Sean Kurdziolek Photography

Transcription

© Sean Kurdziolek Photography
Welcome to
Winter in
Fairbanks,
Alaska!
W
inter in this 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 an
energy-filled winter season. Skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling,
snowshoeing, ice fishing, curling,
tubing and ice hockey abound.
Challenge the snow-capped 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 an unforgettable winter expedition in this
sparkling land of ice and snow.
© Casey Thompson
Scan with your
smart phone for
even more inspiration to explore
Fairbanks.
Inside the Guide
Morris Thompson Cultural and
Visitors Center�� 2
Alaska’s Cultural Heritage�� 3
Clear Nights, Northern Lights�� 4
Quick Tips for Photographing
the Northern Lights�� 5
Howling With The Dogs�� 6
Crystal Clear Ice Art�� 7
Denali Rising....................................... 8
Some Like It Hot�� 9
Some Like It Cold�� 9
Widen Your Circle�� 10
The Spirit of Christmas...................... 11
Vibrant Art Scene.............................. 12
Small Town, Big Events�� 13
Who Offers Winter Fun?�� 19
What’s Under There?�� 26
Be Safe and Have Fun in the
Winter Sun....................................... 26
What’s the Weather Like?�� 27
Meet a Real Alaskan�� 27
Get Connected�� 28
Who to Call...................................... 28
You Loved Winter, Now Try
Summer!.......................................... 29
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, friendly
and knowledgeable staff have answers to all your questions. The
free 9,000 square foot exhibit hall features 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. 27,
Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
www.explorefairbanks.com
info@explorefairbanks.com
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MTCVC Hours and Location
101 Dunkel Street in Downtown Fairbanks
Open 7 days a week year-round
Alaska’s
Cultural
Heritage
airbanks’ 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.
F
Athabascans are renowned for their intricate
beading and skin sewing. A traditional art that
is still popular today.
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Clear
Nights,
Northern
Lights
F
airbanks 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. This 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.
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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
© Patrick Endres/AlaskaPhotoGraphics.com
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.
•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.
5
© Todd Paris
Howling
With The
Dogs
6
©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 start
of the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog
Race—an epic 1,000-mile marathon along
the gold rush trail from Fairbanks to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada. In March,
downtown comes alive with the “granddaddy of all sprint races,” the Open North
American Championship Sled Dog Race.
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
Fighter, sculpted by Junichi Nakamura, Shinichi Sawamura,
Chan Kitburi & Dean Murray. Photo by Karen Clautice
Crystal
Clear
Ice Art
A
Mother, sculpted by Sergei Zinner & Alex
Glushko. Photo by Karen Clautice
Carnival Costume, Junko Ledneva (Yanagida) &
Shinichi Sawamura. Photo by Karen Clautice
s soon as winter comes to Fairbanks ice
artists begin creating beautiful works of
art. Fantastical creatures emerge from crystalclear blocks of ice, abstract and realistic ice art
catches the light and dazzles the viewer and
grand multi-block 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
ice playground, 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 Ice blocks are harvested locally, range in thickmaze. Ice art is truly magnificent, the sculptures ness from 4 to 5 feet, and can weigh up to
7,500 pounds.
rival those wrought in stone and never cease to
capture both the mind and the imagination.
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©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 mag- Denali National Park and Preserve covers six
million acres of pure wilderness and is an easy
nificent winter journey’s end.
two-hour drive from Fairbanks.
T
he National Park Service celebrates 100 years in 2016. In addition
to Denali National Park and Preserve, there are a handful of other
national parks in the Interior and Arctic regions. Gates of the Arctic
National Park and Preserve is 8.4 million acres of natural beauty,
Kobuk Valley National Park is renowned for caribou and sand dunes
and Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve has bar-none river expeditions. Noatak National Preserve is a pristine river valley rimmed by mountains and the exquisite
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve at 13.2 million acres is the largest national park
in America. It’s hard to go wrong with so many splendors to explore.
These parks offer vast, essentially untouched wilderness with few or no roads, trails or established campsites. Local air taxis provide flight-seeing trips and outfitters guide day or overnight
trips to remote locations. Ice fish in an alpine lake, watch caribou cross a northern valley, or
simply listen to the call of the wild. Visit www.nps.gov/state/ak to find your park.
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© 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
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, heat up the fun with some of the coolest
ice and snow sports around.
I
Check out pages 19-25 to find who offers
your kind of winter adventure.
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© Chris McLennan
Widen
Your
Circle
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.
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© Chris McLennan
Sherman Hogue/
Explore Fairbanks
he Arctic Circle sparks the imagination like
few other places on earth. This place that
many dream about visiting is 196 driving miles
(or about 140 air miles) north of Fairbanks. Take
a tour via van or plane up the Dalton Highway,
also known as the Haul Road, 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
muskox or an arctic fox. Fly bush mail routes
that land in rural communities accessible only
by air. Check out the treeless Arctic plain, where
visually remarkable, big color blocks make up
the sky, the ground and the mountains. 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. After your journey
through miles and miles of wilderness, return
to the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors
Center in Fairbanks to get your official Arctic
Circle Certificate and tell stories about your trip
to the Far North.
Northern Alaska Tour Company
T
Courtesy Santa Claus House
The
Spirit of
Christmas
V
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.
Have a letter sent to family and friends back home
from the jolly old elf himself!
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© Todd Paris
Vibrant
Art Scene
A
12
Many art galleries
and specialty stores
participate in First
Fridays—offering
shows or receptions
on the first Friday
evening of each
month.
Courtesy Fairbanks Concert Association
Blue Rabbit copper collage by Jenifer Cameron
Courtesy Opera Fairbanks
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 the 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.
Small
Town,
Big
Events
2015–2016
Winter
Calendar
W
here else can you find 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 the celebratory winter
season, including the many festivals. Indoors or out, Fairbanks’ exceptional calendar of
events features activities for all!
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.
Year Round
First Fridays
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
Enjoy a guided walk on the refuge
trail at Creamer’s Field each Thursday at noon or by appointment.
(907) 452-5162, www.creamers
field.org
Noel Wien Library Youth
Programs
Free reading fun, learning and
activities for children of all ages.
(907) 459-1052, www.fnsblibrary.
org
Seasonal
September-May Roller Derby
High-speed, high-impact fun!
Catch a bout in Fairbanks (www.
fairbanksrollergirls.org) or North
Pole (www.northpolebabesintoy
land.com).
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
Skijoring, 1- to 8-dog and open
classes at Jeff Studdert Race
Grounds on Farmers Loop Road.
www.sleddog.org or www.junior
dogmushers.com
October 2015
Sep 18 – Oct 4Fools
Fairbanks Drama Association
& Children’s Theatre present a
comedy by Neil Simon. (907) 4567529, www.fairbanksdrama.org
1 Fairbanks Symphony
Orchestra
Vocal recital by guest soprano Teresa Eickel, accompanied by pianist
Eduard Zilberkant. (907) 474-5733,
www.fairbankssymphony.org
2 Postmodern Jukebox
Presented by Fairbanks Concert
Association. (907) 474-8081, www.
fairbanksconcert.org
4 Arctic Chamber Orchestra
Soprano Teresa Eickel sings beloved
opera arias. (907) 474-5733, www.
fairbankssymphony.org
13
Association. (907) 474-8081,
www.fairbanksconcert.org
16–17Brice Alaska Goal Rush
Division I men’s hockey tournament featuring the Alaska Nanooks.
(907) 474-6665, www.alaska
nanooks.com
17International
Friendship Day
Learn about and enjoy the cultural
diversity of Fairbanks. Noon–5pm
at Pioneer Park Civic Center, free
admission. (907) 474-0928
17Fairbanks Symphony
Orchestra
Solo piano recital by Peter Friis
Johansson, winner of the 2014
Alaska International Piano-e-Competition. (907) 474-5733, www.
23 – Nov 8 You Know I Can’t
Hear You When the Water’s
Running
Fairbanks Drama Association & Children’s Theatre presents a comedy
by Robert Anderson. (907) 4567529, www.fairbanksdrama.org
24Halloween Town &
Spooky Train
Ride the Spooky Train and trick-ortreat in Gold Rush Town at Pioneer
Park. (907) 459-1087, www.
co.fairbanks.ak.us/pioneerpark
25A Sixth Concert for the
Animals
Presented by Fairbanks Choral
Society for the benefit of the Fairbanks Animal Shelter Fund. (907)
456-1144
29Fairbanks Symphony
Orchestra
Solo piano recital by Alexander
Kobrin. (907) 474-5733, www.
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North Star Ballet
Bob Wilkinson
Paul McCarthy
October continued
10Martha Redbone Roots
Project
30Creepy Critters
Enjoy kids crafts and activites
based around often misunderstood
creatures. Noon-4pm at Creamer’s
Field Farmhouse Visitors Center.
(907) 452-5162, www.creamers
field.org
30 – Nov 8 Stop Kiss
Theatre UAF presents a play by
Diana Son. (907) 474-6590, www.
uaf.edu/theatrefilm/current-season
31Halloween at the Museum
Children are invited to explore
bones, bugs, bats and birds. 4-7pm
at the University of Alaska Museum
of the North. (907) 474-7505,
www.uaf.edu/museum
November
Orchestra
Guest pianist Alexander Kobrin
performs both Brahms piano
concertos. (907) 474-5733, www.
7–8 Holiday Bazaar
Shop holiday gifts and souveniers
from locally-made arts, crafts and
food products at the Pioneer Park
Civic Center. (907) 459-1087,
www.co.fairbanks.ak.us/
pioneerpark
11–14 Athabascan Fiddlers
Festival
Alaska Native musicians gather in
Fairbanks for an annual musical
celebration. (907) 374-9777
15Letters Aloud
Association. (907) 474-8081, www.
fairbanksconcert.org
19Eddie Izzard
Presented by the Fairbanks Concert
Association. (907) 474-8081,
21–22 Rookie Spiel
Curling fun for new players and
those trying new positions. Heated
spectator gallery. (907) 452-CURL,
www.curlfairbanks.org
27Alaska Coffee Roasting
Company Turkey Day
Relays
Cross country ski races for all ages
at Birch Hill Recreation Area.
www.nscfairbanks.org
28Thanksgiving for the Birds
Make feeders and learn about winter birds and how to feed them at
Creamer’s Field Farmhouse Visitors
Center, noon-4pm. (907) 4525162, www.creamersfield.org
28 – Jan 5 Christmas In Ice
Christmas themed ice sculptures,
Elf’s Icy Playground and many special events throughout December.
(907) 590-2522, www.christmas
inice.org
December
1 – Jan 5Christmas In Ice
Continued from November 28
Christmas themed ice sculptures,
Elf’s Icy Playground and many special events throughout December.
(907) 590-2522, www.christmas
inice.org
4-6 Nutcracker Ballet
Annual performance by North Star
Ballet. (907) 451- 8800, www.
thenorthstarballet.org
4–13Winter Shorts
UAF Student Drama Association
presents student-directed one act
plays. (907) 474-6590, www.uaf.
edu/theatrefilm/sda
4–20A Christmas Carol
Fairbanks Drama Association &
Children’s Theatre presented Romulus Linney’s adaptation. (907) 4567529, www.fairbanksdrama.org
5 Light up the Season
Luminary Trail
Celebrate the Christmas season
with caroling and a walk down
the Creamer’s Field luminary trail,
6-8pm. (907) 452-5162, www.
creamersfield.org
5–6 North Pole Winter Festival
Fireworks, holiday bazaar, tree- and
candle-lighting ceremonies, caroling and crowning of the North Pole
King and Queen. (907) 488-2242,
www.northpolechamber.us
Make beautiful ornaments from
natural materials. Saturdays, noon4pm at Creamer’s Field Farmhouse
Visitors Center. (907) 452-5162,
www.creamersfield.org
6 Design Alaska Holiday
Concert
Annual holiday concert by Fairbanks Symphoy Orchestra and
choruses. (907) 474-5733,
11Blind Boys of Alabama
19Celebration of Lights
Fireworks
Celebrate the sun’s slow return
with fireworks launched from the
Chena River downtown. (907) 4528671, downtownfairbanks.com
31 New Year’s Eve Sparktacular
Brilliant fireworks launched from
UAF’s West Ridge at 8pm; sponsored by community businesses.
January 2016
1–5 Christmas In Ice
Continued from November 28
Christmas themed ice sculptures
and Elf’s Icy Playground. (907) 5902522, www.christmasinice.org
Association. (907) 474-8081,
12Mushing Madness
Dog races and fun for mushers
ages 2-18 at Jeff Studdert Race
Grounds on Farmers Loop Road.
www.juniordogmushers.com
12Sing-It-Yourself-Messiah
Sing along with Fairbanks Choral
Society to Handel’s Messiah. 3pm
at First Presbyterian Church. (907)
456-1144
18–19 Christmas Party for
Children
8–17Clue: the Musical
Performance by Fairbanks Light
Opera Theatre. (907) 456-FLOT,
www.flot.org
22Capitol Steps
Association. (907) 474-8081,
23University of Alaska
Museum of the North
Open House
Party on the 18th for children with
disabilities. Gift and free buffet
for every child. Santa arrives at
6:30pm each night at Chatanika
Lodge. (907) 389-2164
A free behind-the-scenes look at
the labs where discoveries are
made in the science, culture,
health, and environment of Alaska;
noon-4pm. (907) 474-7505, www.
uaf.edu/museum
Fairbanks Concert Association
Fairbanks Concert Association
© Bear Alaska Photography
5–19Drop in Ornament
Making
23–24Concerto Competition
Annual concerto competition for
young musicians; free admission.
(907) 474-5733, www.fairbanks
symphony.org
23 or 30BackCountry Film
Festival
An evening of films with backcountry themes at Birch Hill Cross
Country Ski Center. www.nsc
fairbanks.org
30Winter Animal Track Walk
Enjoy a guided walk on the refuge
trail at Creamer’s Field to find
tracks and learn about Interior
Alaska’s winter animals; 1pm. (907)
452-5162, www.creamersfield.org
30C-Note Poker Tournament
Annual fundraiser for Fairbanks
Symphony Orchestra. (907) 4745733, www.fairbankssymphony.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
4 Sitka Winter Classics
Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra
presents cellist Zuill Bailey &
friends. (907) 474-5733,
Fairbanks sets the stage for a wide variety of classic and
contemporary theatrical and musical events and Opera
Fairbanks plays a starring role in the town’s robust, yearround performance season. The nation’s farthest-north
professional opera production company, Opera Fairbanks
provides performance, educational, and promotional opportunities in Fairbanks via high-quality performances. Featuring
Alaskan talent and a variety of national and international
guest artists including stage direction, costume design,
stage makeup, technical direction, vocalists and orchestra
members. For a complete performance schedule visit www.
operafairbanks.org
Courtesy Opera Fairbanks
Opera Fairbanks
15
Festivals & Celebrations
Courtesy Santa Claus
House
North Pole Winter Festival—Dec 5–6
Candle lighting and tree decorating are central to this delightful festival
celebrating the spirit of Christmas. A befitting event for the holidaythemed town of North Pole. www.northpolechamber.us
Courtesy Downtown Association
of Fairbanks
Celebration of Lights—Dec 19
Downtown Fairbanks comes alive around solstice to herald the return of
the light, featuring brilliant fireworks that can’t be seen in the summer
time. Watch for musical and artistic events downtown and shop for
made-in-Alaska items. Visit Golden Heart Plaza to see 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 29–Mar 27
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.sleddog.org; Ice
Alaska, www.icealaska.com; and the Fairbanks Arts Association, www.
fairbanksarts.org
Mike Giannechini
Mike Giannechini
Denali Winterfest—Feb 26–28
Now in its 16th 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 communityoriented 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
Festival of Native Arts—Mar 3–5
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. fna.community.uaf.edu
February continued
5 Jake Shimabukuro
Association. (907) 474-8081,
5–21Almost, Maine
Children’s Theatre presents a
romantic comedy by John Cariani.
drama.org
6 Yukon Quest International
Sled Dog Race
1,000-mile (1,600 km) sled dog
race from Fairbanks to Whitehorse,
YT, Canada. (907) 452-7954,
www.yukonquest.com
16
12–13, 19–21 Closer
Theatre UAF presents a play by Patrick Marber. (907) 474-6590, www.
20Fun Run
Dog races and fun for mushers
ages 2-18 at Morning Star Park in
North Pole.
www.juniordogmushers.com
20–21 Gold 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
21Concerto Competition
Winners Concert
Winners of the January concerto
competition perform with Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra. (907)
474-5733, www.fairbanks
symphony.org
21–27 Iron Dog
Longest, toughest snowmobile
race in the world. From Big Lake to
Nome and finishing in Fairbanks.
(907) 563-4414, www.irondog.org
24National Women’s Bonspiel
Fairbanks Curling Club hosts the
United States Women’s Curling
Association. (907) 452-2875,
26Motown Cabaret
Fundraiser
Live music and dancing to Motown
favorites to benefit Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival. (907) 474-8869,
www.fsaf.org
26–28Denali Winterfest
Winter fun and activities for the
entire family in Denali. (907) 6839532, www.nps.gov/dena/
planyourvisit/winterfest.htm
27Famous for Fifteen
The UAF Student Drama Association presents reader’s theatre style
performances of scripts by local
playwrights. (907) 474-6590,
www.uaf.edu/theatrefilm/sda
27–28 Tired Iron
Older model snowmachine races
and fun for the entire family on the
Chena River, downtown. (907) 4528602, www.fairbankstirediron.org
Opera Fairbanks presents R. Leoncavallo’s timeless tragedy—one of
opera’s best-loved productions.
(907) 479-7372, www.opera
fairbanks.org
5 or 12 Skiathon
March
TBA Junior Yukon Quest Sled
Dog Race
130-mile race for mushers ages 1417, from Fairbanks to Two Rivers to
North Pole to Fairbanks. (907) 4527954, www.yukonquest.com
1–27 BP World Ice Art
Championships
continued from February 29
International ice sculpting competition with 180+ sculptures plus a
kids park made entirely of ice.
(907) 451-8250, www.icealaska.
com
3–5 Festival of Native Arts
Celebrate Native culture with song,
dance, arts and crafts. (907) 4746889, fna.community.uaf.edu
3–5 Junior North American
Championship Sled Dog
Race
Dog mushing championship for
mushers ages 2-18, at Morning
Star Park in North Pole. www.
juniordogmushers.com
Classic technique cross country ski
event on the Skarland trail system
at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. www.nscfairbanks.org
5–6 Nenana Ice Classic Tripod
Days
Raising of the Tripod on the Tanana
River and entertainment for the
entire family in Nenana. (907) 8325446, www.nenanaakice
classic.com
5–6 North Pole Championship
Sled Dog Races
2-dog skijor, 4-, 6- and 10-dog races in North Pole. (907) 488-4558,
www.northpolechampionships.com
11–13 Limited North American
Race
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
17–19North American
Basketball Tournament
Teams from all over Alaska gather
for this annual event hosted by
World Eskimo-Indian Olympics.
(907) 452-6646, www.weio.org
“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
e Brice
International, classic and feature
films sponsored by the Congregation Or Hatzafon. (907)
456-1002, www.mosquitonet.
com/~orhatzafon
International ice sculpting competition with 180+ sculptures plus a
kids park made entirely of ice. (907)
451-8250, www.icealaska.com
4 & 6Pagliacci
y of Stev
25–28 Farthest North Jewish
Film Festival
29 – Mar 27 BP World Ice Art
Championship
Courtes
Association. (907) 474-8081,
© Todd Paris
February continued
25Dublin Guitar Quartet
17
Hosted by Alaska Trappers Association during the dog sled races in
downtown Fairbanks. (907) 4571774, www.alaska
trappers.org
19Solas
Association. (907) 474-8081,
19 or 26Sonot Kkaazoot
50km, 40km and 20km cross country ski races starting and finishing
on the Chena River.
20Parka Parade
Showcasing beautiful, hand-made
summer and winter parkas; after
the sled dog races in downtown
Fairbanks. (907) 456-6485, www.
fairbanksarts.org
Free sled dog rides for children
plus indoor activities, food, fun
and games at Pioneer Park. (907)
459-1087, www.co.fairbanks.ak.us/
pioneerpark
2 Owl Program
Meet live owls and enjoy kids
crafts, 1-4pm at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center.
(907) 452-5162, www.creamers
field.org
Orchestra
Featuring guest pianist Emanuele
Arciuli. (907) 474-5733, www.
3 or 10 Ski for Women
Non-competitive cross country
ski fundraiser benefitting Interior
Alaska Center for Non-Violent Living. www.nscfairbanks.org
6–10Arctic Man Ski &
Sno-Go Classic
High-speed race with snowmobile pulling a skier between two
courses. (907) 456-2626,
www.arcticman.com
25–April 10 The Buddy Holly
Story
Children’s Theatre present a play
by Alan Janes. (907) 456-7529,
www.fairbanksdrama.org
Iron Dog and Tired Iron
February 21-28
The Iron Dog, billed as the “world’s longest, toughest snowmobile
race,” is a 2,000-mile competition across the Alaska wilderness. The
race, which starts in Big Lake, goes to Nome and ends in Fairbanks,
was started in 1984. An extreme test of endurance, skill and luck,
the Iron Dog rewards only the most hard core riders. In recent years
the Iron Dog has teamed up with the Tired Iron event making the
Fairbanks finish on the frozen Chena River festive and fun. The Tired
Iron is a race for older model snowmobiles first organized in 2006
to encourage restoration of “vintage” snow machines. Events vary
from races titled the “Jurassic Classic” or the “Wet Iron” to fun family
activities like “Moose Nugget Bowling” and putt-putt golf on ice.
www.irondog.org and www.fairbankstirediron.org
18
Competitive men’s and women’s
divisions and prizes. Commemorative pins, shirts and souvenirs.
(907) 452-CURL,
www.curl fairbanks.org
15–24 Once Upon a Mattress
Performance by Fairbanks Light
Opera Theatre. (907) 456-FLOT,
www.flot.org
15–24 Eurydice
Theatre UAF presents a play by
Sarah Ruhl. (907) 474-6590, www.
16Beat Beethoven 5K Race
Annual springtime fundraiser for
Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra.
symphony.org
23ScrapArtsMusic
Association. (907) 474-8081,
29 & May 1 Fairbanks
Symphony Orchestra
FSO season finale—performance
of Puccini’s final opera, Turandot.
symphony.org
30Thaw Out Film Festival
UAF Film Club presents short
films by students and community
members. (907) 474-6590, www.
uaf.edu/theatrefilm/filmclub
18–20 Fur Auction
1 Mush for Kids
7–10 International Curling
Bonspiel
Downtown Association of Fairbanks
Three days of sprint races with
unlimited dogs—the oldest annual
sled dog race in the world. Start and
finish in downtown Fairbanks. (907)
457-MUSH, www.sleddog.org
April
COAST—Alaska Snow Rider Magazine
Barry McWayne/Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra
18–20Open North American
Race
© Sean Kurdziolek Photography
Who
Offers
Winter
Fun?
D
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 have a soak in a natural hot springs. Take in one of
many winter events or spectator sports. If you need to
rent clothing or gear, you’ll find that too! Now, let’s
plan some winter fun!
For more help planning your winter
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
vacation, visit us online at www.explore
fairbanks.com
19
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Fairbanks
1st Alaska Outdoor School, LLC • • ••• • •• • ••
2 Street Gallery, LLC••
7 Gables Inn & Suites••• •
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•• • •••
Alaska Wilderness Enterprises, LLC •••
Alaska-Wildlife-Guide • • ••• • ••• ••
Alaskan Arctic Turtle Tours• •
Alaskan Tails of the Trail with Mary Shields
•
An Inn on Minnie Street• •• ••••
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•••• ••••
Boreal Journeys Alaska• •• •
Bouchard’s International
Dog Mushing Museum•
• •••
Carlson Center••
Chandalar River Outfitters • • •••• • •• •• •
Chena Hot Springs Resort • • •• • ••• • ••• •
Christmas in Ice, Inc.•
•• •
Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge••• • •
Explore Tours ••• •• • ••• ••• • ••• ••
Fairbanks Arts Association••
Fairbanks Community Museum• •
Fairbanks Concert Association••
Fairbanks Curling Club, Inc.••
Fairbanks Distilling Company•
•
Fairbanks Children’s Theatre••
Fairbanks Symphony Association••
Festival of Native Arts•••
Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum at
Wedgewood Resort••
The Great Alaskan Bowl Company•
••
Ice Alaska•
••••••••• •
20
Arc
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Arts
Tou
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City
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Hot
Spr
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Ice
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Ice
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Ice
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If Only…A Fine Store•
••
Iron Dog, Inc.••
Just Short of Magic Sled Dog Tours •
Lavelle’s Bistro••
The Lodge at Black Rapids• ••••
Mount Aurora Lodge •
Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks•
Northern Alaska Tour Company•••••
Opera Fairbanks•
Paws for Adventure Sled Dog Tours ••
Pioneer Museum & Big Stampede Show••
The Pump House Restaurant and Saloon••
Running Reindeer Ranch•
•• •
•
Santa Claus House•
Sean Kurdziolek Photography •
Sirius Sled Dogs, LLC••• •
Sled Dog Adventures •
Sophie Station Suites, Fountainhead Hotels•••
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 ••
Interior Neighbors
Cotter’s Kennel Sled Dog Tours •
Arctic Neighbors
Beaver Tours ••• • • • •• •
Coldfoot Camp• • • • •
Alaskan Neighbors
HAI Shirokuma Tours, LLC • ••• • ••• •
Salmon Berry Tours•
Clothing/Gear Provided
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.
2 Street Gallery, LLC
535 2nd Ave, Ste 102
Fairbanks, AK 99701
(907) 455-4070
2stgallery@gmail.com
www.2streetgallery.com
A cooperative fine art gallery by local Alaskan artists; meet an artist on your visit.
7 Gables Inn & Suites
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 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@acsalaska.net
www.aptoursalaska.com
We offer tours including aurora viewing and
many other activities from August-May.
Rent winter gear. Aug 15-Apr 15.
22
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.
(907) 460-0307.
Airlink Shuttle & Tours
1213 Dolphin Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709
(907) 452-3337, Fax: (907) 452-6543
jeff@airlinkalaska.com
www.airlinkalaska.com
Local area shuttle. Statewide charter/tours.
Quality service, affordable price.
Oct 1-Apr 1.
Alaska Northern
Lights Tour
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
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.
Alaska-Wildlife-Guide
PO Box 55345, North Pole, AK 99705
3740 Lyle Ave, North Pole
(907) 712-4529
info@alaska-wildlife-guide.com
www.alaska-wildlife-guide.com
Top rated adventures! Snowmachining, ice
fishing, aurora, Arctic Circle, hot springs &
dog mushing. Oct 1-Apr 8.
Alaskan Arctic Turtle Tours
(907) 457-1798, Fax: (907) 456-1798
Toll Free: (888) 456-1798
wildalaska@alaska.net
www.wildalaska.info
Tours to Arctic Circle, Brooks Range, ANWR,
Prudhoe Bay & aurora viewing adventures.
Year-round.
Alaskan Tails of the Trail
with Mary Shields
(907) 455-6469, Fax: (907) 455-6469
mshields@mosquitonet.com
www.maryshields.com
BIRDS OF A FEATHER. Come meet the
winter birds that visit my feeder. Call (907)
455-6469 for reservations.
An 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, w/quality rooms & suites. Able to arrange winter
tours.
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.
Aurora Borealis Lodge
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.
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) 371-3647
blacksprucedogsledding@gmail.com
www.blacksprucedogsledding.com
Authentic, educational, interactive mushing
with friendly race dogs. Scenic views and
aurora tours.
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.
Boreal Journeys Alaska
2240 Railroad Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99709
(248) 568-8853
borealjourneysak@gmail.com
borealjourneysak.com
Homemade gear, traditional sled dogs,
authentic Alaskan experience. Day or extended adventures. Nov 1-May 1.
Bouchard’s International
Dog Mushing Museum
2070 Hattie Creek Rd
Fairbanks, AK 99712
519 1st Ave, Fairbanks
(907) 699-5790
kyia53@yahoo.com
World’s only largest museum of Alaskan,
Trappers, Army, Iditarod, Quest, North
American Open. An International Collection.
Chandalar River Outfitters
Fairbanks Arts Association
5804 Chena Hot Springs Rd,
Mile 18.6, Fairbanks
(907) 488-8402, Fax: (907) 488-8787
chandalar.ranch@gmail.com
www.chandalarranchalaska.com
Ice fishing in area lakes. Rainbow, char,
grayling, salmon and pike. $175 includes
license, transportation and lunch. Specialty
options. Lodging available.
Pioneer Park, AK Centennial Center for
the Arts, Fairbanks
(907) 456-6485, Fax: (907) 456-4112
fairbanksarts@mosquitonet.com
www.fairbanksarts.org
FAA promotes contemporary & traditional
arts: juried exhibits, literary readings, film
festivals & more.
Chena Hot Springs Resort
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
1300 College Rd, Farmhouse Visitors
Center, 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.
Explore Tours
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!
Fairbanks Community
Museum
535 2nd Ave, Ste 215
Fairbanks, AK 99701
(907) 457-3669
info@fairbankshistorymuseum.com
www.fairbankshistorymuseum.com
Exhibits on dog mushing, 1967 flood,
winter in Fairbanks, mining and early Fairbanks. Monthly art show.
Fairbanks Concert
Association
794 University Ave, Ste 104, Fairbanks
(907) 474-8081, Fax: (907) 474-0266
info@fairbanksconcert.org
Highly diverse, international performing
arts series in its 68th season. Call for dates/
details. Sep-May.
Fairbanks Curling
Club, Inc.
1962 2nd Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701
(907) 452-CURL, Fax: (907) 457-3345
Nightly league play, Rookie Spiel, International Bonspiel, Cash Spiel. Heated spectator gallery. See website for event dates.
Oct-Apr.
Fairbanks Distilling
Company
410 Cushman St, Fairbanks
(907) 474-8958
FairbanksDistillingCo@gmail.com
www.FairbanksDistilling.com
Come visit our tasting room and distillery
in the historic Old City Hall in downtown
Fairbanks.
Carlson Center
Courtesy Running Reindeer Ranch
(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!
23
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.
Courtesy Northern Alaska Tour Company
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.
Mount Aurora Lodge
Fairbanks Drama
Association & Fairbanks
Children’s Theatre
(907) 451-4378, Fax: (907) 456-1888
www.fairbanksdrama.org
Fairbanks Drama Association’s 2015-2016
performing season. Call 456-PLAY for tickets. Sep-May.
Fairbanks Symphony
Association
312 Tanana Loop, Rm 230, UAF Campus
Fairbanks
(907) 474-5733, Fax: (907) 474-5147
info@fairbankssymphony.org
Symphonic music with world-class soloists
at Davis Concert Hall. Oct-Apr.
Festival of Native Arts
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 3, 4, 5, 2016.
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.
24
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
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
29-March 27. Family fun: ice slides &
mazes. Open through March 27, weather
permitting.
If Only...A Fine Store
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.
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 21-27, 2016.
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.
2320 Fairbanks Creek Rd
Fairbanks, AK 99712
(907) 389-2000
mountauroralodge@hotmail.com
www.mountauroralodge.com
Built to house gold miners in 1928, our
lodge offers authentic accommodations
in the heart of aurora country. Mid-Augmid-April.
Nordic Ski Club of
Fairbanks
101 Wilderness Drive
Fairbanks, AK 99712
Promotes X-C skiing in FNSB by offering
lessons & competition for all ages. 32+ km
of groomed trails.
Northern Alaska Tour
Company
(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.
Opera Fairbanks
(907) 479-7372, Fax: (907) 458-8845
info@operafairbanks.org
www.operafairbanks.org
High-quality, live performances by the
nation’s farthest-north professional opera
production company.
Paws for Adventure Sled
Dog Tours
Herning Rd, Fairbanks
(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
Sophie Station Suites,
Fountainhead Hotels
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.
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.
The Pump House
Restaurant and Saloon
796 Chena Pump Rd, Fairbanks
(907) 479-8452, Fax: (907) 479-8432
bill@pumphouse.com
www.pumphouse.com
Enjoy our winter weekly Wednesday night
Karaoke 8pm-midnight. National historic
setting with great food.
Running Reindeer Ranch
(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!
Sean Kurdziolek
Photography
2144 Peede Rd, North Pole, AK 99702
(253) 254-3230
seankurdz@gmail.com
www.seankurdz.com
Individual & small-group aurora photography workshops and aurora photoshoots.
Reservations required. Sep-Apr.
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
(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.
University of Alaska
Museum of the North
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.
Warbelow’s Air
Ventures, Inc.
3758 University Ave S
Fairbanks, AK 99709
(907) 474-3520, Fax: (907) 474-4767
Toll Free: (888) 280-0582
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.
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 Fairbanks & Whitehorse, YT. Held in February.
Interior
Neighbors
Cotter’s Kennel Sled
Dog Tours
PO Box 462, Nenana, AK 99700
4 Mile Rd, Nenana
(907) 832-5203
bckennel@mtaonline.net
www.billcotterkennel.com
Take a ride with the Iditarod dogs. Visit our
professional racing kennel. Relaxed, friendly
host. Oct 15-Apr 15.
Arctic
Neighbors
Beaver Tours
1600 Riverview Dr, Beaver, AK 99724
(907) 628-6622, Fax: (907) 628-6622
beavertours@yahoo.com
www.beavertours.net
Aurora viewing along the Arctic Circle and
authentic native culture within the historic
village of Beaver. Oct 1-Apr 15.
Coldfoot Camp
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
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!
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. Business listings
are as of 6/15. Explore Fairbanks is not responsible for the quality of goods or services provided by firms or organizations listed in the 2015-2016
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: Charity Gadapee, Kasey Gillam, Iwalani Lauver, Amy Reed Geiger, Brady Gross and Jerry Evans
Designed by: Jill Marshall, Marshall Arts Design, Fairbanks
25
What’s
Under
There?
U
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.
Be Safe And Have Fun In The Winter Sun
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 forecast
while you’re here and dress accordingly.
•Wear a helmet—only when called for 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.
26
H
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.
Explore Fairbanks
A
27
Get
Connected
J
oin in the conversation by using the social media handle “explorefairbanks” on Facebook
and “explorfairbanks” (no “e” in the explore here) on Twitter. You can also find Fairbanks
on Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube searching “Explore Fairbanks.” Then get ready for your
amazing Fairbanks adventure by going online to www.explorefairbanks.com. Read the 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 out 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
28
Karen Clautice
State Troopers...............................(907) 451-5100
(Rural emergency)��(800) 811-0911
Time & Temperature�� 844
Weather Forecast�� (907) 458-3745 or
(800) 472-0391
You Loved
Winter,
Now Try
Summer!
Sherman Hogue/
Explore Fairbanks
©State of Alaska/Michael
DeYoung
inter is truly wonder-filled but,
oh baby, summertime here 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 beneath the
light of the midnight sun. 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
Fairbanks’ summer days or get more
detailed information for your winter
vacation, request a year-round Visitors
Guide, and choose from all of the fantastic things to see and do!
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
Hunting Dragons, sculpted by Steve Brice, Heather Brice, Steve Cox &
Justin Cox. Photo by Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks

Sean Kurdziolek Photography

Transcription

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