Explore Fairbanks Winter Guide 2014-15

Š Ronn Murray Photography

Welcome to Winter in Fairbanks, Alaska!

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

Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks

inter in our extraordinary river city is simply beyond compare. Fairbanks’ latitude on the globe makes this one of the best places on earth to see the captivating light of the aurora borealis, view incredible outdoor ice sculptures and experience the exhilarating sport of dog mushing. This surprising trio of events makes the winter season a travelers’ snowy paradise. Not to mention the multitude of other winter activities, celebrations and sporting events happening during our energy-filled winter season.

Skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing, curling, tubing and ice hockey abound. Challenge the snowcapped hills or birch-laden trails, mush a team of huskies across the wilderness, and see three-ton pieces of ice being turned into works of art. Journey above the Arctic Circle, visit Santa in North Pole or discover the incredible warmth of an Alaska hot spring at the end of an adventure-filled day. Use this Winter Guide to plan a truly memorable winter expedition in this sparkling land of ice and snow.

Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center ����������������������������������� 2 Alaska’s Cultural Heritage ������������������� 3 When Do We Turn On The Northern Lights? �������������������������������� 4 Quick Tips for Photographing the Northern Lights ��������������������������� 5 Howling With The Dogs ��������������������� 6 Have an Ice Day! �������������������������������� 7 Denali Rising....................................... 8 On Top of the World �������������������������� 8 Some Like It Hot �������������������������������� 9 Some Like It Cold ������������������������������ 9 Vibrant Art Scene.............................. 10 The Spirit of Christmas...................... 11 Small Town, Big Events �������������������� 12 Who Offers Winter Fun? ������������������� 19 Be Safe and Have Fun in the Winter Sun....................................... 26 What’s Under There? ����������������������� 26 What’s the Weather Like? ����������������� 27 Meet a Real Alaskan ������������������������� 27 Get Connected �������������������������������� 28 Who to Call...................................... 28 You Loved Winter, Now Try Our Summer!................................... 29

Todd Paris

Todd Paris

Inside the Guide

Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks

Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center

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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 Explore Fairbanks, Alaska Public Lands Information Center, Alaska Geographic Store, Denakkanaaga and Tanana Chiefs Conference Cultural Programs.

For More Information Toll-free 1-800-327-5774 to request information or a free Visitors Guide (907) 456-5774 for travel information (907) 456-INFO for events hotline

Winter Hours: 8am – 5pm daily, October through April Closed: Thanksgiving Day and Nov. 28, Christmas Day and Dec. 26, and New Year’s Day

www.explorefairbanks.com info@explorefairbanks.com 2

Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks

MTCVC Hours and Location 101 Dunkel Street in Downtown Fairbanks Open 7 days a week year-round

Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks

Alaska’s Cultural Heritage

© Ronn Murray Photography

ur northern Alaska clime has a rich tapestry of indigenous cultures—Athabascan Indians in the Interior and Inupiaq Eskimos in the Arctic. Traditionally a nomadic people, many Athabascans retain a subsistence lifestyle which includes fishing, hunting and trapping supplemented by modern technology. The Inupiaq Eskimos subsist on the land and sea of northwest Alaska with its often extreme climate. This rich tapestry comes to life through beadwork, ivory and bone carvings, dolls and skin sewing, and birch, spruce root and grass baskets all handmade

by Alaska Native artists. Dancing, drumming and storytelling also enjoy a rich legacy in the Interior and the Arctic. Dance along during the Athabascan Fiddle Festival in November or learn more about Alaska’s Native culture at the Festival of Native Arts in March. You’ll find beautiful beaded moose hide slippers, caribou skin masks, baleen baskets, walrus ivory cribbage boards and more on display and for sale. Outstanding Alaska Native artists offer a very real link to the past, as well as a bridge to the future.

Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks

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Athabascans are renowned for their intricate beading and skin sewing. A traditional art that is still popular today.

www.explorefairbanks.com

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When Do We Turn On The Northern Lights?

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e can’t make them appear with a flip of the switch, but Fairbanks is the ultimate place for viewing the aurora borealis. Fairbanks’ position under the “Auroral Oval”—a ring-shaped region around the North Pole—makes it one of the best places on the globe to see the aurora borealis. Our location offers a great balance of clear nights, occurrence frequency and activity that draws people from all over the world. The “Aurora Season” begins August 21 and extends through April 21. Beautiful and mysterious auroral curtains range in color from green to red to purple, with the brightest and most common being green. Intensity varies from night to night, with the best displays happening in the late evening to the early hours of the morning. When the nights are clear and dark enough, there will be aurora visible an average of four out of five nights. If you stay a minimum of three nights and are actively out during the evening hours, your chances of seeing the aurora increase to more than 90%. Take a drive to a nearby vantage point and wait for the northern lights to appear. Or see them from a heated “aurorium” cabin or lodge, during an overnight dog sled adventure, by snow cat tour or on a flight above the Arctic Circle. Ask your accommodation’s front desk if they offer a wake-up call when the aurora appears. No guarantees, but the longer you’re here, the better your chances of seeing a great show.

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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

Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks

Courtes

“Look up often during your nights in Fairbanks. The light of the aurora can quietly fill our skies with shapes and motions within minutes. Watch the tall curtains of light sweep from east to west become more and less colorful and move like a dancer’s long skirt.

You can view the aurora any time it is dark but they happen more often during the hours just after midnight. Once you see the northern lights they will likely dance, fade, ebb and flow, most of that same night.

Take a picture of the aurora that you can treasure for the rest of your life.”

Neal Brown, rocket scientist

Quick Tips for Photographing the Northern Lights It may seem impossible to capture the dancing lights but follow these tips and you’ll be able to show the folks back home!

• Locate a dark area with minimal light pollution.

Point to the northern sky and compose your medium-distance foreground with a fixed object such as trees, hills or a cabin.

• Use a digital camera with manual settings and a solid tripod. Bring extra camera batteries, a flashlight and dress for extended times outdoors.

Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks

• Manually set your camera on its highest ISO setting, widest focal point and lowest aperture.

Expose each shot for approximately 5 to 10 seconds. Longer exposures will result in brighter images, but stars will streak and the aurora will soften. Short exposures may have sharper detail, but dimmer images.

• Every aurora and camera is distinctive, so experiment with different settings and exposure times to get the best shot. Review your shots and adjust the settings as needed.

www.explorefairbanks.com

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© State of Alaska/Matt Hage

Howling With the Dogs

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©State of Alaska/Matt Hage

©State of Alaska/Matt Hage

laska’s four-legged athletes love to run and accessing Alaska’s state sport—dog mushing—has never been easier. By combining “man’s best friend” with a skinless kayak frame on runners, Alaska Natives established the practical use of dog sleds centuries before explorers, trappers, prospectors and missionaries made mushing their preferred mode of winter transportation. Those dog days of yore can be a part of your adventure today.

There are tours at working kennels where you can meet the dogs and hear captivating tales from veteran mushers. Try a 30-minute ride in the basket or learn to drive your own team at a half-day mushing school. You can even fly to a remote lodge and “mush” your team on a guided tour. Spectators come out to the Jeff Studdert Race Grounds to see events in the “sprint” category. Catch the February finish of the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race—an epic 1,000-mile marathon along the gold rush trail from Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada to Fairbanks. In March, downtown comes alive with the “granddaddy of all sprint races,” the Open North American Championship Sled Dog Race.

Todd Paris

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For local sled dog races, visit the Alaska Dog Mushers Association at www.sleddog.org or the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race at www. yukonquest.com.

Geoflames, sculpted by Stan Kolonko, Chris Uyehara, Jerry Perun & Wei Sen Liang. Photo by Todd Paris

Have an Ice Day!

Ice blocks are h a r v e s t e d l ocally, range in thickness from 4 to 5 feet, and can weigh up to 7,500 pounds.

www.explorefairbanks.com

Prickly Reception, sculpted by Junichi Nakamura, Shinichi Sawamura, Satoru Mahoe & Takahiro Sueyoshi. Photo by Todd Paris

s soon as winter comes to Fairbanks ice artists begin creating beautiful works of art.

Fantastical creatures emerge from crystal-clear blocks of ice, abstract and realistic ice art catches the light and dazzles the viewer and grand multiblock works inspire onlookers. In Fairbanks, ice art is not only remarkable, but commonplace during winter months with sculptures found all around town. The making of ice art culminates late February through the month of March, when the George Horner Ice Park hosts the World Ice Art Championships. Watch the progress (day or night) as the sculptors work around the clock and turn solid blocks of ice into brilliant artworks. More than 70 teams and 100 ice artists from around the globe carve more than three million pounds of ice. The ice harvested and moved by forklift from a local pond is called “Arctic Diamond” and is renowned for its translucent quality. The Kid’s Park, a veritable winter wonderland, offers an ice skating rink as well as amazing slides and mazes. Climb atop a polar bear, slide down a dragon’s neck or crawl through a giant maze. Ice art is truly magnificent, the sculptures rival those wrought in stone and never cease to capture both the mind and the imagination.

Hunting Dragons, sculpted by Steve Brice, Heather Brice, Steve Cox & Justin Cox. Photo

by Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks

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©Patrick Endres/AlaskaPhotoGraphics.com

Denali Rising

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enali, also known as Mount McKinley, rises 20,237 feet into the sky and is North America’s highest peak. Steeped in history, glorious to view, the mountain beckons like no other. So why not visit in winter? The welcoming Murie Science and Learning Center is open daily year-round and offers free snowshoes and advice on how to explore the park during winter months. Mid-February, the National Park Service starts plowing the first 12.5 miles of the Denali Park Road to the Mountain Vista Rest Area—a beautiful spot with views of the grand mountain during clear weather. About a two-hour drive from Fairbanks, Denali National Park is a magnificent winter journey’s end.

On Top of the World

Northern Alaska Tour Company

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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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he Arctic Circle sparks the imagination like few other places on earth. This place that many dream about visiting is just shy of 200 miles north of Fairbanks. Take a tour via van or plane and cross over that invisible line that puts you in the company of folks like ice road truckers, Alaska pipeline workers and intrepid travelers. Hike across the tundra, see the mighty Yukon River and spot a caribou or an arctic fox.

Fly bush mail routes that land in rural communities accessible only by air.

Walk the frozen shores of the Arctic Ocean at the northernmost point in North America. Take a late evening northern lights tour and scan the sky for the aurora borealis. Receive an official Arctic Circle Certificate and tell stories about your trip to the Top of the World.

© State of Alaska/Matt Hage

Some Like It Hot…

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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

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© State of Alaska/Matt Hage

ce fishing, ice skating, ice sculpting, ice climbing, curling and hockey are among the many ice activities you’ll find in Fairbanks during the winter. Ice fish from a rented hut on a frozen lake! Hook up with an outfitter that will provide you the gear and license and let them guide you to just the right fishing hole.

Practice double toe loops inside the heated Big Dipper Ice Arena or on an outdoor rink or learn to sweep a rock at a local curling club.

Winter’s white mantle provides countless opportunities to get out and explore—skiing, snowboarding, mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and even sleigh riding! From bunny to steep-and-deep slopes and easy trails to challenging courses, there’s a run waiting for both novice and veteran alike. The downhill skiing and snowboarding options include one colorful place that forgoes a ski lift for a bus and another site that enjoys a panoramic vista. When there’s a chill in the air, we heat Check out pages 19-25 to find who offers your up the fun with some of the coolest ice and kind of winter adventure. snow sports around. www.explorefairbanks.com 9

Todd Paris

Vibrant Art Scene

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

Todd Paris

Oil painting by Cynthia West

Todd Paris

ur thriving arts scene may be your biggest surprise when you come to Fairbanks. Stop by a First Friday event and be inspired by the brilliant work of local artists. Enjoy a concert or symphony featuring world-renowned performers and concertmasters. Let the music take you away in one of our dance clubs featuring everything from ballroom to country to contemporary. Many poets, authors, illustrators, historians and composers call Fairbanks home and you’ll find their work proudly on display around town. Galleries and specialty stores provide venues for respected artists to offer one-of-a-kind works of art for sale to visitors and locals alike. Select that perfect gift from Alaskan photographers, watercolor painters, jewelers, potters and more.

Courtesy Santa Claus House

The Spirit of Christmas

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www.explorefairbanks.com

Courtesy Santa Claus House

Courtesy Santa Claus House

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

Candy Dancer, sculpted by Heather Brice. Photo courtesy Santa Claus House

isit North Pole, Alaska, where the spirit of Christmas lives year-round! Embrace the season with a charming letter from Santa to friends and family back home with an authentic North Pole postmark. Drive along Santa Claus Lane and admire the streetlights decorated in candy cane motifs. Double check who’s on your list and browse holiday-inspired gifts for the naughty and nice at the Santa Claus House.

One great event that would make Santa proud is North Pole’s Christmas in Ice. Huge blocks of ice are carved into holiday-themed ice sculptures. Featuring a frosty playground equipped with a fantastic ice maze and ice slides from kid-sized 10-footers to epic 100-foot-long rides. Celebrate the happiest time of the year at the annual candle- and tree-lighting ceremonies. Just a short 20-minute drive from Fairbanks, North Pole will leave you whistling your favorite holiday tune.

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Barry McWayne/Fairbank Symphony Association

Small Town, Big Events

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Courtes y

“Living in Fairbanks for an ice sculptor is like living in Italy near the marble quarries for a stone sculptor. Fairbanks has become the mecca for the ice sculpting world because of the possibilities of what can be done on a large scale with large ice and a stable environment. Of the top 50 ice carvings of all time it would be hard to say a single one of them has been made outside Interior Alaska. The excitement of the public viewing an ice sculptor at work is the fuel that pushes ice carvers to ever higher levels year after year—trying to get that short and intense burst of inspiration that comes when your piece turns out the way you envisioned it. As nice as some photographs of ice carvings are, it is not the same as seeing them in person.”

Steve Brice, 16-time World Champion ice sculptor

of Stev e Brice

Todd Paris

here else can you find a snowmobile tug-of-war, symphony performances, giant ice sculptures, championship sled dog racing, an Athabascan fiddlers festival, a parka parade, rock and bluegrass concerts, theatrical performances, roller derby, curling bonspiels, fireworks displays, Division I hockey tournaments, winter solstice celebrations, and a Native arts festival with traditional singing and dancing? Fairbanks, of course! Don’t miss our celebratory winter season, including the many festivals.

Indoors or out, Fairbanks’ exceptional calendar of events features activities for all!

2014–2015 Winter Calendar

For the most up-to-date information, call the events hotline at (907) 456-INFO, visit www.explorefairbanks.com or visit the individual event websites. All dates subject to change, so please confirm event dates prior to making your travel plans.

October 2014

Sep 19–Oct 5 Kung Fu Hamlet Fairbanks Drama Association performance at the Riverfront Theatre.

(907) 456-PLAY, www.fairbanks drama.org

3–5 & 10–12 Les Misérables

Bob Wilkinson

Todd Paris

Fairbanks Light Opera Theatre performance. (907) 456-FLOT, www.flot.org

Year Round Many art galleries, specialty shops and the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center host shows or receptions the first Friday evening of each month.

Guided Nature Walks and Children’s Programs Learn more about the wonders of Interior Alaska at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. (907) 452-5162, www.creamersfield.org

Noel Wien Library Youth Programs Free reading fun, learning and activities for children of all ages. (907) 459-1052, www.fnsblibrary.org

Seasonal

Performance at the Davis Concert Hall. (907) 474-5733, www. fairbankssymphony.org

17–18 Brice Alaska Goal Rush Division I men’s ice hockey tournament featuring the Alaska Nanooks.

(907) 474-5977, www.alaska nanooks.com

September-May Roller Derby High-speed, high-impact fun!

Catch a bout in Fairbanks (www. fairbanksrollergirls.org) or North Pole (www.northpolebabesin toyland.com).

18 International Friendship Day

November-April Cross Country Ski Races Interval, mass and relay starts; free, classic and mixed techniques at Birch Hill Recreation Area. (907) 457-4435, www.nscfairbanks.org

December-March Sled Dog Events & Races

Celebration of our community’s cultural diversity. Performances and ethnic food booths. (907) 4740928, rjkan@alaska.edu

24 Black Violin Presented by the Fairbanks Concert Association. (907) 474-8081, www. fairbanksconcert.org

24–Nov 9 The Mousetrap

Skijoring, 4-, 6- and 8-dog and open classes at Jeff Studdert Race Grounds on Farmers Loop Road. (907) 457-MUSH, www. sleddog.org

Fairbanks Drama Association performance at the Riverfront Theatre.

(907) 456-PLAY, www.fairbanks drama.org

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

25 Pizza Con Funghi Performance by Opera Fairbanks.

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

First Fridays

5 Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra

www.explorefairbanks.com

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© Bear Alaska Photography Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks

November

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

6–9 Yukon Title Curling Classic Curlers compete in one of the largest US cash spiels. Heated spectator gallery. (907) 452-CURL, www. curlfairbanks.org

7–8 & 14–16 An Inspector Calls Theatre UAF stage production.

(907) 474-7751, www.uaf.edu/ theatre

9 Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra Performance at the Davis Concert Hall. (907) 474-5733, www. fairbankssymphony.org

7 Design Alaska Holiday Concert Performance at the Davis Concert Hall. (907) 474-5733, www. fairbankssymphony.org

7 Tree Lighting and Caroling at Creamer’s Field Followed by cookies and hot drinks at the visitor center. (907) 4525162, www.creamersfield.org

December

1–Jan 4 Christmas in Ice continued from November 29 A magical event in North Pole with Christmas-themed ice sculptures and kids’ park! (907) 488-2281, www.christmasinice.com

5–6 Nutcracker Ballet North Star Ballet performance at Hering Auditorium. (907) 4518800, www.thenorthstarballet.org

5–21 A Tuna Christmas Fairbanks Drama Association performance at the Riverfront Theatre.

(907) 456-PLAY, www.fairbanks drama.org

6–7 North Pole Winter Festival Fireworks, bazaar, tree- and candlelighting ceremonies and crowning of the North Pole King and Queen.

(907) 488-2242, www.northpole chamber.us

6–20 Holiday Ornament Making Using natural materials. Saturdays, noon-4pm at Creamer’s Field.

(907) 452-5162, www.creamers field.org

19–20 Christmas Party for Children Party on the 19th for children with disabilities. Gift and free buffet for every child. Santa arrives at 6:30pm each night at Chatanika Lodge. (907) 389-2164

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

20 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

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

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.

21–22 Split Knuckle Theater’s Endurance Co-sponsored by Theatre UAF and the Fairbanks Concert Association.

(907) 474-8081, www.fairbanks concert.org

22 Thanksgiving for the Birds Family fun making bird feeders out of recycled materials at Creamer’s Field. (907) 452-5162, www. creamersfield.org Curling fun for new players and those trying new positions. Heated spectator gallery. (907) 452-CURL, www.curlfairbanks.org

29–Jan 4 Christmas in Ice A magical event in North Pole with Christmas-themed ice sculptures and kids’ park! (907) 488-2281, www.christmasinice.com

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Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks

29–30 Rookie Spiel

7 Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race

Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks

1,000-mile (1,600 km) sled dog race starting in Whitehorse, YT, Canada, and finishing on the Chena River in downtown Fairbanks, 9-11 days later. (907) 452-7954, www.yukonquest.com

14-15 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

January 2015

1–4 Christmas in Ice

20 TorQ Percussion

continued from November 29 A magical event in North Pole with Christmas-themed ice sculptures and kids’ park! (907) 488-2281, www.christmasinice.com

Fairbanks Light Opera Theatre performance. (907) 456-FLOT, www.flot.org

17 Winter Nature Walk & Animal Tracking Explore the Refuge and learn about animal tracks and signs. 1pm at Creamer’s Field. (907) 452-5162, www.creamersfield.org

30 The Intergalactic Nemesis

Todd Paris

12–18 & 22–25 Shrek the Musical

Sponsored by the Fairbanks Concert Association. (907) 474-8081, www.fairbanksconcert.org

February

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

6–22 To Kill A Mockingbird Fairbanks Drama Association performance at the Riverfront Theatre.

(907) 456-PLAY, www.fairbanks drama.org

21–28 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

22 Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra Performance at the Davis Concert Hall. (907) 474-5733, www. fairbankssymphony.org

Sponsored by the Fairbanks Concert Association. (907) 474-8081, www.fairbanksconcert.org

Cross Country Ski Races

www.explorefairbanks.com

© State of Alaska/Matt Hage

Located just minutes from downtown, Birch Hill Recreation Area and Cross Country Ski Center is a world-class facility with over 30 km of groomed trails. Recent host to the Arctic Winter Games, Birch Hill has also accommodated the US Ski Team, US Biathlon Team, Canadian Ski Team and Junior Olympic Cross Country Ski Championships. Cross country ski trails for competition and leisure can also be found on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus and in the Goldstream Valley. For information on when and where to find cross country ski racing action, visit www.nscfairbanks.org.

Bob Wilkinson

November–April

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Festivals & Celebrations Courtesy Santa Claus House

North Pole Winter Festival—Dec 6–7

Candle lighting and tree decorating are central to this delightful festival celebrating the spirit of Christmas. A befitting event for the holiday-themed town of North Pole. www.northpolechamber.us

Winter Solstice Celebration—Dec 21 Courtesy Downtown Association of Fairbanks

Downtown Fairbanks comes alive on Solstice—December 21—the day that heralds the return of the light. Featuring fireworks that can’t be seen in the summer time, musical and artistic events downtown, and shopping for made in Alaska items. View holiday decorations and light posts enamored with charming, lit-up snowflakes. www.downtownfairbanks.com

Let It Be, sculpted by Junichi Nakamura, Shinichi Sawamura, Yoshimori Mabuchi and Koji Murakami. Photo by Rhonda Konicki/ Ice Alaska

Fairbanks Winter Carnival—Feb 23–Mar 29

Imagine the Winter Carnival Queen sitting on her throne carved out of ice or a team of dogs streaming down the frozen Chena River. Step back in time and you will discover that people of the far north have been celebrating winter in March for many years. Created in 1934, the Winter Carnival features arts, dog mushing and ice sculpting events. Times may have changed a bit since the 1930s but the energy and excitement of Winter Carnival still remains. Look for events hosted by the Alaska Dog Mushers Association, www.sled dog.org; Ice Alaska, www.icealaska.com; and the Fairbanks Arts Association, www.fairbanksarts.org.

Mike Giannechini

Mike Giannechini

Denali Winterfest—Feb 27–Mar 1

Now in its 15th year, Denali Winterfest offers loads of outdoor fun and educational events. Featuring dog sledding, a 5K race, snowshoeing, hiking, park ranger programs and more.

This engaging community-oriented festival starts off with a potluck and ends with a chili feed and cake walk—small town charm in the heart of Denali National Park. www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/winterfest.htm

Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks

Festival of Native Arts—Mar 5–7

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Celebrate Alaska Native cultures! The Festival of Native Arts features a variety of outstanding performances by Native peoples from all over the state. Festival attendees can see art demonstrations, cultural films and traditional songs and dances (and occasionally join in, too). The festival is also a venue to purchase authentic arts and crafts directly from Alaska Native artisans. www.fna.community.uaf.edu

23–Mar 29 BP World Ice Art Championships

1–8 Farthest North Jewish Film Festival

International ice sculpting competition featuring over 180 sculptures.

Sculpting begins February 23. Best viewing of finished sculptures: March 7-22. (907) 451-8250, www.icealaska.com

continued from Feb 28 International, classic and feature films sponsored by the Congregation Or Hatzafon. (907) 456-1002, www.mosquitonet. com/~orhatzafon

27–Mar 1 Denali Winterfest

28–Mar 1 Tired Iron Snowmobile races for older model machines plus fun activities for the entire family downtown on the Chena River. (907) 452-8602, www.fairbankstirediron.org

28–Mar 8 Farthest North Jewish Film Festival International, classic and feature films sponsored by the Congregation Or Hatzafon. (907) 456-1002, www.mosquitonet. com/~orhatzafon

1–29 BP World Ice Art Championships Todd Paris

Dog sled rides, 5K family fun run/ walk/bike/ski/skijor/snowshoe and spectacular scenery in Denali National Park and Preserve. (907) 683-1330, www.nps.gov/dena/ planyourvisit/winterfest.htm

March

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

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) 452-7954, www.yukonquest.com

continued from February 23 International ice sculpting competition featuring over 180 sculptures.

Sculpting begins February 23. Best viewing of finished sculptures: March 7-22. (907) 451-8250, www.icealaska.com

5–7 Festival of Native Arts Celebrate Alaska Native culture with traditional dancing and singing, arts and crafts. (907) 4746889, www.fna.community.uaf.edu

6–8 Junior North American Championship Sled Dog Race Dog mushing championship for mushers ages 2-18 at Jeff Studdert Race Grounds on Farmers Loop Road. (907) 490-4798, www. fairbanksjuniordogmushers.org

Jade Frank/Explore Fairbanks

Courtesy Fairbanks Concert Association

7–8 Nenana Ice Classic Tripod Days Raising of the Tripod on the Tanana River and entertainment for the entire family in Nenana. (907) 8325446, www.nenanaakiceclassic.com

7–8 North Pole Championship Sled Dog Races 2-dog skijor, 4-, 6- and 10-dog races in North Pole. (907) 457MUSH, www.sleddog.org

13 African Guitar Summit Sponsored by the Fairbanks Concert Association. (907) 474-8081, www.fairbanksconcert.org

13–15 Limited North American Championship Sled Dog Race

Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks

Mushers compete in skijoring, 4-, 6- and 8-dog classes at Jeff Studdert Race Grounds on Farmers Loop Road. (907) 457-MUSH, www.sleddog.org

www.explorefairbanks.com

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The World Eskimo-Indian Olympics hosts teams from all over Alaska.

(907) 452-6646, www.weio.org

20–22 70th Annual Open North American Championship Sled Dog Race World’s fastest mushers compete in the oldest continuously run race in the world, at 1pm downtown.

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

20–22 Fur Auction Hosted by the Alaska Trappers Association during the dog sled races in downtown Fairbanks. (907) 4571774, www.alaskatrappers.org

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

27–Apr 12 Ring of Fire – The Music of Johnny Cash Fairbanks Drama Association performance at the Riverfront Theatre.

(907) 456-PLAY, www.fairbanks drama.org

28 Sonot Kkaazoot Cross Country Ski Race 50 km mass start, free technique.

Starts and ends on the Chena River.

(907) 474-4435, www.nsc fairbanks.org

29 Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra Performance at the Davis Concert Hall. (907) 474-5733, www. fairbankssymphony.org

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Courtesy Fairbanks Concert Association

19–21 North American Basketball Tournament

April

2–5 International Curling Bonspiel Competitive men’s and women’s divisions and prizes. Commemorative pins, shirts and souvenirs.

(907) 452-CURL, www.curl fairbanks.org

4 Ramsey Lewis and John Pizzarelli: The Nat King Cole Tribute Sponsored by the Fairbanks Concert Association. (907) 474-8081, www.fairbanksconcert.org

6–12 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

17–18 & 24–26 The Ashgirl Theatre UAF stage production.

(907) 474-7751, www.uaf.edu/ theatre

May

2 BodyVox Sponsored by the Fairbanks Concert Association. (907) 474-8081, www.fairbanksconcert.org

2 Chena River Run First 5K run of the season benefiting local projects, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Fairbanks. (907) 452-8986, www.fairbanksrotary.org

2 Spring Migration Celebration Talks, walks and bird viewing during the peak of spring bird migration at Creamer’s Field, noon-4pm. (907) 452-5162, www. creamersfield.org

8 Alaska Visitor Industry’s Walk for Charity Feast on fabulous food while raising funds for local charities on this fun 3K graze. (907) 459-3758, www.alaskacharitywalk.org

24 & 26 Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra Performance at the Davis Concert Hall. (907) 474-5733, www. fairbankssymphony.org

Spring Migration Celebration—May 2

This annual event celebrates the return of the birds to Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge during the peak of migration. Enjoy bird and wildlife viewing, information booths, nature walks and fun activities for the whole family.

Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks

Number of dogs on teams based on combined weight of musher and passenger at Jeff Studdert Race Grounds on Farmers Loop Road.

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

COAST—Alaska Snow Rider Magazine

18 Jeff Studdert Invitational Passenger Race

Courtesy Running Reindeer Ranch

Who Offers Winter Fun?

D

www.explorefairbanks.com

SP Ken

“The Fairbanks area is home to some of Alaska’s most honored and beloved animals—husky sled dogs. The ultimate season for sled dogs is obviously wintertime and luckily, Fairbanks has no shortage of that! We are able to mush sled dogs on snow laden trails from October until April. There is truly nothing more spiritually uplifting than mushing a team of your favorite dogs five, ten or even a thousand miles across the frozen wilderness of Interior Alaska.”

Aliy Zirkle, Yukon Quest and Iditarod musher

nel

© State of Alaska/Matt Hage

iscover all that Fairbanks and its neighbors have to offer in winter. Use the grid on the next two pages to quickly search out the establishment that provides your favorite winter activity, then find more detailed listings on the pages that follow.

Easily see who does Arctic Circle, aurora and city tours. Schedule an outdoor adventure on snow— snowmobiling, dog mushing, snowshoeing, and cross-country or downhill skiing. Try an adventure with ice—ice sculpting, ice skating, ice fishing or curling. Check out the local arts and entertainment scene. Walk with reindeer, go flightseeing or take For more help planning your winter a soak in a natural hot springs. Take in one of our vacation, visit us online at www.explore winter events or spectator sports. If you need to fairbanks.com. rent clothing or gear, you’ll find that too! Now, let’s plan some winter fun!

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Flig h

Hot

Arc tic C ircle Arts Tou &E rs nte rtai Attr nm acti en t on s Aur ora Tou rs City Tou rs Clo thin g/G ear Cro Ren ss-C tal oun try Cur Skii lin g ng Dog Mu shin Dow g nhi ll Sk Eve iin g nt

Fairbanks

1st Alaska Outdoor School, LLC • • • • • • • • • • • 7 Gables Inn & Suites • • • • A Bed & Breakfast Inn on Minnie Street

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• •

• • • •

A Taste of Alaska Lodge • • • • A&P Tours, Inc. • • • AAAA Care B&B/Inn • • Adventures North • • • • • Airlink Shuttle & Tours • • • • Alaska Northern Lights Tour • • • • • • • • • • Alaska Private Guide Service • • Alaska Railroad Vacations • • • • • • Alaska Wilderness Enterprises, LLC • • Alaskan Tails of the Trail with Mary Shields

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Arctic Travelers Gift Shop • • Aurora Borealis Lodge • Birch Hill Recreation Area and Cross Country Ski Center • • Black Spruce Dog Sledding • • Blue Kennels and Dog Sled Trips • • • • • • • • Carlson Center • • Chandalar River Outfitters • • • • • • • • • • • • Chena Hot Springs Resort • • • • • • • • • • • • • Christmas in Ice, Inc. • • • • Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge • • • • • Explore Tours • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Fairbanks Concert Association • • Fairbanks Curling Club, Inc. • • Fairbanks Drama Association & Fairbanks Children’s Theatre • • Fairbanks Symphony Association • • Festival of Native Arts • • •

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Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks

Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum at Wedgewood Resort • •

Arc tic C ircle Arts Tou &E rs nte rtai Attr nm acti en t on s Aur ora Tou rs City Tou rs Clo thin g/G ear Cro Ren ss-C tal oun try Cur Skii lin g ng Dog Mu shin Dow g nhi ll Sk Eve iin g nt Flig htse ei n g Hot Spr in g s Ice Fish ing Ice Scu lpti ng Ice Ska ting Nat ive C ul t ur e Sno wm obi ling Sno wsh oe i n g Tick ets &T ou r s

The Great Alaskan Bowl Company • • • Ice Alaska’s “2015 World Ice Art Championships” • • • • • • • • • • • If Only…A Fine Store • • • Iron Dog, Inc. • • Just Short of Magic Sled Dog Tours • Lavelle’s Bistro • • The Lodge at Black Rapids • • • • • Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks • Northern Alaska Tour Company • • • • • Paws for Adventure Sled Dog Tours • • Pioneer Museum & Big Stampede Show • • The Pump House Restaurant and Saloon • • Ronn Murray Photography and Tours

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Running Reindeer Ranch • • • • • Santa Claus House • Sirius Sled Dogs, LLC • • • • Sled Dog Adventures • Sophie Station Suites, Fountainhead Hotels • • • Trail Breaker Kennel • University of Alaska Museum of the North • • • • Warbelow’s Air Ventures, Inc. • • • • Wedgewood Resort, Fountainhead Hotels • • • • • Wright Air Service, Inc. • Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race • •

Arctic Neighbors Bettles Lodge & Air Service • • • • • • • • • Coldfoot Camp • • • • •

Alaskan Neighbors HAI Shirokuma Tours, LLC • • • • • • • • • Salmon Berry Tours • Explore Fairbanks has made every effort to provide accurate listings and does not guarantee the accuracy of the listing presented, and is not responsible for changes, omissions or errors. Requests for more detailed information should be made to the company in the listing. Member listings are as of 6/14. Explore Fairbanks is not responsible for the quality of goods or services provided by firms or organizations listed in the 2014-2015 Winter Guide nor does it make any endorsement, representation or warranty for any listing. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Explore Fairbanks. Explore Fairbanks retains right of refusal on any advertisement submitted.

Project Coordinator: Angie Cerny Assistance from: Sherman Hogue, Charity Gadapee, Kasey Gillam, Iwalani Lauver and Amy Reed Geiger Designed by: Jill Marshall, Marshall Arts Design, Fairbanks

Clothing/Gear Provided

www.explorefairbanks.com

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Fairbanks 1st Alaska Outdoor School, LLC PO Box 84529, Fairbanks, AK 99708 2240 Hanson Rd, Fairbanks (907) 590-5900 info@1stalaskaoutdoorschool.com www.1stalaskaoutdoorschool.com Have fun with aurora viewing, dog mushing, snowmachining, Arctic Circle & hot springs tours. Oct 1–Apr 15.

7 Gables Inn & Suites PO Box 80488, Fairbanks, AK 99708 4312 Birch Ln, Fairbanks (907) 479-0751, Fax: (907) 479-2229 Toll Free: (800) 478-7829 gables7@alaska.net www.7gablesinn.com Free cross-country skis, winter gear, snowshoes for our guests use. Oct 15–Apr 1.

A Bed & Breakfast Inn on Minnie Street 345 Minnie St, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 456-1802, Fax: (907) 451-1751 Toll Free: (888) 456-1849 info@minniestreetBandB.com www.minniestreetBandB.com Conveniently located, well rated, with quality rooms and suites. Delicious breakfast. Aurora tours. Great hosts.

A Taste of Alaska Lodge 551 Eberhardt Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712 Mile 5.3 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks (907) 488-7855, Fax: (907) 488-3772 tasteak@mosquitonet.com www.atasteofalaska.com 15 minutes to Fairbanks. Open field aurora viewing, $20/person. Includes hot beverage, warm area. Reservations req. Aug 15–Apr 5.

A&P Tours, Inc. PO Box 101068, Anchorage, AK 99510 430 K St, Anchorage (907) 272-9401, Fax: (907) 272-0251 aptours@alaska.net www.aptoursalaska.com We offer tours including aurora viewing and many other activities from August–May. Rent winter gear. Aug 15–Apr 15.

AAAA Care B&B/Inn 557 Fairbanks St, Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 479-2447, Fax: (907) 479-2484 pat@aaaacare.com www.aaaacare.com Free shuttle. Near airport/UAF. Aurora viewing. We arrange aurora viewing from our B&B/tours. High-speed Internet FREE. Full kitchen.

Adventures North 1651 Brer Ln, Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 460-0307 adventures.north.alaska@gmail.com Enjoy Alaska’s aurora, scenery & wildlife with a photographer, biologist & musher.

Airlink Shuttle & Tours 1213 Dolphin Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 452-3337, Fax: (907) 452-6543 airlink@acsalaska.net www.airlinkalaska.com Local area shuttle. Statewide charter/ tours. Quality service, affordable price.

Oct 1–Apr 1.

Alaska Northern Lights Tour PO Box 82896, Fairbanks, AK 99708 895 Graham Ln, Fairbanks (907) 322-3483, Fax: (907) 479-2819 info@alaskanorthernlights.net www.alaskanorthernlights.net An evening of viewing aurora and Native culture show. Fairbanks Tour and affordable tour packages.

Alaska Private Guide Service 299 Alvin St, Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 457-8318 apgs@gci.net www.apgs.com Ice fish with snowmobile lessons, rides & river tours, 1-6 hours. Bird hunt. Camping, hot springs. Nov–Apr.

Alaska Railroad Vacations PO Box 107500, Anchorage, AK 99510 1745 Johansen Expy, Fairbanks (907) 265-2494, Fax: (907) 265-2323 Toll Free: (800) 544-0552 reservations@akrr.com www.AlaskaRailroad.com Experience Alaska’s best winter adventure on the Aurora Winter Train. Complete vacations available. Sep–May.

Alaska Wilderness Enterprises, LLC PO Box 16075, Two Rivers, AK 99716 Mile 25.9 Chena Hot Springs Rd Two Rivers (907) 488-7517, Fax: (907) 488-7517 letarte@alaska.net www.wildernessenterprises.com Experience the Real Alaska. Providing ice fishing throughout wild Alaska since 1979.

Heated ice houses. Dec 15–Apr 15.

Alaskan Tails of the Trail with Mary Shields PO Box 80961, Fairbanks, AK 99708 (907) 455-6469, Fax: (907) 455-6469 mshields@mosquitonet.com www.maryshields.com Why is this tour ranked #1 in things to do in Fairbanks on TripAdvisor.com? Read the reviews and learn why!

Arctic Travelers Gift Shop 201 Cushman St, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 456-7080, Fax: (907) 452-4917 arcticgifts@hotmail.com www.arctictravelersgiftshop.com The most complete gift shop in the Interior.

Aurora-related gifts, ivory, t-shirts, jewelry.

Open 7 days a week.

Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks

Aurora Borealis Lodge

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PO Box 72422, Fairbanks, AK 99707 Cleary Summit, Fairbanks (907) 389-2812, Fax: (907) 389-2812 info@auroracabin.com www.auroracabin.com View the aurora from a handmade log lodge located atop Cleary Summit.

Aug 20–Mar 31.

© Brian Stollery/Courtesy Fairbanks Concert Association

Birch Hill Recreation Area and Cross Country Ski Center 101 Wilderness Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 457-4488, Fax: (907) 457-4489 birchhill@co.fairbanks.ak.us www.co.fairbanks.ak.us/ ParksandRecreation/Facilities/BH 32 km of trails. New ski chalet with dressing and waxing rooms and a beautiful view of the stadium. Oct 15–Apr 15.

Black Spruce Dog Sledding 3850 Errol Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 315-4167 blacksprucedogsledding@gmail.com www.blacksprucedogsledding.com Authentic, custom, affordable tours with an Iditarod veteran. Scenic mountains and aurora viewing. Oct 1–Apr 15.

Blue Kennels and Dog Sled Trips PO Box 16256, Two Rivers, AK 99716 6885 No Name Ln, Two Rivers (907) 488-3119 info@bluekennels.de www.blue-kennels.com Multi-day dog sled and/or northern lights tours, accommodations & meals included.

Sep–Apr.

Carlson Center 2010 2nd Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 451-7800, Fax: (907) 451-1195 kbaysinger@fnsb.us www.carlson-center.com Northern Alaska’s premier entertainment, sports and meeting facility. Catch the excitement!

Chandalar River Outfitters

Explore Tours

PO Box 74877, Fairbanks, AK 99707 5804 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Mile 18.6, Fairbanks (907) 488-8402, Fax: (907) 488-8787 kckoontz@alaska.net www.chandalarranchalaska.com Ice fishing in area lakes. Rainbow, char, grayling, salmon and pike. $175 includes license, transportation and lunch. Specialty options. Lodging available.

999 E Tudor Rd, Ste 200 Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 786-0192, Fax: (907) 563-8159 Toll Free: (800) 523-7405 info@exploretours.com www.exploretours.com Extraordinary Alaska adventures! Northern lights, Arctic adventures, hot springs, lodges, custom tours and more!

Chena Hot Springs Resort PO Box 58740, Fairbanks, AK 99711 Mile 56.5 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks (907) 451-8104, Fax: (907) 451-8151 frontdesk@chenahotsprings.com www.chenahotsprings.com 80 lodge rooms, restaurant & bar, aurora viewing, hot springs, year-round ice museum, activities.

Christmas in Ice, Inc. PO Box 57250, North Pole, AK 99705 125 St. Nicholas Dr, North Pole (907) 590-2522 christmasinice@gmail.com www.christmasinice.org Christmas-themed ice sculptures by local and international artists & Elf’s playground in North Pole.

Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge PO Box 81065, Fairbanks, AK 99708 Farmhouse Visitors Center 1300 College Rd, Fairbanks (907) 452-5162, Fax: (907) 452-5300 programs@creamersfield.org www.creamersfield.org Visitor Center: Saturdays, noon-4pm or by appointment. Groomed multi-use winter trails always open. Programs and events all year.

www.explorefairbanks.com

Fairbanks Concert Association PO Box 80547, Fairbanks, AK 99708 794 University Ave, Ste 104, Fairbanks (907) 474-8081, Fax: (907) 474-0266 info@fairbanksconcert.org www.fairbanksconcert.org Highly diverse, international performing arts series in its 67th season. Call for dates/ details. Sep–May.

Fairbanks Curling Club, Inc. 1962 2nd Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 452-CURL, Fax: (907) 457-3345 www.curlfairbanks.org Nightly league play, Rookie Spiel, International Bonspiel, Cash Spiel. Heated spectator gallery. See website for event dates.

Oct–Apr.

Fairbanks Drama Association & Fairbanks Children’s Theatre 1852 2nd Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 451-4378, Fax: (907) 456-1888 www.fairbanksdrama.org Fairbanks Drama Association’s 2014-2015 performing season. Call 456-PLAY for tickets. Sep–May.

Fairbanks Symphony Association PO Box 82104, Fairbanks, AK 99708 (907) 474-5733 info@fairbankssymphony.org www.fairbankssymphony.org Symphonic music with world-class soloists at Davis Concert Hall. Oct–Apr.

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Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks

Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks

PO Box 80111, Fairbanks, AK 99708 www.nscfairbanks.org Promotes X-C skiing in FNSB by offering lessons & competition for all ages. 32+ km of groomed trails.

Festival of Native Arts

If Only...A Fine Store

PO Box 756500, Fairbanks, AK 99775 305 Tanana Dr, 315 Brooks Bldg, Fairbanks (907) 474-6889, Fax: (907) 474-5666 festival@uaf.edu fna.community.uaf.edu Celebrate the arts through traditional Native dance, music and arts. Performances & artisan vendors. March 5, 6, 7, 2015.

215 Cushman St, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 457-6659, Fax: (907) 455-6659 ifonly@ifonlyalaska.com www.IfOnlyAlaska.com A premier shopping experience; First Friday arts & crafts features; signature events; holiday music.

Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum at Wedgewood Resort 212 Wedgewood Dr Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 450-2100, Fax: (907) 450-2146 Toll Free: (800) 528-4916 info@fountainheadmuseum.com www.fountainheadmuseum.com Car museum & more! Be a part of Alaska’s history, fashion & culture. Classic exhibits, first car built in Alaska & photos/videos.

The Great Alaskan Bowl Company 4630 Old Airport Way Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 474-9663, Fax: (907) 479-3067 Toll Free: (800) 770-4222 info@woodbowl.com www.woodbowl.com All Alaska-made products! View our manufacturing process & visit our gift store. Open 7 days a week!

Ice Alaska’s “2015 BP World Ice Art Championships” PO Box 83134, Fairbanks, AK 99708 George Horner Ice Park 3050 Phillips Field Rd, Fairbanks (907) 451-8250, Fax: (907) 456-1951 iceart@icealaska.com www.icealaska.com International competition February 23–March 29. Family fun: ice slides & mazes. Open through March 29, weather permitting.

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Iron Dog, Inc. 7100 Old Seward Hwy, Unit C Anchorage, AK 99518 (907) 563-4414, Fax: (907) 563-4080 info@irondog.org www.irondog.org The world’s longest, toughest snowmobile race event. Feb 21-28, 2015.

Just Short of Magic Sled Dog Tours 5157 Chena Hot Springs Rd Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907) 750-0208 eleanor@justshortofmagic.com www.justshortofmagic.com Personal sled dog tours, mushing school, warm-up yurt. Arctic gear provided. Friendly huskies. Nov 1–Apr 15.

Lavelle’s Bistro 575 1st Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 450-0555, Fax: (907) 450-0444 frank@lavellesbistro.com www.lavellesbistro.com Come out of the cold! Enjoy the warmth of the Interior. Lavelle’s has weekly wine tastings.

The Lodge at Black Rapids 1307 Windfall Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709 227.4 Richardson Hwy, 38 Mile S Delta Junction (877) 825-9413, Fax: (877) 825-9413 blackrapids@ureach.com www.lodgeatblackrapids.com Authentic timber frame lodge offers quiet luxury of fireplaces & heavenly beds. Roadaccessible destination w/ wildlife & panoramic views of AK Range.

Northern Alaska Tour Company PO Box 82991, Fairbanks, AK 99708 (907) 474-8600, Fax: (907) 474-4767 Toll Free: (800) 474-1986 adventure@northernalaska.com www.northernalaska.com Winter in Alaska’s Arctic! Arctic Circle, aurora tours, Coldfoot. One-day & overnight tours. Oct 1–Apr 30.

Paws for Adventure Sled Dog Tours PO Box 10107, Fairbanks, AK 99710 (907) 378-3630 pawsforadventure@gmail.com www.pawsforadventure.com Choose your mushing adventure! Enjoy an exciting & informative ride with our local experts OR learn to drive your own team in Mushing School.

Pioneer Museum & Big Stampede Show PO Box 70176, Fairbanks, AK 99707 2300 Airport Way, Pioneer Park, Fairbanks (907) 456-8579 info@fairbankspioneermuseum.com Rusty Heurlin’s Gold Rush murals. Museum of early Fairbanks settlement and development. Oct–Feb by request.

The Pump House Restaurant and Saloon PO Box 80545, Fairbanks, AK 99708 796 Chena Pump Rd, Fairbanks (907) 479-8452, Fax: (907) 479-8432 mail@pumphouse.com www.pumphouse.com Enjoy our winter weekly Wednesday night Karaoke 8pm–midnight. National historic setting with great food.

Ronn Murray Photography and Tours (907) 888-6055 ronnm@ronnmurrayphoto.com www.ronnmurrayphoto.com Don’t just see the northern lights.

Experience, understand and learn to photograph them.

Running Reindeer Ranch PO Box 73013, Fairbanks, AK 99707 (907) 455-4998, Fax: (907) 455-4998 info@runningreindeer.com www.runningreindeer.com Enjoy a walk through the boreal forest with friendly, gentle reindeer.

Santa Claus House 101 St. Nicholas Dr North Pole, AK 99705 (907) 488-2200, Fax: (907) 488-5601 Toll Free: (800) 588-4078 info@santaclaushouse.com www.santaclaushouse.com Most unique theme shop with Christmas gifts, decorations, toys, apparel & Original Letter from Santa!

Sirius Sled Dogs, LLC 6090 Emancipation Ln Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 687-6656 siriussleddogs.net@gmail.com www.siriussleddogs.net Big friendly furry Alaskan & Siberian huskies. Aurora by dog sled, kennel tour, sled ride, mushing school.

Sled Dog Adventures PO Box 83601, Fairbanks, AK 99708 (907) 479-5090 dogmushing@mosquitonet.com www.sleddogadventures.com Exciting rides, tours and mushing school for all levels with the longest-running Interior tour company. Oct–Apr.

Sophie Station Suites, Fountainhead Hotels 1717 University Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 456-3642, Fax: (907) 451-6376 Toll Free: (800) 528-4916 hotels@fdifairbanks.com www.fountainheadhotels.com Convenient, all-suite hotel offering quiet luxury, fully-equipped kitchens, WiFi & Northern Lights Wakeup Service.

Warbelow’s Air Ventures, Inc. 3758 University Ave S Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 474-3520, Fax: (907) 474-4767 fly@warbelows.com www.warbelows.com Arctic journeys above the Arctic Circle to Brooks Range Mts. Beaver Village tours, ancient mountains, tundra. Oct 1–Apr 15.

Wedgewood Resort, Fountainhead Hotels 212 Wedgewood Dr Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 456-3642, Fax: (907) 451-6376 Toll Free: (800) 528-4916 hotels@fdifairbanks.com www.fountainheadhotels.com Home to the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, nature trails, x-country skiing, aurora viewing & residential-style suites.

Wright Air Service, Inc. PO Box 60142, Fairbanks, AK 99706 3842 University Ave S, Fairbanks (907) 474-0502, Fax: (907) 474-0375 Toll Free: (800) 478-0502 was@alaska.net www.wrightairservice.com Flightseeing/air charter. See Interior Alaska as never before!

Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race 550 1st Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 452-7954, Fax: (907) 452-7959 yukonquest@mosquitonet.com www.yukonquest.com A 1,000-mile sled dog race between Whitehorse, YT & Fairbanks. Held in February.

Arctic Neighbors Bettles Lodge & Air Service PO Box 27, Bettles, AK 99726 100 Bettles Field, Bettles (907) 479-7018, Fax: (907) 479-7028 info@bettleslodge.com www.bettleslodge.com Arctic Circle & aurora viewing tours, dog sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoe & more.

Best aurora in AK! Oct 1–Apr 8.

Coldfoot Camp PO Box 81512, Fairbanks, AK 99708 Mile 175 Dalton Hwy, Coldfoot (907) 474-3500, Fax: (907) 474-4767 Toll Free: (866) 474-3400 adventure@northernalaska.com www.coldfootcamp.com North of the Arctic Circle, under the Auroral Oval and in the Brooks Mountain Range.

Packages available! Oct 1–Apr 30.

Alaskan Neighbors HAI Shirokuma Tours, LLC PO Box 201961, Anchorage, AK 99520 330 E 4th Ave, Ste 204, Anchorage (907) 258-4690, Fax: (907) 258-4691 hai4690@haishirokuma.com www.haishirokuma.com Aurora tours to arctic adventures & hotel reservations. Japanese-speaking guides/ staff available. Sep 15–Apr 15.

Salmon Berry Tours 515 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501 (907) 278-3572, Fax: (907) 278-3573 Toll Free: (888) 878-3572 reservations@salmonberrytours.com www.salmonberrytours.com Experience Alaska’s glaciers, ride a dog sled, travel on the Alaska Railroad, or enjoy the aurora!

Trail Breaker Kennel PO Box 60249, Fairbanks, AK 99706 5880 Airport Industrial Rd, Fairbanks (907) 479-3825, Fax: (907) 474-8288 info@trailbreakerkennel.com www.trailbreakerkennel.com Sled dog rides, kennel tours, drive your own team, mushing excursions, authentic Alaskan lifestyle. Dec–Apr.

Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks

University of Alaska Museum of the North PO Box 756960, Fairbanks, AK 99775 907 Yukon Dr, UAF Campus, Fairbanks (907) 474-7505, Fax: (907) 474-5469 museum@uaf.edu www.uaf.edu/museum Award-winning exhibits and breathtaking architecture make the museum an extraordinary destination.

www.explorefairbanks.com

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©State of Alaska/Matt Hage

Be Safe And Have Fun In The Winter Sun

H

ere are some tips for your Interior Alaska adventure!

• Snow and ice are slippery—practice a slow shuffle and walk carefully.

• Check the weather—monitor the weather forecast while you’re here and dress accordingly.

• Wear a helmet—only on the slopes of course! Appropriate head protection is important when taking part in some winter sports.

• Drive slowly—give yourself more time to get where you need to go. Take it easy on your brakes while on snow and ice. If renting a car, consider an all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle during winter months.

What’s Under There?

UAF Photo by Ryan Wilson

U

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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 activities provide outdoor gear—be sure to ask. Whatever the weather, you’ll be covered! Interior Alaska is an amazing place to explore in the winter and dressing for it is amazingly simple.

©State of Alaska/Matt Hage

What’s The Weather Like?

F

airbanks’ low humidity, low precipitation and virtually non-existent winds make our sub-arctic environment surprisingly agreeable.

Check the weather report or call 844 for the local temperature and forecast before planning your day’s activities.

Meet a Real Alaskan re you interested in dog mushing?

Arctic engineering? Perhaps cross country skiing? You can learn a lot about these topics and many more by being matched with a friendly Fairbanks Golden Heart Greeter. Golden Heart Greeters are proud to be a part of a world-wide voluntary association called the Global Greeter Network. This greeter program is free to individuals or small groups.

Schedule a Golden Heart Greeter by calling (907) 459-3758 or by emailing goldenheartgreeter@explorefairbanks. com. A minimum of one week’s notice is needed.

www.explorefairbanks.com

Explore Fairbanks

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Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks

Get Connected

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oin in the conversations by using our social media handle “explorefairbanks” to like us on Facebook and “explorfairbanks” (no “e” in the explore here) to follow us on Twitter. You can also find us on Pinterest and YouTube searching “Explore Fairbanks.” Then get ready for your amazing Fairbanks adventure by going online to www.explorefairbanks.com. Read our blog and check out the interactive visitors guides and trip planning tools—all just a click away. Be sure to request your free year-round Visitors Guide while you’re there. Explore great ways to make the most of your trip of a lifetime!

www.explorefairbanks.com • info@explorefairbanks.com

Who to Call

Find that Important Phone Number Fairbanks Visitor Information (907) 456-5774 or (800) 327-5774 Alaska Visitor Information..............(907) 929-2200 Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game Fishing Hotline ��������������������������(907) 459-7385 Customs US..............................................(907) 474-0307 Canada......................................(204) 983-3500 Highway Conditions �����������������511 (in-state only) Police, Fire & Medical Emergency ������������������� 911

Karen Clautice

State Troopers...............................(907) 451-5100 (Rural emergency) ����������������������(800) 811-0911

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Time & Temperature ��������������������������������������� 844 Weather Forecast ��������������������� (907) 458-3745 or (800) 472-0391

Pike’s Waterfront Lodge

You Loved Winter, Now Try Our Summer!

Angie Cerny/Explore Fairbanks

©State of Alaska/Michael DeYoung

inter is truly wonder-filled but, oh baby, our summertime is unsurpassed. With the sun shining nearly 24 hours a day Fairbanks, Alaska, is an extraordinary destination. Once you have been inspired by the light of the aurora borealis, take a deep breath and explore the last frontier in the summertime. The oh so very l-o-n-g summer days are bursting with activities for Fairbanks visitors. Pan for gold, float the Chena River, watch the gardens grow, go fishing, view wildlife, play golf at midnight, have dinner on a deck or embark on a nature hike. To embrace the energy of our summer days or get more detailed information for your winter vacation, request our year-round Visitors Guide, and choose from all of the fantastic things to see and do!

Downtown Association of Fairbanks

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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.

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ŠState of Alaska/Matt Hage

Todd Paris

Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks

Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks