Picture Perfect Winter Scenes Around Fairbanks

Seasons are changing, and in Fairbanks, we embrace the swift shift into Spring with open arms.

More and more light everyday, clear aurora-filled skies at night, melting snow and ice, and daily feelings of excitement when thinking about thawing out for Summer and getting to change our wardrobe -- all things synonymous with moving from late Winter into the months of April and May. And although we've let go of winter in many ways, we can't help but look back with some melancholy. Living in the north, less than 140 miles South of the Arctic Circle, presents such a unique perspective about the Winter season: Persevering through chilly challenges. Experiencing the natural beauty of our community. Embracing winter to its fullest.

With the help of local and visiting Instagram users, here's some inspiration as a reminder of just how special a winter in Fairbanks can be.

Keep chill in a hot spring.

Less than 24hrs into our trip and have already knocked out a few things off my bucket list! Northern Lights, Moose sighting, Hot Springs in Alaska. My ❤️ is full!!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ PC// @al__berrt ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #alaska #chenahotsprings #intravelist #wildernessbadass #52hikechallenge2017 #outdoors #wanderlust #getoutside #takemoreadvenures #rei #adventure #goneoutside #rei1440project #neverstopexploring #wildernessculture #adventureculture #theoutbound #thegreatoutdoors #exploremore #liveauthentic #exploreeverything #getoutstayout #optoutside #takeahike #mothernature #forceofnature #theadventureproject

A post shared by Adventure. Smile. Love. (@heidi.mag) on Mar 22, 2018 at 10:40pm PDT

Make wild new friends.

 

When you’re in Alaska...you must walk with reindeer 🦌. We got to love on the reindeer, go on a hike, and learn so much about these animals! #walkingwithreindeer #reindeer #alaska #alaskanadventures #fairbanks #fairbanksalaska #honeymoon #honeymooners #alaskawinter - - - @runningreindeer Thank you for your generosity—sharing your Home and the reindeer with us ❤️ We loved the experience!

A post shared by Britt Holland (Jensen) (@brittholland1014) on Jan 29, 2018 at 6:08pm PST

Witness incredible dancing.

 

Aurora above Aurora Bear

A post shared by Frank Stelges (@frankstelges) on Mar 20, 2018 at 2:06am PDT

You can always head downtown.

 

“No matter what I may do, or where I may roam...in December I’ll be coming home.” ☃️ 🏔 ⛷ ❄️ 🦌 🌬 ⛸ #Alaska #Explore #ExploreAlaska #Travel #Nature #Landscape #InteriorAlaska #LoveAlaska #TheAlaskaLife #ArcticLife #TheArctic #AlaskaWinter #Winter #city #Weather #ItsAmazingOutThere #Snow #WinterinAlaska #49thState #ExtremeCold #LifeBelowZero #Extreme #PhotoOfTheDay #coldoutside #christmas #xmas #xmaslights #christmaslights #cityscape #downtown

A post shared by Micael From The Far North (@micaelfromthefarnorth) on Dec 4, 2017 at 5:21pm PST

Or find hidden gems.

 

A local guide from the @LodgeAtBlackRapids took us snowshoing out to a glacier ice cave that was incredible! It felt as if we had just enter Superman's fortress of solitude with walls and ceilings made of ice crystals. #ExploreFairbanks⠀ ..⠀ #visitfairbanks #alaska #fairbanks #alaskalife #explorealaska #sharingalaska #thealaskalife #907 #travelalaska #arctic #sharealaska #myalaskadream #thisisadventure #optoutside #winter #wintertime #icecave #caving #cave #glacier

A post shared by Sherry Ott (@ottsworld) on Mar 15, 2018 at 9:54pm PDT

View a midday moon.

 

Chena Riverscape with Supermoon #viewfromhere #downtownfairbanks #cold #explorefairbanks #inthehood

A post shared by Theresa Bakker (@knitterbakker) on Jan 30, 2018 at 7:28pm PST

Frolic in all the white stuff.

 

Snow, snow, snow... more snow 😐 #fortwainwright #fortwainwrightalaska #fairbanks #fairbanksalaska #alaska #northpole #northpolealaska #puppy #dog #snow #mansbestfriend #toomuch #momtogs #momswithcameras #dogsofinstagram #cute

A post shared by Holly Palmer (@hollypalmerphoto) on Mar 7, 2018 at 12:15am PST

Stop and see the roses.

 

As the days get shorter in Alaska, the suns low trajectory creates several hours of beautiful soft light. And the sunrises are stunning.

A post shared by Mike Remington (@clumpdiesel) on Mar 6, 2018 at 3:36pm PST

Take the ride of your life.

 

@rynokennel athletes gettin’ after it 🐺 #mushingmonday #sleddogsofinstagram #beastmode

A post shared by Maliko Ubl (@ak_wildechild) on Mar 5, 2018 at 3:14pm PST

Check in with Santa.

Santa Claus house in North Pole, Alaska. (North Pole is a town in Alaska) #usa #america #alaska #snow #winter #spring #snow #white #cold #santa #santaclaus #santaclaushouse #northpole #north #stnicholas #family #holiday #vacation #hello #asian #love #ilovealaska #likeplease

A post shared by Beatrice Victoria 林時璇 (@beatricevictorialim) on Mar 19, 2018 at 2:19pm PDT

Explore downtown.

I have been working in Fairbanks for two weeks now. It is tough living out of a suitcase sometimes but I try to make the best of it. My new found hobby for photography helps me get outside on days I’m not motivated to get some clicks. . . . . . . . #moose #antlerarch #fairbanks #alaska #nikon #nikonphotographer #nikonphotography #frozen #interior #winterwonderland #winter #photography #photooftheday #worldtravel #chenariver #downtownfairbanks #nikond3400 #amateurphotography #newbie #hobbyphotographer

A post shared by Tyler Bogert (@ty_james16) on Feb 21, 2018 at 6:43pm PST

Appreciate the little things.

 

Daytime stars ✨ can be found in the crystals of the snow. ❄️

A post shared by Fairbanks Fotos (@fairbanksfotos) on Feb 24, 2018 at 2:36pm PST

Smile at the snow.

 

snowing at #fairbanksalaska

A post shared by lois (@loissshen) on Mar 3, 2018 at 6:16pm PST

Take some time to reflect.

 

And the verdict is in: We officially love Alaska. 🙌🏼 Beautiful sights, Northern lights, and the friendliest people. This has been a trip for the books!! ❄️💯💕 @alaskaair #iflyalaska • • • • • • #TravelAlaska #YouNeedAlaska #explorefairbanks #ilovealaska #explorealaska #visitalaska #alaskalife #alaskalove #fairbanks #fairbanksalaska #wintervacation #travelcouple #travelingcouple #couplesofig #couplesofinstagram #thealaskalife #couples2go #globetrottingcouples #lovealaska

A post shared by Alli & Bobby (@traveling_newlyweds) on Mar 20, 2018 at 7:46am PDT

Find the light.

 

The days are getting longer and the snow it slowly melting. Bring on the days full on sunlight, chilling at the lake, outdoor hikes... Just give me Alaskan summer already. The winters here are pretty brutal but honestly the barely 3 months of summer we get are completely worth the subzero temps and months of constant snow and darkness #alaskalife #alaska #alaskanwinter #sunset #landofthemidnightsun #ouralaskanadventure #creamersfield #fairbanksalaska #familytravels

A post shared by The Buentellos (@ouralaskanadventure) on Mar 26, 2018 at 12:32pm PDT

Summer blooms are almost here!

 

“No matter how long the winter is, spring is sure to follow.” #GoldenHeartCommunity #downtownFairbanks #springiscoming

A post shared by Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce (@greaterfairbankschamber) on Mar 15, 2018 at 8:54am PDT

We might be saying goodbye to cooler temps and snow for now, but if you'd like to plan for your ultimate Winter vacation view or request a Winter Guide. It's never too early to plan for next year! And if you are visiting Fairbanks, use #ExploreFairbanks in your posts so we can follow along.

Happy Spring and see you again in October, dear Winter.

[Title photo: S. Hogue/Explore Fairbanks]