See The Northern Lights In Luxury!

The Northern Lights attract thousands of visitors to Alaska each year, all of whom are hoping for a glimpse of this incredible light show. This awe-inspiring display is a bucket list item for many. Fortunately, Alaska offers travelers a variety of guided tours and DIY viewing options to see the Aurora Borealis. But for a truly incredible viewing experience, consider making a reservation at an Alaska Northern Lights Lodge!

What Causes The Aurora Borealis To Appear?

The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, occur when solar particles enter the earth’s atmosphere. As they breach the atmosphere, the particles emit burning gases that produce a variety of colored lights. This natural light show can last anywhere from a few minutes to several days, and is visible in many different parts of the world. Alaska, however, is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights – and you don’t need a passport to visit!

The Best Time To See The Northern Lights In Alaska

If you are planning to stay in one of the many resorts in Alaska to see the Northern Lights, you’ll need to schedule your trip during Aurora Season. Aurora Season in Alaska runs from August 21 to April 21. As fall turns into winter, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights increase, because the nights have plenty of time to settle into darkness. And, if you schedule your trip during the winter solstice, you’ll be guaranteed a light show! In many parts of Alaska, the amount of daylight during the winter solstice averages six hours or less – resulting in perfect conditions to see the Northern Lights.

Northern Lights Viewing In Alaska

There are many different ways to see the Northern Lights in Alaska. Some visitors simply strike out on their own to popular viewing locations, while others enlist the help of a Northern Lights viewing guide. Organized trips run the gamut from photography tours to Alaska dog sled tours that take you to a viewing site, or helicopter trips to the Arctic Circle where you can watch the Aurora from the North Pole! But if you are looking for a one-of-a-kind viewing experience, consider a stay at one of these three resorts in Alaska to see the Northern Lights!

• Iniakuk Lake Wilderness Logde – head to this Alaska Northern Lights Lodge for an unparalleled Aurora viewing experience and Alaska dog sled tour! Located 60 miles above the Arctic Circle, this family-owned lodge offers visitors a luxurious experience in a remote setting. Guests have the option of staying in the main lodge, where large picture windows offer incredible views of the Northern Lights over the Brooks Range, or stay at a private cabin inside Gates of the Arctic National Park for a more solitary Aurora-watching expedition. The lodge also offers guests the opportunity to go dogsledding, snowshoeing or hiking, but to return at the end of a long day to relax and enjoy the facility’s amenities. For those who want a more hands-on experience, the lodge offers guests individual lessons and hands-on experience so you can mush across the frozen landscape under the night sky searching for Auroras!
• Borealis Basecamp – located just outside of Fairbanks, this unique resort consists of 20 elegant igloos and a new village with five aurora-viewing cubes. The custom-designed igloos of this Alaska Northern Lights Lodge face northeast to take advantage of the Northern Lights. Guests can watch this incredible lightshow from the comfort of their bed at night and enjoy outdoor activities like snow machining, fat biking, dog sledding, and snow shoeing during the day. A minimum two-night stay is required at the basecamp.
• Alyeska Resort – located near Girdwood, this mountain resort is famous for its skiing. But it’s also famous for the Northern Lights. Visitors can enjoy the resorts pool and sauna, or venture outside during the day for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, biking, and skijoring. The resort also offers Alaska dog sled tours to guests, who can enjoy views of the Chugach Mountains during the tour by day and the Northern Lights by night.

Why Is Dog Sledding So Popular In Alaska?

Dog sledding has a long history in Alaska. Centuries ago, native Alaskans used the dogs to pull sleds full of supplies. This utilitarian purpose gradually evolved into personal transportation, mail delivery, and rescue assistance. The Alaskan Gold Rush saw an increased demand for sled dogs, as many camps and rural cities were only accessible by sled. Even today, rural residents rely on dog teams to hunt and travel. And, of course, the Iditarod has solidified these sled teams as the Alaskan version of elite sports celebrities!

Different Types of Dog Sledding Tours

Many reputable operators offer dogsledding tours to visitors. Tours can last anywhere from an hour to two to half a day or to a multi-day adventure in the backwoods with the option to camp overnight. You can also visit the kennels of famous Iditarod dog sled teams, to meet the teams that pull the sleds. Dogsledding tours and kennel visits are available from Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks, Girdwood, and Juneau! Some of the most popular tours combine Northern Lights viewing with a backwoods adventure. After a hands-on training session, you’ll be able to drive your own dog team over the frozen ground, into the wilderness (with a guide, of course), for a night camping and searching the skies for Aurora!

Whether you stay at an Alaska Northern Lights lodge or opt to combine Alaska dog sled tours with a night of Aurora viewing, your Alaskan adventure is sure to be out of this world! Just remember to make your reservations as soon as possible – Aurora Season is a popular time to visit Alaska and you don’t want to miss out. So get that winter gear out of the closet and get ready for a truly out-of-this-world adventure in Alaska!