Alaska, the land of magnificent natural wonders, is a dream destination for travelers worldwide. Especially in winter, it adorns itself with a magical beauty as the aurora borealis shimmers in the night sky. If you’re seeking a memorable Northern Lights viewing experience combined with a fantastic getaway, Alaska is the ideal destination. This article will introduce you to the top 5 resorts in Alaska where you can witness the dazzling aurora and enjoy world-class services.
1. Chena Hot Springs Resort – Aurora Paradise near Fairbanks
Chena Hot Springs Resort – Ideal place to watch the Alaska Northern Lights
When it comes to Northern Lights viewing in Alaska, Fairbanks, known as the “Aurora Capital” of North America, is a must-mention. Among the accommodation options in Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs Resort stands out as a gem. This resort is located about 60 miles northeast of downtown Fairbanks, far enough to escape city lights, creating ideal conditions for aurora observation.
Chena Hot Springs Resort is not just a place to stay; it’s a comprehensive aurora experience center. Here, you can join professional aurora hunting tours led by experts in astronomy and weather. The resort also features the “Aurora Ice Museum,” a unique ice museum where you can admire stunning ice sculptures and enjoy cocktails in ice glasses.
The most unique feature of Chena Hot Springs Resort is its outdoor natural hot springs. Imagine soaking in the warm water, relaxing amidst the snow-covered landscape, and looking up at the starry night sky with the dancing aurora borealis. This will surely be an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
In addition, Chena Hot Springs Resort offers many other exciting winter activities such as skiing, dog sledding, visiting a dog mushing kennel, and exploring hiking trails. With modern facilities, attentive service, and a prime location, Chena Hot Springs Resort is the perfect choice for a Northern Lights viewing vacation in Alaska.
2. Alyeska Resort – Aurora Viewing and World-Class Skiing
Alyeska Resort – Combining aurora viewing and skiing
If you love both the aurora and winter sports, Alyeska Resort is a destination not to be missed. This luxurious resort is located in Girdwood, about 40 miles south of Anchorage, in a magnificent mountain valley. Alyeska Resort is famous for Alaska’s largest ski area, Alyeska Ski Resort, with over 76 diverse trails suitable for all levels.
After a long day conquering challenging ski slopes, there’s nothing better than relaxing at Alyeska Resort and waiting for the aurora to appear. This resort is ideally located away from the city lights of Anchorage, offering excellent opportunities to view the aurora right on the resort grounds. You can enjoy a romantic dinner at the Seven Glaciers restaurant on top of Alyeska Mountain and then step outside to admire the brilliant aurora in the night sky.
Alyeska Resort offers a variety of luxurious rooms and suites with stunning views of the mountains and glaciers. The resort also has a full range of upscale amenities such as a spa, hot tub, restaurants, bars, and a fitness center. In addition to skiing and aurora viewing, you can participate in other activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating, dog sledding, and exploring the nearby Portage Glacier.
Alyeska Resort is the perfect combination of luxury accommodation, winter sports, and unique aurora experiences. It’s an ideal destination for travelers who want to enjoy a complete and memorable Alaskan winter vacation.
3. Borealis Basecamp – Unique Glass Igloos in the Wilderness
Borealis Basecamp – Unique aurora viewing experience in a glass igloo
If you want to experience aurora viewing in a completely different and closer-to-nature way, Borealis Basecamp will be an ideal choice. This unique resort is located about 25 miles north of Fairbanks, in a pristine and quiet area. The highlight of Borealis Basecamp is its glass “igloos,” transparent dome tents designed to provide an amazing aurora viewing experience right from your bed.
Each glass igloo at Borealis Basecamp is fully equipped with amenities such as a comfortable bed, private bathroom, heater, and seating area. The transparent glass walls allow you to gaze at the vast night sky, and when the aurora appears, you’ll feel like you’re immersed in the magical dance of light in your own private space.
Borealis Basecamp not only offers a unique aurora viewing experience but also emphasizes connection with nature. This resort is nestled in the pristine Taiga forest, where you can enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Alaskan wilderness. During the day, you can participate in activities such as hiking, cross-country skiing, snow biking, and visiting a nearby dog mushing camp.
Borealis Basecamp is the perfect choice for travelers seeking a unique, romantic, and nature-immersive aurora viewing experience in Alaska’s wilderness.
4. Denali National Park Wilderness Lodges – Explore Nature and See Aurora in a National Park
Denali National Park – Combining nature exploration and aurora viewing
Denali National Park is one of Alaska’s largest and most famous national parks, with vast expanses and stunning pristine scenery. In winter, Denali takes on a tranquil and mysterious beauty, making it an ideal time to explore the wilderness and admire the aurora borealis.
Although there are no luxury resorts directly inside Denali National Park in winter (most close for the season), there are several cozy lodges and cabins located just outside the park entrance, providing ideal accommodation for exploring Denali and aurora viewing. Popular options include Denali Cabins, McKinley Chalet Resort (partially open in winter), and Kantishna Roadhouse (located deep inside the park, but difficult to access in winter and often requires very early booking).
Staying near Denali National Park offers a great opportunity to combine wilderness exploration and aurora viewing. During the day, you can participate in activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, wildlife viewing, and visiting the park’s visitor center. At night, you can find a secluded spot in the park or near your lodge to admire the brilliant aurora in the clear night sky.
Denali National Park Wilderness Lodges are a suitable choice for nature lovers who want to combine exploring Denali National Park and experiencing aurora viewing in a pristine and peaceful setting.
5. Sheldon Chalet – Luxurious Stay on a Glacier Amidst Alaskan Mountains
Sheldon Chalet – Luxurious aurora viewing experience on a glacier
If you are looking for an exceptionally unique and luxurious resort experience, Sheldon Chalet will be a destination that exceeds all expectations. This opulent resort is perched on a granite spur amidst the Ruth Glacier, deep in the Alaska Range, and is only accessible by helicopter.
Sheldon Chalet has only 5 bedrooms, ensuring privacy and exclusivity for each guest. The resort is designed in a modern and sophisticated style, with luxurious interiors and 360-degree views of the magnificent mountains and glaciers. Here, you will enjoy the highest level of service, from a private chef and private guides to unique glacier and mountain exploration activities.
Aurora viewing at Sheldon Chalet is an unforgettable experience. With its secluded location in the wilderness, without any artificial light pollution, you will witness the most vibrant and vivid aurora borealis in the Alaskan night sky. You can admire the aurora from the cozy living room, from your private balcony, or even from the outdoor hot tub.
Sheldon Chalet is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a top-tier luxurious and unique vacation in Alaska, combined with excellent aurora viewing opportunities and unique wilderness exploration.
Conclusion
Winter in Alaska is not just a tourist destination; it’s a journey of self-discovery and conquering limits. With the wonderful resorts introduced above, you will have the opportunity to witness the magical aurora borealis, enjoy unique winter experiences, and create memorable moments in your life. Plan your Alaska trip today and explore the wild beauty of this frozen land!