Winter wonderland in Anchorage, Alaska

by Graham McKenzie

When I was small boy, I always wondered what life was like in Alaska. Eskimos? Raw fish? Igloos? Freezing cold all the time? It was one of those fantasy places that I never dreamt I would actually visit.

Well earlier this year, in February to be exact, I satisfied that lifetime urge and undertook what turned out to be an experience that will never be forgotten.

My first port of call was Anchorage, and the extreme nature of the winter is immediately apparent, not just by temperature but by snow levels, frost, clothing, and the fact that daylight hours end very quickly.

Visiting Anchorage in deep mid-winter is a magical experience that immerses you in the heart of a winter wonderland. The largest city in Alaska, serves as the perfect gateway to exploring the state’s natural beauty. The snow that blankets the city creates a serene atmosphere that is nothing short of enchanting.  After a goodnight’s sleep and an early start, it was time for adventure.

One of the most exhilarating activities you can partake in during your winter visit is dog sledding. Imagine gliding over pristine snow-covered trails, guided by a team of enthusiastic and very energetic sled dogs. If you’re going to partake why not do it at the Husky Farm and home of the youngest ever winner of the Iditarod – Dallas Seavey. The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is an annual long-distance sled dog race run in early March from Anchorage to Nome, entirely within the state of Alaska.

The race covers a distance of 938 miles and takes 8-15 days to complete and is a massive event within Alaska. The Dallas Seavey set up allows you to take a team of his dogs out into the wild and the thrill is beyond belief. Once the Huskies start running into the crisp winter day, the clean cold air fills your lungs as you mush along the trail through the pine trees and backwoods.

Another thrilling winter activity to indulge in is riding a skidoo or snowmobile (or as they call them in Alaska – Snow Machines and most people seem to own one). These powerful machines allow you to explore the vast Alaskan wilderness with ease, gliding over snow-covered trails and frozen lakes. The adrenaline rush is unmatched, offering a unique perspective of the region’s natural beauty.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, there are guided tours available, ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure. What’s really cool is when you see a bunch of the locals turn up at the shops or the bar on a ski doo using it like we might use a push bike.

My next stop after Anchorage was Talkeetna, a charming settlement located about two hours north of Anchorage. Surrounded by the majestic Alaska Range, Talkeetna offers breath-taking views of snow-capped mountains and frozen rivers. The village exudes a rustic charm, with its colourful cabins and welcoming atmosphere but also a very lively saloon.

The Fairview Inn is exactly the type of drinking establishment I imagined Alaska would have, especially in the winter. The horseshoe shaped bar was occupied by guys sitting in dungarees, with lengthy facial hair, animal skin hats and a healthy thirst for local beer. A terrific place. If you want to live like a local go there. I loved it.

Talkeetna also has a store, a vibrant arts community, coffee shop and is home to the incomparable Aurora Dora,.Queen of the Northern Lights. As night fell on our very first night, the sky above Talkeetna came alive with the dance of the Aurora Borealis and Dora was at hand to describe all.

Witnessing this natural phenomenon is awe-inspiring. The vibrant hues of green, pink, and purple illuminate the night sky, painting a surreal picture. Talkeetna, and to a certain extent Anchorage, benefit from a strategic location within the Aurora Oval making them prime spots for Northern Lights viewing. They are front-row seats to one of nature’s most spectacular displays.

Next day it was off to the airport which was walking distance from the village centre for a small four-man aircraft ride around Denali formerly known as Mount McKinley the highest mountain peak in North America, It has a summit elevation of 20,310 feet above sea level. The views from the aircraft which seemed to almost touch the sides of the mountain are amazing.

In addition to the thrilling activities and breath-taking scenery the kindness and welcome of the local communities in Anchorage and Talkeetna add to the enchantment of your winter adventure. Northern Hospitality is something that Alaskans wear like a badge of pride thus making you feel like a truly valued guest in their winter paradise. It might be cold out there, but you get a very warm welcome in Alaska.