Denali Winterfest

Each year, this community-wide event features a variety of activities, with something for all ages, interests, and abilities.

Denali Winterfest is organized and supported by the National Park Service, Denali Borough and Denali Borough School District, Denali Education Center, Doyon/Aramark Joint Venture, Alaska Geographic, and additional community organizations.

2025 Schedule of Events

Friday, February 21

• 6 pm to 9 pm — McKinley Village Kickoff Celebration
  McKinley Village Community Center, McKinley Village
  Join Denali Education Center, the McKinley Park Community Club, and the McKinley Volunteer Fire Department for a Winterfest Kickoff Celebration! The evening will start with a dog-pulling event with sled dog and household pet categories. Dogs will pull items based on their size. Awards, potluck soup and chili feed, and an open mic hosted by Jake will follow the dog-pulling event. Dogs, soup, fire prevention info, music, dancing, and good friends... the perfect way to celebrate winter and this special place we call home!

  • 5:30 pm – Dog Pull Registration
  • 6:00 pm – Dog Pull Event
  • 7:00 pm – Awards, Potluck Soup and Chili Feed
  • 7:30 pm – Open Mic hosted by Jake and Dancing

Saturday, February 22

• 9:30 am to 5 pm — Winter Visitor Center Open
  Rangers will be available to answer questions, play park films, and sign out snowshoes and snow sculpting tools.

• 9:30 am to 5 pm — Indoor Picnic Area
  The unstaffed Indoor Picnic Area is open daily as a warm space with restrooms and limited seating.

• 10 am to 12 pm — Guided Snowshoe Walk
  Meet at the Winter Visitor Center
  Come explore the winter wonderland along a snowy trail with a ranger. Sign up required, please see a ranger at the Winter Visitor Center front desk.
  *A limited number of snowshoes will be available for checkout at the Winter Visitor Center.

• 10 am to 3 pm — Snow Block Sculpture Competition
  Upper Parking Lot of the Denali Visitor Center
  Sign up for a snow block at the Winter Visitor Center. Judging begins at 3 pm.

• 10:30 am to 12 pm — Youth Ski Races
  Riley Creek Campground, Caribou Loop
  Ski races (ages 6–18), skate or classic ski. The 0.8 km loop track will be open for preview starting at 10 am. Racers should check in by 10:30 am at the starting line.
  *Bring your own equipment.

• 11 am to 1 pm — Refreshments
  Indoor Picnic Area (across from the Winter Visitor Center)
  Snacks, light lunch, and refreshments provided by Doyon/Aramark Joint Venture.

• 11 am to 4 pm — Warm-up at Savage Cabin
  Savage Cabin (Mile 14, Denali Park Road)
  Come visit park staff at the historic Upper Savage River ranger patrol cabin. Enjoy a campfire, hot drinks, and s’mores! Park at Mile 13 and walk, ski, or snowshoe 0.25 miles (0.40 km) to the cabin. Drinks and food items supported by Alaska Geographic.

• 1 pm to 2:30 pm — Denali Winter Games
  Location TBD, inquire at the Winter Visitor Center
  Drop by anytime between 1 pm and 2:30 pm for some fun kids’ activities. We are celebrating the winter games… Denali style!

• 1 pm to 3 pm — Kicksled the Trails
  McKinley Station Trailhead, behind the summer Denali Visitor Center
  Have you always wanted to go on a kicksled adventure? Borealis Sparks owner Morgan Clay is providing kicksleds of various sizes for free to explore the snowy trails of Denali.

• 1 pm to 4 pm — Denali Sled Dog Kennels
  Kennels (Mile 3.4 of the Denali Park Road)
  Visit the Denali Sled Dog Kennels to learn about past and current operations and to meet some of our canine rangers! The Denali Sled Dog Kennels are currently open on Saturdays and Sundays only.

• 3 pm to 5 pm — Free Community Skate
  Tri-Valley Community Center, Mile 0.5 Healy Spur Road
  All are welcome to drop by the ice rink for a free family friendly community skate. Hosted by Healy Hockey Association.

• 4 pm to 4:30 pm — Aurora Art and Science
  Indoor Picnic Area
  Come learn about auroras and the night sky with Ranger Quinn as you create your own artwork! Supplies provided.

• 5 pm to 8:30 pm — Community Dinner and Trivia
  Tri-Valley Community Center, Healy

  • 5 pm to 6:45 pm: Free community chili dinner and dessert, with the Denali Borough Mayor's Community Service Award to follow.

  • 6:45 to 8:30 pm: Join folks for a lively round of trivia, hosted by Katie Griebe! All are welcome. Prizes from local businesses available.

• 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm — Stargazing Party
  Denali Bus Depot Parking Lot
  Join park astronomers for an evening of space exploration! Learn about the stars, planets, and the impacts of light pollution to our dark skies.

Sunday, February 23

• 9:30 am to 5 pm — Winter Visitor Center
  Rangers will be available to answer questions, play park films, and sign out snowshoes.

• 9:30 am to 5 pm — Indoor Picnic Area
  The unstaffed Indoor Picnic Area is open daily as a warm space with restrooms and limited seating.

• 1 pm to 4 pm — The Denali Sled Dog Kennels
  Mile 3.4 of the Denali Park Road
  Visit the Denali Sled Dog Kennels to learn about past and current operations and to meet some of our canine rangers! The Denali Sled Dog Kennels are currently open on Saturdays and Sundays only.

• 3 pm — Movie Night
  Tri-Valley Community Library, Suntrana Road, Healy
  Join folks from the surrounding communities for a special showing of Balto. Beverages and light snacks will be available during this family-friendly event.