Mount Aurora Skiland - Fairbanks, Alaska

Address:Fairbanks, Alaska
Tel: (907) 389-2314

Boasting the "Silver Star" double chairlift, this mountain is not for the wary snow sports enthusiast. Family owned and operated, this couple have created a niche in the ski industry with their Mount Aurora Skiland resort. No snowmaking operations exist here; only fresh powder with compliments of northern exposure. The dates and hours of operation vary and are subject to Mother Nature's mood. Skiland is only open on the weekends, with the season running from Thanksgiving to Mid-April, so get in as much time as you can. Ski or board your heart out until the sun sets or until 5pm (whichever comes first) because there are no lit trails after the sun goes down! With Fairbanks being the closest town at 21 miles away, you truly are in the wilderness!

With eighteen swooping, wide open intermediate runs and eight narrow, steep, and challenging advanced slopes, your equipment will cut into the snow like butter. Don't worry if you're not an expert skier. There are more than ten beginners trails located around the mountain. Snowboarders are also welcome to enjoy the resort and have free reign on all the terrain, as well as in the special "bowls" carved into the mountainside. Does off-piste exploration get your heart beating? Head on into the six outlined areas and try your skills out in a whole new way! With names like the "Bering Straight," "Cindy's Hot Chocolate," "Bob's Bomb," and the "Budweiser Rocks," these owners know how to have fun and they make sure their customers do too!

Keep in mind that on busy days rental selections may be limited as this is a smaller resort – so if you have your own equipment, now is the time to bring it! On the positive side, the smallness of the resort means that lift lines are never long if even existent.

Children under 6 are always admitted free and daily passes can be found at less than $30 for the day. On most weekends, some discount is on offer.

Homemade pastries and soups await you in the day lodge when you take a break from working up your appetite. If you prefer a more varied dining experience, take your pick from the fantastic Italian bistros, savory steak houses, or buffet style meals at the local lodges to fill your stomach. All of these can be found in the surrounding 3 to 5 mile area of the resort or in Fairbanks, just 21 miles away.

Make sure to make reservations at the various local hotels or bed and breakfasts if you intend to make this trip an overnight one, as they may be booked up in advance. Hotels can be found in the city of Fairbanks, while smaller lodges, motels, inns, and camping sites are situated around the ski resort.

Whether you prefer a cozy "den" in a bed and breakfast to curl up in after the cold settles into your bones, a camping site to pitch your tent or hook up your RV, or even a multi-roomed hotel or rustic lodge, your accommodations are available within a 30 minutes drive from the mountain.

Skiland also owns and maintains the Mount Aurora Fairbanks Creek Lodge located on top of the mountain making your experience even more enjoyable. Something to consider when booking here are the beautiful Aurora Borealis sighting tours (Northern Lights) that will amaze and entertain you after a day on the slopes. Sign-ups are a must Dog sledding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing tours are also per reservation – ask the front desk for details and times. The staff, small in size, but very friendly, are ready to assist you with trail maps, ski or snowboard lessons, and rentals.

Transportation is not provided to the mountain from any lodgings, but private taxis and rental cars are available for an additional cost should you choose this option. If flying in or taking the train into Fairbanks is on your itinerary, Denali Cabins and the Fairbanks Princess Lodge offer a shuttle service from the airport or train station to their front doorstep at no extra cost.

As soon as the skis and boards come off, you can put on your warm clothing and head out to the many local taverns found in Fairbanks. For the under 30 crowd, the Blue Loon or the Howling Dog plays nightly music and is frequented by both locals and college students. If you're looking for a more sophisticated, older crowd, check out the Pump House which also features live and acoustic music nights. Most of the nightlife is centrally located in Fairbanks proper, but all the lodgings have a list of activities planned for their establishment. Consult with staff members to point you in the direction of what you're looking for – be it nature tours, other outdoor activities, the local brew house, or where to go dancing.

If you're looking for an out of the way, one of a kind adventure in the pure Alaskan wilderness far from the city limits, give Skiland a visit soon.

Steve and Brenda Birdsall invite you to World Class Skiing at Mount Aurora. This is the most northerly Ski resort in North America.