Dates: Feb 23-28, 2026 Location: Fairbanks and Coldfoot, Alaska
Cost: $6699 double occupancy, single supplement $800
Details: This is a special aurora trip traveling above the arctic circle. We have hired professional drivers to safely take us into the magical winter Arctic landscape. We start our arctic adventure with two nights in Fairbanks including a photo session at the International Ice Carving Championships and a session of dog sledding. Next we head north for 2 nights at Coldfoot Camp above the Arctic Circle. Along the way we stop to photograph the ethereal frost covered trees along the Yukon River. We will be staying at lodging directly beneath the aurora oval, the best place to see northern lights in the US, even with a low KP index.
During the day we will travel into the Brooks Range, the last mountain range before reaching the Arctic Ocean. The landscapes are stunning, this is some of the most remote country you can access by road. As a bonus after two nights of arctic aurora photography we will return to Fairbanks via small plane, arriving in time to rest up for one more night of northern lights photography.
Will I be warm enough? We realize that everyone is not prepared for arctic temperatures. The best way to stay warm in Alaska in winter is to have the right gear. Alaska Outdoor Gear Rentals in Fairbanks has a –40 Extreme Cold Winter Clothing Packet that is perfect for our workshop. Even better, they will deliver your gear direct to our hotel in Fairbanks.
What you will learn:
- How to Photograph Northern Lights
- Editing aurora in PhotoShop and Lightroom
- Photograph the Dr Seuss Forest
- Photograph dog mushing from the ground and from a sled
- Landscapes in the Arctic Brooks Range
- Photographing in cold weather
Lodging:
Our group will be staying in two hotels the Springhill Suites in downtown Fairbanks, and the rustic Inn at Coldfoot Camp in Coldfoot, Alaska
Closest Airport: Fairbanks International Airport FAI to arrive and fly out of Fairbanks, Alaska
We will meet for the first time in Fairbanks at 4 pm in the Springfield Suites on Day 1. The workshop ends on Day 6 after breakfast in Fairbanks. This gives you plenty of time to fly to Anchorage and then on to the lower 48 the same day.
Recommended camera gear:
- 1-2 camera bodies (back up body recommended)
- Lenses ranging from extra wide 14mm to 70-200mm
- Wildlife telephoto lens – 300mm or more (200-500mm or similar works great)
- Tripod
- Polarizing filter
- Laptop for editing and critique
- Photo Backpack (with extra room)
Included in the fee:
- Lodging for all nights of the workshop
- Breakfasts and dinners during the workshop
- Transportation in and around Fairbanks
- Transportation to Coldfoot Camp in coach
- Return flight to Fairbanks in small plane
- Dog sledding near Fairbanks
- 5 nights of aurora viewing if weather cooperates
- Entrance to the International Ice Carving Championships
Participants will provide their own:
- Hotel accommodation in Fairbanks if spending the night before the workshop
- Lunches and all alcoholic drinks
- Gratuity for guides and driver – recommend $25 per day
Alaska Weather: Occasionally the weather in Alaska will cause travel delays. This time can be used for editing images or photographing the area. This is a regular part of photographing in Alaska and may result in rescheduling flights or hotel stays at the participants’ expense.
Know Before You Go: Rated Difficult. This trip involves walking up to 1 mile per day in snowy icy conditions and extreme cold. A wildlife lens and cold weather attire will be needed.
