Where to Stay in Alaska in The Winter

Iniakuk Lake Wilderness Lodge

The best way to see the northern lights is to get away—far away—from city lights.

And that’s what you’ll get when you stay in this luxurious hand-built lodge, 60 miles above the Arctic Circle and 200 miles north of Fairbanks in Gates of the Arctic National Park.

At Iniakuk Lake Wilderness Lodge, custom packages run from 3 to 5 nights and include activities like aurora viewing and dog mushing.

Salted Roots Cabins

Watching the snow fall through the window of your A-frame cabin is a cozy way to experience winter. Do it in one of the boutique luxury cabins here, where you’ll feel like you’re tucked deep into the woods even though you’re just 5 minutes from downtown Seward.

At Salted Roots Cabins you will enjoy the barrel sauna, ski the cross-country trails, walk down to the beach to see the ocean.

Ask about winter wellness packages that include a private yoga class and massage or facial!

Borealis Basecamp

Located on a secluded ridge outside Fairbanks, Borealis Basecamp is a unique property that features 20 private cabins with windows that have been custom-designed for a northern lights viewing experience.

Also included in your stay are gourmet Alaskan meals, along with snowshoeing and fat-tire biking.

Plus, the location makes it easy to head up above the Arctic Circle or go dogsledding or snowmachining.

WestWind Cabins

Stay in one of the 4 unique, modern, and cozy cabins that make up the intimate resort of WestWind Cabins, all of which marry a luxurious aesthetic with dramatic Alaskan views. All of the cabins serve up stunning views of Kachemak Bay’s shimmering waters and the craggy peaks of the Kenai Mountains. Inside, you’ll find luxurious touches like Jotul gas fireplaces, which create a cozy feel, especially during the chilly winter months. Need another way to warm up? All guests have access to their Nordic-style cedar and spruce spa, set in its own building with a large deck and 6-person outdoor hot tub. Inside, you’ll find a wood-fired sauna, changing room, shower and changing room, and cold plunge tub.

BlueWater BaseCamp

The intimate, 8-chalet BlueWater BaseCamp immerses you in the solitude of the Alaskan wilderness, yet lies just an hour from the Anchorage airport. Great for couples and families looking for lodging in the wilderness, each BlueWater chalet includes a kitchen or kitchenette, views and sits on the doorstep of adventure. Just minutes from Eklutna Lake, you can enjoy access to nearby winter recreation on the Eklutna Lakeside Trail like cross-country skiing or fat tire biking. You’ll even find snowshoe trails around the property! Ask for the And, if the northern lights are visible, you can enjoy the views from their expansive lawns. Add on a Smores Kit to your stay and you'll have everything to make a tasty treat at one of the outdoor firepits.

Snowhook Lodge

Just 60 miles north of Anchorage, in the heart of the Hatcher Pass Recreation Area of the Talkeetna Mountains, you can experience amazing tours, comfortable lodging, and hearty meals at Snowhook Adventures’ Lodge and Cabins. You’ll begin by setting off on a magical, 2-hour dog sled ride through snow-covered woods, over hills, and across frozen lakes. Grab some lunch and hop on a different kind of sled—a snowmobile—for a thrilling, 26-mile ride up the mountain to the lodge. After settling into your cabin, sit down for a delicious meal with good friends and great company, followed by a discussion of the night sky and northern lights. Then go look for the aurora: The greens, whites and reds flow over the lodge on most winter evenings, making for a spectacular show. You can also opt for other activities, like snowshoeing or a midnight snowmobile ride.

Hotel Alyeska

This local favorite lodge is also a luxurious resort, with the amenities to match.

At Hotel Ayleska you can enjoy the Nordic Spa’s outdoor hydrotherapy and barrel saunas, plus a saltwater pool, several restaurants, a fitness center, room service, and a welcoming staff to help you navigate charming Girdwood.

And at your doorstep is a world-renowned ski resort with great downhill ski trails, plus opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat-tire biking, and more.

Don’t miss taking the aerial tram to the top of the mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views and gourmet cuisine.

Susitna Adventure Lodge

Stay at this luxury lodge on the Denali Highway set on 75 acres in front of Yogi Lake, Susitna Adventure Lodge.

Experience an all-inclusive getaway, including a private chef to cook you Alaskan meals. Look out the big picture windows for wildlife, then get out there!

The owners can be your private guides for cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and dog-mushing adventures.

In the winter, the lodge is accessible by ski plane, a 60-mile snowmachine ride, or a multi-day dog sled trek which will only add to the adventure!

Alaska Glacier Lodge

This remote-feeling lodge, nestled in the Knik River Valley, is just a 45-minute drive from Anchorage, and each cabin boasts a private deck that faces the valley and river.

Helicopters take off right from Alaska Glacier Lodge's property, making flightseeing over the glacier easy.

You can also go fat-tire biking, glacier dogsledding, and glacier trekking on the Knik Glacier.

The lodge even provides a shuttle service to and from Anchorage, as well as to the train station in Wasilla.

Rainy Pass Lodge

The magical winter landscape brings endless opportunities for fun and excitement, especially during the world-famous Iditarod dog sled race, since the course runs right by Rainy Pass Lodge. You can travel by snowmobile or fly to lodge on your own, and check into a rustic cabin. Then head outdoors whenever you wish and enjoy groomed cross-country ski trails, marked snowshoe trails, ice skating, epic sledding down a huge ridge, fireworks every Saturday, and looking for the northern lights. You can also add on exciting outings like horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowmachine rentals, ice fishing, and ptarmigan hunting. During the Iditarod you can book an all-inclusive package that includes the race’s ceremonial start in Anchorage and a hotel stay in Anchorage. Then fly to the lodge in time to watch the racers come through. For the remaining nights, you can enjoy any of the lodge’s other winter activities you wish!

Moose Pass Adventures Winter Yurt Getaways

Moose Pass Adventures offers 2 and 3 night guided getaways to their rustic Mongolian style yurt on the shores of Grant Lake. The experince begins with a moderate snowshoe trek across frozen Trail Lake in Moose Pass, before you connect with the National Historic Iditarod Trail. Inside the yurt you’ll find two bunk beds (3 twins and one queen), a handmade spruce table with games and books, and an outhouse (there’s no running water). While you warm up and get cozy, your guides will prepare a delicious BBQ dinner. And after a good night’s sleep, they’ll cook up a hearty breakfast before another day spent exploring the area on snowshoes or foot, or for your journey back to Moose Pass.

Willow Aviator Lodge

This charming getaway is available for groups of up to 10, making it ideal for a large family and friends getaway—and it’s not far from Anchorage or Talkeetna.

Local logs give Willow Aviator Lodge a rustic feel that makes for a cozy stay.

You’ll find nearby grocery stores and dining places, but you can also request a grocery-stocking service from the owners.

The lodge provides great access to adventures like ice fishing, snowmobiling, and northern lights viewing spots.

Hatcher Pass Lodge

This beautiful lodge is set 60 miles north of Anchorage in the Talkeetna Mountains—one of Alaska’s most scenic locations.

Experience snow-covered mountain views, starry nights, and northern lights from the lodge’s large windows.

At Hatcher Pass Lodge, you can also enjoy great food, drinks, and live music on most Saturday afternoons.

And just outside, you’ll have access to some of the state’s best backcountry skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling trails.

Hatcher Pass Cabins

What’s more Alaskan than a log cabin? Choose from chalet-style cabins perfect for 2 families, or smaller cabins that are ideal for couples at Hatcher Pass Cabins.

Right outside your door, you’ll encounter miles of trails for skiing within Hatcher Pass.

Then return to your cozy cabin, which has hot water, Wi-Fi, a grill, fire pit, TV, and complimentary tea and coffee—perfect for curling up with a hot drink after a long day of winter adventures.

Backwoods Lodge

Set in a serene, wooded area 30 minutes south of iconic Denali National Park, locally owned Backwoods Lodge has simple but well-appointed rooms. Situated at the intersection of the Parks and Denali highways, there’s also no shortage of excitement. Go dogsledding at nearby Squid Acres Kennel, or take off for some cross-country skiing and snowshoeing—there are lots of opportunities along the Denali Highway. And of course you’ll have the chance to look for the spectacular northern lights dancing in the sky above you.

Alaska Dogstead Yurt Rentals

This unique property offers a real Alaskan twist: It’s on the site of a champion dog musher and his kennels.

And while a kennel and mushing tour isn’t included in the stay, it’s easy to add on—and you won’t want to miss the opportunity to meet the huskies and have them pull you on an authentic sled.

Then relax in accommodations at Alaska Dogstead Yurt Rentals that are just as unique.

The insulated, heated yurts feature an open floor plan and a high ceiling that make them feel even more spacious than they are.

Loft in the Clouds

This vacation rental feels like a luxurious city home, despite being nestled in stunning Chugach State Park with views of the water and mountains.

And since the Loft in the Clouds is not far from Anchorage or the Mat-Su Valley, it can be the perfect basecamp for your Alaskan adventure. Roast marshmallows over the propane fire pit after a long day of adventuring.

The winter brings regular northern lights sightings, and you’ll find fun amenities like a pool table and stocked bar.