We originally hadn't booked any aurora chasing tours since it seemed highly dependent on weather and many companies we looked at said they couldn't guarantee it (which makes sense!).
However, we visited the Morris Thompson visitor center on our first day where they let us know that the chances of seeing aurora during our stay in Fairbanks was extremely low due to clouds. They recommended Aurora in Alaska to see if they were still trying to chase them outside Fairbanks -- we immediately called and booked the tour for that night.
That first night was essentially a bust -- we technically saw a small burst of green for quick second and the rest were only weakly visible via cameras. Our guides, Tony and Andrew, were amazing and tried really hard to find us a good spot but ultimately we decided to call it. Since it was a "guarantee night", we were given the choice of 50% refund or try again on a better night. Well, we were there for the northern lights so we decided to go back out, and the only fair-weather night fell on our last night there. Given that our first try failed, it made us a bit nervous but based on our interactions with Tony & Andrew that night, we felt like we had a good shot.
And boy was that the correct call! We did have to drive out about an hour outside of Fairbanks again but the northern lights truly popped off and it was an incredible experience. There were multiple guides, including Tony & Andrew again, and they made sure that everyone got multiple good pictures, shared great stories & facts about the city, state, and the northern lights. They know & love what they're doing! When it did get cold there was a mobile hut with a fireplace to stay warm/hot, or the van to rest in though many people stayed out the whole time.
I would highly recommend going with them if you want to make sure that you get to see the northern lights and try to book them earlier in your trip so you can rebook should the weather not cooperate!
Odpowiedź od gospodarza
Mar 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Aurora in Alaska! We're delighted to hear that, despite the initial challenges, you were able to witness the breathtaking beauty of the northern lights on your last night. Our team, including Tony and Andrew, truly cherish the opportunity to help guests create unforgettable memories, and it sounds like they went above and beyond to ensure you had a great experience.
We appreciate your understanding of the unpredictability of the auroras and the weather conditions. Your flexibility and willingness to try again on a better night is commendable and clearly paid off with an incredible display!
It's wonderful to know that our amenities, like the mobile hut with a fireplace, and the dedication of our guides contributed to your comfort and enjoyment. We strive to provide not only a chance to see the auroras but also to share stories and knowledge about Alaska that enhance the overall experience.
Thank you for recommending us to others and for your valuable advice to book early in the trip to allow for rebooking if needed. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure under the Alaskan sky in the future.