Alaska in winter is not just a majestic natural landscape with magical aurora borealis or snow-covered mountains. It’s also a challenge for those who love long drives, wanting to discover unspoiled beauty and conquer icy roads. However, long drives in Alaska during winter are not an easy journey. You need thorough preparation in terms of knowledge, skills, and equipment to ensure safety and have a memorable trip. This article will share winter driving experiences in Alaska, helping you confidently explore this harsh but incredibly charming land.
Vehicle Preparation: A Prerequisite for a Safe Journey
To cope with harsh driving conditions in Alaska during winter, vehicle preparation is extremely important. Your car not only needs to be in good working order but also needs to be equipped to handle snow, ice, and low temperatures.
Comprehensive vehicle inspection and maintenance
Before starting your journey, take your car for a comprehensive inspection and maintenance. Ensure that all systems are working properly, especially:
- Braking system: Brakes are vital on icy roads. Check brake pads, brake fluid, and the ABS system (if equipped).
- Engine and cooling system: Make sure the engine runs smoothly and the cooling system is strong enough to cope with low temperatures. Check coolant and engine oil, replacing them if necessary with winter-grade fluids.
- Battery: Cold temperatures can reduce battery performance. Check and fully charge the battery before the trip.
- Heating and ventilation system: A well-functioning heating system will keep you comfortable and safe throughout the journey. Check the heating system and ensure ventilation works well to prevent CO poisoning.
- Windshield wipers and washer fluid: Alaskan winters often bring snow and ice buildup on the windshield. Make sure the wipers are working well and use winter-specific washer fluid to prevent freezing.
- Lighting system: Winter in Alaska has short days and long nights, so having a good lighting system is crucial. Check all lights, including headlights, fog lights, turn signals, and taillights.
Winter tires: Essential equipment
Winter tires are the most important factor in ensuring safety when driving on snow and ice. Winter tires are specially designed with deeper treads and a softer rubber compound, which increases grip and reduces the risk of skidding.
- Choose the right winter tires: Select winter tires suitable for your vehicle type and the road conditions you expect to encounter. There are two common types of winter tires: studded tires and non-studded tires. Studded tires offer better grip on ice, but can be noisy and restricted in some areas. Non-studded tires are quieter and still provide good grip on snow.
- Check tire pressure regularly: Tire pressure can change due to temperature. Check tire pressure regularly and adjust according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, especially when temperatures drop.
Equip a winter emergency kit
A winter emergency kit is indispensable when driving long distances in Alaska. This kit should include:
- Snow shovel: To dig the car out of snow if stuck.
- Tow cable: To tow the car or be towed if the car breaks down.
- Flashlight and flares: To signal in case of emergency, especially when it’s dark.
- Warm blanket and spare clothes: To keep warm if the car breaks down in a remote area.
- Food and water: Enough for all passengers in the car, in case of being stranded for a long time.
- First aid kit: To treat minor injuries or medical emergencies.
- Mobile phone and power bank: To communicate in case of emergency. However, note that not all areas in Alaska have cell phone service.
- Paper map and compass: In case of GPS signal loss or phone battery depletion.
Plan Your Trip: The Key to a Smooth Journey
Long drives in Alaska during winter require careful trip planning. You need to thoroughly research the route, weather conditions, and stops to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Research routes and road conditions
- Choose suitable routes: Not all roads in Alaska are well-maintained in winter. Prioritize main roads that are regularly plowed. Find out about road conditions before departure, you can refer to the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) website.
- Note distances and travel times: Distances on the map may not accurately reflect actual travel times in winter. Snowy roads and lower speed limits will increase travel time. Calculate travel time realistically and allow for buffer time.
- Identify stops: Choose reasonable stops for rest, meals, and refueling. Larger towns and cities along the way usually have more amenities. Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
Monitor weather forecasts
Weather in Alaska during winter is very unpredictable and can change rapidly. Monitor weather forecasts regularly before and throughout your journey.
- Pay attention to weather warnings: Blizzard warnings, strong winds, or extremely low temperatures can seriously affect driving conditions. If there are severe weather warnings, consider postponing or adjusting your schedule.
- Prepare for bad weather situations: Even without warnings, bad weather can still occur unexpectedly. Always be prepared for situations like heavy snowfall, icy roads, or limited visibility.
Be flexible with your schedule
Alaskan winters are unpredictable, so plan flexibly and be ready to adjust your schedule if needed.
- Don’t be too ambitious with the schedule: Don’t try to cram too many destinations into a short trip. Prioritize quality over quantity, take time to enjoy each destination and ensure safe travel.
- Be ready to change plans: If you encounter bad weather or unexpected incidents, be ready to change plans and find alternatives. Safety is always the top priority.
Winter Driving Skills: Mastering the Wheel on Ice and Snow
Driving on ice and snow requires skill and high concentration. Normal driving maneuvers can become dangerous on slippery surfaces. Equip yourself with the necessary winter driving skills to ensure safety.
Reduce speed and maintain a safe following distance
This is the golden rule when driving in winter. Icy and snowy roads reduce tire grip, making the car easier to skid and harder to control.
- Reduce speed: Drive slower than the usual speed limit. The slower you drive, the more time you have to react to unexpected situations.
- Maintain a safe following distance: Increase the distance to the vehicle in front to double or triple the normal distance. This gives you enough space to brake or swerve if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly or encounters a problem.
Brake and steer gently
Sudden braking and steering maneuvers can easily cause the car to lose control on slippery roads.
- Brake gently and early: Instead of braking hard, brake gently and earlier than usual. Use engine braking (downshifting) to slow down gradually. If the car has ABS, press the brake pedal firmly and hold, do not pump the brakes. If the car does not have ABS, pump the brakes continuously to avoid locking the wheels.
- Steer gently: Avoid steering too hard or abruptly. Steer slowly and gently to maintain vehicle stability. If the car skids, stay calm, gently release the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go to regain control.
Enhance observation skills
Visibility may be limited due to snowfall, fog, or early darkness. Enhancing observation skills is very important to detect hazards early and have enough time to react.
- Turn on headlights: Always turn on headlights, even during the day, to increase the visibility of your vehicle to other road users. Use fog lights if visibility is limited due to fog or heavy snowfall.
- Keep the windshield clean: Use wipers and washer fluid frequently to ensure the windshield is always clean and free of snow or ice.
- Observe far and wide: Observe far ahead and to both sides of the road to detect obstacles, vehicles, or pedestrians early.
Person skiing down a snowy slope in Alaska
Essential Items: Ensuring Comfort and Safety
In addition to vehicle preparation and driving skills, you also need to prepare enough personal items to ensure comfort and safety throughout your long winter drive in Alaska.
Warm and waterproof clothing
Winter weather in Alaska is very cold and wet. Warm and waterproof clothing is essential.
- Dress in layers: Wear multiple thin layers instead of a few thick layers. This helps you easily adjust warmth according to body temperature and weather conditions.
- Prioritize heat-retaining materials: Choose clothes made of heat-retaining materials such as down, fleece, or specialized synthetic fabrics for winter.
- Waterproof and windproof clothing: The outermost layer should be a waterproof and windproof jacket and pants to protect you from snow, rain, and cold wind.
- Gloves, beanie, and scarf: Don’t forget to protect easily heat-losing parts such as hands, head, and neck. Bring warm gloves, a beanie, and a scarf.
- Waterproof and non-slip boots: Keeping your feet dry and warm is very important. Choose waterproof boots with heat-retaining lining and non-slip soles for safe movement on ice and snow.
Personal items and medications
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: Even in winter, sunlight reflected from snow can still harm skin and eyes. Use sunscreen and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes.
- Lip balm and moisturizer: Cold and dry air can dry out skin and lips. Bring lip balm and moisturizer to keep your skin and lips soft.
- Personal medications: If you have chronic conditions or need to take medication regularly, bring enough medication for the entire trip and some extra.
- Personal identification and cash: Don’t forget to bring personal identification (ID card, driver’s license, passport if needed) and enough cash for unexpected expenses.
Snacks and drinks
- High-energy snacks: Bring high-energy snacks such as energy bars, chocolate, cookies, and dried nuts to replenish energy when hungry on the road.
- Drinks: Always bring enough water, especially when driving in cold conditions, the body still needs to be adequately hydrated. Warm water or hot tea in a thermos is an excellent choice.
Unique Experiences Along the Way: Discovering Alaska’s Winter Beauty
Long drives in Alaska during winter are not just about traveling but also an opportunity to discover unique experiences and admire the magical natural beauty.
Witness the magical aurora borealis
Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis. Winter is the best time to admire this amazing natural phenomenon. Many famous aurora viewing locations such as Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Denali National Park are easily accessible by car. Find a suitable location, away from city lights, and enjoy the beautiful light show in the night sky.
Participate in winter activities
Along the driving routes, you can easily access famous ski resorts such as Alyeska Resort near Anchorage, or join dog sledding tours at Denali National Park. In addition, experiencing hot springs amidst the white snow scenery at Chena Hot Springs Resort near Fairbanks is also an unmissable activity.
Admire the beauty of glaciers
Alaska is home to many majestic glaciers. Winter is an ideal time to explore their icy beauty. Matanuska Glacier, the largest glacier in the United States accessible by road, is an attractive destination for those who want to experience walking on ice or ice climbing. Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau is also a great option, easily accessible and offering many helicopter tours to admire the panoramic view from above.
Aerial view of the vast Matanuska Glacier in Alaska
Safety First: An Unwavering Principle
No matter how experienced you are in long-distance driving, safety is always the top priority when driving in Alaska during winter.
Do not drive when tired or under the influence of alcohol
Driving in harsh conditions requires high concentration. Do not drive when you feel tired or have consumed alcohol. If you feel sleepy, stop the car and rest adequately before continuing your journey.
Inform relatives about your itinerary
Before starting your journey, inform your relatives or friends about your itinerary, including the planned route, departure time, and estimated arrival time at stops. This helps ensure your safety in case of an incident.
Learn about local traffic laws
Traffic laws in Alaska may have some differences from where you live. Learn about local traffic laws, especially regulations regarding speed limits, headlights, and the use of winter tires.
Know when to stop
Sometimes, weather conditions become too bad or you feel unsafe to continue driving. Know when to stop and find a safe shelter to wait for better weather. Don’t hesitate to change plans or postpone your trip if necessary.
Conclusion
Long drives in Alaska during winter are a challenging but also incredibly rewarding experience. With thorough preparation in terms of vehicle, trip plan, driving skills, and essential items, you can completely conquer icy roads and discover the unspoiled, majestic beauty of Alaska in winter. Remember that safety is always the top priority, and caution and flexibility will help you have a memorable and fulfilling trip. Wishing you a safe and memorable winter road trip in Alaska!