Workshop Partner Event: Aurora Borealis

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 (Mar 9)
Our group meets in the lobby of our Fairbanks, Alaska, hotel for an orientation session followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Dog sled racer in Fairbanks, AlaskaDay 2
During the day we photograph the Limited North American Championship Sled Dog Races. The races are a three-day series of sprint sled dog races and skijoring (skiers pulled by dogs). In the evening, ice sculpture photography at the World Ice Art Championships is our focus, with amazing large and intricate ice sculptures colorfully back-lit by floodlights. They glow like jewels! From the “ice festival,” with clear skies, we head out for our first opportunity to photograph the northern lights. (BLD)

Day 3
We drive to Chena Hot Springs Resort, photographing wintry Alaskan landscapes and watching for moose and other wildlife along the scenic route. We have time to relax before dinner and then shoot late into the night if the aurora activity is good. At the resort, it is possible to just step out of your warm room to see the aurora—with no wasted drive time!  (BLD)

Day 4
We have the option of getting some extra rest this morning in preparation for our late night of aurora photography. Bring your bathing suit if you want to enjoy a relaxing soak—Chena Hot Springs Resort is known for exceptional indoor and outdoor hot springs. This afternoon we photograph wintry landscapes and ice carvings at the local “ice museum” and have time to enjoy an apple martini—served in a martini glass made of ice!
 
We head out at 9:30 PM tonight. A 30-minute drive by snow coach takes us to a nearby mountain top for unobstructed views of the northern lights. A large yurt and hot beverages provide shelter and warmth as we photograph until early morning. (BLD)

Ice sculptures from World Ice Sculpture Championships in AlaskaDay 5
We sleep in this morning after our late night. In late morning a private tour of the lodge’s sled dog kennels is a unique opportunity to learn about the history of sled dog racing and to photograph a few of these hearty canines. In the afternoon, we photograph amid the snowy landscape and explore some of the resort’s diverse photo subjects, including rustic old cabins, classic old cars, a river and creeks—all great foregrounds for photographing the northern lights later tonight. (BLD)

Day 6
Today we experience one of the most popular activities at the resort—sled dog riding! Following an afternoon nap and dinner we head out to shoot the aurora late into the night. (BLD)

Day 7
Following breakfast we load our vans and head back to Fairbanks, photographing along the way. Later, if time allows, we return to the World Ice Art Championships or, if conditions are right, have one final opportunity to photograph the northern lights. (BLD)

Day 8 (Mar 16)
Depart for home. (B)