Winter Wonderland in Alaska: A Birthday Adventure in Fairbanks
Dec 29th, 2023 | Krithika Vummiti
Introduction
Our winter adventure in Fairbanks, Alaska, turned out to be the most memorable birthday celebration ever. Traveling with my husband, we embarked on a 5-day journey into the heart of the Alaskan winter, exploring the enchanting landscapes, chasing the elusive aurora lights, and experiencing unique adventures that will forever be etched in our memories.
Day 1: Arrival and Santa's House
On the first day, after a picturesque flight from San Jose, we arrived in Fairbanks at 3 pm to find a snow-covered wonderland. Driving to our off-the-grid cabin, we marveled at the magical twilight and settled into our cozy retreat. Despite the cloudy sky hindering our aurora hopes, we explored the Santa Claus House, indulging in hot chocolate and collecting Christmas decorations. A cozy bar, delicious food, and a tranquil night in our cabin set the tone for the days to come.
Day 2: Sunrise Hike to a Glacial Wonderland
Waking up early to a freezing -10 degrees Celsius, we soaked in an outdoor hot tub, fueling up with hot chocolate before embarking on an epic journey to a glacier. The two-and-a-half-hour drive offered breathtaking views of snow-covered mountains and a sunrise that painted the sky at 10 am. Our hike, initially challenging, led us to a stunning glacier, rewarding us with a winter wonderland panorama. On our return, we stumbled upon a lost phone, performing a good deed and adding a heartwarming twist to our adventure
Day 3: Borealis Basecamp Experience
After checking out of our cabin, we headed to the Wooden Bowl Company for Alaskan souvenirs before embarking on a shuttle to Borealis Basecamp. Booked months in advance, the basecamp, perched atop a mountain, featured igloo-like rooms designed for optimal aurora viewing. Despite the splurge, the views, private sauna, and fine dining made it worth every penny. The highlight was the unexpected early appearance of the aurora lights, creating an unforgettable birthday spectacle.
Day 4: Activities and Birthday Surprises
A complimentary breakfast with a live omelet counter fueled us for a day filled with activities at Borealis Basecamp. From a reindeer meet and greet to a thrilling snow machine ride, the day culminated in an exhilarating dog sledding experience with Alaskan huskies. Fine dining with a surprise birthday dessert and another night of mesmerizing aurora lights under a blanket of stars made it a day to cherish forever.
Day 5: Farewell and Alaskan Stories
Our last day included a private shuttle ride with an informative driver who shared captivating stories of Alaska. Stops included a glimpse of the colossal pipelines running across the state. As we boarded our flight back to San Jose, we couldn’t help but reflect on the short but incredibly rich experience that Alaska had gifted us—a journey that will remain etched in our hearts forever.</p><p>In just five days, we uncovered the magical allure of Alaska’s winter wonderland, making it a birthday trip for the books. From glaciers to auroras, dog sledding to fine dining, every moment was an adventure, leaving us with memories to last a lifetime.
In just five days, we uncovered the magical allure of Alaska’s winter wonderland, making it a birthday trip for the books. From glaciers to auroras, dog sledding to fine dining, every moment was an adventure, leaving us with memories to last a lifetime.