbanks.
(907) 457-2780, www.opera
fairbanks.org
Paul Stoddard
First Fridays
5 Fairbanks Symphony
Orchestra
www.explorefairbanks.com
13
© Bear Alaska Photography
Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks
November
TBD Athabascan Fiddlers
Festival
Alaska Native musicians gather in
Fairbanks for an annual musical
celebration. (907) 388-5651
6–9 Yukon Title Curling Classic
Curlers compete in one of the largest US cash spiels. Heated spectator
gallery. (907) 452-CURL, www.
curlfairbanks.org
7–8 & 14–16 An Inspector
Calls
Theatre UAF stage production.
(907) 474-7751, www.uaf.edu/
theatre
9 Fairbanks Symphony
Orchestra
Performance at the Davis Concert
Hall. (907) 474-5733, www.
fairbankssymphony.org
7 Design Alaska Holiday
Concert
Performance at the Davis Concert
Hall. (907) 474-5733, www.
fairbankssymphony.org
7 Tree Lighting and Caroling
at Creamer’s Field
Followed by cookies and hot drinks
at the visitor center. (907) 4525162, www.creamersfield.org
December
1–Jan 4 Christmas in Ice
continued from November 29
A magical event in North Pole with
Christmas-themed ice sculptures
and kids’ park! (907) 488-2281,
www.christmasinice.com
5–6 Nutcracker Ballet
North Star Ballet performance at
Hering Auditorium. (907) 4518800, www.thenorthstarballet.org
5–21A Tuna Christmas
Fairbanks Drama Association performance at the Riverfront Theatre.
(907) 456-PLAY, www.fairbanks
drama.org
6–7 North Pole Winter Festival
Fireworks, bazaar, tree- and candlelighting ceremonies and crowning
of the North Pole King and Queen.
(907) 488-2242, www.northpole
chamber.us
6–20Holiday Ornament
Making
Using natural materials. Saturdays,
noon-4pm at Creamer’s Field.
(907) 452-5162, www.creamers
field.org
19–20Christmas Party for
Children
Party on the 19th for children with
disabilities. Gift and free buffet
for every child. Santa arrives at
6:30pm each night at Chatanika
Lodge. (907) 389-2164
20Sing-It-Yourself-Messiah
Sponsored by the Fairbanks Choral
Society. 3pm at First Presbyterian
Church. (907) 456-1144, sing@
mosquitonet.com
20Winter Solstice Nature Walk
Walk on the Refuge trails with
cookies and hot drinks after!
Creamer’s Field, 1-3pm. (907) 4525162, www.creamersfield.org
21Winter Solstice Celebration
Riverfront lighting, caroling,
music and winter fun in downtown
Fairbanks. (907) 452-8671, www.
downtownfairbanks.com
31New Year’s Eve
Sparktacular
Brilliant fireworks at UAF’s West
Ridge at 8pm. Stop by the UA
Museum of the North beforehand
for hot chocolate and cookies.
21–22 Split Knuckle Theater’s
Endurance
Co-sponsored by Theatre UAF and
the Fairbanks Concert Association.
(907) 474-8081, www.fairbanks
concert.org
22Thanksgiving for the Birds
Family fun making bird feeders out
of recycled materials at Creamer’s
Field. (907) 452-5162, www.
creamersfield.org
Curling fun for new players and
those trying new positions. Heated
spectator gallery. (907) 452-CURL,
www.curlfairbanks.org
29–Jan 4Christmas in Ice
A magical event in North Pole with
Christmas-themed ice sculptures
and kids’ park! (907) 488-2281,
www.christmasinice.com
14
Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks
29–30Rookie Spiel
7 Yukon Quest International
Sled Dog Race
Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks
1,000-mile (1,600 km) sled dog
race starting in Whitehorse, YT,
Canada, and finishing on the Chena River in downtown Fairbanks,
9-11 days later. (907) 452-7954,
www.yukonquest.com
14-15Gold Run Sled Dog
Races
Mushers compete in skijoring, 6and 10-dog classes at Jeff Studdert
Race Grounds on Farmers Loop
Road. (907) 457-MUSH, www.
sleddog.org
January 2015
1–4 Christmas in Ice
20TorQ Percussion
continued from November 29
A magical event in North Pole with
Christmas-themed ice sculptures
and kids’ park! (907) 488-2281,
www.christmasinice.com
Fairbanks Light Opera Theatre
performance. (907) 456-FLOT,
www.flot.org
17Winter Nature Walk &
Animal Tracking
Explore the Refuge and learn about
animal tracks and signs. 1pm at
Creamer’s Field. (907) 452-5162,
www.creamersfield.org
30The Intergalactic Nemesis
Todd Paris
12–18 & 22–25 Shrek the
Musical
Sponsored by the Fairbanks Concert Association. (907) 474-8081,
www.fairbanksconcert.org
February
TBA Hockey Week In Fairbanks
A celebration of the fastest sport on
ice with events for all ages. (907)
452-6857, www.fairbankshockey
halloffame.com
6–22To Kill A Mockingbird
Fairbanks Drama Association performance at the Riverfront Theatre.
(907) 456-PLAY, www.fairbanks
drama.org
21–28Iron Dog
The longest, toughest snowmobile
race in the world. From Big Lake
to Nome to Fairbanks, finishing on
the Chena River. (907) 563-4414,
www.irondog.org
22Fairbanks Symphony
Orchestra
Performance at the Davis Concert
Hall. (907) 474-5733, www.
fairbankssymphony.org
Sponsored by the Fairbanks Concert Association. (907) 474-8081,
www.fairbanksconcert.org
Cross Country Ski Races
www.explorefairbanks.com
© State of Alaska/Matt Hage
Located just minutes from downtown, Birch
Hill Recreation Area and Cross Country Ski
Center is a world-class facility with over 30
km of groomed trails. Recent host to the
Arctic Winter Games, Birch Hill has also accommodated the US Ski Team, US Biathlon
Team, Canadian Ski Team and Junior Olympic
Cross Country Ski Championships. Cross
country ski trails for competition and leisure
can also be found on the University of Alaska
Fairbanks campus and in the Goldstream
Valley. For information on when and where
to find cross country ski racing action, visit
www.nscfairbanks.org.
Bob Wilkinson
November–April
15
Festivals & Celebrations
Courtesy Santa Claus House
North Pole Winter Festival—Dec 6–7
Candle lighting and tree decorating are central to this
delightful festival celebrating the spirit of Christmas. A befitting event for the holiday-themed town of North Pole.
www.northpolechamber.us
Winter Solstice Celebration—Dec 21
Courtesy Downtown Association of
Fairbanks
Downtown Fairbanks comes alive on Solstice—December
21—the day that heralds the return of the light. Featuring
fireworks that can’t be seen in the summer time, musical and
artistic events downtown, and shopping for made in Alaska
items. View holiday decorations and light posts enamored
with charming, lit-up snowflakes.
www.downtownfairbanks.com
Let It Be, sculpted by Junichi Nakamura, Shinichi Sawamura,
Yoshimori Mabuchi and Koji Murakami. Photo by Rhonda Konicki/
Ice Alaska
Fairbanks Winter Carnival—Feb 23–Mar 29
Imagine the Winter Carnival Queen sitting on her throne
carved out of ice or a team of dogs streaming down the
frozen Chena River. Step back in time and you will discover
that people of the far north have been celebrating winter in
March for many years. Created in 1934, the Winter Carnival
features arts, dog mushing and ice sculpting events. Times
may have changed a bit since the 1930s but the energy and
excitement of Winter Carnival still remains. Look for events
hosted by the Alaska Dog Mushers Association, www.sled
dog.org; Ice Alaska, www.icealaska.com; and the Fairbanks
Arts Association, www.fairbanksarts.org.
Mike Giannechini
Mike Giannechini
Denali Winterfest—Feb 27–Mar 1
Now in its 15th year, Denali Winterfest offers loads of outdoor
fun and educational events. Featuring dog sledding, a 5K
race, snowshoeing, hiking, park ranger programs and more.
This engaging community-oriented festival starts off with a
potluck and ends with a chili feed and cake walk—small town
charm in the heart of Denali National Park.
www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/winterfest.htm
Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks
Festival of Native Arts—Mar 5–7
16
Celebrate Alaska Native cultures! The Festival of Native Arts
features a variety of outstanding performances by Native
peoples from all over the state. Festival attendees can see
art demonstrations, cultural films and traditional songs and
dances (and occasionally join in, too). The festival is also a
venue to purchase authentic arts and crafts directly from
Alaska Native artisans. www.fna.community.uaf.edu
23–Mar 29BP World Ice Art
Championships
1–8 Farthest North Jewish Film
Festival
International ice sculpting competition featuring over 180 sculptures.
Sculpting begins February 23. Best
viewing of finished sculptures:
March 7-22. (907) 451-8250,
www.icealaska.com
continued from Feb 28
International, classic and feature
films sponsored by the Congregation Or Hatzafon. (907)
456-1002, www.mosquitonet.
com/~orhatzafon
27–Mar 1 Denali Winterfest
28–Mar 1 Tired Iron
Snowmobile races for older model
machines plus fun activities for
the entire family downtown on
the Chena River. (907) 452-8602,
www.fairbankstirediron.org
28–Mar 8 Farthest North
Jewish Film Festival
International, classic and feature
films sponsored by the Congregation Or Hatzafon. (907)
456-1002, www.mosquitonet.
com/~orhatzafon
1–29BP World Ice Art
Championships
Todd Paris
Dog sled rides, 5K family fun run/
walk/bike/ski/skijor/snowshoe
and spectacular scenery in Denali
National Park and Preserve. (907)
683-1330, www.nps.gov/dena/
planyourvisit/winterfest.htm
March
TBAChatanika Days
Outhouse races and snowmobile
tug-of-war in the historic gold mining town of Chatanika, 30 miles
north of Fairbanks. (907) 389-2164
TBAJunior Yukon Quest Sled
Dog Race
130-mile race for mushers ages 1417. From Fairbanks to Two Rivers
to North Pole to Fairbanks. (907)
452-7954, www.yukonquest.com
continued from February 23
International ice sculpting competition featuring over 180 sculptures.
Sculpting begins February 23. Best
viewing of finished sculptures:
March 7-22. (907) 451-8250,
www.icealaska.com
5–7 Festival of Native Arts
Celebrate Alaska Native culture
with traditional dancing and
singing, arts and crafts. (907) 4746889, www.fna.community.uaf.edu
6–8 Junior North American
Championship Sled Dog
Race
Dog mushing championship for
mushers ages 2-18 at Jeff Studdert
Race Grounds on Farmers Loop
Road. (907) 490-4798, www.
fairbanksjuniordogmushers.org
Jade Frank/Explore Fairbanks
Courtesy Fairbanks Concert Association
7–8 Nenana Ice Classic Tripod
Days
Raising of the Tripod on the Tanana
River and entertainment for the
entire family in Nenana. (907) 8325446, www.nenanaakiceclassic.com
7–8 North Pole Championship
Sled Dog Races
2-dog skijor, 4-, 6- and 10-dog
races in North Pole. (907) 457MUSH, www.sleddog.org
13African Guitar Summit
Sponsored by the Fairbanks Concert Association. (907) 474-8081,
www.fairbanksconcert.org
13–15Limited North American
Championship Sled Dog
Race
Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks
Mushers compete in skijoring,
4-, 6- and 8-dog classes at Jeff
Studdert Race Grounds on Farmers
Loop Road. (907) 457-MUSH,
www.sleddog.org
www.explorefairbanks.com
17
The World Eskimo-Indian Olympics
hosts teams from all over Alaska.
(907) 452-6646, www.weio.org
20–2270th Annual Open
North American
Championship Sled Dog
Race
World’s fastest mushers compete
in the oldest continuously run race
in the world, at 1pm downtown.
(907) 457-MUSH, www.sleddog.
org
20–22Fur Auction
Hosted by the Alaska Trappers Association during the dog sled races
in downtown Fairbanks. (907) 4571774, www.alaskatrappers.org
22Parka Parade
Showcasing summer and winter
parkas after the sled dog races in
downtown Fairbanks. (907) 4566485, www.fairbanksarts.org
27–Apr 12 Ring of Fire – The
Music of Johnny Cash
Fairbanks Drama Association performance at the Riverfront Theatre.
(907) 456-PLAY, www.fairbanks
drama.org
28Sonot Kkaazoot Cross
Country Ski Race
50 km mass start, free technique.
Starts and ends on the Chena River.
(907) 474-4435, www.nsc
fairbanks.org
29Fairbanks Symphony
Orchestra
Performance at the Davis Concert
Hall. (907) 474-5733, www.
fairbankssymphony.org
18
Courtesy Fairbanks Concert Association
19–21North American
Basketball Tournament
April
2–5 International Curling
Bonspiel
Competitive men’s and women’s
divisions and prizes. Commemorative pins, shirts and souvenirs.
(907) 452-CURL, www.curl
fairbanks.org
4 Ramsey Lewis and John
Pizzarelli: The Nat King
Cole Tribute
Sponsored by the Fairbanks Concert Association. (907) 474-8081,
www.fairbanksconcert.org
6–12Arctic Man Ski & Sno-Go
Classic
5.5-mile ski race with snowmobile
partner who pulls the skier 2.25
miles between both courses. (907)
456-2626, www.arcticman.com
17–18 & 24–26 The Ashgirl
Theatre UAF stage production.
(907) 474-7751, www.uaf.edu/
theatre
May
2BodyVox
Sponsored by the Fairbanks Concert Association. (907) 474-8081,
www.fairbanksconcert.org
2 Chena River Run
First 5K run of the season benefiting local projects, sponsored by
the Rotary Club of Fairbanks. (907)
452-8986, www.fairbanksrotary.org
2 Spring Migration
Celebration
Talks, walks and bird viewing
during the peak of spring bird
migration at Creamer’s Field,
noon-4pm. (907) 452-5162, www.
creamersfield.org
8 Alaska Visitor Industry’s
Walk for Charity
Feast on fabulous food while
raising funds for local charities on
this fun 3K graze. (907) 459-3758,
www.alaskacharitywalk.org
24 & 26Fairbanks Symphony
Orchestra
Performance at the Davis Concert
Hall. (907) 474-5733, www.
fairbankssymphony.org
Spring Migration
Celebration—May 2
This annual event celebrates
the return of the birds to
Creamer’s Field Migratory
Waterfowl Refuge during
the peak of migration. Enjoy
bird and wildlife viewing,
information booths, nature
walks and fun activities for
the whole family.
Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks
Number of dogs on teams based
on combined weight of musher
and passenger at Jeff Studdert Race
Grounds on Farmers Loop Road.
(907) 457-MUSH, www.sleddog.
org
COAST—Alaska Snow Rider Magazine
18Jeff Studdert Invitational
Passenger Race
Courtesy Running Reindeer Ranch
Who
Offers
Winter
Fun?
D
www.explorefairbanks.com
SP Ken
“The Fairbanks area is home to some of Alaska’s most honored and beloved animals—husky sled dogs. The ultimate
season for sled dogs is obviously wintertime and luckily,
Fairbanks has no shortage of that! We are able to mush sled
dogs on snow laden trails from October until April. There is truly
nothing more spiritually uplifting than mushing a team of your
favorite dogs five, ten or even a thousand miles across the frozen
wilderness of Interior Alaska.”
Aliy Zirkle, Yukon Quest and Iditarod musher
nel
© State of Alaska/Matt Hage
iscover all that Fairbanks and its neighbors have
to offer in winter. Use the grid on the next two
pages to quickly search out the establishment that
provides your favorite winter activity, then find
more detailed listings on the pages that follow.
Easily see who does Arctic Circle, aurora and city
tours. Schedule an outdoor adventure on snow—
snowmobiling, dog mushing, snowshoeing, and
cross-country or downhill skiing. Try an adventure
with ice—ice sculpting, ice skating, ice fishing or
curling. Check out the local arts and entertainment
scene. Walk with reindeer, go flightseeing or take For more help planning your winter
a soak in a natural hot springs. Take in one of our vacation, visit us online at www.explore
winter events or spectator sports. If you need to fairbanks.com.
rent clothing or gear, you’ll find that too! Now, let’s
plan some winter fun!
19
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1st Alaska Outdoor School, LLC • • ••• • • • • ••
7 Gables Inn & Suites•• • •
A Bed & Breakfast Inn on Minnie Street
•
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• • • •
A Taste of Alaska Lodge •• • •
A&P Tours, Inc. •••
AAAA Care B&B/Inn ••
Adventures North • •• • •
Airlink Shuttle & Tours• •••
Alaska Northern Lights Tour • •• • • • •• ••
Alaska Private Guide Service ••
Alaska Railroad Vacations•• • •
••
Alaska Wilderness Enterprises, LLC • •
Alaskan Tails of the Trail with Mary Shields
•
Arctic Travelers Gift Shop••
Aurora Borealis Lodge •
Birch Hill Recreation Area and
Cross Country Ski Center••
Black Spruce Dog Sledding • •
Blue Kennels and Dog Sled Trips•••• ••••
Carlson Center••
Chandalar River Outfitters • • •••• • • • •• •
Chena Hot Springs Resort • • •• • •• • • ••• •
Christmas in Ice, Inc.•
•• •
Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge••• • •
Explore Tours ••• •• • ••• •• • • ••• ••
Fairbanks Concert Association••
Fairbanks Curling Club, Inc.••
Fairbanks Drama Association &
Fairbanks Children’s Theatre••
Fairbanks Symphony Association••
Festival of Native Arts•••
20
Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks
Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum at
Wedgewood Resort••
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The Great Alaskan Bowl Company•••
Ice Alaska’s “2015 World Ice
Art Championships” •• •• • • • • •• •
If Only…A Fine Store•
••
Iron Dog, Inc.••
Just Short of Magic Sled Dog Tours •
Lavelle’s Bistro••
The Lodge at Black Rapids• ••••
Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks•
Northern Alaska Tour Company•••••
Paws for Adventure Sled Dog Tours ••
Pioneer Museum & Big Stampede Show••
The Pump House Restaurant and Saloon••
Ronn Murray Photography and Tours
•
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Running Reindeer Ranch•
•• •
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Santa Claus House•
Sirius Sled Dogs, LLC••• •
Sled Dog Adventures •
Sophie Station Suites, Fountainhead Hotels•••
Trail Breaker Kennel •
University of Alaska Museum of the North••••
Warbelow’s Air Ventures, Inc.• • ••
Wedgewood Resort, Fountainhead Hotels•••• •
Wright Air Service, Inc. •
Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race ••
Arctic Neighbors
Bettles Lodge & Air Service • •••• • • • •
Coldfoot Camp• • • • •
Alaskan Neighbors
HAI Shirokuma Tours, LLC • ••• • •• • •
Salmon Berry Tours•
Explore Fairbanks has made every effort to provide accurate listings and does not guarantee the accuracy of the listing presented, and is not
responsible for changes, omissions or errors. Requests for more detailed information should be made to the company in the listing. Member listings
are as of 6/14. Explore Fairbanks is not responsible for the quality of goods or services provided by firms or organizations listed in the 2014-2015
Winter Guide nor does it make any endorsement, representation or warranty for any listing. No portion of this publication may be reproduced
in any manner without written permission from Explore Fairbanks. Explore Fairbanks retains right of refusal on any advertisement submitted.
Project Coordinator: Angie Cerny
Assistance from: Sherman Hogue, Charity Gadapee, Kasey Gillam, Iwalani Lauver and Amy Reed Geiger
Designed by: Jill Marshall, Marshall Arts Design, Fairbanks
Clothing/Gear Provided
www.explorefairbanks.com
21
Fairbanks
1st Alaska Outdoor
School, LLC
PO Box 84529, Fairbanks, AK 99708
2240 Hanson Rd, Fairbanks
(907) 590-5900
info@1stalaskaoutdoorschool.com
www.1stalaskaoutdoorschool.com
Have fun with aurora viewing, dog mushing, snowmachining, Arctic Circle & hot
springs tours. Oct 1–Apr 15.
7 Gables Inn & Suites
PO Box 80488, Fairbanks, AK 99708
4312 Birch Ln, Fairbanks
(907) 479-0751, Fax: (907) 479-2229
Toll Free: (800) 478-7829
gables7@alaska.net
www.7gablesinn.com
Free cross-country skis, winter gear, snowshoes for our guests use. Oct 15–Apr 1.
A Bed & Breakfast Inn on
Minnie Street
345 Minnie St, Fairbanks, AK 99701
(907) 456-1802, Fax: (907) 451-1751
Toll Free: (888) 456-1849
info@minniestreetBandB.com
www.minniestreetBandB.com
Conveniently located, well rated, with
quality rooms and suites. Delicious
breakfast. Aurora tours. Great hosts.
A Taste of Alaska Lodge
551 Eberhardt Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712
Mile 5.3 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks
(907) 488-7855, Fax: (907) 488-3772
tasteak@mosquitonet.com
www.atasteofalaska.com
15 minutes to Fairbanks. Open field aurora
viewing, $20/person. Includes hot beverage, warm area. Reservations req. Aug
15–Apr 5.
A&P Tours, Inc.
PO Box 101068, Anchorage, AK 99510
430 K St, Anchorage
(907) 272-9401, Fax: (907) 272-0251
aptours@alaska.net
www.aptoursalaska.com
We offer tours including aurora viewing and
many other activities from August–May.
Rent winter gear. Aug 15–Apr 15.
AAAA Care B&B/Inn
557 Fairbanks St, Fairbanks, AK 99709
(907) 479-2447, Fax: (907) 479-2484
pat@aaaacare.com
www.aaaacare.com
Free shuttle. Near airport/UAF. Aurora
viewing. We arrange aurora viewing from
our B&B/tours. High-speed Internet FREE.
Full kitchen.
Adventures North
1651 Brer Ln, Fairbanks, AK 99712
(907) 460-0307
adventures.north.alaska@gmail.com
Enjoy Alaska’s aurora, scenery & wildlife
with a photographer, biologist & musher.
Airlink Shuttle & Tours
1213 Dolphin Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709
(907) 452-3337, Fax: (907) 452-6543
airlink@acsalaska.net
www.airlinkalaska.com
Local area shuttle. Statewide charter/
tours. Quality service, affordable price.
Oct 1–Apr 1.
Alaska Northern
Lights Tour
PO Box 82896, Fairbanks, AK 99708
895 Graham Ln, Fairbanks
(907) 322-3483, Fax: (907) 479-2819
info@alaskanorthernlights.net
www.alaskanorthernlights.net
An evening of viewing aurora and Native
culture show. Fairbanks Tour and affordable
tour packages.
Alaska Private
Guide Service
299 Alvin St, Fairbanks, AK 99712
(907) 457-8318
apgs@gci.net
www.apgs.com
Ice fish with snowmobile lessons, rides &
river tours, 1-6 hours. Bird hunt. Camping,
hot springs. Nov–Apr.
Alaska Railroad Vacations
PO Box 107500, Anchorage, AK 99510
1745 Johansen Expy, Fairbanks
(907) 265-2494, Fax: (907) 265-2323
Toll Free: (800) 544-0552
reservations@akrr.com
www.AlaskaRailroad.com
Experience Alaska’s best winter adventure
on the Aurora Winter Train. Complete
vacations available. Sep–May.
Alaska Wilderness
Enterprises, LLC
PO Box 16075, Two Rivers, AK 99716
Mile 25.9 Chena Hot Springs Rd
Two Rivers
(907) 488-7517, Fax: (907) 488-7517
letarte@alaska.net
www.wildernessenterprises.com
Experience the Real Alaska. Providing ice
fishing throughout wild Alaska since 1979.
Heated ice houses. Dec 15–Apr 15.
Alaskan Tails of the Trail
with Mary Shields
PO Box 80961, Fairbanks, AK 99708
(907) 455-6469, Fax: (907) 455-6469
mshields@mosquitonet.com
www.maryshields.com
Why is this tour ranked #1 in things to do
in Fairbanks on TripAdvisor.com? Read the
reviews and learn why!
Arctic Travelers Gift Shop
201 Cushman St, Fairbanks, AK 99701
(907) 456-7080, Fax: (907) 452-4917
arcticgifts@hotmail.com
www.arctictravelersgiftshop.com
The most complete gift shop in the Interior.
Aurora-related gifts, ivory, t-shirts, jewelry.
Open 7 days a week.
Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks
Aurora Borealis Lodge
22
PO Box 72422, Fairbanks, AK 99707
Cleary Summit, Fairbanks
(907) 389-2812, Fax: (907) 389-2812
info@auroracabin.com
www.auroracabin.com
View the aurora from a handmade log
lodge located atop Cleary Summit.
Aug 20–Mar 31.
© Brian Stollery/Courtesy Fairbanks Concert Association
Birch Hill Recreation
Area and Cross Country
Ski Center
101 Wilderness Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99712
(907) 457-4488, Fax: (907) 457-4489
birchhill@co.fairbanks.ak.us
www.co.fairbanks.ak.us/
ParksandRecreation/Facilities/BH
32 km of trails. New ski chalet with dressing and waxing rooms and a beautiful view
of the stadium. Oct 15–Apr 15.
Black Spruce Dog Sledding
3850 Errol Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99709
(907) 315-4167
blacksprucedogsledding@gmail.com
www.blacksprucedogsledding.com
Authentic, custom, affordable tours with
an Iditarod veteran. Scenic mountains and
aurora viewing. Oct 1–Apr 15.
Blue Kennels and Dog
Sled Trips
PO Box 16256, Two Rivers, AK 99716
6885 No Name Ln, Two Rivers
(907) 488-3119
info@bluekennels.de
www.blue-kennels.com
Multi-day dog sled and/or northern lights
tours, accommodations & meals included.
Sep–Apr.
Carlson Center
2010 2nd Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701
(907) 451-7800, Fax: (907) 451-1195
kbaysinger@fnsb.us
www.carlson-center.com
Northern Alaska’s premier entertainment,
sports and meeting facility. Catch the
excitement!
Chandalar River Outfitters
Explore Tours
PO Box 74877, Fairbanks, AK 99707
5804 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Mile 18.6,
Fairbanks
(907) 488-8402, Fax: (907) 488-8787
kckoontz@alaska.net
www.chandalarranchalaska.com
Ice fishing in area lakes. Rainbow, char,
grayling, salmon and pike. $175 includes
license, transportation and lunch. Specialty
options. Lodging available.
999 E Tudor Rd, Ste 200
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 786-0192, Fax: (907) 563-8159
Toll Free: (800) 523-7405
info@exploretours.com
www.exploretours.com
Extraordinary Alaska adventures! Northern lights, Arctic adventures, hot springs,
lodges, custom tours and more!
Chena Hot Springs Resort
PO Box 58740, Fairbanks, AK 99711
Mile 56.5 Chena Hot Springs Rd,
Fairbanks
(907) 451-8104, Fax: (907) 451-8151
frontdesk@chenahotsprings.com
www.chenahotsprings.com
80 lodge rooms, restaurant & bar, aurora
viewing, hot springs, year-round ice
museum, activities.
Christmas in Ice, Inc.
PO Box 57250, North Pole, AK 99705
125 St. Nicholas Dr, North Pole
(907) 590-2522
christmasinice@gmail.com
www.christmasinice.org
Christmas-themed ice sculptures by local
and international artists & Elf’s playground
in North Pole.
Creamer’s Field Migratory
Waterfowl Refuge
PO Box 81065, Fairbanks, AK 99708
Farmhouse Visitors Center
1300 College Rd, Fairbanks
(907) 452-5162, Fax: (907) 452-5300
programs@creamersfield.org
www.creamersfield.org
Visitor Center: Saturdays, noon-4pm or by
appointment. Groomed multi-use winter
trails always open. Programs and events
all year.
www.explorefairbanks.com
Fairbanks Concert
Association
PO Box 80547, Fairbanks, AK 99708
794 University Ave, Ste 104, Fairbanks
(907) 474-8081, Fax: (907) 474-0266
info@fairbanksconcert.org
www.fairbanksconcert.org
Highly diverse, international performing
arts series in its 67th season. Call for dates/
details. Sep–May.
Fairbanks Curling
Club, Inc.
1962 2nd Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701
(907) 452-CURL, Fax: (907) 457-3345
www.curlfairbanks.org
Nightly league play, Rookie Spiel, International Bonspiel, Cash Spiel. Heated spectator gallery. See website for event dates.
Oct–Apr.
Fairbanks Drama
Association & Fairbanks
Children’s Theatre
1852 2nd Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701
(907) 451-4378, Fax: (907) 456-1888
www.fairbanksdrama.org
Fairbanks Drama Association’s 2014-2015
performing season. Call 456-PLAY for
tickets. Sep–May.
Fairbanks Symphony
Association
PO Box 82104, Fairbanks, AK 99708
(907) 474-5733
info@fairbankssymphony.org
www.fairbankssymphony.org
Symphonic music with world-class soloists
at Davis Concert Hall. Oct–Apr.
23
Nordic Ski Club of
Fairbanks
Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks
PO Box 80111, Fairbanks, AK 99708
www.nscfairbanks.org
Promotes X-C skiing in FNSB by offering
lessons & competition for all ages. 32+ km
of groomed trails.
Festival of Native Arts
If Only...A Fine Store
PO Box 756500, Fairbanks, AK 99775
305 Tanana Dr, 315 Brooks Bldg,
Fairbanks
(907) 474-6889, Fax: (907) 474-5666
festival@uaf.edu
fna.community.uaf.edu
Celebrate the arts through traditional
Native dance, music and arts. Performances & artisan vendors. March 5, 6, 7, 2015.
215 Cushman St, Fairbanks, AK 99701
(907) 457-6659, Fax: (907) 455-6659
ifonly@ifonlyalaska.com
www.IfOnlyAlaska.com
A premier shopping experience; First Friday
arts & crafts features; signature events;
holiday music.
Fountainhead Antique
Auto Museum at
Wedgewood Resort
212 Wedgewood Dr
Fairbanks, AK 99701
(907) 450-2100, Fax: (907) 450-2146
Toll Free: (800) 528-4916
info@fountainheadmuseum.com
www.fountainheadmuseum.com
Car museum & more! Be a part of Alaska’s
history, fashion & culture. Classic exhibits,
first car built in Alaska & photos/videos.
The Great Alaskan
Bowl Company
4630 Old Airport Way
Fairbanks, AK 99709
(907) 474-9663, Fax: (907) 479-3067
Toll Free: (800) 770-4222
info@woodbowl.com
www.woodbowl.com
All Alaska-made products! View our
manufacturing process & visit our gift
store. Open 7 days a week!
Ice Alaska’s “2015
BP World Ice Art
Championships”
PO Box 83134, Fairbanks, AK 99708
George Horner Ice Park
3050 Phillips Field Rd, Fairbanks
(907) 451-8250, Fax: (907) 456-1951
iceart@icealaska.com
www.icealaska.com
International competition February
23–March 29. Family fun: ice slides &
mazes. Open through March 29, weather
permitting.
24
Iron Dog, Inc.
7100 Old Seward Hwy, Unit C
Anchorage, AK 99518
(907) 563-4414, Fax: (907) 563-4080
info@irondog.org
www.irondog.org
The world’s longest, toughest snowmobile
race event. Feb 21-28, 2015.
Just Short of Magic Sled
Dog Tours
5157 Chena Hot Springs Rd
Fairbanks, AK 99712
(907) 750-0208
eleanor@justshortofmagic.com
www.justshortofmagic.com
Personal sled dog tours, mushing school,
warm-up yurt. Arctic gear provided. Friendly
huskies. Nov 1–Apr 15.
Lavelle’s Bistro
575 1st Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701
(907) 450-0555, Fax: (907) 450-0444
frank@lavellesbistro.com
www.lavellesbistro.com
Come out of the cold! Enjoy the warmth
of the Interior. Lavelle’s has weekly wine
tastings.
The Lodge at Black Rapids
1307 Windfall Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709
227.4 Richardson Hwy, 38 Mile S
Delta Junction
(877) 825-9413, Fax: (877) 825-9413
blackrapids@ureach.com
www.lodgeatblackrapids.com
Authentic timber frame lodge offers quiet
luxury of fireplaces & heavenly beds. Roadaccessible destination w/ wildlife &
panoramic views of AK Range.
Northern Alaska
Tour Company
PO Box 82991, Fairbanks, AK 99708
(907) 474-8600, Fax: (907) 474-4767
Toll Free: (800) 474-1986
adventure@northernalaska.com
www.northernalaska.com
Winter in Alaska’s Arctic! Arctic Circle,
aurora tours, Coldfoot. One-day & overnight tours. Oct 1–Apr 30.
Paws for Adventure
Sled Dog Tours
PO Box 10107, Fairbanks, AK 99710
(907) 378-3630
pawsforadventure@gmail.com
www.pawsforadventure.com
Choose your mushing adventure! Enjoy an
exciting & informative ride with our local
experts OR learn to drive your own team in
Mushing School.
Pioneer Museum &
Big Stampede Show
PO Box 70176, Fairbanks, AK 99707
2300 Airport Way, Pioneer Park, Fairbanks
(907) 456-8579
info@fairbankspioneermuseum.com
Rusty Heurlin’s Gold Rush murals. Museum
of early Fairbanks settlement and development. Oct–Feb by request.
The Pump House
Restaurant and Saloon
PO Box 80545, Fairbanks, AK 99708
796 Chena Pump Rd, Fairbanks
(907) 479-8452, Fax: (907) 479-8432
mail@pumphouse.com
www.pumphouse.com
Enjoy our winter weekly Wednesday night
Karaoke 8pm–midnight. National historic
setting with great food.
Ronn Murray Photography
and Tours
(907) 888-6055
ronnm@ronnmurrayphoto.com
www.ronnmurrayphoto.com
Don’t just see the northern lights.
Experience, understand and learn to
photograph them.
Running Reindeer Ranch
PO Box 73013, Fairbanks, AK 99707
(907) 455-4998, Fax: (907) 455-4998
info@runningreindeer.com
www.runningreindeer.com
Enjoy a walk through the boreal forest with
friendly, gentle reindeer.
Santa Claus House
101 St. Nicholas Dr
North Pole, AK 99705
(907) 488-2200, Fax: (907) 488-5601
Toll Free: (800) 588-4078
info@santaclaushouse.com
www.santaclaushouse.com
Most unique theme shop with Christmas
gifts, decorations, toys, apparel & Original
Letter from Santa!
Sirius Sled Dogs, LLC
6090 Emancipation Ln
Fairbanks, AK 99709
(907) 687-6656
siriussleddogs.net@gmail.com
www.siriussleddogs.net
Big friendly furry Alaskan & Siberian
huskies. Aurora by dog sled, kennel tour,
sled ride, mushing school.
Sled Dog Adventures
PO Box 83601, Fairbanks, AK 99708
(907) 479-5090
dogmushing@mosquitonet.com
www.sleddogadventures.com
Exciting rides, tours and mushing school for
all levels with the longest-running Interior
tour company. Oct–Apr.
Sophie Station Suites,
Fountainhead Hotels
1717 University Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99709
(907) 456-3642, Fax: (907) 451-6376
Toll Free: (800) 528-4916
hotels@fdifairbanks.com
www.fountainheadhotels.com
Convenient, all-suite hotel offering quiet
luxury, fully-equipped kitchens, WiFi &
Northern Lights Wakeup Service.
Warbelow’s Air
Ventures, Inc.
3758 University Ave S
Fairbanks, AK 99709
(907) 474-3520, Fax: (907) 474-4767
fly@warbelows.com
www.warbelows.com
Arctic journeys above the Arctic Circle to
Brooks Range Mts. Beaver Village tours,
ancient mountains, tundra. Oct 1–Apr 15.
Wedgewood Resort,
Fountainhead Hotels
212 Wedgewood Dr
Fairbanks, AK 99701
(907) 456-3642, Fax: (907) 451-6376
Toll Free: (800) 528-4916
hotels@fdifairbanks.com
www.fountainheadhotels.com
Home to the Fountainhead Antique Auto
Museum, nature trails, x-country skiing,
aurora viewing & residential-style suites.
Wright Air Service, Inc.
PO Box 60142, Fairbanks, AK 99706
3842 University Ave S, Fairbanks
(907) 474-0502, Fax: (907) 474-0375
Toll Free: (800) 478-0502
was@alaska.net
www.wrightairservice.com
Flightseeing/air charter. See Interior Alaska
as never before!
Yukon Quest International
Sled Dog Race
550 1st Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701
(907) 452-7954, Fax: (907) 452-7959
yukonquest@mosquitonet.com
www.yukonquest.com
A 1,000-mile sled dog race between Whitehorse, YT & Fairbanks. Held in February.
Arctic
Neighbors
Bettles Lodge & Air Service
PO Box 27, Bettles, AK 99726
100 Bettles Field, Bettles
(907) 479-7018, Fax: (907) 479-7028
info@bettleslodge.com
www.bettleslodge.com
Arctic Circle & aurora viewing tours, dog
sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoe & more.
Best aurora in AK! Oct 1–Apr 8.
Coldfoot Camp
PO Box 81512, Fairbanks, AK 99708
Mile 175 Dalton Hwy, Coldfoot
(907) 474-3500, Fax: (907) 474-4767
Toll Free: (866) 474-3400
adventure@northernalaska.com
www.coldfootcamp.com
North of the Arctic Circle, under the Auroral
Oval and in the Brooks Mountain Range.
Packages available! Oct 1–Apr 30.
Alaskan
Neighbors
HAI Shirokuma Tours, LLC
PO Box 201961, Anchorage, AK 99520
330 E 4th Ave, Ste 204, Anchorage
(907) 258-4690, Fax: (907) 258-4691
hai4690@haishirokuma.com
www.haishirokuma.com
Aurora tours to arctic adventures & hotel
reservations. Japanese-speaking guides/
staff available. Sep 15–Apr 15.
Salmon Berry Tours
515 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 278-3572, Fax: (907) 278-3573
Toll Free: (888) 878-3572
reservations@salmonberrytours.com
www.salmonberrytours.com
Experience Alaska’s glaciers, ride a dog sled,
travel on the Alaska Railroad, or enjoy the
aurora!
Trail Breaker Kennel
PO Box 60249, Fairbanks, AK 99706
5880 Airport Industrial Rd, Fairbanks
(907) 479-3825, Fax: (907) 474-8288
info@trailbreakerkennel.com
www.trailbreakerkennel.com
Sled dog rides, kennel tours, drive your own
team, mushing excursions, authentic
Alaskan lifestyle. Dec–Apr.
Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks
University of Alaska
Museum of the North
PO Box 756960, Fairbanks, AK 99775
907 Yukon Dr, UAF Campus, Fairbanks
(907) 474-7505, Fax: (907) 474-5469
museum@uaf.edu
www.uaf.edu/museum
Award-winning exhibits and breathtaking
architecture make the museum an
extraordinary destination.
www.explorefairbanks.com
25
©State of Alaska/Matt Hage
Be Safe
And
Have Fun
In The
Winter
Sun
H
ere are some tips for your Interior Alaska adventure!
•Snow and ice are slippery—practice a slow shuffle and walk carefully.
•Check the weather—monitor the weather forecast while you’re here and dress
accordingly.
• Wear a helmet—only on the slopes of course! Appropriate head protection is important
when taking part in some winter sports.
• Drive slowly—give yourself more time to get where you need to go. Take it easy on
your brakes while on snow and ice. If renting a car, consider an all-wheel or four-wheel
drive vehicle during winter months.
What’s Under There?
UAF Photo by Ryan Wilson
U
26
nderwear—well, long underwear to be exact.
More commonly called “long johns,” they’re
just one component of a simple layering system
that will have you strolling through the Fairbanks
sights in warmth and comfort. Travelling from
a warmer climate? Just drop into a local retailer
and gear up with a few essentials. Layers make for
the easiest change-ups. The weather can change
quickly and so can you! Include a pair of long
johns, long sleeved shirt, fleece jacket, boots, hat,
mittens and a scarf in your wardrobe for the trip.
If needed, you can rent or purchase a parka, snow
pants and a good pair of boots when you arrive.
Some operators of winter activities provide outdoor gear—be sure to ask. Whatever the weather,
you’ll be covered! Interior Alaska is an amazing
place to explore in the winter and dressing for it
is amazingly simple.
©State of Alaska/Matt Hage
What’s
The
Weather
Like?
F
airbanks’ low humidity, low precipitation
and virtually non-existent
winds make our sub-arctic
environment surprisingly
agreeable.
Check the weather report or
call 844 for the local temperature and forecast before
planning your day’s activities.
Meet a Real Alaskan
re you interested in dog mushing?
Arctic engineering? Perhaps cross
country skiing? You can learn a lot about
these topics and many more by being
matched with a friendly Fairbanks Golden Heart Greeter. Golden Heart Greeters
are proud to be a part of a world-wide
voluntary association called the Global
Greeter Network. This greeter program
is free to individuals or small groups.
Schedule a Golden Heart Greeter by
calling (907) 459-3758 or by emailing
goldenheartgreeter@explorefairbanks.
com. A minimum of one week’s notice
is needed.
www.explorefairbanks.com
Explore Fairbanks
A
27
Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks
Get
Connected
J
oin in the conversations by using our social media handle “explorefairbanks” to like us on
Facebook and “explorfairbanks” (no “e” in the explore here) to follow us on Twitter. You
can also find us on Pinterest and YouTube searching “Explore Fairbanks.” Then get ready
for your amazing Fairbanks adventure by going online to www.explorefairbanks.com. Read
our blog and check out the interactive visitors guides and trip planning tools—all just a click
away. Be sure to request your free year-round Visitors Guide while you’re there. Explore
great ways to make the most of your trip of a lifetime!
www.explorefairbanks.com • info@explorefairbanks.com
Who to Call
Find that Important Phone Number
Fairbanks Visitor Information
(907) 456-5774 or (800) 327-5774
Alaska Visitor Information..............(907) 929-2200
Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game
Fishing Hotline��������������������������(907) 459-7385
Customs
US..............................................(907) 474-0307
Canada......................................(204) 983-3500
Highway Conditions�����������������511 (in-state only)
Police, Fire & Medical Emergency������������������� 911
Karen Clautice
State Troopers...............................(907) 451-5100
(Rural emergency)����������������������(800) 811-0911
28
Time & Temperature��������������������������������������� 844
Weather Forecast��������������������� (907) 458-3745 or
(800) 472-0391
Pike’s Waterfront Lodge
You Loved
Winter,
Now
Try Our
Summer!
Angie Cerny/Explore Fairbanks
©State of Alaska/Michael
DeYoung
inter is truly wonder-filled but,
oh baby, our summertime is unsurpassed. With the sun shining nearly
24 hours a day Fairbanks, Alaska, is an
extraordinary destination. Once you
have been inspired by the light of the
aurora borealis, take a deep breath and
explore the last frontier in the summertime. The oh so very l-o-n-g summer
days are bursting with activities for
Fairbanks visitors. Pan for gold, float
the Chena River, watch the gardens
grow, go fishing, view wildlife, play golf
at midnight, have dinner on a deck or
embark on a nature hike. To embrace
the energy of our summer days or get
more detailed information for your
winter vacation, request our year-round
Visitors Guide, and choose from all of
the fantastic things to see and do!
Downtown Association of Fairbanks
W
Fairbanks is known as the land of the Midnight Sun—
during June and July the sky never gets dark.
View the year-round Fairbanks Visitors Guide online
at www.explorefairbanks.com/guide. Order a free
copy by calling 1-800-327-5774 or write to Explore
Fairbanks, 101 Dunkel Street, Suite 111, Fairbanks,
AK 99701-4806.
29
©State of Alaska/Matt Hage
Todd Paris
Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks
Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks