Winter is a time when Alaska sparkles and shines when much of the land is covered by a blanket of soft snow. The aurora in Alaska can be viewed both in early spring and autumn, but winter offers longer darker nights increasing the chances of viewing the colourful bands of light dancing in the dark night sky.

In Alaska, Fairbanks is the undisputed capital for northern lights viewing with over 200 spectacles per year. By mid-Autumn, the Fairbanks lights are dazzling, particularly in the surrounding hill country, away from the city lights. By night, the sky lights up offering a unique spectacle. By day winter experiences like snowmobiling, dog mushing, skiing and unique festivals (such as the Yukon Quest) represent the outdoor pioneering spirit of the Alaskans.

From Fairbanks, a number of day trips can be enjoyed. The burbling Chena Hot Springs are a premier soaking spot both in the summer and winter. Discovered by gold miners in 1905, the geothermal area produces a steady stream of piping hot water; an ideal place from where to admire the aurora.  Flightseeing day trips are also popular and Fairbanks is the gateway for trips further into Alaska's Interior and the Arctic.

During the winter, avid skiers and snowboarders make a pilgrimage to the Chugach Mountain Range which offers some of the best heli and cat skiing in the world. The ski resort of Alyeska located just under an hour from Anchorage makes heli skiing really accessible as visitors depart directly from the resort centre. It also has some fantastic terrain of its own and offers a high chance of skiing under the northern lights.

Small group tour“Alaska – Winter Explorer” offered by Artisan Travel (www.artisantravel.co.uk/ 01670 785 085) is an ideal introduction to Alaska during the winter months travelling from Anchorage to Fairbanks and including a journey on the Alaska Railroad, an Arctic Circle Aurora Tour, Chena Hot Springs visit and aurora watch, Ice Museum tour and northern lights presentation.  The tour is priced from £1345 per person excluding international flights.

Discover the World (www.discover-the-world.co.uk/01737 214 291) offers an eight night “Alaska Winter Adventure” which combines the hot pools and Northern Lights of Chena Hot Springs Resort with skiing and winter activities at Alyeska Resort. The tour starts in Anchorage before travelling to Girdwood to the Alyeska Resort and then on to Fairbanks for northern lights viewing. The tour is priced from £1352 per person excluding international flights.

For those looking for ski holidays with the chance of viewing the Northern Lights, Ski Safari (www.skisafari.com / 01273 224060) offers seven night packages to Alyeska, Alaska from £1545 per person including flights, accommodation and return transfers.