The train’s amenities include large viewing windows for panoramic vistas, informative narration about passing sights and available sit-down dining options (purchase required). Travel advisors can recommend combining rail journeys with various winter adventures, allowing for customized itineraries.
“Our Aurora Winter Train offers a truly unique way to experience Alaska’s snow adventure season,” said Dale Wade, vice president of marketing and customer service at the Alaska Railroad, in a press statement. “Sights of frosty landscapes, unique winter adventures, transporting passengers to the best destinations to view the northern lights – every journey offers our passengers something special. With our expanded options this season, we’re providing more ways for travelers to customize their Alaska winter experience. We’re excited more travelers are opting to experience Alaska’s winters by railroad, and we’re looking forward to welcoming them this season.”
Alaska Railroad News
New for the 2024-2025 season, the Alaska Railroad introduces day trips to Borealis Basecamp. This remote lodge, set on 100 acres of boreal forest, offers a range of activities without requiring an overnight stay. Options include dog sledding along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, snowmobile rides, reindeer encounters and a sunset snow coach experience with views of Denali.
The railroad’s packages blend rail travel with winter activities and accommodations, offering flexibility thanks to add-on options. These range from quick weekend getaways to extended multi-day trips. The 2024-2025 season features Winter Escape, Talkeetna Getaway, Denali in a Day and Arctic Circle Adventure packages. Of note: The Arctic Circle Adventure now allows rail travel either northbound to Fairbanks or southbound to Anchorage.
Winter’s shorter days in Alaska present opportunities for northern lights viewing at various destinations along the route. Due to increased solar activity, the 2024-2025 season is anticipated to offer exceptional aurora displays. The Aurora Winter Train connects some of the top aurora-viewing locations in the U.S., with an extended viewing period from mid-August to mid-April.
As the Alaska Railroad’s oldest route, the Aurora Winter Train ridership has seen a 15 percent increase from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The previous winter season set new records, with a nearly 13 percent rise in ridership. March 2024 alone saw over 4,700 passengers, marking the most successful winter season to date.
Don’t forget you can enhance your client’s rail experience with add-on adventures. These include trekking on the Matanuska Glacier, flightseeing over Denali National Park and Preserve and other activities.
For more information, visit alaskarailroad.com.
