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| Martin Family, Cross-Country Skiing, Alaska |
October through March - If you are a winter sports enthusiast, or have always wanted to experience Alaska during the snow-covered months, we recommend planning your vacation during this time period. Snow sports abound, such as skiing (cross-country and downhill), ice skating, snow-mobiling (we call it "snow-machining"), snow-shoeing, ice-fishing and so much more. The opportunities are endless, and if you're not sure which activity best suits you, talk to the operator of the accommodations you choose and get some advice from a real live Alaskan. Looking for a romantic getaway in an exotic location? Trust us. It doesn't get much better than a warm cozy suite room, candles lit, wine glasses poured, all overlooking a beautiful snow-covered vista! These words from Jack and Debbie Brown say it all,
"Jack and I spent New Years Eve at the Diamond M Ranch Resort. The scenery was just beautiful! Imagine watching fireworks bursting over the snow covered Kenai River valley ~ Fantastic! The Green Tree room is like a honeymoon suite with beautiful kitchen area, living room, and jaccuzi. Gorgeous furnishings in each room. This resort is as wonderful in December as it is in June. Happy Trails in 2011!"
April - While most people in the United States have this strange season they call, "Spring," we Alaskans have our own special time of year, a season unto itself. We affectionately call it, "Break-Up," because this is the month where all the snow begins to do exactly that---breaking up, slowly and steadily melting, leaving an abundance of water in it's wake. Mud abounds, as do puddles both large and small, as the earth begins to show her face again, the promise of green just around the corner.
There aren't a lot of vacationers here during the month of April, so if you are looking for a real bargain on a room or cabin, this is the month to find it! Take a walk through the thawing woods and be amazed at the hardy green plants that are poking their little heads through the slowly melting snow. The sun comes up early and goes to bed late, its rays of light energizing each little Alaskan community. Moose go ambling around the woods and neighborhoods alike, females all close to giving birth and more than delighted to munch on the willow stems emerging from the receding snow. Everywhere, during the month of April, life in the Alaskan wilderness is beginning to stir.
To be continued...
Click here for Part 2 - MAY
4 comments:
My mother-in-law came to visit AK in April
one year and it was wonderful. We took up
the Kenai River and wildlife abounded. A
drive to Anchorage with no traffic but swans
and a rainbow. It gave us a new attitude about
April in Alaska. Fran Jones
In Maine we have 5 seasons, Summer, Fall,Winter, Mud Season and Spring - sounds like you have that too!! It is just more of an anticipation for Spring and life to begin again!! Tide loves mud season too!!
Sometimes breakup doesn't come until May. Might want to wait until first week of May. That is usually when they open Denali Park for first 30 miles to private vehicles. Just before tour buses start running. And May is great time to go to Homer for Halibut or salmon fishing. But don't rent an RV in May and expect many RV parks to be open. Usually not until Memorial Day. And if you drive north of Anchorage, dress warm. It has snowed and sleeted on us in May pretty often.
Thanks for the great comments, all! Wise words and great stories!
-DMR
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