Winter Vacations in Alaska

Bettles Lodge--Northern Lights Package

• Bettles Lodge offers guests a full winter tour into the Alaskan wilderness, including views of the famous Northern Lights. Complete with deluxe accommodations in a rustic Alaskan cabin, the Northern Lights package includes three days and two nights lodging with modern amenities and a full floor of games for entertainment at night. Airfare from Fairbanks to Bethel and all meals are included. During the day, guests tour the Bettles area, including the Brooks Range and Arctic National Park via dogsleds, cross-country skis, snowmobiles and planes. After dinner, guests retire to the large deck and take a seat for a full view of the Northern Lights of Alaska.

  Tours begin in October and continue through the first of April. Rooms come either standard with single occupancy and a shared bath or an upgraded room with a jacuzzi and private bath. As of 2010, prices for the three-day, two-night vacation range from $1,180 for double occupancy, standard room to $1,365 for double occupancy, upgraded room.

  Alaska Tours Bettles Lodge package

  413 G Street

  Anchorage, AK 99501

  907-277-3000

  alaskatours.com

Alaska Railroad Winter Vacations

• There may be no better way of taking in Alaska's beauty in the winter than in the comfort of a heated train. Alaska's Aurora Winter Train takes passengers for a scenic journey from Fairbanks to Anchorage. The Winter Escape package operates on weekends from September though May and takes passengers through the snow-capped mountains of Denali and the Arctic Circle.

  The Winter Escape package includes a rail ticket from Anchorage to Fairbanks, one night's hotel accommodations in Fairbanks and return airfare to Anchorage. While in Anchorage and Fairbanks, guests can visit Chena Hot Springs and the Aurora Ice Museum. Prices are $345 per person for double occupancy, as of 2010.

  Alaska Railroad Vacations

  327 W. Ship Creek Ave

  Anchorage, AK 99501

  907-265-2494

  alaskarailroad.com

Alaska Iditarod Tours

• For people looking to experience Alaska's most famous winter sled dog race, the six-day Iditarod Race tour is an attractive option. The tour commences in Anchorage, and over the course of six days guests attend the famous Musher's Banquet, visit the Iditarod Museum, see what it's like to be an Iditarod sled dog handler and attend the famous race from Anchorage to Wasilla while sightseeing along the way.

  The tour runs the first week of March and includes hotel accommodations, admission to events, selected group meals and prerace activities. As of 2010, rates are $2,200 per person for double occupancy and $500 more for single occupancy.

  Alaska Iditarod Tours

  604-720-0744

  iditarodtours.com