Everyday Alaska

Everyday Life in The Last Frontier

Alaska

The 5 Best Winter Boots

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Winter fun can end in a hurry if you get cold feet. Beat the cold and turn up the toasty on your toes with these five winter boot options. Below, I’ll list my favorite winter boots, the best activities for each type of boot, and the pros and cons of each option.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Bunny Boots

Lets start off with the winter boot of all winter boots: the bunny boot. These large, insulated, rubber boots were designed for the United States Military, and are the best winter boots I’ve ever had. Bunny boots are great for prolonged time outdoors in snow and/or frigid temperatures. They are a bit hard to find though, so look at garage sales, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, local sales pages, and military surplus stores to find them.

The white version of these boots keeps you warm to lower temperatures, and the black ones have a slightly less frigid rating, but I have the black ones and they work great. Although they are bulky and a bit heavy, the warmth they provide is unmatched, and the fact that they are waterproof is a lifesaver. I’ve had instances where snow has got in the top of my boot and melted (I should have been wearing gaiters or snowpants!), and with bunny boots my feet stayed perfectly warm although they were wet. If you find a pair of these in your size, be sure to snag them up!

Even our pup agrees that bunny boots are the best winter boots!

Tall Sorels

I was lucky enough to get a great pair of hand-me-down Sorels, and they have held up well for years now. I don’t believe they make the exact style of boot I have anymore, but they do make a pair that looks very similar and has one handy improvement. The lower part of these newer Sorel boots have rubber on them, which will help keep your feet warm and dry when walking through snow and slush. Also, this style of boot, along with my current pair, has a removable liner. Removable liners are fantastic to have on winter boots so you’re able to wash them or put them on the boot dryer if necessary.

These boots are great for milder winter weather, lower amounts of snow, and activities like sledding, walking, shoveling, etc. If you need a little extra warmth, they would pair well with toe or foot warmers. They make men’s, women’s, and kid’s versions of these boots, so you can outfit the whole family! Plus, they look great, too!

The tall Sorels are so cozy, mismatched socks and all.

Salomon

I have had a pair of Salomon boots for years now, but just started using them this season. They are cute, comfy, surprisingly lightweight, and warm. They work great for walks, snowshoeing, and more. I found these on sale at a large sporting good store, so I would suggest checking your local sporting goods shops for them before looking online.

Snowshoeing in Alaska with Salomon boots.
A bit of snowshoeing in the Salomon’s.

Short Sorels

Living in Alaska, and being from Valdez, I’m used to quite a ton of snow. Literally. Tons. But, not every area or time of year requires hardcore snow boots during winter. That’s when the short Sorels come in handy! These are so easy to slip on and get out the door. They are great for keeping your feet warm and toasty on grocery store trips, while out walking the dog, running errands, and more. They are lightweight, come in a variety of colors, and are a stylish and fashionable winter boot. Grab yourself a pair of these today!

UGGS

Never did I think I’d say this, but UGGS are awesome. I was given a pair for my birthday two years ago, and have worn them constantly since then for everyday errands and more. They are incredibly warm, comfortable, and come in a variety of heights and styles. I have a sorter, classic pair, and get a lot of use out of them. The downside is they are not waterproof. I haven’t tried to use waterproofing on mine, so I can’t say how that would work out, but it may be possible to do that if necessary.

Is there anything else I need to keep my feet warm this winter?

Great question, and the answer is yes! Not only do you need the best winter boots to keep your feet warm and comfortable, they are also a few key accessories to help you enjoy winter.

Socks

Under every pair of great boots is a toasty pair of socks. If you are just doing errands in a lighter pair of socks and short Sorels, you should be fine. But, if you’re out in the elements all day, you’ll want to grab some pairs of winter socks. Some of the best brands are Darn Tough, Fox River, and Heat Holders.

Toe and Foot Warmers

Toe and foot warmers from HotHands help give you that extra bit of warmth if you tend to have colder feet.

HotHands are the perfect way to stay toasty.

Gaiters

My husband frequently wears gaiters over his boots when snowpants aren’t necessary. Even the tallest winter boots aren’t always tall enough to avoid snow getting into them. They give that extra protection so you don’t get any snow going over the tops, thus keeping your feet warm and dry.

Ice Cleats

Ice cleats, crampons, snow grips. Whatever you want to call them, they are sometimes very useful and necessary. Winter boots might not always have the traction you need to be on ice, so adding ice cleats to them can make walking in winter easier and, more importantly, safer. And, if you want a permanent traction solution, you can sometimes even get your boots studded!

Boot Dryer

I feel like my boots were always on the dryer when I was little. After coming in from playing all day, I’d have snow in my boots and wet feet. These Peet dryers would dry them out, and they next time you put them on they’re toasty warm! They even make ones from drying gloves, too!

Storage

If you’re like me, you’ll end up with a variety of winter boots for the different parts of the season, and for different activities. I store mine on this handy shoe rack. Just make sure before you store them that they are completely dry, removable liners have been washed, and you’ve added boot deodorizer if necessary.

Being a life-long Alaskan has taught me many things, one being that wearing the best winter boots possible is a must. Hopefully the list above helps you pick out the perfect boots for your next winter adventure, and if you need more information on what clothes and gear to wear this winter, check out post on how to layer clothes for winter weather!

The full lineup: bunny boots, tall Sorels, Salomon’s, short Sorels, and UGGS.

5 Ways to Prevent and Treat Dry, Cracked, and Chapped Hands

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Are your hands chapped, cracked, or even bleeding from too much hand washing, dry and cold winter weather, or other factors? Check out these five solutions for cracked and chapped hands, and learn how to prevent these problems using the five ideas below.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted. I am not a medical professional, these tips and ideas are my personal opinions from experience, unless otherwise cited or noted. Please consult a medical professional for medical advice regarding your skincare if necessary.

How can I prevent dry, cracked, and chapped hands?

Some causes of dry skin include over washing and harsh weather (which we see a lot of in Alaska!). While you may not be able to control how many times a day you have to wash your hands, and you definitely can’t control the weather, you can control how your skin is affected.

Change Your Hand Soap

If over washing is the culprit causing your chapped hands, try changing your soap. Over washing due to having a job in the medical field, dog grooming, custodial work, culinary, or doing household chores can cause sever dryness and even bleeding from chapped skin. I switched hand soaps for this reason, and it has helped tremendously. After I started using this Dove hand soap, I’ll never go back. I have run out of the Dove soap before and had to resort to using our old hand soap. This caused irritation after only a couple washes, so I always buy a few Dove soaps at a time to ensure I won’t run out again.

Wear Gloves

Wearing gloves during seasons of harsh weather can protect the delicate skin on your hands from the wind and cold. You should not only be wearing gloves while outdoors, though. Many indoor activities such as washing dishes, cleaning showers, and scrubbing floors should include gloves as well. Not only will they keep you from contacting cleaning solutions that may irritate your skin, but gloves will also prevent your hands from getting too wet during cleaning, which can dry them out.

An Alaska Native beaded glove with HotHands. Used to keep hands warm and protected so you can prevent dry and chapped skin.
Cozy gloves not only keep your hands warm but they protect them from the elements. Add HotHands warmers for a little extra warmth.

Hydrate

This idea has mixed reviews, but whether or not it is 100% proven to help your skin, hydration is 100% important to a healthy, well-functioning body. Staying hydrated can be an important factor to keeping your whole body hydrated. And considering skin is your body’s largest organ, it’s essential to keep it hydrated. Keeping a water bottle near you while watching TV, working out, running errands, and more will help you meet hydration goals.

Stay hydrated no matter where you’re at with a Nalgene!

How can I treat dry and cracked skin?

If your skin has been damaged from over washing, weather, or other factors, it may take time to repair it. The ideas below will help speed up this process and sooth and treat your dry hands rapidly.

Moisturize

One of best ways to prevent and treat dry hands is by moisturizing. This L’Occitane hand cream is one of my favorites, but there are many good ones out there at your local drug store as well. Keeping a moisturizer in your purse, by your sink, and next to your bed are great ways to remind yourself to moisturize throughout the day to prevent and repair dry, chapped skin.

L’Occitane shea butter lotion to prevent dry and chapped skin.
This L’Occitane shea butter hand cream is a must have for dry hand protection and repair.

Overnight Treatment

During times when my skin has been severely dry, chapped, and cracking, I treat them overnight. I use a large amount of one of the best creams for chapped hands and cover them for the night to let it heal my hands while I’m sleeping. I just slather them with the ointment and cover them with my husband’s socks. (You can use gloves to cover them, I just use socks since it’s convenient and they are large enough to fit over my hands.) Then I settle in for the night, and wake up to soothed hands. You may have to do this multiple nights in a row, but trust me, this stuff really works!

After struggling with dry, cracked skin for sometime now, I have learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t to help prevent and repair dry, cracked, and chapped skin. The remedies and tips above have been very useful to me to prevent and treat dry hands, and I hope that what I have learned with my skin issues will help you resolve yours. If you’re looking for some other great self-care ideas, check out my post here!

Alaska’s Best Bites: 15+ Foods to Try on Your Alaska Vacation

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Are you coming to visit Alaska or making the move here? Check out all the foods to try and the wide variety Alaska has to offer by using the Alaska food bucket list below. 

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Alaskan Foods to Try

Fish and Seafood

Fish and seafood are two of the foods that Alaska is most known for. Many people come up here to fish for their own catch of these delicacies, while others enjoy it at restaurants during vacation. Whether you’re catching it yourself or having it served up for you at dinner, here are some of Alaska’s most famous fish and seafood bites below.

  • Salmon-Most Alaskan restaurants you visit will likely have some variety of salmon on the menu for you to try. While many people prefer red (sockeye) salmon, most all varieties of salmon are delicious. You can enjoy it many different ways such as blackened, canned, smoked, or in a dip.
  • Crab–Deadliest Catch, anyone? You’ll pay a hefty price for this famous Alaskan food, but many say it’s well worth it.
  • Halibut-Halibut is my absolute favorite fish. Even if you don’t usually enjoy fish, you should give it a try. It’s mild, flakey, light, and delicious. Halibut tacos, burgers, and probably one of the most popular, deep fried halibut, are top on my list of favorite Alaskan foods.
  • Chowders-Seafood and clam chowders are popular at many Alaskan restaurants.
Deep fried halibut at Captain Patties in Homer, Alaska.
Deep fried halibut at Captain Patties in Homer, Alaska.

Meat

Many of us Alaskans hunt for our own meat, so we’re often enjoying moose, caribou, bear and more. If you’re visiting friends and relatives here, you may get a chance to have some of their harvest. If not, there are options to enjoy while dining out as well. Also, local meat processors are often a great place to find different Alaskan meats to try.

  • Reindeer-If you visit Alaska, you’ll see reindeer sausage as a side with many breakfast options, and even as a reindeer dog at hotdog stands.
  • Beef and Pork-I know these are not unique to Alaska, but you may find places that have Alaska raised meats such as these.

Traditional and Indigenous Foods

If you are lucky enough to try some traditional Alaska Native foods, give them a taste! I’m not too sure if we have an official state food, but if we did it would likely be some of these. Muktuk (whale), “Eskimo ice cream”, fry bread, dried fish, fish eggs, moose tongue, and more are some traditional foods you may come across if you attend an Alaska Native cultural event or stay with a friend or relative who is Alaska Native or makes traditional foods.

Alaska Grown

According to the USDA there are almost 1,000 farms in Alaska. They grow and raise a variety of animals and crops from barley (such as the Alaska Flour Company) to berries, and chickens to goats. According to this article “Alaska depends on shipments for about 95 percent of its food”, so it’s vital to support local food growers so they can continue enriching our local food supply. Check for the “Alaska Grown” sticker in grocery stores such as Safeway and Three Bears to find some great Alaskan foods to try, and support local farmers.

Local made Alaskan foods to try in our local Safeway store.
A display of some of the many Alaska made food options at our local grocery store.

Foraged Alaskan Foods to Try

Mushrooms, and berries, and plants; yay! There are so many tasty, edible goodies out in nature. Grab a berry book, download the Seek app, and grab some friends to go forage with. Just be 100% sure what you pick is edible.

A blueberry pie made with fresh picked, Alaskan blueberries and baked in a purple pottery pie dish. Berries are one of the best Alaskan foods to try.
A blueberry pie made with fresh picked, Alaskan blueberries. The berries made up for my lack of a beautiful crust!

Sides and Snacks

There are a few sides and snacks that you should try while in Alaska.

  • Sourdough-If you come visit Alaska, many local restaurants will offer sourdough as an option for sandwich bread, toast, and rolls. Honestly, some sourdough is a little too sour for me, but others is quite delicious. Give it a try and decide for yourself!
  • Kenai Cheese Dip-This dip is incredibly addictive. You can purchase this popular local favorite at grocery stores, at Echo Lake Meats in Soldotna, or find a recipe to mix it up yourself!
  • Pilot Bread-If you haven’t tried the well-known Alaskan staple, it’s a thick, dense, shelf-stable cracker that is mostly used as a transport system to bring tasty food to your mouth. Top it with PB&J, salmon spread, or whatever you’d like.

Desserts and Sweets

These unique delights would pair well with any popular Alaskan foods.

  • Alaska Wild Berry Products-Alaska Wild Berry Products has some must-eat Alaskan treats. Jams, jellies, syrups and chocolates filled with with Alaska’s bountiful berries, fireweed and more are a great treat and the perfect gift to bring back to friends or family.
  • Baked Alaska-Ironically enough, I’ve never tried this dessert, but I’d say if you can find it at a local Alaskan restaurant, give it a try, and share in the comments where you had it. It’s harder to find than you’d think in it’s namesake state!

Drinks

I’m sure you’re anticipating a brewery review here, but I don’t drink beer, so I guess I wouldn’t be much of a help there. But, there are a couple local beverages that you should know about.

  • Frontier Soda-Root Beer, Cola, Wild Blueberry, and Spruce Tip (my favorite) are the soda choices from Frontier Soda. These uniquely Alaskan sodas are great, and can be found at Three Bears and a other stores around the state.
  • Teas-There are a few different local companies, such as Felicity Loft, that create teas in Alaska. Give them a try. They make great gifts as well!
Frontier Soda’s root beer made in Alaska.
Enjoying some Frontier Soda with a view.

The above list has some of the best foods you’ll find in Alaska. Halibut, berry filled chocolates, cheese dip, fry bread, moose, local veggies, and more are some Alaskan foods you can try on your vacation. Comment below if you have a favorite, or let us know who one you’re most excited to try!

5 Reasons to Skip Anchorage on Your Alaska Vacation

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Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Some of you may look at this title and think I’m crazy. ”I love Anchorage!” ”Anchorage is a must-see part of Alaska.” ”Anchorage was my favorite stop on our last Alaskan vacation.” ”I live in Anchorage, and I love it!” Okay, well I’ll save you some time and say clearly this post isn’t for you. But, if you’re thinking about visiting Alaska, and Anchorage in particular, read on.

When you think of Alaska, you think of traffic, views of multistory buildings, big box stores….. Wait, you don’t? Well, that’s what you get when you visit Anchorage. First of all, I’d like to say not everything about Anchorage is negative, though. There are many great people, restaurants, shops, and activities to do in Anchorage. But, if you only experience Anchorage, you’re not experiencing real Alaska, and these are some of the reasons why.

It’s Crowded

If you’re coming to Alaska, chances are you want to get away from it all and experience the quiet and solitude of The Last Frontier. Anchorage is not the place to do that. It’s population of less than 300,000 may not be large in comparison to where you’re from, but in Alaska that’s pretty crowded. People call it Los Anchorage for a reason. If you’re looking for a peaceful, wilderness experience, why come to the biggest city in the state?

Traffic

As I just said, Anchorage may not be a metropolis to you, but there still is traffic. Why spend your vacation stuck in the hustle and bustle of the city life when you can be out enjoying our great state? Skip Anchorage traffic and explore other areas of Alaska without the hassle of stoplights.

Heading out of Anchorage in the big city traffic.

The View

Unless you enjoy looking at big box stores, you should set your sights on a different area. Don’t get me wrong, there are even beautiful views in Anchorage such as Point Woronzof and Flattop, but you’ll see much more without the obstructions of the city.

Touristy

I guess the fact that the more visited areas of Anchorage are more ”touristy” makes sense, but you’re not coming to Alaska to buy gimmicky souvenirs. Like any other tourist destination, Anchorage has a host of places that cater to visitors. But, if you end up in Anchorage and are looking for real, authentic, made in Alaska gifts, check out the Native Arts Market and other markets, small businesses, and even Safeway and Three Bears for Alaska made goods and food. Also, look for the ”Made in Alaska” bear logo on products as well.

If you’re looking for more genuine, fun, and educational experiences in Anchorage, check out Fur Rondy and the Alaska Native Heritage Center. If you do end up spending time in Anchorage, those are two great places to do it.

The Anchorage Iditarod start. Check out both the Anchorage and Willow restart for different views.

Big City Similarities

I never noticed this until I got to travel more, but all bigger cities tend to look the same no matter what state you’re in. The same chain restaurants, the same box stores, the same big roads, with the same slew of stoplights. If you enjoy that, then that’s awesome. But, if you’re coming to Alaska that might not be your cup of tea during your vacation here.

That isn’t to say there’s not a great number of local restaurants, small business shops, and local activities to do in Anchorage, though. If you do spend time in the big city, please take the time to look up local businesses while you’re there. Skip the chain restaurants and box stores, and shop, eat, and support local Alaskan places.

Chances are if you’re visiting Alaska you’ll be in Anchorage at some point. It’s hard to miss if you’re flying in and not going to Fairbanks or driving up through Canada. If you do find yourself in Los Anchorage on your Alaskan vacation, take time to shop local, avoid the gimmicky tourist traps, and visit educational and fun places while you’re there, but don’t spend your whole vacation in Anchorage. Get out of the city and experience the scenic beauty, local hangouts, and amazing adventures that you’re coming here to see.

Essential Things You Need to Do When Preparing Your Camper for Winter

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Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Winterizing. Yup, I said it. The time is upon us to get our campers, RVs, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and travel trailers ready for winter. Winter comes early here, so our fifth wheel is already winterized and parked for the snowy season. Now that we’ve gone through this winterization process for many seasons, I feel like I’ve got a good system down and can let you know about all the essential things you need to have and do to prepare you camper for winter.

The last trip of the season before the snow came.

Empty Your Tanks

This is an essential step, and my least favorite part of camper chores. It’s time to dump the tanks. Gray tanks, black tanks, fresh water, it all needs to be out so nothing freezes up. By the time our fifth wheel camping ends, dump stations here are already closed. If you have the same problem in your area, check into septic pumping services near you. That’s what I did this season, and they come right to your house to pump your tanks out for you. So convenient! Just be sure to follow the instructions on your individual RV to dump your camper properly and completely.

Pro Tip: Using a clear elbow when dumping your tanks makes a major difference. You can ensure that it’s completely empty, and see if it needs to be flushed out more, if you have that option on your camper. Check them out here!

Empty Out Your Food

Even if that pasta sauce’s expiration date isn’t until next summer, and you’ll be back in your camper by then, take it out. Any perishable item, even if it’s in a can or jar, should be out of you travel trailer. You don’t want any rodents or other pests to be moving in for the winter, so take the food source out. Also, during the freeze/thaw of winter, things will expand, contract, and possibly explode. No one wants to open their camper up to the remnants of summer soda pop’s past splattered all over their walls.

There was a lot to clean out after our last trip! Hopefully we’ll be more organized next year!

Pest Control

Knock on wood, we haven’t had this problem in our fifth wheel, and I hope we never do. “Prevention is the best cure” though, so stop your pest problem before it starts. My aunt suggested Irish Spring Soap to keep mice away, which I’m going to buy this weekend to leave in our camper for the winter. I’ve also heard that the scent of peppermint and a few other things keeps unwanted guests away. Have you tried these options or any others before? If so, please leave a comment, and let everyone know how it worked!

Antifreeze

Now it’s time to prevent any freezing in your camper’s plumbing. We use -50°F antifreeze, but you can use whatever formula is appropriate for your winter temperatures. Follow the instructions provided with your RV to complete this step, or hire someone who can do this for you.

Pro Tip: From what I have experienced, it seems like Walmart is the cheapest place to purchase your RV antifreeze, but shop around in your area as well for the best price

Setting out the DampRid for winter.

DampRid

There is a surprising amount of condensation and moisture that occurs in your camper over the winter. I wouldn’t have realized this until we started using DampRid. DampRid buckets absorb moisture in the air and trap in within the absorbent crystals in the buckets. We use large buckets in our toy haulers garage and living room, and smaller ones for the bathroom and bedroom. They do a fantastic job of keeping our toy hauler free of excess moisture.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Unfortunately, we didn’t have a lot of time to do this before freeze up this year, but cleaning and maintenance are important steps in preparing your camper for winter. Make sure slide out seals are conditioned, inspect your roof for leaks or damage, reseal any areas that need it, wash your camper, and do whatever else needs to be done so you can hop on in and start camping ASAP once spring hits!

Pro Tip: Double check that all of your roof vents are closed! Leaks from snow and rain can cause serious damage to your camper, so it’s always good to make 100% sure these are closed.

I hope this list has helped you prepare you RV, camper, fifth wheel, or travel trailer for the winter ahead. Putting away our camper is usually the last winter chore we have before the snow really starts, so it’s the official end of fall for us. But don’t fret, there’s plenty of things to enjoy during winter as well! And it’s the perfect time to plan your summer camping trips and determine what else you need in your RV! Winter isn’t the end of camping, it’s just a season to plan your next adventure. Happy planning, folks!

The Real Cost of Winter in Alaska

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Are you thinking about moving to Alaska or are maybe just curious about the cost of living here? That’s great, I’m here to help! I’ve prepared a list of items to help you learn about the cost of living in Alaska during the winter. This list isn’t 100% comprehensive, but contains many of the things you’ll need to think about when budgeting for Alaskan winters.

I know as you read this some of these things may sound discouraging and overwhelming. This list isn’t intended to dismay you, but to inform you so you can be prepared for our longest and coldest season. The reality is, winter in Alaska is harsh, cold, and dark. But this season is also full of fun adventures, cozy nights by the fire, beautiful crisp days, and so much more. Winter is one of my favorite seasons in The Last Frontier, and the more you are prepared for it, the more you can enjoy it.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Winter Tires

You’ll want to have studded tires on your vehicle during winter. Some will say you can get by without them, but I think they make an immense difference. Things to think about as it relates to the cost are the tires themselves, tire change over (if you won’t be doing it yourself), and storing the tires. For example, we have a dually pickup, so we have the cost of six tires, spring and winter tire changes if we don’t have time to do it, and an area in our backyard to store them on a pallet under a tarp. Ideally, I’d love to have a shed to store them in, but it’s just too costly currently.

Winterizing

If you have an RV, camper, equipment, boat, or anything else that can freeze up during winter, you’ll need to winterize it. For example, if you are winterizing a fifth wheel like we just did, some things to take into account are the price of RV antifreeze, dumping your camper, Damp Rid (if you plan on using it for moisture control), and whatever else you may need. Plus, if you don’t do the service yourself, factoring in the cost of labor will have to be considered, too. You can check out a list of camper winterization tips here!

The last trip before winterizing.

Storage

If you want any campers/RVs/vehicles/boats stored for the winter, that will be another cost of winter in Alaska. It’s handy to have those types of things covered during winter, but it can be costly. Pro tip, storage facilities fill up fast, so call as early as possible to get a spot. You can also check into getting things wrapped so snow will slide better, and snow can be brushed off easier.

Home Servicing

If you need your furnace serviced, yard maintenance, sewer pumped, gutter work, or any other services done for winter, you’ll need to consider these in your budget.

Utilities

Utilities are a big thing to factor into the cost of winter in Alaska. With dropping temperatures and darker days, your lights will be on more. Also, your heat will be up, and so will your bills. If you have an older, less energy efficient home like we do, you’ll obviously be paying more. If you supplement heat with wood you cut yourself for zero cost, that’ll lower your cost. If you plug your tuck in, your electric bill will be higher. There are many things that can cause your utilities to fluctuate, so be aware of those costs.

Vehicles plugged in outlets in Fairbanks, Alaska where you’ll 100% need to use that block heater!

Frozen Pipes

If you have issues with heating your home, you may end up with frozen pipes. I don’t know how much it costs to fix this, and I never want to find out. This is where keeping your furnace and other heat sources in tip top shape really comes in handy. And it’s also where house sitters come in handy.

House Sitters

Did I mention winter’s are dark and cold? This usually leads to people traveling outside (lower 48) at some point during the winter, if they’re can, to get some sunshine and vitamin D. But when you’re gone in the winter, you can’t just leave your house unattended. If you do, it may lead to the frozen pipes problem mentioned above. Thus, you’ll need a house sitter. If you’re lucky, a friend, family member, or good neighbor may be able to watch it while you’re gone. If not, you may need to hire someone in your area to check on it for you and ensure the heat is on and things are good while you’re soaking up the sun.

Vitamin D

What does this have to do with your winter budget? Well, with longer, dark winters, us Alaskans don’t get much sun in the winter. Thus we don’t get enough vitamin D. I’m not a medical professional, so I am only speaking from personal experience here, but your doctor will likely recommend that you take vitamin D. Just another small thing to budget for during winter and year round.

Snow Removal

Do you plan on doing your own snow removal? Will you need shovels, a snow blower, a four wheeler or truck plow? Those options, and the maintenance on them, can get pretty pricy. Depending on what area you move to, you may be able to get away with just a shovel and snowblower (although I’ve never used a snowblower, honestly). Or, you may need a plow on your four wheeler or truck, which is what I’d recommend if you’re in a snowier area. If you plan on hiring out for your snow removal, that can also bring your budget up. You then have to depend on someone else to show up before the snow gets too deep, but sometimes that’s the only option. Just make sure whomever you hire has many good reviews before entrusting them to take on the job.

Clearing off the highway.

Okay, are you sufficiently stressed out about the cost of winter in Alaska yet? No? Awesome! Yes? Don’t worry too much! Being prepared for the next season is a big part of living in Alaska. Budgeting for the next season is a big part of being prepared. Now that you know what you’re getting into, I sincerely hope this helps you plan ahead and have a successful winter in our beautiful state. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments!