SkyChase™ | Northern Lights Experience - Free Photography & More

About this activity

The Northern Lights don't come with a fixed address, so neither does SkyChase™. Before every night, our guides compare forecast models, satellite views and live sky cameras, then head for the clearest skies we can reach, with insight from SkyCommand, our in-house sky intelligence system.

Once we arrive, the night is yours: ask for as many photos as you like, including individual and family portraits under the aurora, delivered unedited. Between displays, warm up by the fire with Borealis Brew hot drinks and Alaska reindeer sausages (vegan option), or step into our Mobile Lodge, which comes with us most nights. When activity builds, we call you out for it.

Aurora Guarantee: if conditions look very challenging, we'll explain what we're seeing and let you cancel for a full refund, reschedule (subject to availability), or go ahead without the guarantee. It's guest protection, not a promise that the Northern Lights will appear.

Itinerary

1. Fairbanks · pass by

   As our home base, Fairbanks is one of the best locations in the world for Northern Lights viewing — located directly under the Aurora Oval. Each night, our SkyChase™ tour departs from Fairbanks and uses the Lights-for-Life™ Formula to determine the optimal location outside the city for clear skies and strong activity.

2. Murphy Dome · pass by

   Murphy Dome is one of the highest accessible points in the Fairbanks area and occasionally used on clear-sky nights for its panoramic views and low light pollution. It’s a prime example of the remote high-elevation locations our team accesses while chasing the Aurora.

3. North Pole · pass by

   While not our final destination, North Pole, Alaska is located along our route and adds charm to the adventure. Guests love passing Santa Claus House and seeing this quirky, festive town en route to darker skies.

4. Chena Hot Springs · pass by

   Chena Hot Springs region is often considered when skies to the east are favorable. These peaceful, forested areas offer a quiet backdrop for Northern Lights viewing with excellent visibility when cloud trends push us in that direction.

5. Stop 5 · pass by

   c, northeast of Fairbanks, is one of the elevated points we use on select Aurora nights. When conditions are right, it offers excellent visibility and sweeping skies, especially during high activity nights.

6. Denali National Park and Preserve · pass by

   While not a nightly destination, Denali National Park is visible on rare clear-sky nights from certain elevated viewpoints. Guests occasionally glimpse the Alaska Range from afar, especially during strong Aurora activity. This region highlights the vast scope of Alaska’s night sky and our commitment to chasing the most breathtaking views whenever possible.

7. Felix Pedro Monument · pass by

   This historical stop marks the first major gold discovery in Alaska and is located along one of the routes we sometimes take while chasing clear skies. Though we typically pass by, it showcases our access to remote, scenic locations far from city lights. It’s a meaningful part of the Alaskan landscape and history.

8. Chena River State Recreation Area · pass by

   The Chena area is one of many regions we travel toward when skies are favorable. It offers forested backdrops, river reflections, and lower light pollution — making it a frequent route on strong Aurora nights. This region represents one of many weather-based destination options included in our flexible SkyChase™ route strategy.

9. Alyeska Pipeline Viewing Point · pass by

   One of many high-elevation stops that we utilize on clear-sky nights for its vast visibility and iconic Alaska scenery. Our flexible route often includes this point or others nearby when it offers cloud-free conditions and great Aurora potential. We use dozens of pre-approved locations in all directions based on real-time sky data.

10. Pleasant Valley · pass by

    The Two Rivers and Pleasant Valley region is often considered when skies to the east are favorable. These peaceful, forested areas offer a quiet backdrop for Northern Lights viewing with excellent visibility when cloud trends push us in that direction.

11. Ester · pass by

    Ester Dome is a frequent direction for clear-sky nights. Its elevation, low light pollution, and distance from city glow make it a strong candidate in our flexible SkyChase™ route system.

12. Nenana · pass by

    On nights with clearing trends to the west, we may head toward the Nenana Hills region, exploring lesser-known sites that deliver expansive skies and beautiful terrain far from city lights.

Meeting point and pickup

Pickup offered, or meet at the meeting point.

End point: Please let us know if you need meeting point details.

Good to know

• Service animals allowed
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• No more than 1 backpack per guest
• All persons joining are required to purchase a ticket, despite their age.
• Please visit our website for a full cancellation policy and information

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

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