New Year’s Resolutions to Enjoy Alaska

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New year, new resolutions! The typical resolutions involve working out, eating healthier, and experiencing life to the fullest. Fortunately, Alaska is the perfect place to fulfill these activities in an enjoyable manner. Our Alaska winter car rentals have the cargo space and offer the freedom to let you experience all of Alaska and we’ve outlined ways to maximize your resolutions with the sources of the state.

Exercise more

This is probably the most common and typical New Year’s resolution. If you don’t like exercise, though, it can be tough to keep this resolution. With Alaska’s wilderness, you can use the landscape as a natural gymnasium.

The mountains offer prime ground for hiking and climbing, offering a workout for your legs and a cardio activity. Skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing are other great activities for getting your workout while having fun.

Spend more time outdoors

The activities mentioned above take care of this resolution, as well as exercising. Two birds with one stone, you could say. This is also the perfect way to spend more time with your family. Group hiking trips are not only fun, but will make sure the whole family remains active. Who knows? You may even see a moose or other wildlife while out and about.

Ice fishing, while a more sedentary activity, will get you out of the house in a relaxing setting. Take your Alaska winter car rentals out on the lake for some good ol’ fashion RnR with your fishing rod.

Try new things

Alaska is filled with activities that will keep you busy and interested in any season. Have you ever been ice climbing? What about glacier trekking? Dog-sledding? Well, in Alaska, you can try all three.

Our blog outlines the way you can begin ice climbing in Alaska. We’ve listed the equipment, and other tips you’ll need to know before you set out. We also explore dog-sledding in Alaska. Both are easy to get into with the right guides and companies. Most equipment is rentable so you won’t need to buy anything, or pack your Alaska winter car rentals to the brim.

Eat healthier

Since you’ve been fishing, you have already begun to fulfill this resolution. Fish is a healthy source of protein and fats to get you through the cold winter. Add more fish to your diet to improve your lifestyle, and cut down on red meat.

The activity itself will also help reduce your blood pressure, which fish in your diet will help to keep it down. Fill that Alaska winter car rentals with fish for your winter dinners.

Relax more

In North America, we tend to overwork ourselves. It’s time to relax a bit, and let yourself have some fun. The activities and sports mentioned above can help you relax, but the Chena Hot Springs are particularly perfect for RnR. Never been in a hot spring? Then this knocks both resolutions off your list.

The hot springs offer a nice escape from the chilly winter days. These are not only a great way to relax, but also good for fending off any flus or colds that may be on their way. The hot springs are only open to those 18+. The resort offers a variety of activities, massages, pools, the Aurora Ice Museum, and a number of other winter activities to enjoy. The smell found in the hot springs is from the minerals found in the water, but don’t let that dissuade you. Those same minerals are said to have healing properties.

Reserve your Alaska winter car rentals today to begin the fulfillment of your New Year’s Resolutions.

SUV vs. Sedan: Which is Best for Winter?

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The number one question that drivers ask themselves over the winter season is whether or not to go with an SUV or sedan. The Alaskan winter is rough on drivers. The roads are slick, and vision is reduced by snow and sleet. What you need to get through it is the right car, but how do you know which winter Alaska car rental is right for you?

Furthermore, is AWD/4WD necessarily better than 2WD car? The Avis fleet has it all. What winter Alaska car rental should you get?

AWD vs. 2WD

One of the benefits of AWD and 4WD is an added sense of security and safety. AWD/4WD provide better traction control and quicker acceleration. In the winter months, these are major added benefits that can’t be ignored in the tough inclement weather. You’ll still need to leave plenty of space behind vehicles to stop, but you’re less likely to slide on the slick roads. 2WD doesn’t offer the same traction that 4WD/AWD do.

Improved traction means increased towing capacity. If you’re planning on taking trips around the states for winter sports, improved towing is a definite benefit.

However, the downside of 4WD/AWD is its heaviness, and therefore decreased fuel efficiency. This is only worsened in tough weather. You’ll be spending more money on fuel than you would with 2WD. On top of this, the added sense of security can cause collisions. When you feel too safe you may not leave enough space while stopping, or take risky moves that can end in an accident.

That being said, we would recommend the AWD/4WD option for your winter Alaska car rental. Keep in mind the continued danger of winter driving, and you’ll avoid the risk that comes with overconfidence.

SUV or Sedan?

While choosing between an SUV or sedan, there are a number of factors to consider. If you’re planning on engaging in winter sports around Alaska, then you’ll probably want to go with the larger vehicle for the cargo space. Otherwise, you may be better off with a midsized vehicle.

SUVs will keep you safe in collisions, but the added weight increases your stopping time. Even with a AWD and 4WD winter Alaska car rental that has improved traction, you’ll want to leave more space behind vehicles, know your route in advance to avoid surprises, and reduce your speed.

The weight of SUVs reduces fuel efficiency, as well. With a 4WD/AWD SUV, your fuel costs are going to be quite expensive. With small cargo and only two passengers, you may be better off with a sedan to prevent exorbitant costs.

If you’re traveling with children, keep an SUV as an option to ensure their safety. Sedans won’t protect them in a collision to the same degree. Crossovers may also be a smart choice to increase the comfort of you and your family.

So which is the right choice?

Again, the answer to this question depends on what it is you’re looking for in a vehicle. While an AWD SUV winter Alaska car rental is safer, you’ll be paying for the reduced fuel economy and need to watch longer stop times.

Sedans or midsized are right for adult passengers who do not have large cargo to haul. Our sedans are large enough to fit basic gear for a variety of winter sports in the trunk as well as any luggage you may have. They’re comfortable, and will give you the flexibility you need for traveling the state.

Stay safe this winter with the right winter Alaska car rental. Reserve your vehicle from Avis today to begin on your safe, secure, and fun winter adventure.

Take Your Alaska Winter Rental Car Ice Climbing

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Our favorite season is finally here and it’s time to enjoy some of our favorite sports. That means that ice climbing is back in Alaska. Take your Alaska winter rental car out for a spin to go ice climbing. You’ll want one of our SUVs or trucks to carry all the equipment you’ll need for ice climbing around the state.

If you’re new to Alaska or to ice climbing, we’ll outline the ins and outs of ice climbing for you. It can be a dangerous activity if you don’t know what you’re doing. We’d recommend getting a guide before starting, and making sure that you have or rent the proper safety equipment in your Alaska winter rental car.

Equipment list for ice climbing

As we said, you’ll need the proper equipment for ice climbing to make sure you stay safe and warm. The clothing list is long, but it’s to make sure you stay toasty warm in the cold Alaskan winter.

  • Wool underwear, and long underwear tops and pants
  • Wool socks, and a replacement pair
  • Quick-drying t-shirt and lightweight fleece shirt
  • Softshell and shell pants and jackets
  • Insulated coat for negative temperatures with a helmet-compatible hood
  • Lightweight and mediumweight gloves
  • Heavyweight waterproof gloves and hat
  • Balaclava for wind protection
  • Ski goggles
  • Waterproof, insulated, full-shank mountaineering boots and gaiters

For mountain and ice climbing, you’ll need a wide variety of equipment for rent or buying. We’d advise you rent the equipment for your first few times to make sure you like ice climbing before spending the money.

  • Ice Axe, 50-65 cm
  • Climbing helmet
  • Climbing harness
  • Crampons
  • Carabiners, 2 locking and 1-non-locking
  • Climbing pack
  • 48” sewn sling rappel extension
  • Belay Device
  • Spinner leashes
  • Trekking poles with snow baskets
  • Technical ice tools

As you can see, our SUV Alaska winter rental car are probably your best choice. In your pack, you’ll also want to bring a headlamp in case of dark. You’ll be in the direct glare of the sun on the mountain, so bring SPF 30 or higher sun block, sun or glacier glasses, and SPF 15 lip balm. Pack yourself water bottles, high-energy foods, and biodegradable toilet paper. Finally, bring along a first aid kit in case of emergency. Your kit should include moleskin, aspirin, antacids, bandages, any proscriptions you may have, antibacterial cleaning wipes, and ibuprofen.

Check weather conditions

As with any outdoor sport, you need to check the conditions before setting out in your Alaska winter rental car. Knowing the ice conditions will help you decide where to climb. You’ll also want to check temperatures to bring the appropriate clothing, and to make sure the ice will be sturdy enough.

The Alaska Ice Climbing Conditions Forum will help you plan your trip. Here, other ice climbers write reviews of nearby climbing regions. Most recent reviews explore the regions that can be climbed and where to avoid.

There are more than hundred climbs across the state. With your Alaska winter rental car you have the freedom to drive to any of the mountains with all of your equipment, and find one with guides or group climbs. Go to the online index of climbs to choose the mountain nearest you.

You’ll need a car with plenty of cargo, so choose one of our SUVs, like our Toyota Rav 4 or Ford Expedition. Begin the greatest hiking trip of your life when you reserve your Alaska winter rental car from Avis today