6 Day Winter Northern Lights from Anchorage

Once you arrive in Anchorage, make the 45-minute drive 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 and bask in the luxurious surroundings. Here, too, you'll have the unique opportunity of looking for the northern lights; ask the hotel 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.

Drive back to Anchorage and catch a quick, one-hour flight to Fairbanks. If you have time once you arrive the largest city in Alaska's interior, start exploring. Begin at the University of Alaska Museum of the North, where you'll get a fascinating glimpse of the cultures and wildlife that call this part of Alaska home, as well as a deep dive into contemporary Native Alaska art. Then experience a winter activity like dog sledding, ice fishing, or snowmachining. Of course, you'll want to see the northern lights if they appear; ask your hotel to give you an aurora wake-up call if they appear.

Today you'll have the opportunity to book another winter tour. You may want to glide over the snow on a sled pulled by excited dogs who have run classic Alaskan races like the Iditarod. Or take a guided ice fishing tour, where you can walk out on a frozen lake and angle for arctic char and other fish. Or zoom through the backcountry on a snowmachine. Whatever you do, be sure to squeeze in a nap so you can stay up late and go on an evening tour to go look for the spectacular northern lights.

Take advantage of another full day in Fairbanks! With so many tours to choose from, you'll never get bored. Go on an adventure that you haven't experienced yet. And use the evening to take another tour of the northern lights--it's another opportunity to experience one of nature's most dramatic sights.

Today you'll take the one-hour flight back to Anchorage. Board your connecting flight home, or if you have time, make a final pass through Anchorage and pick up any souvenirs to remember this amazing experience.