Fairbanks Aurora Sleighers Snowmobile Tour: Chase Lights

Snowmobile beneath the Aurora while the lights dance overhead.

Chase the Northern Lights on a snowmobile tour in Fairbanks that runs from 10pm to 1am through Goldstream Valley, 15 minutes north of the city. You ride brand-new Arctic Cat and Skidoo snowmobiles, stop at multiple vantage points to view and photograph the Aurora, and a professional guide leads the way. Winter gear and all equipment are provided. Children from age 6 can join, and riders must be at least 16 to operate a machine.

Step-by-step itinerary

Night snowmobile tour and Aurora viewing

• Depart for Goldstream Valley
• Snowmobile under the night sky
• Stop at vantage points to view scenery
• Pause to watch the Aurora
• Return after Aurora viewing

The experience

The snowmobiles are your base for the night. Instead of standing still and craning your neck while waiting for the Aurora to appear, you're moving across the snow-covered landscape, covering ground and hitting different viewing spots as the evening unfolds. The tour departs at 10pm and runs until 1am: the window when Aurora activity peaks in Fairbanks. Goldstream Valley, where the tour operates, sits far enough north of the city to avoid light pollution and offers unobstructed views of the sky.

Throughout the three hours, you'll cruise beneath the night sky on the snowmobile, then pull over at multiple stops along the route. When the Aurora begins to dance, the guide cuts the engine so you can sit in the quiet and watch. Bring your camera and tripod. The guide will help you position yourself for the best shots. The professional guide speaks English and navigates the terrain, timing stops to chase the lights as they move across the sky.

Winter gear and clothing are included, along with the snowmobiles themselves. Everything you need to stay warm and ride safely. You'll need to dress in layers and bring additional warm clothes if you have them. The tour suits anyone 16 or older who can operate a snowmobile. Children from age 6 can ride as passengers with an adult.

What’s included

• Professional guide leading the tour in English.
• brand-new Arctic Cat and Skidoo snowmobiles.
• winter gear and clothing for the three-hour ride.
• all equipment and setup for snowmobiling.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 22:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (6 to 13 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 18 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Fairbanks Snow Sleighers

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you'll understand the commentary and navigation without a language barrier. The tour suits anyone 16 or older who can handle a snowmobile and wants to move across the landscape instead of standing still: children from age 6 can ride as passengers with an adult.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 13 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I ride a snowmobile if I've never done it before?

Yes. The tour is designed for riders of all experience levels, and you'll get instruction from the professional guide before you head out. You must be at least 16 years old to operate the machine.

What happens if the Aurora doesn't show up during the tour?

The tour runs every night from 10pm to 1am regardless of Aurora activity. You'll still ride the snowmobiles through Goldstream Valley and stop at vantage points to watch the sky. The guide will explain what to look for and share knowledge about the Aurora even if it doesn't appear that particular night.

What's included in the winter gear provided?

The tour includes winter clothing and gear designed to keep you warm during the three-hour ride in sub-zero temperatures. Bring additional layers and warm clothes of your own to layer underneath, especially a warm hat, gloves and insulated boots.

How far is Goldstream Valley from Fairbanks?

Goldstream Valley is located about 15 minutes north of Fairbanks. Public transportation options are available nearby if you need to arrange your own way to the meeting point.