There's a particular kind of magic to Alaska in winter — the sort that only reveals itself once the snow settles and the sky turns dark enough for the aurora to dance. Our Winter Aurora Rail Journey takes you through that magic over seven unforgettable days, travelling from Anchorage to Fairbanks by road, rail and air, with the Chugach Mountains, the Iditarod Trail and the Arctic Circle all part of the adventure.

A journey built for winter

This isn't a trip you rush. From Anchorage, you'll travel up over 700 metres above Turnagain Arm on the Alyeska Aerial Tram, taking in views across seven hanging glaciers and the glistening Cook Inlet below. From there, the legendary Alaska Railroad carries you north aboard the Aurora Train, through some of the most dramatic winter scenery in North America, all the way to Fairbanks. Six nights in comfortable hotel accommodation and two lunches along the way mean you can simply settle in and let the landscape do the talking.

Dog sledding, dramatic skies and the Arctic Circle

Some experiences on this journey are the kind you'll be telling stories about for years. You'll mush your own dog team through the winter wilderness along Alaska's legendary Iditarod Trail, guided by a veteran musher who knows the trail's history inside out. Later, you'll take to the air, soaring above the vast Yukon River Valley and the historic Trans-Alaska Pipeline before crossing into the Arctic Circle — a milestone marked with a commemorative certificate to bring home.

When to go

This journey departs on Wednesdays from mid-December through to mid-March, when the long winter nights give you the best chance of catching the aurora overhead. Prices start from $5,725pp, and — as with all our tailored itineraries — the journey can be customised to suit exactly how you'd like to experience it.

Why book this one with us

Alaska in winter rewards good planning. Flights, timing around the aurora season, and the right add-ons can make a real difference to how the trip feels once you're there — and that's exactly where a YOU Travel & Cruise Consultant earns their keep. We'll help you build the details around this itinerary, from getting the timing right to adding extra nights either end, so the whole journey feels effortless from the moment you book to the moment you're home telling everyone about the lights you saw.

Ready to see Alaska's winter landscapes for yourself? Let's meet and start planning your Winter Aurora Rail Journey together.