Fairbanks Winter Guide 2013-2014

Todd Paris

Welcome to Winter in Fairbanks Alaska!

Todd Paris

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, walk amongst 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 that there are always a 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 snow-capped hills or birch-laden trails, mush a team of huskies across the wilderness, 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.

Todd Paris

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Inside Make the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center Your First Stop................................. 1 When Do We Turn On The Northern Lights?.............................. 2 Quick Tips for Photographing the Northern Lights......................... 4 Howling With The Dogs................... 5 Have an Ice Day!.............................. 6 Alaska’s Cultural Heritage................. 7 On Top of the World........................ 8 Some Like It Hot.............................. 8 Some Like It Cold............................ 9 There’s No Business Like Snow Business........................................... 9

Must Be Santa.............................. 10 Art, Imagination and Inspiration.... 11 Small Town, Big Events.................. 12 Who Offers Winter Fun?................. 19 Be Safe and Have Fun in the Winter Sun.............................. 26 Meet a Real Alaskan....................... 26 What’s the Weather Like?............... 27 What’s Under There?..................... 27 Get Connected.............................. 28 Who to Call................................... 28 You Loved Winter, Now Try Our Summer!................................ 29

The media is raving about Fairbanks! Scan here to see what they’re saying.

Sherman Hogue/FCVB

Make the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center Your First Stop

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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 the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau, 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

MTCVC Hours and Location 101 Dunkel Street in Downtown Fairbanks Open 7 days a week year-round Winter Hours: 8am – 5pm daily, October through April Sherman Hogue/FCVB

Closed: Thanksgiving Day and Nov. 29, Christmas Day and Dec. 26, and New Year’s Day

www.explorefairbanks.com info@explorefairbanks.com facebook.com/ insidealaska

youtube.com/ insidealaska

twitter.com/ insidealaska

tripadvisor.com/ Fairbanks

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When Do We Turn On The Northern Lights?

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Shigeo Mori/Chena Hot Springs Resort

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 in the world 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 mid August and extends to the beginning of April. Beautiful and mysterious auroral curtains range in color from green to red to purple, with the brightest and most common being a yellow-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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Sherman Hogue/FCVB

Aurora Sites: Facts and Forecasts www.gi.alaska.edu The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks has aurora forecasts, educational materials and Alaska science on this informative website.

“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

l Brown

Golden Heart Alaskan

www.swpc.noaa.gov/pmap/ Discover photos of the sun and color aurora maps updated every five minutes on the Space Weather Prediction Center website.

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www.spaceweathercenter.org Kids and adults can play games to learn more about space and the aurora!

Scan for a preview of the show that awaits during your Fairbanks winter adventure.

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www.alaskascience.com Local scientist Neal Brown (see below) has a website to help explain the aurora to young and old alike. Let’s build a rocket!

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© Ronn Murray Photography

Quick Tips for Photographing the Northern Lights

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t 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.

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For those who have seen the aurora, take home your personalized Aurora Certificate available from tour operators and the FCVB Visitor Information Center.

© ATIA Matt Hage

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Todd Paris

© ATIA 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. And in March, downtown comes alive with the “granddaddy of all sprint races,” the Open North American Championship Sled Dog Race.

To find out when you can catch a local sled dog race, visit the Alaska Dog Mushers Association at www.sleddog.org or the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race at www. yukonquest.com

© ATIA Matt Hage

Howling With The Dogs

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Extreme Ice by Qi Feng An and Di An, of China; Julio Martinez, Mexico; Aubrey Newton, USA. Photo by Rhonda Y Konicki

Have an Ice Day!

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Sherman Hogue/FCVB.

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Autumn by Aaron Costic and Victor Dagatan.

Photo by ©ATIA/Matt Hage

s soon as winter comes to Fairbanks ice artists start to create beautiful abstract and realistic works of art. Fantastical creatures emerge from crystal-clear blocks of ice, abstract ice art catches the light and dazzles the viewer and grand multi-block works inspire onlookers. In Fairbanks, ice art is not only beautiful, but commonplace during winter months with beautiful sculptures found all around town.

The creation 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 fantastical works of art. 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.

Ice blocks used for sculpting are harvested locally, range in thickness from 4 to 5 feet, and can weigh up to 7,500 lbs.

Sherman Hogue/FCVB

Alaska’s Cultural Heritage

Sherman Hogue/FCVB

ur northern 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 created 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 February/March. You’ll find beautiful beaded moose hide slippers, caribou skin masks, baleen baskets, walrus ivory cribbage boards and more for sale and display. Outstanding Alaska Native artists offer a very real link to the past, as well as a bridge to the future.

Athabascans are reknowned for their intricate animal skin sewing. Traditionally they lived a nomadic and subsistence lifestyle.

© Ronn Murray Photography

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Northern Alaska Tour Company

On Top of the World

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he Arctic Circle sparks the imagination like few other places on earth. And this place that many dream about visiting is only about 160 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.

Some Like It Hot…

The Arctic Circle runs the parallel of latitude at 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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© ATIA Matt Hage

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 mineral-rich 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 at an Interior Alaskan hot spring.

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© ATIA Matt Hage

Some Like It Cold…

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© ATIA 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. One favorite winter activity is ice fishing! Ice fishing in Interior Alaska can be a satisfying outing, just so you dress for it and bring along the right equipment. Or hook up with an outfitter and let them provide you with the equipment and license as well as guide you to just the right fishing hole. Experience fishing from a rented hut on a frozen lake. Practice double toe loops inside the heated Big Dipper Ice Arena or on an outdoor rink. Learn to sweep a rock at a local curling club. When there’s a chill in the air, we heat up the fun with some of the coolest ice sports around.

There’s No Business Like Snow Business

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inter’s white mantle provides countless opportunities to get out and explore: skiing, snowboarding, mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and even sleigh riding! From bunny to steepand-deep slopes and easy trails to challenging competitive courses, there’s a run waiting for both novices and veterans alike. There are a couple of downhill skiing and snowboarding options, one colorful place forgoes a ski lift for a bus, and another site enjoys a panoramic vista. Additionally, Birch Hill and the University of Alaska Fairbanks offer excellent cross country opportunities. Amenities vary in each location from simple warm-up huts to full-service lodges with snack bars, equipment and gear rental. No matter what your sport is, there’s no business like snow business!

Check out pages 19-25 to find who offers your kind of winter adventure.

Bob Wilkinson

Birch Hill Recreation Area

Located just minutes from downtown, Birch Hill is the largest and most widely used cross country trail system. With over 35 km of trails (15 km of them being lighted) this world-class facility and world-class skiing area has hosted the US Ski Team, US Biathlon Team, Canadian Ski Team and Junior Olympic Cross Country Ski Championships.

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Brian Adams/ATIA

Must Be Santa

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isit North Pole, Alaska, where the spirit of Christmas lives yearround! 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.

Have a letter sent to family and friends back home from the jolly old elf himself!

Here comes Santa Claus!

Here comes Santa Claus!

Right down Santa Claus Lane!

Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer are pulling on the reins…

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© Bear Alaska Photography

Nicole Blizinski/Santa Claus House

Nicole Blizinski/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 time of year with annual candle- and tree-lighting ceremonies. Just a short 20-minute drive from Fairbanks, North Pole will leave you whistling your favorite holiday tune.

Todd Paris

Art, Imagination and Inspiration

Nicholas Jacobs/FCVB

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 also 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-ofa-kind works of art for sale to visitors and locals alike. Select that perfect gift from wildlife photographers, watercolor painters, jewelers, potters and more.

Many art galleries and specialty stores participate in First Fridays, offering shows or receptions on the first Friday evening of each month.

Todd Paris

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California Guitar Trio & Montréal Guitare (Photo courtesy Fairbanks Concert Association)

Small Town—Big Events

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e Brice

“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

Call the events hotline at (907) 456-INFO, visit www.explore fairbanks.com or the event websites for the most up-to-date information.

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Golden Heart Alaskan

©ATIA Matt Hage

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, snowmobilers pulling skiers in high-speed racing and a Native arts festival with traditional singing and dancing?

Fairbanks, of course! Don’t miss our exciting winter season which includes Winter Carnival in March. Indoors or out, Fairbanks’ exceptional calendar of events features activities for all!

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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 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

Seasonal

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, 4-, 6- and 8-dog and open classes. Free indoor and outdoor spectator viewing at Mushers Hall. (907) 457-MUSH, www.sleddog.org

Sled Dog Events & Races December–March

Sherman Hogue/FCVB

2013–2014 Winter Calendar

6 Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra At the Davis Concert Hall. (907) 474-5733, www.fairbankssymphony.org

12–13 Verdi and the Bard Scenes from Verdi’s Shakespeare based operas.

(907) 457-2780, www.opera fairbanks.org

18–19 Brice Alaska Goal Rush Division I men’s ice hockey tournament featuring the Alaska Nanooks. (907) 474-5977, www.alaskananooks.com

19 International Friendship Day Celebration of the local community’s cultural diversity. Stage performances and ethnic food booths. (907) 474-0928, rjkan@alaska.edu

20 Quixotic Fusion A family show harnessing light, rhythm and expressive emotion sure to be enjoyed by everyone.

(907) 474-8081, www.fairbanksconcert.org

25–Nov 3 Joseph K UAF Theatre & Film stage production. (907) 4747751, www.uaf.edu/theatre

25–Nov 10 Sylvia Fairbanks Drama Association performance at the Riverfront Theatre. (907) 456-PLAY, www.fairbanksdrama.org

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October 2013

TBA International Sled Dog Symposium Trade fair, workshops and presentations on a range of sled dog, mushing and skijoring topics.

(907) 457-MUSH, www.sleddog.org

1–6 The Odd Couple Fairbanks Drama Association performance at the Riverfront Theatre. (907) 456-PLAY, www.fairbanksdrama.org

5 Martin Short The celebrated comedian and actor comes to Fairbanks. (907) 474-8081, www.fairbanksconcert.org

Discover Alaska’s creepy critters through activities and crafts at Creamer’s Field. (907) 452-5162, www.creamersfield.org

November

3 Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra At the Davis Concert Hall. (907) 474-5733, www.fairbankssymphony.org

6–9 Athabascan Fiddlers Festival Alaska Native musicians gather in Fairbanks for an annual musical celebration. (907) 388-5651

7–10 Yukon Title Curling Classic Curlers compete in one of the largest US cash spiels. Heated spectator gallery. (907) 452-CURL, www.curlfairbanks.org

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Performance by the Fairbanks Light Opera Theatre. (907) 456-FLOT, www.flot.org

23 Thanksgiving for the Birds Family fun making bird feeders out of recycled materials at Creamer’s Field. (907) 452-5162, www.creamersfield.org

23–24 Rookie Spiel Curling fun for new players and those trying new positions. Heated spectator gallery. (907) 452CURL, www.curlfairbanks.org

29–Dec 15 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Fairbanks Drama Association performance at the Riverfront Theatre. (907) 456-PLAY, www.fairbanksdrama.org

30–Jan 7 Christmas in Ice A magical event in North Pole with Christmasthemed ice sculptures and kids park! (907) 4882281, www.christmasinice.com

December

1–15 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Fairbanks Drama Association performance at the Riverfront Theatre. (907) 456-PLAY, www.fairbanksdrama.org

1–Jan 7 Christmas in Ice continued from November 30 A magical event in North Pole with Christmasthemed ice sculptures and kids park! (907) 4882281, www.christmasinice.com

6–8 Nutcracker Ballet Presented by the North Star Ballet at Hering Auditorium. (907) 451-8800, www.thenorthstar ballet.org

7 Tree Lighting and Caroling at Creamer’s Field Followed by cookies and hot drinks at the visitor center. (907) 452-5162, www.creamersfield.org

Festival of Native Arts February 27–March 1

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7–8 North Pole Winter Festival Fireworks, bazaar, tree- and candle-lighting ceremonies and crowning of the North Pole King and Queen. (907) 488-2242, www.northpolechamber.us

7–21 Holiday Ornament Making Using natural materials. Saturdays, noon-4pm at Creamer’s Field. (907) 452-5162, www.creamersfield.org

8 Design Alaska Holiday Concert At the Davis Concert Hall. (907) 474-5733, www.fairbankssymphony.org

13 Manhattan Transfer The legendary vocal quartet reinvents hits from their forty year career in “The Living Room Sessions.” (907) 474-8081, www.fairbanksconcert.org

20–21 Christmas Party for Children Party on the 20th for children with disabilities.

Gift and free buffet for every child. Santa arrives at 6:30pm each night at Chatanika Lodge. (907) 389-2164

21 Sing-It-Yourself-Messiah Sponsored by the Fairbanks Choral Society. 3pm at the First Presbyterian Church. (907) 456-1144, sing@mosquitonet.com

21 Winter Solstice Celebration Riverfront lighting, sleigh rides, caroling, music and winter fun in downtown Fairbanks. (907) 452-8671, www.downtownfairbanks.com

21 Winter Solstice Nature Walk Walk on the Refuge trails with cookies and hot drinks after! Creamer’s Field, 1-3pm. (907) 4525162, www.creamersfield.org

22 Candy Cane Cross Country Ski Race A fun event for elementary-aged skiers picking up candy canes along the course at Birch Hill Recreation Area. (907) 474-4435, www.nscfairbanks.org

Sherman Hogue/FCVB

15–24 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

9 Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks Youth Carnival Cross-country ski events for elementary and junior-high aged skiers at Birch Hill Recreation Area. (907) 474-4435, www.nscfairbanks.org

New Year's Eve Sparktacular December 31

University of Alaska Fairbanks photo by Todd Paris

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31 New 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.

January 2014

1–7 Christmas in Ice continued from November 30 A magical event in North Pole with Christmasthemed ice sculptures and kids park! (907) 4882281, www.christmasinice.com

18 Winter Nature Walk & Animal Tracking Explore the Refuge and learn about animal tracks and signs. 1pm at Creamer’s Field. (907) 4525162, www.creamersfield.org

Inventive arrangements and bass driven grooves steer Irish acoustic music into surprising new territory. (907) 474-8081, www.fairbanksconcert.org

15-16 Gold Run Sled Dog Races Mushers compete in skijoring, 6- and 10-dog classes at Mushers Hall. Indoor and outdoor viewing. (907) 457-MUSH, www.sleddog.org

16–22 Iron 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

19–23 Denali Winterfest 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.denaliborough.govoffice.com

22–23 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

23–Mar 1 Farthest North Jewish Film Festival International, classic and feature films sponsored by the Congregation Or Hatzafon. (907) 4561002, www.mosquitonet.com/~orhatzafon

24–Mar 30 BP World Ice Art Championships

February

TBA Hockey Week In Fairbanks A celebration of the fastest sport on ice with events for all ages. (907) 452-6857, www.fairbankshockeyhalloffame.com

1 Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race 1,000-mile (1,600 km) sled dog race starting on the Chena River in downtown Fairbanks and finishing in Whitehorse, YT, Canada, 9-11 days later.

(907) 452-7954, www.yukonquest.com

International ice sculpting competition featuring over 180 sculptures. Sculpting begins February 25. Best viewing of finished sculptures: March 8-23. (907) 451-8250, www.icealaska.com

27–March 1 Festival of Native Arts Celebrate Alaska Native culture with traditional dancing and singing. Arts and crafts for sale.

(907) 474-6889, www.fna.community.uaf.edu

BP World Ice Art Championships February 24–March 30

1 California Guitar Trio & Montréal Guitare Trio Six virtuoso guitarists from four countries (Japan, Canada, Belgium and US) in one unique six-by-6string ‘phenomensemble’. (907) 474-8081, www.fairbanksconcert.org

Individual and relay ski races. Mass start and relay, free and mixed. Birch Hill Recreation Area. (907) 474-4435, www.nscfairbanks.org

Todd Paris

7–8 Region VI Championship Cross Country Ski Races

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8 Art Expo

March

Educational workshops for artists at the Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts, Pioneer Park. (907) 456-6485, www.fairbanksarts.org

TBA Chatanika Days

14–16 Limited North American Championship Sled Dog Race Mushers compete in skijoring, 4-, 6- and 8-dog classes at Mushers Hall. Indoor and outdoor viewing. (907) 457-MUSH, www.sleddog.org

TBA Junior North American Championship Sled Dog Race Dog mushing championship for mushers ages 2-18 at Mushers Hall on Farmers Loop Road. (907) 490-4798, www.fairbanksjuniordogmushers.org

15 Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks Interior Youth Championships A day full of short, fast races for elementary and junior-high skiers at Birch Hill Recreation Area.

(907) 474-4435, www.nscfairbanks.org

TBA Junior Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race 130-mile race for mushers ages 14-17. From Fairbanks to Two Rivers to North Pole to Fairbanks.

(907) 452-7954, www.yukonquest.com

15–22 Fairbanks 2014 Arctic Winter Games A wide variety of competitions showcasing sports and cultures of the far north. (907) 456-2014, www.awg2014.org

1–2 North Pole Championship Sled Dog Races 2-dog skijor, 4-, 6- and 10-dog races in North Pole. (907) 457-MUSH, www.sleddog.org

1–2 Nenana Ice Classic Tripod Days

18 Jeff Studdert Invitational Passenger Race Number of dogs on teams based on combined weight of musher and passenger at Mushers Hall.

(907) 457-MUSH, www.sleddog.org

Raising of the Tripod on the Tanana River. Entertainment for the entire family in Nenana. (907) 832-5446, www.nenanaakiceclassic.com

1–30 BP World Ice Art Championships continued from February 24 International ice sculpting competition featuring over 180 sculptures. Sculpting begins February 25. Best viewing of finished sculptures: March 8-23. (907) 451-8250, www.icealaska.com

20–22 North American Basketball Tournament The World Eskimo-Indian Olympics hosts teams from all over Alaska. (907) 452-6646, www.weio.org

21–23 GCI 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

7–8 Sybarite5 Radiohead performance on Friday, followed on Saturday by a sublime presentation which is sure to please the most serious of our classical patrons.

(907) 474-8081, www.fairbanksconcert.org

21–23 Fur Auction

Fairbanks Winter Carnival March

Hosted by the Alaska Trappers Association during the dog sled races in downtown Fairbanks. (907) 457-1774, www.alaskatrappers.org

Bernie Rinear Collection, Accession Number 1989-0199-00010, Archives, Alaska and Polar Regions Collections, Rasmuson Library, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Outhouse races and snowmobile tug-of-war in the historic gold mining town of Chatanika, 30 miles north of Fairbanks. (907) 389-2164

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 The Winter Carnival Ice Queen (circa 1940) on her ice a bit since 1934 but the energy and excitement throne covered with furs. of Winter Carnival still remains. Look for special events happening throughout the month of March hosted by the Alaska Dog Mushers Association (www.sleddog.org), Ice Alaska (www.icealaska.com) and the Fairbanks Arts Association (www.fairbanksarts.org).

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Fairbanks 2014 Arctic Winter Games March 15–22

Snowboard/Dancer/High Kick Archbould Photography good rson Alle in Pete y of Ael

“My son, Brecken, will be the same age I was when I first watched the Arctic Winter Games in 1982. I am thrilled for him to sense the inspiring feeling of celebration and culture, just as I did back then. Athletes and the community alike will experience the joy of culture, hard work and achievement. Bring on the Games!”

Aelin Peterson Allegood, 2002 Olympic cross country skiier and 1988 Arctic Winter Games competitor

Courtes

Golden Heart Alaskan

The Arctic Winter Games are an exciting celebration of sport and culture unique to northern climes. Participants compete in 20 sports and cultural activities with young athletes coming from a variety of places including Alaska (USA), Alberta North (Canada), Greenland, Northwest Territories (Canada), Nunavik-Quebec (Canada), Nunavut (Canada), Sapmi (Scandinavia), Yamal (Russia) and Yukon (Canada). The Games offer friendly competition while sharing cultural values from northern regions around the world.

Spectators can enjoy a wide variety of competitions throughout the week showcasing sports and cultures of the far north. Visitors are also welcome to attend the opening and closing ceremonies, cultural performances, arts and crafts fair, cultural gala and much more. For more information, visit www.awg2014.org or call (907) 456-2014.

21-April 6 One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Fairbanks Drama Association performance at the Riverfront Theatre. (907) 456-PLAY, www.fairbanksdrama.org

23 Parka Parade Showcasing summer and winter parkas after the sled dog races in downtown Fairbanks. (907) 4566485, www.fairbanksarts.org

28–Apr 6 Dead Man’s Cell Phone UAF Theatre & Film stage production. (907) 4747751, www.uaf.edu/theatre

29 Sonot Kkaazoot Cross Country Ski Race 50 km mass start, free technique. Starts and ends on the Chena River. (907) 474-4435, www.nscfairbanks.org

30 Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra At the Davis Concert Hall. (907) 474-5733, www.fairbankssymphony.org

April

3–6 International Curling Bonspiel Competitive men’s and women’s divisions and prizes. Commemorative pins, shirts and souvenirs.

(907) 452-CURL, www.curlfairbanks.org

4 International Blues Express Sidi Touré & Cedric Watson Travel from Africa to the Delta, experiencing the blues through this exciting collaboration. (907) 474-8081, www.fairbanksconcert.org

4-13 Rent Performance by the Fairbanks Light Opera Theatre. (907) 456-FLOT, www.flot.org

8–13 Arctic 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

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19 Famous For Fifteen Minutes Playwright Festival See the future of plays being created in our community! Produced by the UAF Student Drama Association. (907) 474-7751, www.uaf.edu/theatre

24–25 8 x 10 Alaska Playwrights Festival Fairbanks Drama Association performance at the Riverfront Theatre. (907) 456-PLAY, www. fairbanksdrama.org

25 & 27 Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra Performing at the Davis Concert Hall. (907) 4745733, www.fairbankssymphony.org

26 Béla Fleck & Chick Corea

Sherman Hogue/FCVB

Premiere banjo player and keyboard virtuoso collaborate, merging styles seamlessly. (907) 4748081, www.fairbanksconcert.org

May

3 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

3 Spring Migration Celebration Talks, walks and bird viewing during the peak of spring bird migration at Creamer’s Field, noon4pm. (907) 452-5162, www.creamersfield.org

3 Film Festival Presented by the UAF Film Club with support by the UAF Department of Theatre & Film. (907) 474-7751, www.uaf.edu/theatre

Spring Migration Celebration May 3 9 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

9–25 Greater Tuna Fairbanks Drama Association performance at the Riverfront Theatre. (907) 456-PLAY, www.fairbanksdrama.org

November – April

Courtesy Fairbanks Curling Club

Curling in Fairbanks Curling is a sport in which players take turns sliding granite stones across a sheet of ice towards a circular target marked at the other end of the ice in an effort to score the most points. The Fairbanks Curling Club was founded in 1905 and is the oldest organized sporting group in Alaska. They provide recreational opportunities for all curlers and are dedicated to the promotion and coordination of the sport of curling in the Fairbanks community.

With events from late September through early April, the Fairbanks Curling Club offers numerous opportunities to observe or participate in curling games. If you’ve never curled before, take your turn on the ice during the Rookie Spiel November 23–24 or if you’re more experienced, participate in one of the other annual bonspiels.

If you’d rather relax and observe, watch nightly league games or any one of the many state, national or international events from the heated spectator gallery. Visit www.curl fairbanks.org for more information.

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© ATIA Matt Hage

Who Offers Winter Fun?

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For more help planning your winter vacation, visit us online at www.explore fairbanks.com

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“The Fairbanks area is home to some of Alaska’s most celebrated 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 SP Ken

Golden Heart Alaskan

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, biking, or cross-country and downhill skiing. Try an adventure with ice—ice sculpting, ice skating, ice fishing or curling. Check out the local arts and entertainment scene. Go flightseeing or take a soak in a natural hot springs. Take in one of our winter events or spectator sports. And if you need to rent clothing or gear, you’ll find that too!

There’s something for everyone—now, let’s plan some winter fun!

www.explorefairbanks.com

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Ice Alaska’s “2014 World Ice Art Championships”

If Only…a Fine Store

Iron Dog, Inc.

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Share your best shots with us for a chance to win insidealaska swag.

Just visit explorefairbanks.com/photo-contest to enter!

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Share Your Photos and Win!

The Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau (FCVB) has made every effort to provide accurate listings. FCVB 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 6/13. FCVB is not responsible for the quality of goods or services provided by firms or organizations listed in the 2013-2014 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 FCVB. The FCVB retains right of refusal on any advertisement submitted.

Project Coordinator: Angie Cerny

Front Cover Photography: © Ronn Murray Photography

Assistance from: Sherman Hogue, Charity Gadapee, Amy Geiger, Kasey Gillam, Iwalani Lauver and Bill Wright

Back Cover Photography: Top: © ATIA/Matt Hage, Middle Left: Angie Cerny, Middle Right: Todd Paris, Bottom: © ATIA/Matt Hage,

Designed by: Jill Marshall, Marshall Arts Design, Fairbanks

www.explorefairbanks.com

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Fairbanks 1st Alaska Outdoor School, LLC PO Box 84529, Fairbanks, AK 99708 (907) 590-5900 info@1stalaskaoutdoorschool.com www.1stalaskaoutdoorschool.com Have fun with aurora viewing, dogmushing, 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&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.

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, w/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.

AAAA Care B&B/Inn 557 Fairbanks St, Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 479-2447, Fax: (907) 479-2784 pat@aaaacare.com, www.aaaacare.com Free shuttle. Near airport/UAF. Aurora viewing. We arrange aurora viewing from our B&B/tours. Hi-speed Internet FREE. Full kitchen.

Abbey Archway Inn PO Box 80890, Fairbanks, AK 99708 4312 Birch Ln, Fairbanks (907) 479-7300, Fax: (907) 479-2229 info@abbeyarchwayinn.com www.abbeyarchwayinn.com Extended stay studio suites; full kitchens, wireless, northern lights viewing from deck!

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 Dog Mushers Association, Inc. PO Box 70662, Fairbanks, AK 99707 Jeff Studdert Race Grounds 935 Farmers Loop Rd (Mile 4), Fairbanks (907) 457-6874, Fax: (907) 457-6875 alaskadogmushing@gci.net www.sleddog.org Watch Alaska’s official state sport from the Mushers Hall! Weekend races through March. Events on website. Dec 1–mid-Mar.

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 Railroad Vacations PO Box 107500, Anchorage, AK 99510 1745 Johansen Expressway, 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.

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.

Arts Learning Center PO Box 80907, Fairbanks, AK 99708 535 2nd Ave, Ste 202, Fairbanks (907) 456-2787 www.TheArtsLearningCenter.com Activities for all ages & stages of artistic expression. Sampler classes with all supplies provided.

Aurora Borealis Lodge

White Mountains National Recreation Area

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Sherman Hogue/FCVB

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. Snowshoe tours during the day. Aug 20–Mar 31.

Ramie Rushing

Alaska Railroad near the University of Alaska Fairbanks Campus

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.

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 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.

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 Santa Claus Ln, North Pole (907) 378-5778 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.

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 2014 Arctic Winter Games PO Box 71370, Fairbanks, AK 99707 (907) 456-2014, Fax: (907) 456-2044 klane@awg2014.org, www.awg2014.org Celebrate sports and culture. Fairbanks 2014 Arctic Winter Games, March 15–22.

Fairbanks Community Museum 410 Cushman St, 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. It’s free!

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 66th 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 2013–2014 performing season. Call 456-PLAY for tickets. Sep–May.

Fairbanks Symphony Association PO Box 82104, Fairbanks, AK 99708 312 Tanana Loop, Rm 230 UAF Campus, Fairbanks (907) 474-5733, Fax: (907)474-5147 info@fairbankssymphony.org www.fairbankssymphony.org Presenting world renowned guest artists in Fairbanks. Oct–Apr.

Festival of Native Arts 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 Native dance, music and traditional arts. Performances & artisan vendors. Feb 27–Mar 1, 2014.

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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 “2014 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 24– March 30. Family fun: ice slides & mazes.

Open through March 30, 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 16–22, 2014.

Just Short of Magic LLC 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.

Nordic Ski Club of 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.

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 Pioneer Park, 2300 Airport Way Fairbanks (907) 456-8579 info@fairbankspioneermuseum.com Rusty Heurlin’s Gold Rush murals. Museum of early Fairbanks settlement and development. Oct–Feb by request.

Sherman Hogue/FCVB

Aurora borealis over the trans-Alaska pipeline

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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.

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) 456-3650, 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 wake-up service.

Sherman Hogue/FCVB

Running Reindeer Ranch

Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum University of Alaska Museum of the North

Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race

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.

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.

Warbelow’s Air Ventures, Inc. 3758 University Ave S Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 474-0518, Fax: (907) 474-3821 tours@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!

www.explorefairbanks.com

Arctic Neighbors Bettles Lodge & Air Service PO Box 27, Bettles, AK 99726 100 Bettles Field, Bettles (907) 479-7018, Fax: (907) 479-7028 Toll Free: (800) 770-5111 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.

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© ATIA Matt Hage

Be Safe and Have Fun in the Winter Sun

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ere are some tips for your Interior Alaska adventure!

• Snow and ice are slippery—acquire a slow shuffle and walk carefully on snow and ice covered areas.

• Check the weather—monitor the weather while you’re here.

Check the forecast and dress accordingly.

• Dress warmly—make sure your wardrobe includes layers. And to top it off—a hat, scarf and mittens. Invest in (or rent) a good pair of properly fitting winter boots, snow pants and a winter coat.

• 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 and if renting a car consider an all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle during our winter months.

Don't forget sunscreen! Even in winter, UV protection is needed from the sun’s reflection off the snow.

Meet a Real Alaskan

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FCVB

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.

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© ATIA Matt Hage

What’s the Weather Like?

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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.

What’s Under There?

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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 activates 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.

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Sherman Hogue

Get Connected

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oin in the conversations by using our social media handle—InsideAlaska—to “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Then get ready for your amazing Fairbanks adventure by going online to www.explorefairbanks.com. Read our blog and check out the interactive visitor guides and trip planning tools—all just a click away.

Make 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! facebook.com/ insidealaska

youtube.com/ insidealaska

twitter.com/ insidealaska

tripadvisor.com/ Fairbanks

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 U.S.............................................(907) 474-0307 Canada......................................(204) 983-3500 Highway Conditions �����������������511 (in-state only) Karen Clautice

Police, Fire & Medical Emergency ������������������� 911 State Troopers...............................(907) 451-5100 (Rural emergency) ����������������������(800) 811-0911 Time & Temperature ��������������������������������������� 844 Weather Forecast ��������������������� (907) 458-3745 or (800) 472-0391

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Pikes Waterfront Lodge

You Loved Winter, Now Try Our Summer!

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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!

Fairbanks is known as the land of the Midnight Sun—during June and July the sky never gets dark.

Downtown Association of Fairbanks

Š Michael DeYoung/ATIA

Angie Cerny/FCVB

View the year-round Fairbanks Visitors Guide online at www.explorefairbanks.com or order a free copy by calling 1-800-327-5774 or write to Fairbanks Convention & Visitors Bureau, 101 Dunkel Street, Suite 111, Fairbanks, AK 99701-4806.

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