4 Day Northern Lights Vacation from Anchorage

Pick up your rental car and drive the Matanuska-Susitna Valley area (45 mins to 1.5 hrs) for some iconic winter activities in the Alaskan backcountry, snowboard & downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, or dog sledding.

You could also make a stop at the Musk Ox Farm or Reindeer Farm to see some Alaskan wildlife up close.

Drive back to Anchorage to spend the night. In the evening, book a tour to go in search of the northern lights, or check out our list of places to hunt on your own in the Anchorage area.

Today you'll be making the 45-minute drive from Anchorage to Girdwood, home to the world-renowned Alyeska ski resort. Get an early start if you want to hit the slopes; you could also go fat-tire biking. Or simply check into the Hotel Alyeska or a local Inn or B&B and bask in the luxurious surroundings. If you're staying at the hotel ask for an aurora wake-up call and they'll notify you if the famed aurora borealis light up the night sky.

Take advantage of another day in this world-class wonderland. Spend the day schussing down the slopes or exploring the wilderness on cross-country skis. Up the adrenaline by taking a snowmachine ride through the backcountry or taking a winter flightseeing trip. And don't forget to ask for an aurora wakeup call.

Wake up among Girdwood's mountain scenery and make the drive back to Anchorage. Visit the city's world-class museums and great art galleries, or even check out a winter festival if one is going on. And of course, don't forget to do some souvenir shopping before heading home!