Chasing the Aurora: SkyChase Northern Lights Experience in Fairbanks

Fairbanks•easy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

5 hours

Fitness Level

Comfortable standing outside in subzero temperatures with short walks on snow/ice and stepping in/out of a van.

Overview

Fairbanks sits under the Aurora Oval, and this roving SkyChase tour uses live weather and solar data to find the clearest skies. Expect heated van transfers, a mobile lodge, pro photos, and a campfire as the night sky stirs and the aurora dares you to keep up.

Chasing the Aurora: SkyChase Northern Lights Experience in Fairbanks

Other

Bus Tour

Select participants and date

Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

By 10 p.m., Fairbanks exhales frost and the stars sharpen like pins. A heated Mercedes Sprinter hums at the curb while a guide checks cloud maps and solar data—their “Lights‑for‑Life” formula choosing a direction where the sky looks most promising. West toward Murphy Dome, east to the Chena Valley, or along backroads that slip past black spruce—tonight the aurora is on the move, and this tour intends to keep pace.

Adventure Photos

Chasing the Aurora: SkyChase Northern Lights Experience in Fairbanks photo 1

Adventure Tips

Layer like an Alaskan

Use a moisture-wicking base, midweight fleece, and windproof down or synthetic parka. Add insulated boots and a balaclava—temps often dip below −10°F.

Protect batteries and fingers

Cold drains power fast—keep spare camera and phone batteries inside inner pockets and carry chemical hand warmers.

Mind the ice underfoot

Traction aids help on slick pullouts and packed snow around the campfire and lodge; walk slowly and keep hands free when moving.

Dial in night settings

If shooting, start at ISO 1600–3200, f/2.8–4, 2–8 sec; switch to manual focus on infinity and use tripod or rentals provided on tour.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Moose
Red fox

History

Murphy Dome once hosted a Cold War radar site; today it’s a favored high point for sky watchers. Athabascan communities have long told stories of the lights’ playful energy across the winter sky.

Conservation

Pack out all waste, keep to hardened pullouts, and avoid trampling young spruce. Vehicle idling is minimized at stops to reduce noise and emissions in the quiet winter woods.