FAIRBANKS - A WINTER WONDERLAND
Whether
you come to view the Northern Lights dancing across a crisp clear winter sky, or
watch one of the the many dog-mushing events, Fairbanks offers you a true
winter adventure! Winters here are exotic! While most visitors chose
to come between May and September, winter can be just as fun!
"This is easily the best hostel I've ever had the pleasure of visiting.
Sure I had an icey cold couch for a bed and it was in an icey foyer,(because the
hostel was full and it was there or outside) but the hospitality and
company was bloody brilliant!!
Besides! It was good conditioning for the 14 day dog sledding expedition that
lies ahead..."
3/12/08
fourteen days later......
3/26/08
...I am back! and for what I have come, is done!!
I mushed for 14 days, 350 miles -40 degree weather, 500 lob of dog food, 20
dogs, saw the northern lights,
saw wolves, caribou, doll sheep, fell into the river,
climbed up the mountains, and made some bloody good mates!
Thank you again Billie! I'll be sending more your way, keep my couch
free!!
There's an essence in the wind
forming texture to my skin
new ventures stand before me
..a realm where no mans been
Reiner Neist
Yarrum, Vic, Australia
Sled Dog & Dog Sleds
There are many reasons to come
experience an Interior Alaska winter.
Try a dog sled ride or better yet,
learn to drive a team!
Just want to watch the excitement?
Then come out to
the race grounds to see the action up close.
In February come downtown for
The Yukon Quest -
International Sled Dog Race.
This grueling race follows the
historic gold rush trail for over
1,000 miles from Fairbanks to Whitehorse,
Yukon.
If you are here in March, head out with the locals for
the Open North
American Sled Dog Championship.
Northern Lights~ Outside Billie's Backpackers Hostel
NO, the picture is not "doctored" nor is it a rare event. Its extremely
common to see the
Aurora from directly outside our door during the "dark" months (Late August thru
Late March)
Native
Alaskans believed they could see the souls of their ancestors in these curtains of
light. You will not believe your eyes! Step right outside the hostel door
(see pic to left) for the best light show in the world. Best of all, its
FREE! Visible from late August thru March, Fairbanks provides one of the
best spots on earth for viewing the Aurora Borealis.
The Hostel is directly under the "Auroral Oval", a ring shaped region
above the North Pole. Because of our geography, Aurora activity is
frequent and intense. On average we see the lights over 240 days a year.
For a forecast of today's Northern Light activity click below.
Aurora Forecast.
You have touch my heart with your essence Billie
Just to think about aurora, I kept postpone trip for 15 years.
At first night arrived here, windy, 38 below, wow! thrilled, excited, when the
cold hit at Billie's home.
When Billies fire loving eyes, loving heart, make me warm, and fuzzy at first
meet you.
A good host makes sweet home, safety, harmony, relaxing, enjoyable,it's truly
family, friendship connected with you, and people I meet here.
something about Billie stand out loud and clear.."welcome, shalom, "its
your vacation, make yourself at home...enjoy..and I'm really enjoy it!
February 2008
Yutaka Sando
Hot Springs and Ice Hotel ~
The Fairbanks area is well known for several mineral hot springs. Some
offer an extremely remote wilderness setting, while others are a short drive
from the city. In the last century prospectors sought these places out as
a welcome refuge where they could relax their weary bodies. For truly
exotic northern experience come soak in an outdoor pool in the crisp winter air
while the northern lights dance above.
Interior Hot Springs:
Chena Hot Springs
Cirlcle Hot Springs
Manley Hot Spring
Tolovana Hot Springs
Winter Sports ~
If you like winter sports you've come to the right
place! Everything from ice skating, snow machining to curling can be found in
Fairbanks. You can even try your hand at ice fishing. Just chose any
frozen lake or river, but make sure to dress warm! Dress in layers and
wear a warm pair of boots. You don't need to go it alone either.
There are any outdoor guides ready to take you on the adventure of a
lifetime. There are hundreds of opportunities to get out and see the
real Alaska!
Back At The Hostel ~
Of course nothing feels better after a long hard day of playing then coming on back home to the cozy relaxing atmosphere of Billie's!
For more information about what Fairbanks has to offer
in the winter, or anytime year visit the Fairbanks
Visitor Center or give them a call at 1-800-327-5774. Ask for the
winter events guide.