Everyday Alaska

Everyday Life in The Last Frontier

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Snowdog Versus Snowmachine: Which One is Best for You?

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If you’re looking to add a new machine to your lineup of winter toys, or just looking for a the best way to get around during winter, chances are you’ll be looking into getting a snowmachine (or snowmobile as everyone in the Lower 48 refers to them). But have you ever looked into getting a Snowdog? Chances are, maybe you haven’t, or you’re deciding which one of the two to get. I’ve used both machines, and below I’ll give you my perspective and some facts on the Snowdog versus snowmachines to help you decide which would best fit your needs.

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.

What is a Snowdog?

A Snowdog is basically the machine version of an actual sled dog team. It’s a compact tracked machine that pulls a connecting sled(s) behind it to hold people, supplies, gear, and/or whatever else you may need to carry. The Snowdog is basically acting as the sled dogs. The machine itself is giving you the muscle to go, and the sled behind it acts as a musher’s sled would. Unlike a snowmachine/snowmobile, it is much shorter, has no connected seat, and does not have skis. Snowmachines, commonly known as snowmobiles, are much larger, heavier, tracked vehicles with skis.

The Snowdog at sunset on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska.
The Snowdog at sunset.

What can Snowdogs and snowmachines be used for? Can they only be used during winter?

Snowmachines are solely winter vehicles. They are used for transporting people and goods, riding for enjoyment and exploring, ice fishing, hauling wood, trail grooming, hunting, chores around property, and whatever else you choose to do outdoors during winter. Snowdogs, however, are multi season vehicles. They are used for the above activities during winter, but can also be used for these applications during other seasons. This makes Snowdogs quite useful, multi-season vehicles. You won’t be using the Snowdog for hillclimbs or highmarking though. Although they do great in fairly deep snow, they can’t compete with the big dog snowmobiles when it comes to tons of powder and racing up steep mountains.

How much can I tow and how far can I go with a Snowdog versus a snowmachine?

How much you can tow with a snowmachine will depend on what type of one you get. Are you buying a snowmobile for hill climbing or trail riding? Will you have a sled you’ll be towing behind it? What kind of horsepower do you have? All of these various elements and more will determine how much you can tow.

The same goes for how far you can travel on a tank. There are a couple different things to consider when figuring this out. How big is the tank? What’s your MPG like? Will you have room to take extra fuel with you? This will vary, and checking individual specifications for the machine you’re looking at is the best way to find out. Most snowmobiles can go quite the distance on a full tank.

Snowdogs have some pretty specific stats on towing compactly and MPGs. According to the Snowdog website “the top power models of 14 hp haul up to 660lbs on snow” and “average fuel consumption is only 0.7 gal/h (41 MPG)”, which gives you an idea of how long and hard you can push it. Obviously there is a big difference in horsepower between the two, so that’s something to consider.

Polaris Indy Voyager in Eureka, Alaska. Snowmachines can climb and travel distances better in the case of Snowdog versus snowmachine.
Eureka, Alaska. Snowmachines can take you to some beautiful heights.

How does a snowmachine handle when riding compared to the Snowdog?

A lot of this is based on personal opinion since experiences will just depend on the rider. I think both the Snowdog and snowmachines are really enjoyable to ride. They each have their perks and quirks, though. Personally, I think the Snowdog is harder to steer. I don’t feel like I have the control with it like I do when I’m snowmaching. That being said, I have ridden snowmachines for decades, so I’m much more comfortable with them in general. Also, my husband just made a seat for our Snowdog sled, and sitting while operating the Snowdog rather than standing gives a much better rider experience and more control. You can also go faster on a snowmachine compared to a Snowdog, but depending on what you’re using it for speed might not matter as much.

Depending on how heavy your snowmachine is, they can sometimes be a pain to get unstuck, and you might need a little help. Snowdogs by themselves weigh only 286-440lbs depending on the model, so a solo rider likely can easily get unstuck without help.

Riding a Yamaha Phazer in the 90s in remote Alaska.
You could say I’ve got a few decades of riding in. Changed the brand of machine, but not the color!

What’s the best way to transport each machine?

There are a few different options when moving either machine. Snowmachines can be trailered, put on a sled deck, or fit in a longer bed of a truck. Snowdogs are compact enough that they can fit in the back of a larger SUV or truck easily. Of course you can always trailer them as well, but their compact size makes them convenient to load up take to the trail. However, our model of Snowdog does not have reverse, which makes it a little more difficult to unload. This is something to consider when deciding which model of Snowdog to purchase.

Snowdog being loaded into the bed of a truck.
You can easily load up a Snowdog by just walking it into the bed of a truck.

What is the cost of a Snowdog versus a snowmachine?

Now we’re getting to the part that determines many purchases in life, money! The cost of either of these machines is dependent on many things; one being where you purchase them from. If you buy either of them brand new from a dealership, you’ll pay top dollar. If you purchase them used, chances are you’ll likely get a better deal, but they may need repairs or have other issues. Both my snowmachine and Snowdog were purchased used, which saved a good sum of money. But, unless you get a very old snowmachine or a killer deal, you’ll likely be paying a lot more if you buy a snowmachine than a Snowdog, even if it’s used.

Secondly, prices are dependent on the model. We’re a Polaris household, so I’ll use their pricing as an example. If you want to buy a new model snowmobile to trail ride not get too crazy with, you might be paying $15,000-$16,000 and up. If you want to hill climb and brrrrap brrrrrap your way around, expect to pay at least $18,000, but likely $20,000 for a brand new machine. Pricy, right!?

Snowdogs, on the other hand, start out at about $4,000 brand new and go upwards of $6,200 with all the bells and whistles. What model you choose will depend on your use of it, just like with snowmachines. But, you also have to consider you’ll need a sled(s) and a seat if you’d like one, and the accessories for Snowdogs aren’t cheap. Adding in a sled and seat increases the cost by upwards of $600. Overall, though, you will pay less for a brand new Snowdog than you will for a new snowmachine, and you won’t need to buy a trailer for it if you can fit it in the back of your vehicle.

After considering the cost of new versus used, and the cost of accessories, there is the cost of repairs. There’s really no way for me to give you a good estimate of this. A lot of this cost will depend on how handy you are at troubleshooting problems yourself, how reliable your machine is, and how much replacement parts are.

Another thing to account for in your budget is insurance and registration. This will vary depending on your area, but snowmachines may require registration and insurance, while Snowdogs likely will not.

Polaris Indy Voyager on the Kenai Peninsula.
The Polaris Indy Voyager on a blue bird day on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula.

So which one should I choose?

Honestly, one machine is not better than the other, it’s just about what’s best for how you want to use it. They’re fairly similar, but have enough differences that you can’t replace one with the other. Each has their pros, cons, and uses in the great outdoors. But, to try simplify things, below is a little list of who, what, when, where, and how they are best used to help you decide.

  • What do you plan on using your machine for? If you want to puts around the woods, do trail grooming, go ice fishing, and do some chores around the property, a Snowdog might be right for you. If you want to climb mountains and race your friends up hills, get a snowmachine.
  • Do you want to use it during multiple seasons? You’ll need a Snowdog if you want to make use of you machine during more than just winter.
  • Are you going on long rides, and how much are you bringing? If you can bring extra fuel and tow two sleds behind, a Snowdog will get you a ways in semi-deep snow. For longer distances, deeper snow, and a more comfortable ride, a snowmachine is the way to go.
  • How many people are riding? No matter which you choose, you’ll likely fit a maximum of two people on either the Snowdog or a snowmachine.
  • Which is a more comfortable ride? If your Snowdog has a seat you’ll have a much better ride than when standing. But, overall, a snowmachine will be more comfortable, especially for longer distances.
  • Is the Snowdog easier to transport than a snowmachine? Yes, Snowdogs are so easy to bring to trailheads and load into the back of your truck.
  • What’s your budget? If a lower price is a final deciding factor for you, the Snowdog will be more budget friendly.

Overall, if I had to choose, I would just pick both! But, the reason you’re reading this is to decide between two, so here is my final opinion. Honestly, it just depends on what you’d like to use it for, your capabilities, budget, snowload, and more. If you’re doing easy riding, don’t have extremely deep snow, want to use it all year, add a seat to the sled, want an easy way to load and unload, and are on a budget, choose the Snowdog. If you’re doing any hardcore riding, have deeper snow, don’t mind trailering a machine, have a place to store it half the year, are doing longer rides, and have a bigger budget, get a snowmachine.

I really hope this Snowdog versus snowmachine comparison has helped you determine which machine would best suit your needs. Any questions? Ask them in the comments below, I’d be happy to answer! Happy riding, friends!

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.

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.

My Most-Loved Christmas Traditions

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I love traditions. Seasonal traditions, holiday traditions, cultural traditions. All of them. So, that being said, you can correctly assume that there are many Christmas traditions I love, and I’ll be sharing those with you here!

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.

Lefse

Does your family have a Christmas tradition that is traditional to your heritage? We do! Making lefse is one of them. Lefse is like a very thin Norwegian tortilla made with potatoes, and my family really enjoys it. Making something from your heritage with your family is a great way to start the Christmas season. Not sure what traditions are associated with your heritage? Check it out on Google, or adopt a fun tradition from a different culture as well!

DIY Your Own Wreath

Start a new Christmas tradition, save money, and have fun doing it! A few years ago I started making my own Christmas wreaths, and it’s so much fun! All I do is use a metal wreath frame, cut some branches from trees on our property, and weave branches through the wire frame. Then, I add a bow, lights, and any additional touches I’d like from the craft store. When Christmas is over, we have a campfire using the branches, and I save the frame, faux berries, lights, and bow for the next year. It’s super simple, takes up virtually no space between seasons, and is very cute and customizable.

Tip: If you don’t have branches near your home to cut, you can use Christmas garland to weave through the frame. You can check out some other great DIY crafts here!

Fontanini

Fontanini is a company that makes beautiful, heirloom quality Nativity sets. My grandma and mom got me started with a set when I was five, and I’ve been collecting pieces to the Nativity ever since. It’s 100% my favorite thing to set up during Christmas, and is a great reminder of the reason for the season.

Part of the Fontanini collection. Mary and Joseph passing the innkeepers home, where they found there was ”no room in the inn”.

Operation Christmas Child

Tis the season to bless and be blessed! Operation Christmas Child sends shoeboxes full of necessities, toys, and more to children around the world. We have been packing shoeboxes for a few years now, and it’s so fun to shop for these items, write letters to recipients, and see what countries they end up going to. Operation Christmas Child is really spreading joy to the world! Follow them on Instagram to see the impact your shoeboxes will make!

If you’re looking to donate locally, there are often many organizations looking for volunteers and donations at homeless shelters, food banks, churches, and more. Also, another great way to donate is to give gifts in someones name. For example, if you have a friend or relative that ”already has enough stuff” and you’ve been told they don’t want a gift, why not give a donation in their name? You can do this in your local area, or around the globe, and it makes for a great gift all around.

Tip: Want to verify that you’re money is going to a reputable charity? Check out Charity Navigator or Charity Watch to verify where your gifts are going before you donate.

Packing some Operation Christmas Child boxes.

Sledding

If you’re spending Christmas in a snowy state, now is the time for all those fun winter activities. One of my favorites is sledding, followed by cozying up inside with a toasty cup of hot chocolate.

Christmas Lights Tour

Another one of my favorites, the Christmas lights tour! Crank up the Christmas tunes and cruise your neighborhood for lights. You never know what you might see!

A camper display at the drive thru light show in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Christmas Movies

Grab the popcorn, blankets, and Christmas classics, it’s movie night! Watch some retro Rudolph and enjoy the fun of your childhood favorites.

Hallmark Ornaments

A fun Christmas collection to start is with Hallmark ornaments. You can collect series of them every year, or choose a little something different each season. They make great Christmas gifts as well.

Cookies

You can’t go through the Christmas season without whipping up a batch of yummy cookies. Ever since I can remember, my mom has been making sugar cookies for Christmas. We’d have my cousins and friends over to decorate, and it was so fun. Baking and decorating cookies with friends and family is one of my favorite Christmas traditions.

Cutting out some sugar cookies to decorate.

Delivering Treats

Once you have those cookies done, it’s time to spread that joy around! Take time to visit your family, friends, neighbors, and others during this season, and bring them some tasty treats, too.

Tip: You can often find cookie tins at 70% off or more after Christmastime each year. That’s the prefect time to stock up for next year’s deliveries!

Fruitcake

Don’t knock it till you try it! And if you’ve tried it and didn’t like it, give another recipe a shot. I really don’t love some fruitcakes, but my grandma’s fruitcake recipe is a Christmas staple. Whether you’re making it, eating it, or both, you’ve at least got to try it once!

Christmas Plays

Visit Christmas plays, concerts, and more in your area. A church in our town does “Bethlehem Revisited” ever year, which accounts the events of the birth of Jesus. It’s pretty magical to see, and is great for little kiddos, those who may not know the story of Jesus’s birth, and a good reminder of the meaning of Christmas for all of us.

Bethlehem Revisited in Soldotna, Alaska. The Christmas tradition with real meaning.
A little bit of Bethlehem in Soldotna, Alaska.

Matching Pajamas

You can roll your eyes at this one, it’s fine. I just can’t get over how cute matching family pajamas are, especially when we get them for our dog as well. It’s just too adorable, and makes for a good gift to open on Christmas Eve.

Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree

For about seven years now, we’ve been cutting down our own Christmas trees. Are they full, perfect, and beautiful? No. Do we have a fun and memorable time doing it? Yes! If you have property or an area near you where you can harvest your own tree, take advantage of it and start a new Christmas tradition.

Cutting down Christmas trees. One of my favorite new Christmas traditions.
It may not be the perfect tree, but it’s the perfect one for me!

Christmas Breakfast

A tradition I’m hoping to start doing is Christmas/Christmas Eve breakfast. Maybe lingonberry crepes? Maybe fruit soup? I haven’t decided yet, but I’ll let you all know what we end up doing this year!

Hopefully this post has helped you get in the Christmas spirit and added some meaningful and fun traditions to this beautiful season. Share your favorite Christmas traditions in the comments below, and let me know if you plan on starting any of the traditions you read about in this post! Merry Christmas, friends!

The Alaska Winter Bucket List

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Are you new to Alaska or planning a visit during winter? Wondering what the must-do Alaskan winter activities are? Perfect, I’ve got the Alaska winter bucket list for you!

There are so many things to see, experience, and do during Alaskan winters. Personally, I think winters here are way underrated. The shimmering snow, clear blue days, cozy days inside with some tasty hot chocolate. It’s really a winter wonderland, and there’s so much to explore.

As you go through this list, you may begin to wonder how you can accomplish these things. My advice is to not expect to do all of these in one year. Also, check into doing tours to see some of these sights and activities, and look into gear rental shops to help you save money and get the correct gear to stay warm and enjoy your experience.

Also, I have a few safety warnings before you venture out to conquer this bucket list. Please dress for the weather and conditions. Frostbite and hypothermia are real, and you really don’t want that to ruin your excursions. Let a few people you trust know where you’ll be and when to expect you back. If you will be in an avalanche area, take the proper precautions, bring the right gear, and have training for worst case scenarios. If you are going out on the ice, be one-hundred percent sure it’s thick enough. Also, keep in mind the shorter daylight hours.

Believe it or not, I’m not trying to discourage anyone from enjoying winter activities, I just want you to be safe and have fun while you’re out enjoying all Alaskan winters have to offer. And speaking of winter, I know that winter doesn’t start until later in December, but this list of activities will contain ideas ranging from December through February, with some overlap on either side. So, let’s get to it!

Snowshoeing 

Strap on some snowshoes and go take in the sights of winter on foot. There’s nothing quite like seeing the peace and quiet of a crisp winter afternoon via snowshoes.

Trapper loves snowshoeing with us. Don’t forget to bring the HotHands to keep the chill off!

Skiing

Another great way to see the winter sights, while also getting exercise, is by skiing. Checking out a list of groomed trails online is a great place to start.

Sledding

Sledding is one of my favorite activities. It doesn’t even require much gear, just warm clothing, a sled, the perfect hill, and some hot chocolate to enjoy when you’re done!

Bonfires

Hoping to thaw out? A bonfire is the perfect solution. Hang out by the fire and warm up for your next winter activity!

This fire was a bit too big for s’mores, but the perfect size to stay warm.

S’mores

Once you’ve got that fire going it’s time to fuel yourself up with a delicious s’more! Chocolate, gram crackers, marshmallow, yummmmm!

The Alyeska Resort and Hotel Alyeska

Hit the slopes, grab a bite, or just relax at The Alyeska Resort and Hotel Alyeska .

The Alyeska Nordic Spa

Speaking of Alyeska, one of the things on my bucket list for this winter is their Nordic Spa. Relax, unwind, and rejuvenate at this new addition to Alyeska Resort. Learn more about it here!

Snowboarding

If you’re more coordinated than I am, hitting the slopes on a snowboard should be on your Alaska winter bucket list. Check out slopes near your area, or look up classes if you’re just starting out.

Fur Rondy

Fur auctions, winter carnival, fireworks, snow sculptures, outhouse races (Yup, you read that right!), running with reindeer (You also read that right!), and more! This ”only in Alaska” celebration occurs during the end of February/beginning of March, around the time of the Iditarod start. Hope to see you there!

Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market

This Alaska Native arts market should be near the very top of your Alaska winter bucket list. Alaska Native artists and craftsmen from many different regions of Alaska gather together at the Dimond Center during Fur Rondy to showcase and sell a variety of items. You’ll see scrimshaw work, furs, paintings, jewelry, carvings, masks, and more. It’s an amazing display of talent, and it’s really interesting to talk to the artisans and learn more about their crafts and culture.

The Iditarod

Watch “The Last Great Race” at the exciting ceremonial start in downtown Anchorage, view the official restart in Willow, or check out the race along different spots on the trail. You can watch mushers, handlers, and the stars of the show, the pups, get ready for their long journey across the vast landscape of Alaska. It an exciting and adrenaline filled time for competitors and viewers alike, and an experience you will never forget.

DeeDee Jonrowe at the Iditarod restart in Willow.

Dog Sledding

You don’t have to be a pro Iditarod musher to get a chance to experience a little bit of mushing! Check out dog sledding tours (You can even do some of these in the summer!), and experience the ride yourself!

The Northern Lights

The Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis. The lights. Whatever you call them, they’re a must-see. It’s a light display like no Vegas show or New Year’s fireworks can ever compete with. There’s really just no way to describe it, so you’ll have to visit Alaska, and see the beauty of the Northern Light yourself! Download this Aurora Forecast app to get notified when the Northern Lights are showing in your area.

Chena Hot Springs

I have been trying for years to check Chena Hot Springs off of my Alaska winter bucket list. It is a natural hot spring in Interior Alaska, located outside of Fairbanks. The Chena Hot Springs Resort has many activities for all seasons, but my main reason for wanting to visit during the winter is to view the Northern Lights from the warmth and comfort of the springs. It just sounds magical to me. I hope you get to check it out for yourself!

Aurora Ice Museum

If you’re visiting Chena Hot Springs, stop on by the Aurora Ice Museum! You can take tour, spend the night, or even get hitched at this year-round ice building!

Snowmachining

Snowmachining, or snowmobiling as many of you may refer to it, is a winter staple in Alaska. If you don’t have one of your own and/or haven’t been on one before, a snowmachine tour may be the perfect route for you to experience this Alaska winter activity.

Snowmachining on a blue bird day.

Alaska Snow Cone

Ok, so maybe this is just on my winter to-do list, but it’s kind of fun. Grab snow fresh fallen snow (No yellow snow!), put it in a bowl, and top with some maple, or other variety, of syrup. Boom, you have yourself a fresh snow cone! It’s a pretty tasty winter treat.

Snowball Fight

Speaking of snow, why not have a good, ol’ fashion snowball fight! It costs zero dollars and is probably one of the most fun things you can do for free these days. Just no head shots and no yellow snow, and you’re good to go!

World Ice Art Championship

Head up to Fairbanks and check out the mesmerizing sculptures that artist’s carve from mammoth blocks of ice. It’s incredible what they can create; you won’t believe you eyes!

Ice Fishing

I’ve saved my favorite winter activity for last. If I could only choose one thing to be on my Alaska winter bucket list, it would be this. The excitement of not knowing what fish you’ll pull through the ice, the time on the ice, the views. It’s truly the best.

Ice fishing with our Eskimo tent in January.

I know this is a long list, so if you’re visiting and think you should cram all of this into one trip, or if you’re local and want to check everything off in one season, don’t. What I’m saying is if you get the opportunity to have all of these amazing adventures in one winter and check them off your bucket list, that’s amazing. But, don’t cram your schedule with so many fun things that turns it into a chore. That’s not what bucket lists are about. Enjoy the activities. Enjoy the people you’re with. Enjoy winter. And be safe out there, folks.

What do you have on your Alaska winter bucket list? Add it in the comments below!