My husband and I are planning a trip to see the northern lights from Fairbanks the 2nd week in November. We understand we need to stay awhile order to increase our chances of seeing the northern lights. We have one week, total.
Any recommendations for a great place to stay/view the lights? We%26#39;d like to drive down to Denali for a couple of nights too - will that be enough time and would you recommended doing a short visit there? Also would like to ski for a day or two (we are not avid skiers but would like to experience a beautiful natural setting over all else.) Maybe skiing as a day trip from Fairbanks?? Any advice would be sincerely appreciated. Many thanks!
Fairbanks in November?
Hi there and welcome to the forum. Well, there are lots of places to stay in Fairbanks . . .but because of the city lights, you will probably need to get out of the city limit to really view the aurora. Hopefully, the Fairbanks expert will list some places. Many people stay at Chena Hot Springs, but I think they are overprices for what you get, but you can enjoy soaking in the hot springs and having the potential to have great views of the Northern lights. You might search out B%26amp;B%26#39;s as well.
In Fairbanks, I believe you can rent skis at Beaver sports or snowshoes - that might be fun, both for Fbks and Denali Park. You can walk around Creamer%26#39;s Field in Fairbanks and they have a small ski area too.
While most of Denali Park services (lodging/restaurants) are already shut down, Healy is only 11-12 miles North of Denali and there are many nice places to stay here year round. I would recommend Motel Nordhaven or if you would like a B%26amp;B, there are a few that stay open year round as well. Not lots of dining choices, but there are a few restaurants. I believe the Murie Science and Learning Center is open all winter, and you can drive on the Park road to where ever they have it closed. It%26#39;s open year round to Park headquarters, and then many people ski the road from there.
I hope that helps you some - the aurora was out last night by the way - good luck! :)
Fairbanks in November?
opps - need to read/write better. I meant to say ';overpriced'; as well as the ski resort is in Fairbanks, but not near Creamer%26#39;s field, as it might be inferred from that paragraph.
You might enjoy a meal at Lavelle%26#39;s - have one of the more extensive wine menus in Fairbanks . . . let us know what else you are interested in seeing and doing. I would go to the museum as well. :)
There are several nice places to stay in Healy, and you would have more of a chance to see the northern lights there as well, because it%26#39;s not a city. I agree with Coalminer that you should stay away from Chena Hot Springs as a place to stay the night, I checked a while ago and they were out of my price range for what they offer, their place was fairly run down when I was there last, they have great hotsprings, but that would be good for a daytrip or maybe a SINGLE overnight. I%26#39;d say that Healy is your best bet to see the northern lights.
I would really recommend that you connect Dale and Jo View Suites. My wife and I have stayed there and it would be a great place to view the northern lights. It sits in a very private setting with no street lights around. I have not been there in the winter, but I would imagine that it would get fairly dark that time of year. The owners are great and they really make you feel at home. i would think the skiing from there place might also interest you. Nothing fancy, but I would think it would make for a good time. It%26#39;s also in a nice location for heading down to Denali for a day or two.
If you want ti ski AND see the Northern Lights might I suggest you check out skiland.org. Skiland is one of the best skiing places in the interior and is right next to a hotel designrd just for seeing the Northern Lights. Good food too! In the winter there is really nothing to see at Denali in the winter. The park road is closed and the town itself is virtually a ghost town. Might I suggest Chena Hot Springs Resort. I have lived here since 1968, and we go up there 10 or more times a year . Great wildlife, scenery, and the food and accomendations are first rate. ( Check them out on the web. chenahotsprings.com ) Besides where else can you sit outside in a natural hot spring when it%26#39;s below zero without being cold? Enjoy you trip to our wonderful city, but beware it%26#39;s addicting!
If you want ti ski AND see the Northern Lights might I suggest you check out skiland.org. Skiland is one of the best skiing places in the interior and is right next to a hotel designrd just for seeing the Northern Lights. Good food too! In the winter there is really nothing to see at Denali in the winter. The park road is closed and the town itself is virtually a ghost town. Might I suggest Chena Hot Springs Resort. I have lived here since 1968, and we go up there 10 or more times a year . Great wildlife, scenery, and the food and accomendations are first rate. ( Check them out on the web. chenahotsprings.com ) Besides where else can you sit outside in a natural hot spring when it%26#39;s below zero without being cold? Enjoy you trip to our wonderful city, but beware it%26#39;s addicting!
I second Skiland/Cleary Summit. It looks like a really cool place to stay. Their ski slopes are a bit under rated as in their greens would be other places blues in some cases. We have one other ski ';resort'; Moose Mountain. They don%26#39;t have a chair lift but heated busses run you back up. If you want cross country skiing, we have a ton of trails. I would recommend you take a couple days to go down to Healy. It%26#39;s a beautiful drive and you ';might'; see Denali. The Murie Science Learning Center at the park is pretty interesting too. In Fairbanks the Museum of the North is cool. We also have dog sled races every Sunday out at Musher%26#39;s Hall. It%26#39;s nice because you can go inside to get warmed up. Have fun.
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