How to Prepare for Alaska's First Big Snow

Winter in Alaska doesn’t arrive quietly. One day, the roads are clear, and the next, Anchorage wakes up under a thick layer of white. For newcomers and long-time residents alike, that first snowfall always brings a mix of excitement and anxiety. It marks the start of the season—and the moment drivers begin asking themselves, Is it safe to go out today?

At AVIS Alaska, we’ve helped thousands of travelers and locals navigate their first real taste of Alaska winter. Safe winter driving is not about toughness or luck; it’s about knowing what you are dealing with and making wise decisions based on the conditions.

What “First Snow” Really Means in Alaska

The first measurable snow in Anchorage usually falls in late October or early November. In some years, it’s only an inch or two, but in other years, several inches can pile up before sunrise. That first storm can catch even experienced drivers off guard.

Dry pavement can quickly turn slick, temperatures can shift in a matter of hours, and while one neighborhood stays dry, another might already be buried in snow. If you are new to Alaska, expect variation. Conditions can change from block to block, especially as you move between the city and higher elevations.

Understanding that variability helps you decide what kind of day you are facing. Ask yourself:

Has the city started plowing?
Are temperatures falling or rising?
How confident am I driving in snow?

If you can answer those questions honestly, you’re already ahead of most first-time drivers.

How Much Snow Is Too Much?

When people call our Anchorage locations during the first storm of the year, they often ask the same question: “How much snow is safe to drive in?” The answer depends not just on depth but on timing, temperature, and comfort level.

Below is a guide to help you think through your decision before you hit the road.

About 1 Inch of Snow

Light snow is manageable for most drivers, but it still demands care. Even a thin layer can hide ice, especially at intersections or shaded areas. If you’re new to snow, start slowly. Accelerate gently, give yourself plenty of space between vehicles, and avoid abrupt steering.

AVIS Alaska vehicles are equipped with all-season or winter tires, which provide good traction, but smooth, measured inputs are what keep you in control. If you feel nervous, practice in an empty parking lot to get a feel for braking and turning on slick surfaces.

2 to 4 Inches of Snow

Now you are dealing with a more noticeable buildup. The roads will feel different—traction drops and stopping distances increase. Major streets are likely being plowed, but side roads might not be. Use all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive if your vehicle has it.

Plan for extra travel time and remind yourself that slower is always safer. If the snow is falling heavily and visibility drops, there’s no harm in pulling over in a safe location until conditions improve.

6 Inches of Snow

At six inches, unplowed roads can become tricky. Even experienced locals begin to think twice about nonessential trips. If you are unfamiliar with winter driving, this is the point where patience becomes your best strategy. Wait for plows, check local advisories, or call your destination to see if they recommend travel.

Our team at AVIS Alaska is always available to help you assess conditions. Sometimes the best decision is to stay put for a few hours.

One Foot of Snow or More

Once accumulation reaches a foot, travel becomes difficult even for those accustomed to it. Lane markings disappear, parking lots fill up with drifts, and smaller cars may struggle to move through intersections. Crews focus first on highways and main routes, so residential and side roads may take several hours to clear.

If your schedule allows, stay parked and let the cleanup finish. Rental insurance does not cover damage when driving through restricted or closed areas, so waiting is safer and the smarter financial choice.

Two Feet of Snow

When two feet or more accumulate, Anchorage slows down altogether. Most residents stay home, and even large SUVs can get stuck. If you absolutely must move your vehicle, clear snow from the roof, hood, windows, and lights before you drive. This improves visibility for everyone and prevents snow from flying off your car and obstructing another driver’s view.

Thinking Through Your Decision

Driving in snow is rarely a simple yes-or-no choice. It’s a series of small assessments. Ask yourself:

How deep is the snow, and has it stopped falling?
Has the temperature dropped below freezing?
Are roads being maintained in my area?
Do I feel alert and confident enough to focus entirely on driving?

If the answer to any of these is uncertain, err on the side of waiting. Even an hour can make a big difference once plows have cleared a lane or temperatures stabilize.

Guidance for First-Time Winter Drivers

The first storm can feel overwhelming if this is your first Alaska winter. But confidence grows quickly once you understand the basics.

Stay smooth and slow. Quick acceleration or braking leads to slides.
Use your vehicle’s drive modes. Many cars have snow or ice settings that help manage traction.
Keep your essentials ready. Gloves, an ice scraper, a blanket, and a phone charger can make unexpected delays far easier.
Clear the snow before you go. Snow left on the roof or hood can blow into your windshield or onto someone else’s.
Give extra space. Stopping distances increase on snow and ice, even with AWD.

If you rent from AVIS Alaska, don’t hesitate to ask our team to walk you through your car’s snow-driving features. Knowing how to use defrosters, AWD systems, and traction control can make a big difference.

How AVIS Alaska Prepares Every Vehicle for Winter

Before the first snow hits every autumn, we prepare our Anchorage fleet to handle Alaska’s toughest conditions. This process includes:

Installing winter or all-weather tires
Checking battery strength and antifreeze levels
Inspecting wipers and defrosters for full function
Supplying every vehicle with ice scrapers and snow brushes

When you pick up a car from AVIS Alaska, it’s already equipped for the season. We want our drivers to focus on the experience of exploring Alaska, not the worry of whether the car can handle the weather.

When in Doubt, Wait It Out

Winter driving in Alaska is not about proving your skill but respecting the environment. Even lifelong Alaskans know when to wait for the plows, postpone an errand, or stay home entirely. The safest choice is often the simplest one.

Call our AVIS Alaska team if you’re unsure whether to drive. We live here, we drive here, and we can offer local advice based on current conditions.

Ready for Your Alaska Adventure?

Whether visiting for the first time or preparing for another winter season, having a well-equipped vehicle is the key to safe travel. Reserve your winter-ready rental with AVIS Alaska today and head into the season confident, comfortable, and prepared for whatever the first big snow brings.