Winter Activities Worth Parking the Alaska Car Rentals For

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Winter is just around the corner in Alaska and it’s time to be prepared! In fact, for some cities, winter seems to have come early. In Fairbanks on September 25, record snowfalls introduced the beginning of the cold season with flair. And while driving in Alaska in the winter doesn’t have to be dangerous if you know the proper tips, sometimes it’s best just to park the Alaska car rentals and get out into the great outdoors.

It’s clear that there’s no end to activities in Alaska. Winter activities are boundless in the state that is well known for its snow and ice. It’s not all physical activities either. Sometimes the most enjoyable part of winter in Alaska is sitting down with a cup of cocoa to enjoy the Northern lights. But we’ll let you decide for yourself.

The Northern Lights

The auroral oval, or more commonly known as the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis offer a spectacular natural display of lights in the night sky. Flickering with green, this majestic, breathtaking natural wonder will leave you wondering if you’ll ever be able to look at other lights the same.

If you’re staying in a hotel, find out if it offers Northern Lights wake up calls. Many hotels in Alaska do, knowing that their guests may never have seen the wondrous midnight miracle before. If your hotel does offer this, we highly recommend asking for a call.

Park the Alaska car rentals, try dog meshing

One of the best ways to experience the natural landscape of Alaska and especially the Northern Lights is through a dog mushing tour. Dog mushing is an iconic Northern activity. The image of a dog sled in the snow is often linked to Alaska, so why not park the Alaska car rentals for a few hours and try your hand at this classic mode of travel.

Dog mushing trips can last as long as a few days, or be as short as a single hour. Any trip longer than a few hours is not recommended for those who are not comfortable with the outdoors or who are not prepared for cold weather.

To really experience dog mushing, you definitely don’t want to miss out on the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race which runs for more 1049 miles across the state of Alaska. Dog mush teams from all across Alaska race through the freezing cold. However, if you’re visiting this year, then you’ve already missed the race. Unfortunately it doesn’t begin until March 5, 2016.

Exploring Alaska on a snowmobile

If you’re interested in more motorized sports than the classic dog mushing, then snowmobiling is going to be the option you want. There are plenty of snowmobile rentals around Alaska, so the vehicles aren’t tough to come by.

If you’ve never driven a snowmobile before, fear not. It isn’t like driving your Alaska car rentals – you don’t need a license and it’s much easier to learn quickly. Before you know it you’ll be in love with these powerful winter vehicles. 

Nordic and Alpine skiing

In Alaska, skiing is a big deal. There’s both Nordic and Alpine in Alaska, which are cross-country and downhill respectively. Alaska is a great place to learn to ski if you never have tried before. With your Alaska car rentals at your disposal, you have the ability to travel around to different areas in the state to find your favorite ski spot. Of course, you can always combine lodging with skiing by finding a nice ski resort.

Alaska is the ideal winter escape. There are endless options for winter activities in the state, and when you have your Alaska car rentals from Avis you really do have unlimited opportunities.

Drive Safe in Alaska Car Rentals Despite Record Snow

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Winter has arrived in Alaska and it’s hitting heavy this year. On Friday, September 25 record snowfall hit Fairbanks, Alaska and it doesn’t look like it’s going to get any lighter as the season progresses. This snowfall is abnormal for this time of year, even for Alaska. If you’re taking your Alaska car rentals around the state, there are some weather tips and driving hints you need to be aware of in order to maintain your safety.

Driving in Alaska isn’t quite like driving in the main states. You need to remain vigilant, check the weather, and know your route. But there’s much more than that. Read on to find out how you can protect yourself and your family in your Alaska car rentals.

Record snowfall in Fairbanks

As mentioned above, record snowfalls hit on September 25 which reached 6.7 inches of snow. This substantially beat the previous daily record for September, being 0.8 inches in 1996.

Though it isn’t looking like this will continue throughout October, it is important to be warned and stay vigilant. Always expect the unexpected when it comes to Alaska weather.

It’s likely that the wet season will continue before snow hits full swing.

Winter preparation in Alaska

The first thing you need to do is to make sure your car is fully prepared for winter driving. As you’ll have Alaska car rentals, the preparation work will be done for you. However, if you’re keeping your Alaska car rentals for an extended period of time, it’s important that you area aware of the basic upkeep to stay safe on the road.

First, make sure your battery is always in good repair. Regularly check to make sure your battery and terminals are clean, with good connections, and free of any debris. Also make sure that the battery has a proper fluid level and has a good charge.

Throughout your journey, frequently check that the intake vents are clear of rubbish. If they’re blocked, this could cause issues with your heating and ventilation systems.

If you see at any point that you’re low on windshield washer fluid, make sure to refill with washer antifreeze solution. Check with your Alaska car rentals expert before filling any fluids, however, as they may prefer to do maintenance in shop.

Beginning your journey

Carbon monoxide kills. And worse yet, carbon monoxide is a silent killer. This toxic gas can quickly work its magic if you aren’t careful. When warming up your vehicle, make sure never to do so in a closed area, regardless of how large. Furthermore, it’s a smart idea to keep a window cracked a bit while you’re driving to let in oxygen and let out any carbon monoxide that may have crept in.

Before setting off, also make sure to completely clear your car of snow and ice. This means scraping the snow off all the windows, mirrors, and even the roof and hoods of the vehicle. Any snow on the hoods or roof of your Alaska car rentals could blow onto your windshields and blind you from the road. Break up and knock out the ice that has formed in your tires and on the under carriage of your car, as well. Ice in your tires could cause issues with stopping or maneuvering.

Finally, drive cautiously. The most important thing you can do is check the hourly forecast before you head off, and find check points where you can rest until the storm ends in case adverse weather hits. This means knowing your route in advance, rather than learning it while you’re driving. Make sure your fuel tank is always full. And last but not least, leave space. You’ll need almost double the amount of space as necessary in order to make sure you’re able to fully and completely stop in case of emergency.

Don’t wait until winter really hits to reserve your Alaska car rentals from Avis Alaska.

Stay Entertained in Alaska During the Flurries

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Winter has started to hit a little earlier than normal in Alaska. The record snowfall on September 25th made many Alaskans and Alaska car rentals customers worry that it’s going to be a harsh winter. However, though it seems like there’s going to be a bit more of a wet season before the snow really begins again, it’s always good to be prepared.

If you and your Alaska car rentals are snowed in, then you’ll need some indoor activities to escape the cold. Even if you’re not snowed in, there’s only so much time you can spend outside before your nose starts to feel like it will be stuck in perma-freeze.

The Anchorage Symphony Orchestra

Anchorage has been lucky to have the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra for the past 70 years and opened their new season on September 23. The opening concert took place at the Atwood Concert Hall in the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. The Orchestra is a favorite in Alaska, with original and lively takes on classic works.

Van Gogh Alive – The Experience

This exhibit opens on October 9 in the Anchorage Museum and will offer a new view of Van Gogh’s paintings. The show produces a more interactive experience with over 3,000 of the master’s works, with multimedia technology to project the paintings.

The Anchorage Community Theatre

This year, Anchorage is the place to be. Fortunately if you’re not staying in Anchorage you have your Alaska car rentals, so you can get to any event you want. The Anchorage Community Theatre is just one of the venues that has a lineup of theatrical performances and talent this year. From October 9 to November 1, catch “Blithe Spirit” by Noel Coward – a deeply hilarious comedy that will have you clutching your sides.

The Anchorage Concert Association

Who doesn’t love a good musical? “My Fair Lady” has always been a particular public favorite. Originally the play “Pygmalion” by George Bernard Shaw, this musical has become a classic through the ages. Opening on October 20 and running until October 25 by the Anchorage Concert Association, you definitely won’t want to miss this one. The costumes are gorgeous, and the music will keep your emotions high.

The Perseverance Theatre

For more theatrical performances, you’ll have to get your Alaska car rentals back to Anchorage to check out the Perseverance Theatre. From September 25 to October 3 catch the performance of Fairbanks local actress Rebecca George and Kevin T. Bennett in the spectacular “Annapurna.”

The Rarefied Light Juried Show

If you love photography, then Alaska’s Rarefied Light Juried Show at the International Gallery of Contemporary Art may be perfect. The show opens on October 2. The Rarefied Light Juried Show is used to showcase all of the best photographers in Alaska. Alaska has particularly beautiful and unique landscapes and scenes that local photographers do a beautiful job of capturing.

Park your Alaska car rentals for a day in

Of course, when you travel to a new place, the last thing you want to do is stay in the hotel room. However, when the weather is truly harsh, you may want to take a day away from the cold. Prepare for a day in by booking cozy lodgings that you won’t mind spending time in. Bed and breakfasts are always good options, as you’re guaranteed a meal without having to start up the Alaska car rentals.

Ski resorts are also nice, as you’re right at the bottom of the hill and restaurants are often right in the lodgings. Ski resorts also often have other activities you can take part in so that you’re not bored throughout the day.

If you want a truly relaxing day in, book at a cabin or cottage. These are the epitome of comfortable, cozy winter escapes that will transport you right out of civilization and into a zone of utter relaxation.

Your perfect winter vacation doesn’t have to be costly. Experience great service at great prices with Alaska car rentals from Avis.