There are a wide range of winter activities available in Anchorage, Alaska, to appeal to the interests of the pickiest or even the most adventurous traveler. Anchorage offers spectator sports, traditional outdoor recreational activities and incredible sightseeing. For that reason, it is a perfect family destination or an ideal place for a winter sports getaway.
If you're fortunate enough to be in Anchorage in early March, you can catch the opening ceremony for the world famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Or if you visit in February, you can attend the Fur Rendezvous Open World Championship Sled Dog Races, a central component of the annual Fur Rendezvous, Anchorage's winter sports carnival.
Anchorage has a wide variety of skiing and snowboarding options available for all skill levels, whether you are looking for traditional resort skiing or more adventurous backcountry slopes for advanced skiers and snowboarders. There are several choices available within 45 minutes of downtown Anchorage.
If cross country skiing is more your style, Anchorage also has a wide area of terrain available to explore. The trails range from shorter tracks in parks up to 31 miles in distance. There are routes to suit the needs of skiers of various skill levels.
In winter, Anchorage's lakes provide the opportunity to try out some ice fishing. The "ice is usually thick enough on Southcentral Alaska lakes by mid-November or early December" to enjoy this classic winter sport, according to the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Anchorage region has 28 lakes stocked with fish and there are many more lakes within the larger region of Southcentral Alaska. You can purchase your fishing license online before visiting. The Ice Fishing Jamboree, held the second week in December, makes the activity more accessible for the inexperienced.
After a day of outdoor activities, nighttime in Anchorage provides for some incredible views of the northern lights (the aurora borealis). Normally, the lower the temperature, the greater the chances of seeing them. The appearance of the northern lights varies, so be prepared to try for a viewing on a few different nights during your visit. The best views are frequently around midnight, so many of Anchorage's hotels offer a "northern lights wake up call," upon request, to alert guests when they appear.
