Alaska Railroad Delivers the Last Frontier's Most Coveted Winter Experiences

Image: PHOTO: Northern Lights over Denali, Alaska. (photo via EdwardSnow/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Image: PHOTO: Northern Lights over Denali, Alaska. (photo via EdwardSnow/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 12:30 PM ET, Wed November 28, 2018

The Alaska Railroad is introducing two new winter packages for the 2018-19 season focusing on a pair of coveted, once-in-a-lifetime Alaskan experiences in the northern lights and dog mushing.

Arriving just in time for the holidays, the Borealis is an eight-night excursion beginning in Fairbanks featuring a two-night stay at the Borealis Basecamp where guests can watch the northern lights from a comfortable geodesic dome.

Afterward, passengers will hop aboard the Aurora Winter Train traveling towards the town of Talkeetna where they'll visit an Iditarod champion sled dog kennel. That stop is followed by a visit to Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Starting at $1,639 per person based on double occupancy, the first Borealis experience is scheduled to depart December 22, 2018, with additional journeys being offered through the end of March 2019.

Meanwhile, the week-long Aurora package will travel north from Anchorage to Fairbanks, also stopping in Talkeetna for two nights. Guests on this journey will have the opportunity to participate in a guided sled dog tour as well as visit an Iditarod champion sled dog kennel.

Passengers will enjoy stunning views of Alaska's backcountry and might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of North America's tallest peak in Denali en route to Fairbanks. Once there, guests will disembark to seek out aurora viewing opportunities and pay a visit to Chena Hot Springs.

Starting at $1,459 per person based on double occupancy, the first Aurora excursion departs December 25, 2018. Additional journeys will be offered through the end of March 2019.

"We are thrilled to offer two new winter travel options centered around the sought-after, aurora borealis and Alaska's state sport of dog mushing," said Dale Wade, vice president of marketing and customer service for the Alaska Railroad.

"The Aurora Winter Train will deliver passengers awe-inspiring views of our state and unforgettable memories searching for the northern lights. I look forward to visitors and locals alike jumping on board this season to experience some of Alaska's most iconic winter activities."

In addition to the new Aurora and Borealis excursions, Alaska Railroad is offering other seasonal favorites such as Denali In A Day and Talkeetna Pie Making, which both run through the end of April 2019.

What's more, passengers have the ability to customize a package that works best for them, including the latest offerings for the 2018-19 season.

For more information on the Alaska Railroad and its new winter packages, check out its website here.


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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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