Winter in Alaska can get harsh. With temperatures in Fairbanks dropping down to 50F/45C below zero and as low as 5 hours of daylight in peak winter, winter in Alaska might not be so inviting. However, with the rise of March, winter becomes magical: extended daylight sheds light over the snow capped mountains, the temperatures become reasonable, and the aurora is dancing up above. Those looking for a fun winter adventure in Alaska, might find March the best fit for them. In addition, March is off the tourist season, hence the accommodation, car rental and attractions are cheaper. Also, notably less people come to Alaska in March, hence this kind of adventure can be very unique.
After spending March and half of April in Alaska, here are my top 5 things to do in Alaska in March:
1. Aurora (Northern Lights) Watching
- What: Nature watching.
- When: 11pm-4am in specific days
- How much: $0 (only gas to the spot)
- Safety: Drive carefully on icy roads at night.
The Aurora is one of nature’s most magical phenomena. Geomagnetic activity and solar winds show in the form of calm, mysterious, green, purple and red lights in the dark, freezing, polar nights. Only observed in the far north or far south, Alaska is a one of the best destinations to witness it. With longer daylight, yet dark nights, and high frequency of geomagnetic activity, March is a perfect time to go aurora hunting. I tore the web and people’s ears researching about it. Check out this post to get the best out of my research and experience.
After checking it is a good night for the Aurora, find a good location, that is both scenic and doesn’t have light pollution, get your camera and lenses ready (bring extra battery) and keep your eyes open in the car. A good location I would recommend is near Knik river, on the way to Palmer (an hour north of Anchorage). Check out the GoogleMaps location – just 100 feet north of the pin. You will probably be driving on ice/snow, hence an AWD car is highly recommended.
If you are willing to put an extra effort, drive/take a plane to Fairbanks, where the odds of you seeing a spectacular show increase notably. A good spot in Fairbanks is Clearly Summit, 20 min from the city. Bring appropriate clothing, Fairbanks gets nasty cold also this time of year!
ADD LINKS: about the aurora – when and how to hunt, about aurora photography.
2. Visit or Volunteer at the Iditarod Race
- What: Taking part in an authentic Alaskan experience.
- When: The start of March, for a few days.
- How much: Volunteering/working/visiting for free. Accommodation will cost money.
- Safety: Bring warm clothes.
In the winter of 1925, a diphtheria epidemic struck Nome, the westmost city in Alaska. With over 10,000 people at risk, and a mortality rate close to a 100%, the people were despaired to get the antitoxin. The town’s doctor sent out an urgent telegram asking for it. Due to its remote location, the closest supply was only in Anchorage, 1000 miles away. Plane was not an option and a ship would be too slow.
So, in an unusual decision, the Governor approved the supply to be delivered using dog sleds. The supply was shipped by train to Nenana, where it was handed to 20 dog mushers, starting their journey to Nome. With temperatures below -60F (-51C), many mushers got hypothermia and 4 dogs didn’t survive the ride. Eventually, the antitoxin arrived safe and sound at Nome. The mushers, and their dogs, became famous all over the US.
This event is one of the most famous in the 200-years Alaskan dog mushing history. It shaped the future annual Iditarod Race: Every year, dozens of mushers from all over the planet come to Alaska. Closely sleeping, eating, and facing the challenges of Alaskan winter with their 10-12 huskies, mushers push toward the finish line in Nome.
Usually in the start of March, the Iditarod has a ceremonial start in Anchorage, and lunches at Willow. Visitors are welcomed to come. Every year, they are looking for volunteers. You can volunteer as a dog handler, dropping food, at the office and more. In my opinion, volunteering at this event can me a very unique authentic Alaskan experience. Visit the official website for more information.
3. Go Dog Sledding!
- What: Alaskan adventure.
- When: Winter, until April.
- How much: $100-300
- Safety: Nothing special.
I know the Iditarod is cool. The high energy of the dogs in contagious. And if you are like me – you don’t like to only watch – but also to experience. To get a taste of the Iditarod, you can go dog sledding yourself! You start by getting to know the energetic huskies in the kennel, followed by a 30 min – 2 hours sledding. This authentic Alaskan experience usually runs until mid April, and the prices range between $100-$300. We went to a place near Eagle River, with dogs that were actually in the Iditarod! The kennel was right under the the owner’s home, where he was hosting one of the retired elderly dogs. Bring windbreakers!
*** My personal experience: I chose not to go dog sledding. Both because of the high price tag, and because I’m against animals being used for human entertainment. But when coming to the kennel, and seeing how well the dogs were treated and how enthusiastic they were to go on the ride, I lowered my concern. For example: The mushers knew every dog personally. Elderly dogs that don’t want to go running anymore are retired. Together, the musher and their dogs withstand challenges along the way. This made me see dog sledding as a sport that tightens the connection between the dogs and the musher.
4. Go Ice Climbing on a Glacier!
- What: Extreme activity – glacier climbing.
- When: Until mid April
- How much: $150-300
- Safety: Make sure you are comfortable with climbing and follow all the safety instuctions.
“You know, when I was 8 years old, me and my brothers went to play on the glacier here”. He was pointing towards the land next to us. I was confused. “There is no glacier here…”. He looked at me and said “exactly, freaking global worming”. I often heard the same story when talking to the senior Alaskans. A lot of them witnessed global warming happening in front of them.
5% of Alaska’s land is ice. That is equivalent to the size of Austria. Visiting Alaska and not being on a glacier is like visiting Manhattan without being in Central Park. During the summer glacier hiking is common. Hikes like the Hoarding Icefield on the Exit Glacier near Seward and Root Glacier near Kennecott are very common. However, in March most of them are blocked due to excess snow. However, March withholds some other, unique, opportunities. My favorite was Ice Climbing!
Equipped with an ice axe, crampons and a helmet, we went to climb the the Matanuska Glacier (privately owned). We had an awesome local guide to provide us all the equipment, instructions and safety measurements. After walking on a frozen (and very slippery) lake and taring my ski pants with the crampons (beginner’s mistake) the started climbing. The view on the top was obsoletely astonishing. Watching the glacier and the mountain range, while being face to face with the glacier has a very special feeling.
Previous climbing experience is recommended but not a must. Including the drive, this is a full day adventure. The price ranges, depends on the number of people. We paid $600 per group. In my opinion: it is worth the money. Go explore these magical icefields, before they disappear on us. Like they did to my senior Alaskan friend.
5. Go Winter Hiking and Camping!
- What: Hiking and camping
- When: Starting mid March.
- How much: Pay for gas, entry to the park and food.
- Safety: Some trails are unaccusable/dangerous – check before.
Imagine making your morning coffee from snow. Drinking it overwatching a dozen of snowy mountains. Perhaps seeing a curios moose. Watching the playful Aurora dancing in the naked Alaskan sky over you. Hearing nothing but your heartbeat. Felling united with this pure wilderness.
Alaska is the wild north. Its nature has no rules. It’s majestic. Hiking in winter makes you feel like you have been caught in a scene from “Frozen”. If you are a fan of irregular hiking, go winter hiking. If you are brave (and equipped enough), also go camping. In winter, hiking in Alaska can be in the forms of snow-shoeing, snowboarding, and of course, plain walking. Of course you can use snowmobiles or sled dogs, which can be awesome and allow you to reach remote places, but is it no hiking.
Note that for understandable safety reasons, hiking and camping around Alaska in winter is limited. I recommend focusing in the areas around Palmer, Seward, Eagle River and Kenai. These usually tend to be in better fit for hiking. Mid March to mid April are usually the best times to go and closely explore. Make sure to do your research (use this Facebook group), gear accordantly and read my post showing my top 5 winter hikes, preferred gear and safety!
Go explore! Go feel ALIVE!