Anyone out there who has gone to Alaska by TC to view auroras. How late did you go and how were the conditions getting to Fairbanks and on to Chena hot springs. Any info would be appreciated. Was thinking at the end of October.

You'll be into some snow, so have decent tires, definitely snow on the way back down through Canada. Might see better lights down at Lake Louise.Bill

Won't see snow till late October! Can see Arora Northern Provinces year round on a clear night. The farther north you go the better the view. Have a great trip and welcome to the great white North,

Sorry can’t advise you on what your looking for but...Come October you can expect weather going over the Canadian passes maybe even down to valley but no need for any concerns looking at the roads historically. I do remember a time tho when the end of August snow was no surprise and plenty more of it. By November you had to watch for openings in the piled up snowbanks to exit.I’m a big fan of tire chains. Not likely you will be using them on the highways but in the case you slide sideways out of your sleep spot and discover a timber wolf or grizzly in the shadows watching your troubles then they can come in handy. Even for a slippery spot you can just toss your open chain under the spinning tire.Expect cool nights, everyone aboard should have a toque.Stock up on bear spray, air horn, oils antifreeze and wiper fluid jug after jug. The further way north you get into Canada things become more expensive…unless you have discovered a different route.Octobers the best time to drive up in my opinion. With the tourists gone home red plaid shirts are at discount, wildlife is on the prowl and the northern lights will be in full display out your windshield well before arriving in Alaska.Enjoy British Columbia on the way!http://www.drivebc.ca/

My440Your post makes us Canadians seem like we are stuck in the frozen north and we are a bunch of rednecks that don't like the tourists and wear plaid!!WOW I really fit all that :B :BPretty much nailed it. If you want to go, go. Be prepared for some nasty weather (you may not see any but just in case), enjoy the drive and the views.A couple years ago I was in Waterton National Park in the fall. Beautiful day, you could see the weather was turning. A warden came up to me to tell me that a major storm system was moving in and I could either take off today or I may find myself snowed in for a couple days. I had lots of food and water so I could have stayed, unfortunately I had a meeting in two days that I could not miss. Most of the weather in the fall / early winter is only short changes so just play / drive smart and have a great time.

If I was in NY, I'm not sure I'd go all of the way to Alaska that late. It's hard to predict what's going on in the mountain passes. In any case, this site seems to be pretty good for considerations for your Aurora viewing.http://www.gi.alaska.edu/AuroraForecast/travelers-guide

Alaska bound | Good Sam Community

Grit_dog
Navigator
Aug 29, 2016
Ha! I'd give my left........arm to go!
Harleybullet
Explorer
Aug 28, 2016
I have a 2500 Onan LP generator, Solar panel, 2 30 lb tanks, an extra Mr. Heat Buddy that uses 1 lb LP tank and double pain windows on my Arctic Fox 1150 and a Ram 3500 diesel Dually 4x4. Needless to say we have been in some areas that a mountain goat might have had second thoughts......hehehe. As long as I feel good I am coming! Shooting for October, anyone want to join up?
cleary
Explorer
Aug 28, 2016
Harleybullet wrote:
Thanks for the responses and if there is any other info pass it along. We are not afraid of cold weather and have driven in many a snowstorm. If I can get up there this fall I just might pass by and give you a call. Will have to plug in somewhere if we stay for a few days. What is the name of the ski area on the mountain near Cleary?

SKILAND It is an upside down ski area with the lodge on the top of Mount Aurora with us.

AURORA VIEWING AT SKILAND

OUR WEBSITE

Chuck
Photomike
Explorer III
Aug 28, 2016
Harleybullet wrote:
Thanks for the responses and if there is any other info pass it along. We are not afraid of cold weather and have driven in many a snowstorm. If I can get up there this fall I just might pass by and give you a call. Will have to plug in somewhere if we stay for a few days. What is the name of the ski area on the mountain near Cleary?

With the lack of campgrounds open you may want to pick up a small generator to top up and also as an emergency power / heat source. If you come through southern Alberta keep my info if you have any problems.
c_traveler2
Nomad
Aug 28, 2016
what route are you planning on taking? Don't forget post plenty of photos of your journey into Canada and Alaska.

Here's a link to The AuroraHunter.com
jimh406
Explorer III
Aug 28, 2016
Well, you don't need to be "afraid" of bad weather just aware that there is a lot of country and not much snow clearing gear where there aren't many people. ;)
Harleybullet
Explorer
Aug 28, 2016
Thanks for the responses and if there is any other info pass it along. We are not afraid of cold weather and have driven in many a snowstorm. If I can get up there this fall I just might pass by and give you a call. Will have to plug in somewhere if we stay for a few days. What is the name of the ski area on the mountain near Cleary?
Grit_dog
Navigator
Aug 28, 2016
^What he said!
Even down in Anchorage, it's considered unusual if the little kids don't have to wear snow suits under their costumes on Halloween.
In the interior, there is a real possibility of snow anytime after Labor Day.
End of Oct early Nov, I'd be ready for temps approaching zero. May not happen, but will certainly be well below freezing at least at night.
Just plan for it and have fun!
Nothing different about driving in snow in AK vs NY, exept AK is Awesome!!
cleary
Explorer
Aug 28, 2016
Anytime from now until the end of March is good aurora viewing here in Fairbanks. A new moon, (no moon), is best as the light from the moon can take away from the lights. The area north of town 20 miles up the Steese Highway called Cleary Summit is one of the best viewing areas on the planet. This is where we live and along with two of our neighbors have condo/lodges that cater to aurora viewers. The ski area up here also caters to viewers.

In late October we will more than likely have snow and will have freezing temps.

For aurora info: spaceweather.comwww.spaceweather.com

If you would like to PM me I'll fill you in on aurora viewing up here.

Chuck
AidenJ
Explorer
Aug 28, 2016
Hey Dave enjoy your trip. We went in the early spring/summer. Didn't see the northern lights in our (Northern-Lite) wrong time of year. Lots of driving but well worth it. Safe travels.
Dick & Elizabeth

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