Winter in Alaska
Winter is in full swing up here in Alaska and has been since October when the first snow fell. With that being said, it’s my first full winter up here, and I was definitely not looking forward to it because I’d been in Texas for the past three winters. I’ve learned a lot since moving up here, especially about getting through the winter months in this climate.
Winter here is long and dark, and snow is on the ground from October until April or May when it finally starts melting. However, with all of the snow, it kind of feels like you are living in a Hallmark Christmas movie. I think it’s absolutely beautiful up here, and it feels like the Christmas season with all of the snow. Currently, we get around three to four hours of daylight with the sun not coming up until 10:30 a.m. and setting by 3 p.m.
Living in a place that gets so little sunlight can be a challenge. Up here, many people use happy lights (light therapy lamps) throughout the winter to give themselves extra exposure to light and to help boost their mood. Here on Fort Wainwright you can check out a happy light for the winter though Army Community Service. All you have to do is call. Taking vitamin D is also essential to living up here. I set up an appointment with my doctor when I first arrived, and I take the weekly amount he recommends for me. Without vitamin D, my body is ready for bed when the sun goes down.
Winterizing your vehicle is also a must, unless you have a heated garage that you are able to keep your car in when it’s not being driven. Make sure you get that done before the first snowfall, if possible. All auto shops offer winterization. If you are wanting to do it yourself the Automotive Skills Center is open on the installation, just make sure you have an appointment set up to work on your vehicle first. I would also recommend auto start for your vehicle, unless you want to manually start your vehicle every morning in negative weather. Once your vehicle is winterized, and if you are parking it outside overnight, it must be plugged in daily. It sounds weird, I know, but if you forget to plug in your vehicle it usually doesn’t start the next morning. You can get the Artic extension cord for your vehicle at most auto shops, Home Depot, and Lowe’s.
While it may be long and dark, make the most of winter activities. Chena Hot Springs is a must for a little get away in the winter. Soaking in the hot springs during winter is an experience of its own, even with it being in the negative temperatures. There are many winter activities, such as snowmobiling, sledding, ice fishing, skiing, and more. There is a ski area, Birch Hill, on the installation that offers skinning and other sledding activities.
Take advantage of winter activities if you can, because staying cooped up at home all winter is mentally exhausting. Get out of the house and go exploring; I promise you it is worth it. And that’s coming from someone who used to hate winter.
Winter in Alaska is challenging, but I’m learning to make the most of it. I have learned that winter is an amazing opportunity to do and learn new things that I never thought I’d get to experience.
