ANC area mid December recommendations?
Aug 29, 2015, 11:09 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 5
ANC area mid December recommendations?
Hi everyone!
I've been reading many of the threads about AK but still would like some inputs.
It will be my first time in Alaska. I wish I could travel in the summer, but my break is during winter time and I found good deals flying in to Anchorage in december. I will spend 5 nights/ 4 days altogether. I know it is pretty tight, so I will limit my area to Anchorage and surroundings, preferably without drive. That's why I'm thinking of staying in downtown and choose some day trips to cover the basics. I was wondering if you had any other recommendations of things to do in and around town. Thanks!
I've been reading many of the threads about AK but still would like some inputs.
It will be my first time in Alaska. I wish I could travel in the summer, but my break is during winter time and I found good deals flying in to Anchorage in december. I will spend 5 nights/ 4 days altogether. I know it is pretty tight, so I will limit my area to Anchorage and surroundings, preferably without drive. That's why I'm thinking of staying in downtown and choose some day trips to cover the basics. I was wondering if you had any other recommendations of things to do in and around town. Thanks!
Sep 1, 2015, 3:57 pm
#2
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: SMF
Posts: 1,251
What are your interests? Alaska is gorgeous in winter. If you ski there are many heli-skiing opportunities as well as Alyeska Ski Resort. There are also many companies that do snowmobile tours across frozen lakes and right up to the bases of glaciers. I don't know of any in particular but I imagine there's probably some dog-sledding in the area. If you're comfortable in the backcountry there is some amazing places for cross country skiing or snowshoeing.
Sep 1, 2015, 11:20 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: MN
Programs: Lots of programs, dirt on all of them!
Posts: 11,938
I have done a snowmachine tour a few years ago. Would have been better if we went to a glacier, but due to lack of snow we went somewhere else.
Dogsledding would be great. I think north of Anchorage - Willow, Knik, etc - have several dog mushing opportunities. I did that once near Denali and it was great.
Dogsledding would be great. I think north of Anchorage - Willow, Knik, etc - have several dog mushing opportunities. I did that once near Denali and it was great.
Sep 4, 2015, 1:55 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 5
What are your interests? Alaska is gorgeous in winter. If you ski there are many heli-skiing opportunities as well as Alyeska Ski Resort. There are also many companies that do snowmobile tours across frozen lakes and right up to the bases of glaciers. I don't know of any in particular but I imagine there's probably some dog-sledding in the area. If you're comfortable in the backcountry there is some amazing places for cross country skiing or snowshoeing.
Sep 4, 2015, 1:56 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 5
I have done a snowmachine tour a few years ago. Would have been better if we went to a glacier, but due to lack of snow we went somewhere else.
Dogsledding would be great. I think north of Anchorage - Willow, Knik, etc - have several dog mushing opportunities. I did that once near Denali and it was great.
Dogsledding would be great. I think north of Anchorage - Willow, Knik, etc - have several dog mushing opportunities. I did that once near Denali and it was great.
Oct 11, 2015, 3:15 pm
#7
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Somewhere in the sky or a Marriott
Programs: 7mm DM, FC, Marriott PM (lifetime), HH Diamond
Posts: 749
No definitely not a whole lot to do in Anchorage.
I would recommend trying to get up toward Fairbanks and see the Northern lights.
We have been flying into ANC every summer for 10 years and fishing in the Kenai. Am trying to get up there in the fall/winter for the northern lights
I would recommend trying to get up toward Fairbanks and see the Northern lights.
We have been flying into ANC every summer for 10 years and fishing in the Kenai. Am trying to get up there in the fall/winter for the northern lights
Oct 28, 2015, 12:27 pm
#8
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 1
I am assuming you mean that you will have a car but don't want to spend too much time in it? Anchorage is not a very nice walking city, especially in the winter. It will get dark, but everything is lit and life goes on as usual so there is no need to stay in your hotel room.
Lake Eklutna is a nice winter time hike. It is about 25 minutes north of downtown. In downtown Anchorage the lagoon is hot mopped for ice skating if you want some free Alaskan entertainment. The Crow's Nest has a nice view of the city (for the cost of overpriced drinks) and Glacier Brewhouse and Snow City cafe won't be crowded in December. Moose's tooth is a good local pizzeria and microbrewery and they sometimes have events. You could check the schedule for the PAC to see if any interesting events line up with your trip. There are sometimes Native music and dance performances. You will probably want to drive at least to Girdwood to drive down what might be the most scenic road in the country. Just remember it is illegal to hold up more than 5 cars-- you must pull over and let others pass. I am not sure what your heard about Alyeska exactly but it is not a beginner mountain . You can pay and take a ride up in the gondola (packed with sweaty skiers) but you may or may not find that worthwhile. There is some decent food and live music in the area. Chair 6 is popular.
Good luck and enjoy your trip!
Lake Eklutna is a nice winter time hike. It is about 25 minutes north of downtown. In downtown Anchorage the lagoon is hot mopped for ice skating if you want some free Alaskan entertainment. The Crow's Nest has a nice view of the city (for the cost of overpriced drinks) and Glacier Brewhouse and Snow City cafe won't be crowded in December. Moose's tooth is a good local pizzeria and microbrewery and they sometimes have events. You could check the schedule for the PAC to see if any interesting events line up with your trip. There are sometimes Native music and dance performances. You will probably want to drive at least to Girdwood to drive down what might be the most scenic road in the country. Just remember it is illegal to hold up more than 5 cars-- you must pull over and let others pass. I am not sure what your heard about Alyeska exactly but it is not a beginner mountain . You can pay and take a ride up in the gondola (packed with sweaty skiers) but you may or may not find that worthwhile. There is some decent food and live music in the area. Chair 6 is popular.
Good luck and enjoy your trip!
Nov 8, 2015, 8:36 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 5
I am assuming you mean that you will have a car but don't want to spend too much time in it? Anchorage is not a very nice walking city, especially in the winter. It will get dark, but everything is lit and life goes on as usual so there is no need to stay in your hotel room.
Lake Eklutna is a nice winter time hike. It is about 25 minutes north of downtown. In downtown Anchorage the lagoon is hot mopped for ice skating if you want some free Alaskan entertainment. The Crow's Nest has a nice view of the city (for the cost of overpriced drinks) and Glacier Brewhouse and Snow City cafe won't be crowded in December. Moose's tooth is a good local pizzeria and microbrewery and they sometimes have events. You could check the schedule for the PAC to see if any interesting events line up with your trip. There are sometimes Native music and dance performances. You will probably want to drive at least to Girdwood to drive down what might be the most scenic road in the country. Just remember it is illegal to hold up more than 5 cars-- you must pull over and let others pass. I am not sure what your heard about Alyeska exactly but it is not a beginner mountain . You can pay and take a ride up in the gondola (packed with sweaty skiers) but you may or may not find that worthwhile. There is some decent food and live music in the area. Chair 6 is popular.
Good luck and enjoy your trip!
Lake Eklutna is a nice winter time hike. It is about 25 minutes north of downtown. In downtown Anchorage the lagoon is hot mopped for ice skating if you want some free Alaskan entertainment. The Crow's Nest has a nice view of the city (for the cost of overpriced drinks) and Glacier Brewhouse and Snow City cafe won't be crowded in December. Moose's tooth is a good local pizzeria and microbrewery and they sometimes have events. You could check the schedule for the PAC to see if any interesting events line up with your trip. There are sometimes Native music and dance performances. You will probably want to drive at least to Girdwood to drive down what might be the most scenic road in the country. Just remember it is illegal to hold up more than 5 cars-- you must pull over and let others pass. I am not sure what your heard about Alyeska exactly but it is not a beginner mountain . You can pay and take a ride up in the gondola (packed with sweaty skiers) but you may or may not find that worthwhile. There is some decent food and live music in the area. Chair 6 is popular.
Good luck and enjoy your trip!
And thanks for the advices! Pizza and ice skating are top on my list haha. I just hope I can get skaters for cheap somewhere.
I will def have a look at those places you mentioned.
Cheers!
Nov 8, 2015, 8:38 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 5
No definitely not a whole lot to do in Anchorage.
I would recommend trying to get up toward Fairbanks and see the Northern lights.
We have been flying into ANC every summer for 10 years and fishing in the Kenai. Am trying to get up there in the fall/winter for the northern lights
I would recommend trying to get up toward Fairbanks and see the Northern lights.
We have been flying into ANC every summer for 10 years and fishing in the Kenai. Am trying to get up there in the fall/winter for the northern lights
I'll let you know if I find them
Nov 12, 2015, 4:08 pm
#12
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Programs: AA EXP and Lifetime Gold, UA LifetMarriott Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,006
I am planing a weekend trip on 11/20-22. This is my first visit to Alaska and I will complete my 50th state after this trip. I have some questions and hopefully someone can help me out!
1. I read the drive from anchorage to Seward is beautiful. Do I need a 4x4 or a mid-size car will work? OR I should stay on HWY 1 to Homer?
2. What can do you at Seward in winter for 3 -4 hours?
3. What's the best place to view the aurora? Should I try Delani NP? Or Alyeska resort (southwest of Anchorage)?
4. I have time to visit one museum. Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center or Alaska Heritage Center?
1. I read the drive from anchorage to Seward is beautiful. Do I need a 4x4 or a mid-size car will work? OR I should stay on HWY 1 to Homer?
2. What can do you at Seward in winter for 3 -4 hours?
3. What's the best place to view the aurora? Should I try Delani NP? Or Alyeska resort (southwest of Anchorage)?
4. I have time to visit one museum. Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center or Alaska Heritage Center?
Last edited by Bookexp; Nov 12, 2015 at 4:14 pm Reason: add content
Nov 13, 2015, 10:06 am
#13
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: SEA
Programs: Hilton - Diamond, Hyatt - Platinum
Posts: 98
If you can get a 4 wheel drive car or SUV, I would recommend it. From the weather forecast I just checked online, snow is predicted for next weekend. Yes, the drive to Seward is beautiful... but winter weather definitely adds an additional level of difficulty. Not sure if you have experience driving in snow, but winter driving in Alaska can get tricky. Anchorage to Homer is a pretty long drive - approx 4 hrs. For such a short trip, I don't think I would do it.
Nov 30, 2015, 8:01 pm
#14
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: ANC
Programs: I've lost count
Posts: 40
Hi everyone!
I've been reading many of the threads about AK but still would like some inputs.
It will be my first time in Alaska. I wish I could travel in the summer, but my break is during winter time and I found good deals flying in to Anchorage in december. I will spend 5 nights/ 4 days altogether. I know it is pretty tight, so I will limit my area to Anchorage and surroundings, preferably without drive. That's why I'm thinking of staying in downtown and choose some day trips to cover the basics. I was wondering if you had any other recommendations of things to do in and around town. Thanks!
I've been reading many of the threads about AK but still would like some inputs.
It will be my first time in Alaska. I wish I could travel in the summer, but my break is during winter time and I found good deals flying in to Anchorage in december. I will spend 5 nights/ 4 days altogether. I know it is pretty tight, so I will limit my area to Anchorage and surroundings, preferably without drive. That's why I'm thinking of staying in downtown and choose some day trips to cover the basics. I was wondering if you had any other recommendations of things to do in and around town. Thanks!
If you do decide to visit Girdwood/Alyeska, it's just a 20-minute drive from there to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
As we approach the winter solstice, expect short days: today we had just over 6 hours of daylight, and December 21 will have just under 5.5 hours of daylight.
I'm not sure what your cold weather experiences are, but remember to pack layers as temperatures can vary wildly. Be prepared for snow, wind, ice, and mild-to-moderate cold (call it moderate-to-severe if you're from a southern climate). You'll also need sturdy shoes with rubber soles; leather soles aren't good for ice and snow. Enjoy!
