Winter Adventure Tours in Alaska
Discover the Wild Heart of Alaska
Explore the awe-inspiring wilderness of Alaska through immersive, hands-on Winter Adventure Tours that connect you with nature, wildlife, and the rich traditions of the Native Alaskan people. With over 663,000 square miles of largely untouched, ecologically vibrant terrain, larger than Texas, California, New Mexico, and Colorado combined, Alaska is a land of endless discovery. From snow-covered peaks and wild tundra to rugged coastlines and soothing natural hot springs, every corner reveals breathtaking beauty and adventure.
Alaskan ecotourism is far more than sightseeing; it's a meaningful way to engage with the state’s pristine wilderness and diverse cultures. Whether you're seeking a peaceful escape or a rugged outdoor challenge, Alaska offers something truly unforgettable. Each tour is thoughtfully designed to foster a deeper appreciation for the environment and the people who call it home, all while supporting local economies and Native communities.
Our winter adventure tours range widely in focus, some emphasize nature treks through unspoiled landscapes, while others delve into indigenous cultures and historic milestones. Often, these elements blend beautifully. Visitors might find themselves learning centuries-old Eskimo hunting and gathering techniques one day and exploring historic gold-mining sites the next. For history buffs, the legacy of the 1899 Nome Gold Rush offers a fascinating glimpse into how early prospectors shaped the region, in contrast with today’s sustainable mining practices.
Wildlife viewing enthusiasts can experience the thrill of witnessing seals, walruses, and whales in their natural habitats. Meanwhile, those drawn to cultural depth can engage with the enduring traditions of Native Alaskans, who have lived in harmony with the land for thousands of years.
Whether you're dreaming of a luxurious night in an upscale lodge after a day of wilderness exploration, or five days at a remote, off-the-grid camp with only the stars and northern lights for company, Alaska offers the perfect adventure tour for you. Many of the state’s remote lodges combine rustic charm with modern comforts, giving you the best of both worlds.
No matter what inspires your journey, be it nature, culture, wildlife, or history, there’s an unforgettable Alaskan adventure waiting for you.
Ice Fishing Trips
From February to April, we go on Ice Fishing Trips to various places on the river system. We drill through 3 to 4 feet of river ice to fish using cured salmon eggs. One of the hot spots is a half a mile below our fishing lodge. On this trip we can stay in the fishing lodge or in our home in White Mountain. If we stay in the fishing lodge during the winter, there is no running water; however, our home in White Mountain has running water.
Hot Springs in Alaska
Lava Creek Hot Springs
We have a couple of hot springs close to our location in Alaska. Lava creek hot springs is close to where we stay in White Mountain, in fact, it is within range that you can ride a snow mobile to it. It is a 50-mile run to it and the same distance back. This hot spring has a creek coming out of the mountain that is so hot you can cook in it. About 50 feet down the hill there are small pools to soak in. This hot spring is the one White Mountain folks spend time in. It is only open seasonally and it is only accessible during the winter.
Pilgrim Hot Springs
Pilgrim hot springs is another one that is on the road system out of Nome. We have a camp near it and can access it during summer and winter. This one was developed into an orphanage by the catholic church and has a rich history. There is also a building we can rent on the property to stay at. As a child Tom learned how to swim at this hot spring.
Wildlife Viewing Tours
During our Wildlife Viewing Tours, you will have the opportunity to see several different species of wildlife. Muskoxen are just one of the many animals you will see, they are a remarkable sight in Alaska and can be seen year-round, both in the summer and winter seasons. Around Nome, these impressive animals are often visible from the road system, making them accessible for wildlife viewing enthusiasts and photographers alike. In the winter months snowmobiles are essential for reaching the best wildlife viewing locations as deep snow and remote terrain come into play.
For over 30 years, muskoxen have been an important food source for local communities, and they continue to be a vital part of Alaskan life. We've had the privilege of guiding not just eco tour and adventure tour guests, but also professional photographers eager to capture these powerful creatures in their natural environment.
In addition to muskox viewing, winter opens up even more opportunities for adventure. Once the ocean ice is thick and safe enough, typically from late February through early April, we snowmobile out to the ice edge to search for more incredible wildlife like seals and walruses. These wildlife viewing tours can be combined with sightings of reindeer, muskoxen, and, if conditions allow, even a hands-on experience checking king crab pots. As always, activities on the ocean ice are weather- and ice-dependent, but the experiences can be unforgettable.
Boating Tours
Similar to our seal-viewing excursions, boating tours during the late winter months depend on the ice. We traditionally seal hunt using boats during this time. If a client is interested in a boating tour experience during the winter or early spring, while there is still ice on the ocean, it is possible, but it must be arranged early in the season to ensure proper planning and safety.
King Crab Fishing in Alaska
During our winter adventure tours we offer a first-hand experience to go King Crab Fishing in Alaska. We set king crab pots through the ocean ice sometime in February and maintain the pots through late April. Checking them consists of a snow mobile ride 15 miles to the pots, shoveling the snow covering the ice where the hole is. Then we cut the ice out of the holes with a chainsaw, axe, or ice pick, depending on how hard the ice is frozen. We pull the pot up and move what crabs we got to an ice chest with salt water to keep the crabs alive for transporting home. We then rebait the pots and reset them. Sometimes we have a couple pots out, other times maybe five or six pots out.
Once home the king crabs go into the cooking pot, you won’t eat crab any fresher than like this. There are other times we drill big holes into the ice and set a line with bait and a weight on the end to sink the bait to the ocean floor. We set 6 to 10 of these and check them throughout the night. When you catch a king crab, it will grab the bait and hang on to it as you pull it up. Sometimes they will drop off the line, other times you will be able to pull them up to a point where you can grab it.
Iditarod Race Experience
We offer a once in a lifetime Iditarod race experience for those that love dog sledding or are new and want to learn more about the event. We have a home in White Mountain where the Iditarod race has an 8-hour mandatory layover. If you book an Iditarod race experience with us, you will have a captive audience to interact with. We offer snow mobile rides to the mushers that are traveling along the trail. If you want to follow a special musher to Nome, we will make it happen.
Snowmobile Tours
We offer snow mobile tours starting in January and run through the end of March. You can choose from 3 to 6-day tours, longer tours can be arranged. While riding around you can visit ice fishing spots, gold dredges, hot springs, and view wildlife such as ptarmigan (the state bird), moose, reindeer, muskox, and seals. Snow mobile riders can also travel between our 5 wilderness camps for a true backcountry riding adventure.
Lodges in Alaska
We offer a variety of lodging accommodations across Alaska, including multiple lodges, cozy homes, and five unique camps; each providing its own set of seasonal adventures. Whether you're drawn to a remote, off-the-grid camp or prefer the comfort of a fully equipped lodge, you’ll be greeted with genuine hospitality, hearty homemade meals (think sourdough pancakes and reindeer sausage), and constant immersion in the great outdoors. Your Alaskan winter getaway can be tailored to suit your style, from single-day excursions to full five-day wilderness adventure experiences; there's something here for every kind of explorer.
Book Your Winter Adventure Tour in Alaska
Every winter adventure tour in Alaska is tailored to your interests. Whether you're chasing northern lights, tracking wildlife, or immersing yourself in native culture, we’ll help plan your perfect winter adventure tour in Alaska. For a customized adventure tour please call Tom at (907) 304-2003 or fill out the contact form below to receive a quote.