A recent post got me thinking that it would be fun to visit Alaska in winter. I'd like a chance to see the northern lights for one. My husband doesn't think winter is a good idea. We've visited once, in summer and had a wonderful time. There is a nature cruise out of Homer that still operates in winter and a stay at the hot springs near Fairbanks sounds good. Can any winter visitors share some experiences? We do not ski.

I will assume that you do not live in a northern climate and have never experienced winter except for a comfortable ski resort if at all. Listen to your husband. You will freeze your ass off. 30 below 0 is what we in this climate dread. When you start whining, and you will, you will look like fools and will regret ever being here.

Donna, before going off to the northern climes in the winter, experiment a little. Rent the meat locker at the local store for a couple of days.
If you enjoy staying in that, then book your trip to the frozen north.

We live in NH. Altho we don't have too many days at 20 below, I've spent the day outdoors at that temp. I happen to like winter even if we're not skiers.

Anyone else?

NH may have bitterly cold winters, but NOTHING to compare to the cold and dark of AK in winter. People live there and manage just fine, but the weather can be deadly and there is NOTHING to do outside. Enjoy your memories of AK in summer and forget about a winter trip.

Like Donna, I have a dream of seeing the northern lights one day. Is there anyway to optimize one's chance of seeing them without freezing one's butt off? Should this be posted on the Canada board?