Face The Outdoors
- (907) 590-1567
Aurora Chasing Tour Fairbanks: Northern Lights Tours from Private Aurora Lodge
Experience Alaska’s aurora borealis with small groups (max 10), expert native Alaskan guide, and mobile aurora chasing
Recommended by National Geographic
5.0 on Trip Advisor
$325
👥
⚠️ Peak Season (September-March) Fills 3-6 Months in Advance | Limited Spots Remaining for 2025-2026
Introduction to Aurora Borealis
The Aurora Borealis—those pale green curtains that write themselves across Alaska’s winter darkness—stands as one of nature’s most precisely choreographed performances. This phenomenon emerges when charged solar particles collide with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere, painting the sky in electric greens, deep magentas, and that particular violet that exists nowhere else but sixty miles above your head. Short. Electric. Alive. Fairbanks sits directly beneath the Auroral Oval, positioned like a theater seat in the front row of this cosmic light show, where crystalline air at minus-forty creates viewing conditions that remain consistently transparent through the long Arctic nights. The minimal light pollution here means standing in true darkness—the kind where your eyes actually adapt, where you can watch faint green arcs strengthen into writhing columns of light that pulse with the Earth’s magnetic heartbeat. Whether you arrive with years of night photography experience or you’re simply someone who needs to witness how light can dance, the aurora above Fairbanks delivers moments that feel almost impossible—drawing photographers and travelers from across continents to stand together in the cold, watching the sky transform into something that cameras struggle to fully capture but eyes never forget.
Witnessing the aurora borealis in Fairbanks is truly a lifetime experience, leaving you with memories that will last forever.
Why Choose Face The Outdoors for Your Fairbanks Northern Lights Experience?
Truly Small Groups - Maximum 10 Guests
No crowded buses with 30-50 tourists or multiple vans. Our intimate groups ensure personal attention, easy communication with your guide, and space to enjoy the aurora without crowds. Private group bookings available for exclusive lodge use.
Our Private Home, Not a Commercial Lodge
You're invited into our actual log home 100 miles from Fairbanks—under the aurora oval with zero light pollution. Genuine Alaska hospitality, warm fire, comfortable viewing windows, and clean facilities. This is where we live, and we welcome you as guests.
Native Alaskan Guide with 20+ Years Experience
Michael Schultz isn’t a seasonal worker—he’s a native Alaskan aurora photographer who has spent two decades studying the northern lights. His expertise includes interpreting space weather and analyzing space weather data to predict aurora activity and maximize your chances of witnessing the lights. Professional photography guidance included. Learn from someone who truly knows these skies.
Mobile Aurora Chasing - We Don't Just Wait
Most tours either park at one static location hoping for clear skies, or operate as traditional aurora chasing tours with large groups in multiple vans. We offer something different.
Our primary destination is our private lodge—100 miles from Fairbanks under the aurora oval with zero light pollution. This is where we want to take you:
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panoramic windows, heated comfort, wood fire warmth, and the intimate experience of watching the northern lights from a homestead designed for exactly this purpose. But unlike static tours, we’re not trapped by weather. If clouds roll in over the lodge, we transform into an aurora chasing tour—actively relocating using real-time weather data, solar forecasts, and 20+ years of local knowledge to find clear skies. We closely monitor aurora conditions, including cloud cover, aurora strength, and weather conditions throughout the evening—moving when necessary, staying when optimal. Our team relies on forecasted conditions, such as weather and aurora forecasts, to select the best locations each night and maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. The weather forecast is a key factor in planning our evening’s route, ensuring we adapt quickly to changing skies.
Professional Aurora Portraits Included
Receive 1-3 high-resolution photos of YOU with the northern lights (5-7 on private tours). Capturing the aurora in vivid detail requires a high-quality camera lens, which is used for all professional aurora portraits. Full quality delivered—no upsells for better resolution. These professional portraits are yours to keep forever, capturing your Alaska aurora experience.
All-Inclusive Experience
Round-trip hotel pickup from Fairbanks, hot drinks and snacks throughout the night, photography instruction, warm indoor viewing space, outdoor deck for clear shots, and mobile chasing—all included in one price. No hidden fees or surprise charges. To promote sustainability, guests are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle, or reusable water bottles are provided to help reduce waste. Some things can’t be replicated out on the open road.
Private Charter Options
For those drawn to the raw intimacy of aurora encounters, Face The Outdoors crafts private northern lights expeditions that honor what this experience actually requires—solitude beneath cascading green curtains, your chosen companions, and the vast Arctic silence that makes every photon of dancing light feel personal. These private aurora chasing tours exist for nights when no scheduled groups claim the darkness, giving you complete freedom to chase the aurora’s unpredictable rhythms across the northern sky with only those who matter most.
Private charters allow access to remote locations far from light pollution and crowds, ensuring a more authentic and higher-quality aurora experience in pristine, untouched landscapes.
This secures your dedicated guide who reads aurora forecasts like ancient text, your private lodge where warmth waits between cold vigils, and access to locations where the magnetic field writes its stories in colored light above untouched snow. Check our FAQs for pricing details that matter, or reach out directly—because when you’re standing beneath the aurora borealis with only the people you’ve chosen, watching emerald fire ripple across star-drunk sky, you understand why some experiences demand this level of intentional solitude.
What Our Guests Say About Their Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour
"This was the highlight of our Alaska trip! Michael's knowledge of the aurora and photography made all the difference. We saw incredible displays and he helped us capture stunning photos. The small group size meant we got personal attention and never felt rushed. The lodge was cozy and welcoming—exactly what we hoped for in an authentic Alaska experience."
— Sarah & Tom M., California
"We booked three nights to maximize our chances, and it was worth every penny! Michael's mobile chasing approach saved our first night when clouds rolled in—we relocated and found clear skies with incredible aurora activity. His 20+ years of experience showed in every decision. The professional photos he took of us with the northern lights are absolutely frame-worthy. Best tour guide we've ever had!"
— Jennifer K., Texas
"As photographers, we were skeptical about group tours, but Face The Outdoors exceeded our expectations. Michael shared advanced techniques for capturing the aurora and helped us nail our camera settings. The private lodge location was perfect—no light pollution and stunning foreground elements. The intimate group size meant we could spread out and shoot without crowds. Highly recommend for serious photographers!"
— David & Lisa R., Colorado
Your Complete Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour Experience
Everything you need for an unforgettable aurora adventure is included. Tour guests benefit from our aurora team selecting the ideal location each night, using real-time data on aurora activity and weather conditions to ensure optimal viewing and photography opportunities. We’ve thought of every detail so you can focus entirely on experiencing the magic of Alaska’s northern lights.
Pre-Tour Preparation
Preparing for your Fairbanks aurora encounter requires deliberate attention—the kind you’d give scouting a critical sunrise location. Study weather patterns and aurora forecasts beforehand, understanding how atmospheric conditions shape what unfolds overhead.
Between 3 and 5 p.m. on tour day, Michael will reach out with your essential forecast call: pickup time, how far we’ll travel into the darkness, when you’ll return, and how the night’s conditions will affect viewing.
Dress for sub-Arctic winter like you’re preparing for an alpine shoot in deep cold. Layer strategically: moisture-wicking base against skin, insulating mid-layers that trap warmth, then a windproof outer shell. Thick wool socks. Tall boots rated for -40°F or colder.
When curtains of green fire sweep across Alaska’s winter sky, when the aurora ignites in ways that humble even seasoned observers, you’ll feel only wonder—not the bite of cold stealing your attention from the living light above.
What to Bring
Preparing for aurora pursuit in Alaska’s Arctic darkness requires thoughtful gear that serves both comfort and capture.
Dress for Survival, Stay for Wonder Layer merino wool and insulated shells against sub-zero air that bites exposed skin within minutes. Pack hand warmers for frozen fingers. Bring real food—standing beneath the aurora for hours demands fuel as your body fights the cold while your spirit feeds on celestial fire. Carry a steel water bottle; liquids freeze quickly, and this pristine wilderness deserves better than plastic waste scattered across centuries-old snow. Bringing reusable items like water bottles and food containers helps minimize the tour’s carbon footprint and supports sustainability.
Photography Essentials For those compelled to document the chromatic dance overhead, bring glass that gathers light: a lens opening to f/2.8 or faster. A tripod sturdy enough to hold steady when Arctic wind tests your composition. Pack a headlamp with red-filtered beam—white light destroys the night vision your eyes need thirty minutes to develop and washes out subtle aurora glow. Extra batteries die fast in extreme cold. Protect electronics in Ziploc bags to prevent moisture condensation when moving between frigid air and heated shelter.
The Real Preparation Ready yourself for light that moves like living silk across the sky, green fire that streams and pulses and breaks your understanding of what darkness can hold. With precise gear and genuine readiness, you’ll stand prepared for true encounter with the northern lights above Fairbanks, Alaska.
Round-Trip Hotel Transportation
Comfortable, heated van pickup from your Fairbanks hotel. Guests receive an exact pick time and location, ensuring a seamless start to their aurora adventure. The driving distance from Fairbanks is carefully optimized so you spend more time viewing the aurora and less time on the road. No rental car or navigation needed. We handle all driving so you can relax, enjoy the scenery, and arrive ready for aurora viewing.
Private Aurora Viewing Lodge
Our personal log home with panoramic viewing windows, heated indoor space, outdoor viewing deck, clean modern facilities, and wood fire. The lodge is located in the greater Fairbanks area, providing access to some of Alaska's best aurora viewing. Located 100 miles from Fairbanks under the aurora oval with minimal light pollution.
Hot Drinks & Alaska Snacks
Stay warm and energized throughout the night with complimentary hot beverages (coffee, tea, hot chocolate) and homemade Alaska treats. Refill as often as you like while aurora watching.
Professional Aurora Portraits
1-3 high-resolution photos of YOU with the northern lights (5-7 on private tours). Full quality delivered—no upsells for better resolution. These are frame-worthy keepsakes of your aurora experience. These portraits are a unique way to remember your Fairbanks aurora experience.
Expert Photography Guidance
Michael provides hands-on instruction with camera settings, composition, focusing techniques, and exposure—whether you're shooting on iPhone, point-and-shoot, or professional DSLR. Learn skills you'll use for years.
Mobile Aurora Chasing
If clouds appear or aurora activity shifts, we don’t just wait and hope. We actively relocate using real-time weather satellite data, solar wind monitors, and Michael’s 20+ years of local knowledge to find the best viewing conditions.
Be prepared for snow and icy conditions during your aurora chasing tour in Fairbanks. We recommend bringing appropriate winter gear such as snow pants and insulated jackets to ensure comfort and safety while photographing outdoors.
📸 IMPORTANT GUARANTEE: All complimentary photos are delivered in high resolution—the same quality we deliver to paying photography clients. We don’t upsell you for the full-quality version of moments from your own experience. You get the absolute best we captured. Always.
Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour Pricing - 2025-2026 Season
Small Group Aurora Tour
$325
per person | Max 10 guests
Perfect for couples, solo travelers, and small groups seeking an intimate aurora experience with personalized attention.
Private Group Aurora Tour
$975
starting price point
depending on group size
Exclusive lodge use for your group only. Ideal for families, photographers, and special occasions. No strangers—just you and your people.
💰 Multi-Night Package Discount: Save 15% on 3+ Nights
The aurora doesn’t perform on schedule. Booking multiple nights dramatically increases your chances of witnessing spectacular displays—and we reward smart planning with 15% off packages of 3 or more nights.
Example: 3-night package = $828 $975 (save $147)
Our cancellation policy is based on the initial tour’s scheduled departure date. Cancellations made more than 30 days before the departure date are fully refundable. This ensures flexibility if your plans change before your initial tour. In the event of a no show, no refund will be provided.
Best Northern Lights Viewing Location Near Fairbanks, Alaska
Face The Outdoors operates from a private aurora viewing lodge located 100 miles from downtown Fairbanks in Alaska's Interior region. Our location sits directly beneath the aurora oval with virtually zero light pollution—providing optimal conditions for northern lights viewing from late August through mid-April.
📍 Location Advantages
- 100 miles from Fairbanks city lights
- Directly under the aurora oval
- Interior Alaska microclimate
- Clear skies 240+ nights annually
- Private property with unobstructed views
- Zero light pollution interference
🌍 Areas We Serve
- Downtown Fairbanks, Alaska
- North Pole, Alaska
- Airbnb pickup within 5 mins of downtown
- Interior Alaska region
- Hotel pickup throughout Fairbanks
- Convenient access from Fairbanks Airport
📅 Peak Aurora Season
- Active: Late August - Mid April
- Peak viewing: September - March
- Darkest skies: December - February
- Spring equinox surges: Late March
- Fall equinox displays: September
- Tours operate nightly during season
- Tours operate nightly during season
- Tours generally depart in the evening to coincide with the best aurora viewing times.
Common Questions About Fairbanks Northern Lights Tours
When is the best time to see northern lights in Fairbanks?
The aurora is most active from late August through mid-April, with peak viewing during September through March when we have long, dark nights. December-February offers the darkest skies, while spring equinox (late March) often brings increased geomagnetic activity.
Can you guarantee I'll see the northern lights?
The aurora is a natural phenomenon, so no one can guarantee sightings. What we CAN guarantee: obsessive monitoring of solar forecasts and weather, proactive rescheduling if conditions look poor, and mobile chasing to relocate if clouds appear. Booking 3+ nights increases odds significantly to 90%+.
What makes your tour different from others in Fairbanks?
Five key differences: (1) Our personal home, not a commercial lodge, (2) Truly small groups (max 10 vs. 30-50 on bus tours), (3) Native Alaskan guide with 20+ years experience, (4) Mobile aurora chasing—we actively relocate to find clear skies when we need to, (5) Located 100 miles from Fairbanks under the aurora oval.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
We know the aurora borealis follows no schedule but its own, and travel plans shift like the magnetic fields that birth these lights. When you need to reshape or cancel your reservation, reach out to us immediately.
Cancellations made thirty days or more before your tour date incur a $50 fee plus any applicable booking charges. Within thirty days, you’ll receive a 50% refund of the paid amount. Cancellations within the final week before your scheduled tour are non-refundable—a reflection of the operational realities of preparing personalized small-group experiences in Alaska’s remote darkness.
However, flexibility exists: you can reschedule your tour to another night or even another month without additional costs. This allows you to adapt to changing circumstances while preserving your arctic light adventure. Should severe weather or circumstances beyond prediction prevent us from guiding you safely, we’ll offer full reimbursement or the opportunity to reschedule—your choice, always.
We cannot provide refunds for guests who become ill during their stay, which is why we strongly encourage travel insurance. We recommend Travelex to protect your investment against unexpected circumstances.
Our policy balances accessibility—we happily book tours for solo travelers—with the costs of operating intimate aurora experiences in Alaska’s backcountry. Every cancellation affects our ability to share this phenomenon with others. See our full Terms and Conditions for complete details.
Ready to Experience Fairbanks's Northern Lights?
Join us for an authentic Alaska aurora adventure from our private viewing lodge. Small groups, expert guidance, and unforgettable memories await.
⏰ Peak Season Dates Filling Fast for 2025-2026 | Book 3-6 Months Ahead
5.0 Stars
👥
Small Groups
Never Crowded
Private Lodge
Questions? Call (907) 590-1567 or email us