The Best Things to Do in Winter In Talkeetna
Talkeetna, just a 2 hour drive north of Anchorage, is a great spot to spend a few cozy winter days.
Talkeetna Winter Activities
During the day, hop on your cross-country skis or fat bike and enjoy the trails at the Talkeetna Lakes Park. Pay attention to the signs, as some trails are ski-only. If you get a clear day, don’t miss the opportunity to take to the skies on a flightseeing tour of Mt. Denali. Other adventures include dog sledding and snowmobile tours.
Where to Stay in Talkeetna during the Winter
Book a room at the famous Talkeetna Roadhouse, and you’ll get the added benefit of enjoying their world-famous sourdough pancakes. At night, keep your eye on the aurora forecast. With minimal light pollution, Talkeetna can be a great spot to see the lights.
Getting to Talkeetna in the Winter
If you rent a car, it's about a 2-hour drive from Anchorage. Rather not drive to Talkeetna? Hop the Aurora Winter Train from Anchorage or Fairbanks. The train operates weekends only from mid-September to early May, with select mid-week service dates in February and March. Or, hire a private transfer with AK Tripping.
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Winter Activities
Dog Mushing Tours View All
Find out what this iconic Alaskan sport is all about when you meet the dogs and learn about racing them with Susitna Sled Dog Adventures out of Talkeetna. Come in winter and you can also hop on a sled to really feel what dog mushing is like!
Ride snowmachines on private trails through forests while keeping an eye out for wildlife on your way to visit sled dogs and mushers and learn what it’s really like to run the Iditarod while mushing your own team.
Flightseeing Tours
Denali (Mt McKinley) • Land on a Glacier
While you may never join the ranks of climbers who have summited Denali, an up-close view of North America’s tallest peak can still be yours. K2 Aviation offers once-in-a-lifetime flightseeing tours among and above the Alaska Range. Add a glacier landing to get a sense of how immense these peaks really are.
Locally known as “The Glacier Landing Company,” TAT has been flying climbers and sightseers to the Alaska Range and Denali since 1947. Talkeetna Air Taxi features a custom-designed fleet of planes, a dedicated customer service team, and a variety of tours for every budget.
Sightseeing Tours View All
Winter in Alaska is a magical time, with fewer visitors and a serene, snow-covered landscape. If you’re here from mid-September to mid-May, you can take it in from the comfort of the Aurora Winter Train, which runs between Anchorage and Fairbanks. It’s an easy and memorable way to travel north and experience the aurora borealis, or even do a weekend getaway to Talkeetna.
Points of Interest
This recreation area is just a mile and a half from town, but it feels like wilderness — with deep woods and several lakes, it’s a great place to hike, run, canoe, fish, or look for wildlife. In winter, cross-country ski, walk, or fat bike on the multi-use trails.
History, fun, and massive portions of food come together at this institution, which was built over 3 years starting in 1914. Choose from a variety of cozy rooms in the main roadhouse and wake up the smell of fresh baked goods from the Kitchen in the morning. Or, for a more private experience, book one of the cabins out back or the Museum Apartment at the end of the block.
Guided Hiking
Get out there on one or more of these super-accessible trips, which range from easy nature walks to strenuous alpine multi-day treks. You’ll not only get a healthy dose of scenery, you’ll also exercise your body, mind, and soul. In winter, marvel at frozen waterfalls, snowshoe treks and even heli-snowshoeing!
Snowmobiling Tours View All
Ride snowmachines through forests
Ride snowmachines on private trails through forests while keeping an eye out for wildlife on your way to visit sled dogs and mushers and learn what it’s really like to run the Iditarod while mushing your own team.