Winter Arctic Alaska and Northern Lights
Explore the remote arctic of Alaska during late winter when days are beginning to lengthen and temperatures warm, but ample snow still blankets the landscape. Spend nights photographing the magical northern lights during its’ annual peak of activity, and during a time of winter known for stable weather and clear skies. Spend days immersed in the Arctic landscape, searching for and photographing northern wildlife and scenes. After a night in Alaska’s Golden Heart City, Fairbanks, get off the beaten path, where few travel, as you drive to the historic gold mining community of Wiseman. During our days in Wiseman we will travel the Dalton Highway looking for arctic mammals such as the gray wolf, moose, caribou, and red fox. At night provided the skies are clear we will watch for and photograph the aurora borealis.
If time and weather allows we will travel north on the famous Dalton Highway over the highest road pass in Alaska, to the spectacular arctic coastal plain, taking time to photograph this exotic landscape and look for some of the wildlife that inhabit the rolling hills north of the Brooks Range, such as muskoxen and caribou. Take home unforgettable memories and photographs under the expert guidance of longtime Alaska resident, naturalist, and professional photographer Hugh Rose.
Questions? Contact Us
Tour Highlights
Itinerary Summary
| Description | Lodge | Meals | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Fairbanks, orientation and welcome dinner | Pikes Waterfront Lodge, Fairbanks | D |
| Day 2 - 6 | Drive to Wiseman, cross the Arctic Circle and Yukon River. Spend days exploring and photographing in the Brooks Range, nights watching for Aurora Borealis | Arctic Getaway, Igloo #8 Cabin B&B, Wiseman | B, L, D |
| Day 7 | Drive south down the Dalton Highway to Fairbanks, arriving in time for a farewell dinner | Pikes Waterfront Hotel, Fairbanks | B, L, D |
| Day 8 | Depart Fairbanks for home or trip extension in Alaska | B |
What Makes Us Different?
With over 25 years of experience conducting small group photo and natural history tours we have gotten to know our subjects and places better than anyone. This allows us to better predict wildlife behavior and have you ready and in position when the action begins and to have minimal impact on the wildlife we are observing and photographing. We have been conducting aurora photography tours for 20+ years and are committed to the highest quality, safest experience for you with the least impact on the environment we visit. We have been using Mercedes Sprinter vans for over 10 years, which are by far the most comfortable vehicle for these trips. In addition, we include everything in the tour price, no hidden costs.
Day 1: Arrive in Fairbanks, Alaska
Arrive in Fairbanks, Alaska. Transfer will be provided to your lodging for this night at Pikes Waterfront Lodge, located near the airport on the banks of the Chena River. We will meet for an orientation at 6:00pm in the lobby of Pike’s and enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant afterwards.
Day 2 - 6: Drive to North to Wiseman for aurora and wildlife in the Brooks Range
We’ll drive north to Wiseman on the scenic Dalton Highway, the only road in the United States that crosses the Arctic Circle. During the drive, we’ll pass through the White Mountains, cross the mighty Yukon River and traverse the Caribou Mountains, before entering the Brooks Range, searching for wildlife and enjoying the scenic views along the way. Our destination for the day is Wiseman, a gold mining town that offers a glimpse into the recent human history of Alaska.
Wiseman is located approximately 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle at roughly 67°N latitude, an excellent location for aurora photography and perfect base for exploration of the Brooks Range. We’ll check in at Wiseman’s unique and historic bed and breakfast owned by Berni and Uta Hicker. Conditions permitting, we’ll spend our five nights chasing the aurora! During this time Hugh will teach techniques for obtaining stunning images of this spectacular and ephemeral phenomenon. As time and sleep allows, we will spend the days while in Wiseman exploring the surrounding arctic landscape, searching for wildlife and birds that make the arctic their home.
If weather allows, we will drive over Atigun Pass, the highest road pass in Alaska to look out onto the rolling hills of the North Slope and glass for wildlife seen on the tundra. Views of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline as it snakes over the open tundra parallel to the road, are unparalleled and add another dimension to the landscape photography.
Day 7: Drive south to Fairbanks, crossing the Arctic Circle
We’ll bid farewell to Wiseman and depart south toward Fairbanks. As usual, we will maximize wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities during this day of travel, searching the landscape for one last glimpse of Alaska’s arctic wildlife. We’ll retrace our path south, crossing the Arctic Circle and Yukon River. After arriving in Fairbanks and settling back into Pikes Waterfront Lodge we will meet for a farewell dinner.
Day 8: Depart homeward from Fairbanks
Transfer to the Fairbanks Airport for your flights home or extend your stay with an Alaska add-on.
Cost:
We reserve the right to charge for cost increases that occur between when we set tour prices and the date of travel, for example, changes due to the cost of lodging and transportation. If you are a single traveler and you are willing to have a roommate, we will find a roommate for you, and if we cannot, we will not charge you a single supplement fee. Single rooms are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed throughout the trip.
Payment, Reservation & Cancellations:
Payments will be due based on the schedule below. All reservations require a deposit to confirm reservation of your space. For reservations made after a due date, all past payments will be due with registration. By sending your initial deposit, you agree to accept our payment schedule and cancellation policy as a contract. If payments are still outstanding two weeks after the due date, your space may be forfeited
- Deposit, due to reserve your space: $1,000
- Second payment, November 15th: $1497.50
- Final payment, January 15th: Remaining Balance
Cancellations
Until the Second Payment due date, deposits are refundable except for a cancellation fee of $500 per person, which can be applied toward another tour if reserved within one year of the cancelled trip’s departure date. Cancellations are non-transferrable. No refunds are given after the Final Payment due date, unless we can fill the space(s) you have reserved.
Included:
- All activities, leaders, transport, user fees, and permit fees.
- Accommodations for the nights of Mar 1 through Mar 7.
- Meals from dinner on Mar 1 through breakfast on Mar 8
- Airport transfers to/from Pikes Waterfront Hotel on Mar 1 and Mar 8 in Fairbanks.
- Complimentary beverages (wine, beer) in Wiseman.
- Trip Materials – information about flights, packing, entry and departure requirements, airport transfers, gratuities, etc.
- Warm insulated Arctic Muck boots, for use during the trip.
Not Included:
- Airfare to Fairbanks, Alaska from your home, airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees.
- Separate Airport transfer fees if booking extra nights in Fairbanks before Mar 1 or after Mar 8.
- Emergency medical and evacuation insurance and trip cancellation insurance.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room service, alcoholic and other beverages, items not on the regular menu, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your Reservation/Release Form.
Important Disclaimer-Weather Related Travel Delays:
You will be visiting the arctic of Alaska and weather can at times be extreme. Although this has never happened on a trip the possibility exists of the Dalton Highway being closed due to high winds and lack of visibility. In the case of a weather delay we will provide alternative lodging, but there may be a small fee associated with any changes in the itinerary.
Bill Mohrwinkel
Bill has lived and guided in Alaska for 25 years. He has extensive experience throughout Alaska including being part owner of a guiding business in the Arctic for 10 years,…
Hugh Rose
Hugh Rose has photographed and lived in northern climates most of his life with the latter part of it in Alaska. Compelled by Alaska’s natural beauty, he left a 10-year…
