First Winter in Alaska?

Is your first winter in Alaska coming up? We know from experience that your first winter here is a little daunting on what to expect. Here are the answers to some questions we get asked when it is your first winter in Alaska. 

When does winter start?

Snow comes sooner then you think. October is a good time to start thinking about switching over to snow tires on all your vehicles.It may seem early to do get them switched over in October, but winter is long, and does take you by surprise. Spring, or what we call Break-Up, which means the melt of piles of snow and ice becoming lakes in parking lots, doesn’t start until well into April. Make sure you have your kids snow gear ready to go in October.

What type of vehicle should we have?

Many people want to know if they need to purchase an AWD or 4WD vehicle. This really depends on a lot of factors like: How far is your commute? How many miles do you plan to drive daily? Will you be driving in remote areas or on roads not heavily trafficked? Are you a cautious driver? Those are all things to consider when making that decision. We would suggest asking around and gathering different opinions before deciding what is best for you!

Do we get a lot of snow?

We experience lots of heavy snow fall which can mean 2 feet or more of snow can appear outside your car overnight or while you're at work. Don’t forget to keep a snow brush or broom in your car to brush off the snow if your car. Depending on the size and length of your driveway you may want to consider a snow blower or plow! This cane be extremely helpful in the winters to help cut down time spent clearing snow.

How are the roads when it snows?

Snow removal happens pretty quickly when it starts to snow. The Glenn highway is usually cleared throughout the day while it is still snowing and it doesn’t get too piled up. Side streets may take a day or two. This goes back to our recommendation on snow tires!

While it may seem daunting, it is not terrible! It is some of the most magical times in Alaska. The Northern Lights are out and you get to be cozied up with your loved ones watching!