Winter Fun in Anchorage, Alaska
Check out our cold-season recommendations for activities in and around Alaska’s largest city
Once the holiday season ends, it’s pretty easy to slide into the winter doldrums. We get it, all the sparkling lights, shiny new toys, and festive occasions make Alaska’s darkest month feel a little bit brighter. But we’ve got quite a few weeks yet of cold and snow, so why not make the best of it with a cozy stay at the Copper Whale Inn, where Anchorage winter activities shine like the aurora! Since we’re always asked, “What is there to do in Anchorage during the winter?” our team thought a little FAQ session was in order. So sit back, pour a cup of hot chocolate (our cocoa bar is the best), and catch up with our favorite Anchorage snowy-season fun.
What outdoor activities are available in Anchorage?
If bundling up and seizing the day is your jam, then Anchorage delivers, with a wide range of outdoor recreation during the winter months. For alpine skiers, Anchorage’s own Hilltop Ski Area is located just a few miles from Copper Whale Inn. This community-centered space offers 30 acres of lighted skiing and riding for all ages, since it has a great ski school, rental shop, and “magic carpet” belt for beginners. Another bonus? It is adjacent to Far North Bicentennial Park’s Nordic ski trails, so those wanting to strap on the skinny skis while others in the group ride the chairlift are in a good spot.
Speaking of Nordic skiing: Anchorage is home to more than 200 miles of trail systems suitable for cross-country skiing. Check out the Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage for a complete map (and etiquette for non-skiers and skiers alike).
Looking for a peaceful place to take a walk in the snow? Head to the east end of Anchorage and the stunning Alaska Botanical Garden, where even in winter, visitors will be awed by the beautiful, wintry forest setting and trail systems. Also in the winter, the garden lights up with beautiful colors and displays at the annual Brighter Winter Nights each Saturday and Sunday evening. Tickets for this event are required, so check the website for information and dates. The garden is open daily all year from dawn until dusk (note that in Anchorage, Alaska, dawn and dusk are different from where you may live!). Admission is $5/per person.
And, just a few blocks away from the Copper Whale Inn, 4th Avenue now features the Anchorage Mushing District, where celebrating Alaska’s state sport (dog mushing) is right overhead and under your feet, with interpretive signs, paw print inlays, and a mark of historic mushing competitions like the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and Fur Rondy Open World Championship Sled Dog Race. Look for the arch with a musher silhouette, and you’re there!
I’m a history buff; what museums should I visit in Anchorage?
Learning about Alaska’s rich cultural history is time well spent in downtown Anchorage. All but one of the museums below are within walking distance of the Copper Whale Inn, with plenty of dining options in between, too.
Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center: Located on C Street, the museum is one of Alaska’s largest, with three floors of permanent and temporary exhibitions. Learn about the more than 200 tribes recognized in Alaska, study up on the development of Anchorage, browse the beautiful art galleries, or keep the kids (and adults) busy in the Discovery Center. Open during the winter months Tuesday through Sunday, it’s a great place to begin your Anchorage exploration. Psst: First Friday evenings are FREE after 6 p.m. Within walking distance of the inn.
Alaska Veterans Museum: This powerful little museum is located on 4th Avenue downtown, and is the place to go if you are a vet, have an interest in Alaska’s long relationship with the U.S. military, or just want to browse the collections of unique artifacts, art, and regalia of Alaska veterans. It’s welcoming for all, and staffed by volunteer vets. Within walking distance of the inn.
Anchorage Alaska Public Lands Information Center: Also on 4th Avenue, the AAPLIC is open year-round and is a wonderful place to discover the area’s amazing natural history. It’s also a good spot to visit and learn about the myriad public land agencies working together to keep Alaska a safe, healthy, and vibrant outdoor recreation hotspot. Browse the displays, see a film about Anchorage’s history, the aurora borealis, or the Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964. You can also ask as many questions as you like from the fabulous National Park Service folks staffing the front desk! Within walking distance of the inn.
Alaska Aviation Museum: The one museum you’ll need transportation to reach, it is nonetheless a must-see. Located on the shores of Lake Hood Seaplane Base, the busiest in the world, the museum features three hangars of vintage aircraft and amazing aviation history, with numerous hands-on displays and activities that will engage the whole family for hours. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays, it’s rarely crowded in the winter months, so take advantage of the quiet and roam among the exhibitions. There’s also some aircraft outdoors, so bundle up! Located six miles from the inn; take a rideshare or People Mover bus to the Anchorage International Airport.
Are there any winter festivals in Anchorage?
And how! Anchorage does love a rousing winter festival to chase away any residual blues, and below are a few of our favorites.
Alaska Craft Brew and Barley Wine Festival, end of January. Hosted by the Brewers Guild of Alaska. Whether your love is cider, seltzer, mead, or a locally-made beer, this event is sure to be a fun gathering of Alaskans and their friends. Enjoy live music from local bands, local food vendors, games, and fun activities from the beautiful Dena’ina Center venue downtown. Within walking distance of the inn.
Fur Rendezvous, last two weeks of February. Also known as “Fur Rondy,” this annual Anchorage party celebrates the historical return of trappers to the big city, and is a full-on winter event, with a grand parade, carnival rides, Native artisan booths, snowshoe softball, outhouse races, and the aforementioned sled dog sprint races. Oh, and the final Saturday afternoon of the festival is the great Running With the Reindeer race (no kidding). Held in many locations around downtown Anchorage, and most events are within walking distance of the inn. Dress warmly for maximum enjoyment!
Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Ceremonial Start, first Saturday of March. Witness the yips and yowls of hundreds of sled dogs eager to hit the trail to Nome! Held all along 4th Avenue and every side street within the area, Iditarod start day is one for the memory books. Dress in warm clothing, have the camera ready, and plan on some exciting trail time. Perfect for the Copper Whale Inn guest, since we’re so close to 4th Avenue. Note: Copper Whale Inn is often booked far, far ahead of the Iditarod, so consider joining one of sister company Salmon Berry Tours’ multi-day adventures for a completely amazing Iditarod experience.
We’ll see you at the inn!