The Alaska Railroad’s winter service season is about to get busier as additional midweek departures begin mid-February. There is also a new air, hotel and rail special for guests traveling to Fairbanks. Additionally, passengers can also pair their ride on the Aurora Winter Train with three new winter tours operated by Salmon Berry Travel and Tours.
For guests traveling to Fairbanks, the Bridgewater Special begins with a flight to Fairbanks where guests can spend the day exploring the city and the night chasing the northern lights before overnighting at the Bridgewater Hotel. The following day, travelers will depart Fairbanks on the Aurora Winter Train traveling south to Anchorage. Peak season pricing runs until April 5, with value season pricing offered April 6 to May 5.
Out of Anchorage, a ride on the Aurora Winter Train can be bundled with three new tours—“Matanuska Glacier Tour,” “Turnagain Turn Tour” or “Wildlife Guided Tour:”
- The “Matanuska Glacier Tour” includes multiple stops at viewpoints on the way to the glacier, but the highlight is the glacier itself—a four-mile wide, 27-mile-long river ice giant tucked away into the Chugach Mountains.
- The “Wildlife Guided Tour” is focused on learning about Alaska’s animals with a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. This half-day excursion also includes stops along Turnagain Arm, photo ops and chances to view glaciers and mountains.
- The “Turnagain Turn Tour” offers an aerial tram ride up Mount Alyeska, lunch in Girdwood and a 90-minute visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, with ample time to stop for photos.
Onboard the Aurora Winter Train, passengers can experience the best of winter, peering through large picture windows and dining on dishes that highlight local ingredients. Additionally, a local guide narrates areas of interest on the way and signals for wildlife sightings.
The Aurora Winter Train operates weekends between Anchorage and Fairbanks with stops in between. Additional midweek departures are added in peak winter travel season with the train traveling north from Anchorage on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and then south from Fairbanks on Wednesdays and Fridays.
For more information, visit www.alaskarailroad.com.
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