Winter 2018-2019

WINTER TDD/Hearing Impaired: 907.265.2620 |LEPAssistance Available SCHEDULES |FARES |PACKAGES ALASKARAILROAD.COM |800.544.0552 2018-2019

R WINTER ADVENTURE Christie Wyzykowski Christie © Route Map i Aurora Winter Train Schedules & Fares 1 Hurricane Turn Train Schedules & Fares 3 PACKAGES: The Aurora 5 The Borealis 7 Talkeetna Getaway 9 Talkeetna Pie-Making 11 Winter Escape 13 Denali in a Day 15 Arctic Circle Adventure 17 World Ice Art Championships 19 Optional Excursions 21 Terms and Conditions 25 FAIRBANKS WINTER ROUTES ALASKA RAILROAD FLAGSTOP SERVICE

Tanana River

The Alaska Railroad’s Aurora Winter Train travels from Anchorage through the Mat-Su Valley, stopping HEALY 348 in the charming town of Talkeetna, and continues LI NA ARK DE L P onward to the wilderness of Denali National Park NA IO E AT LI G before reaching its terminus in the Interior city of N NA N E A 304 D R Fairbanks. Travelers on this journey traverse the A K Alaska Range and enjoy stunning views of panoramic S A 284 vistas, wildlife, river valleys, and rocky gorges. On L HURRICANE A clear days, travelers may even see an incredible view 279 of Denali, North America’s tallest peak.

226 TALKEETNA Travelers may also choose to ride the Hurricane Turn Train the first Thursday of each month. The Hurricane Turn travels north from Anchorage past Talkeetna, to the backcountry where passengers may access hunting, skiing and remote cabins – or stay onboard

ST to enjoy the views. RE FO L Susitna River WASILLA A N IO T A Both trains provide flagstop service along the 55-mile N H C A stretch north of Talkeetna to Hurricane. Knik Arm G U H ANCHORAGE C

O K I N C O L E T POINTS OF INTEREST:

MILEPOST 226 | TALKEETNA – Gateway to Denali MILEPOST 279 | DENALI – Photo opportunity

Kenai River MILEPOST 284 | HURRICANE GULCH – The longest

Kenai Lake bridge on the Alaska Railroad at 918 feet, and the Skilak Lake turnaround point for the Hurricane Turn Train

MILEPOST 304 | BROAD PASS – The lowest pass across the Alaska Range – 2,300 feet S RD O K J AR I F P MILEPOST 348 | DENALI NATIONAL PARK A L N A E N C K IO SURRE TION T RE A N BAY

i ii AURORA WINTER TRAIN SCHEDULE AURORA WINTER TRAIN FARES NORTHBOUND, Saturdays | SOUTHBOUND, Sundays One way Adult Senior, Disabled & Children Sept. 22, 2018 - May 5, 2019 (Round trip is double) (12-64) (65+)/(2-11) NORTHBOUND, Tuesdays | SOUTHBOUND, Wednesdays Anchorage – Wasilla $65 $33 Nov. 20 - 21, 2018, Dec. 25 - 26, 2018, Anchorage – Talkeetna $77 $39 Jan. 1 - 2, 2019, Feb. 5 - March 27, 2019 Anchorage – Healy $141 $71 NORTHBOUND, Thursdays | SOUTHBOUND, Fridays Anchorage – Fairbanks $200 $100 Dec. 27 - 28, 2018, Feb. 7 - 8, 2019 & Feb. 28 - March 29, 2019 Wasilla – Anchorage $65 $33 NORTHBOUND SOUTHBOUND Wasilla – Talkeetna $77 $39 READ DOWN MILE STOPS READ UP 8:30 AM 114.3 Anchorage 8:00 PM Wasilla – Healy $141 $71 9:50 AM 159.8 Wasilla 6:25 PM Wasilla – Fairbanks $200 $100 11:25 AM 226.7 Talkeetna 4:50 PM Talkeetna – Anchorage $77 $39 11:50 AM 236.2 Chase 4:35 PM Talkeetna – Wasilla $77 $39 12:10 PM 248.5 Curry 4:15 PM Talkeetna – Healy $101 $51 12:23 PM 248.7 Deadhorse 4:03 PM 12:30 PM 257.7 Sherman 3:55 PM Talkeetna – Fairbanks $128 $64 12:40 PM 263.2 Gold Creek 3:45 PM Healy – Anchorage $141 $71 1:05 PM 268.4 Canyon 3:20 PM Healy – Wasilla $141 $71 1:14 PM 270 Twin Bridges 3:13 PM Healy – Talkeetna $101 $51 1:20 PM 273.8 Chulitna 3:05 PM Healy – Fairbanks $60 $30 1:40 PM 284 Hurricane 2:55 PM 3:55 PM 347.9 Denali 12:30 PM Fairbanks – Anchorage $200 $100 4:40 PM 358.7 Healy 11:45 AM Fairbanks – Wasilla $200 $100 5:55 PM 411.7 Nenana 10:20 AM Fairbanks – Talkeetna $128 $64 8:00 PM 470.3 Fairbanks 8:30 AM Fairbanks – Healy $60 $30 Fairbanks – Denali $76 $38 Onboard service: dining car and non-smoking cars. Baggage service provided in Anchorage and Fairbanks only. Wheelchair access provided in Denali - Fairbanks $76 $38 Anchorage, Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali, Nenana, Healy and Fairbanks. Due to the nature of flagstop service, times may vary. For more information visit AlaskaRailroad.com/winter. The Alaska Railroad Corportation offers a Half Fare program for seniors (65+) and individuals with certain disabilities, allowing them to travel Aurora Winter Train runs on weekends, northbound on Saturdays, for half fare during the winter season. For more information about this southbound on Sundays, September 22, 2018 through May 5, 2019 program, please visit AlaskaRailroad.com/HalfFares. and select midweek dates (see above). © Mike Criss © Mike Dave Blazejewski Dave ©

1 2 separate child,military, orseniorfare maybepurchased instead. Hurricane. Adult coupons maybeusedfor child,military, orsenior fares; or, a for discounted adultfares onlyandmaybeusedfor pointsand betweenTalkeetna one coupon isvalid for uptomilesofcoupons; 20 travel. Couponarebooks valid Hurricane Turn coupon books are available for $110. Each bookcontains 10 Talkeetna. No diningservice onboard; pleasebringfood withyou. in Anchorage only. Wheelchairaccess provided inAnchorage, Wasilla and Due to thenature of flagstop service, timesmay vary. Baggage service provided *On February 7andMarch 7, theHurricane Turn Train at9:30 willdepart AM. NORTHBOUND READ DOWN 8:30* AM 8:30* 9:50 AM 11:25 AM 1:40 PM HURRICANE TURNTRAIN SCHEDULE October 4,2018 -May 2019 2,

Anchorage Talkeetna Hurricane STOPS Wasilla 3 MILE 226.7 159.8 114.3 284 • First Thursday SOUTHBOUND 8:00 PM 4:50 PM4:50 2:45 PM2:45 6:25 PM READ UP

RT= Round Trip Anchorage/Wasilla -Hurricane (RT) Talkeetna -Hurricane (RT) Hurricane –Anchorage Anchorage –Hurricane Talkeetna –Anchorage Anchorage –Talkeetna Hurricane –Talkeetna Talkeetna –Hurricane (Round tripisdouble) HURRICANE TURNTRAIN FARES Wasilla –Anchorage Anchorage –Wasilla Hurricane –Wasilla Wasilla –Hurricane Talkeetna –Wasilla Wasilla –Talkeetna One way

4 (12-64) $126 Adult $89 $89 $89 $65 $89 $65 $82 $77 $77 $77 $77 $51 $51 Disabled & Disabled & (65+)/(2-11) Children Senior, $45 $45 $45 $45 $63 $39 $39 $39 $39 $33 $33 $26 $26 $41

7 nights Only available for departures on December 24, 2018, February 4 & 25, 2019 and March 4, 11, 18 & 25 2019 Monday through Sunday

MONDAY – Arrive in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. FRIDAY – Take a guided tour of Fairbanks, Interior Explore the many downtown shops and restaurants. Alaska’s largest city. That evening, seek the northern Overnight in Anchorage. lights on a guided aurora lodge tour. Overnight in Fairbanks. TUESDAY – Board the Aurora Winter Train and travel north to Talkeetna, watching for views of Denali along SATURDAY – Enjoy a leisurely morning after a late the way. The day is yours to explore this small Alaskan night of aurora hunting. That afternoon, travel to town; opt to add on a flightseeing excursion of Denali Chena Hot Springs, where you can enjoy a soak as and the Alaska Range. Overnight in Talkeetna. well as another evening watching for the aurora. Overnight in Fairbanks. WEDNESDAY – Take a guided sled dog tour with an Iditarod champion kennel. Tonight offers another INCLUDES: Rail travel to Talkeetna and Fairbanks, opportunity to enjoy dinner along Talkeetna’s all accommodations, guided dogsledding, Chena charming Main Street. Hot Springs Aurora Tour, Fairbanks City Tour, Aurora Lodge Tour and transfers. THURSDAY – Continue your journey north aboard the Aurora Winter Train, departing Talkeetna in the late morning and arriving to Fairbanks that night. Along the way, travel along the edge of Denali National Park and traverse the Alaska Range. For tour price and booking details, visit: Overnight in Fairbanks. AlaskaRailroad.com/WinterTours

5 6 THE BOREALIS

8 nights Only available for departures on December 22, 2018, February 2, 2019 and March 2, 9, 16 & 23, 2019 Saturday through Saturday

SATURDAY – Arrive in Fairbanks. Overnight in Interior Enjoy an evening exploring this small town’s charming Alaska’s largest city. Main Street.

SUNDAY – Travel to Borealis Basecamp, an off-the- THURSDAY – Try your hand at Alaska’s state sport grid destination in a remote boreal forest. Stay in a on a guided dogsledding tour. Opt to add on one of comfortably appointed geodesic dome – complete with Talkeetna’s most renowned excursions: flightseeing clear, curved roofs to accommodate aurora viewing from Denali and the Alaska Range. Overnight in Talkeetna. the comfort of your warm bed. FRIDAY – The day is yours to explore Talkeetna before MONDAY – Enjoy a full day exploring Borealis departing aboard the Aurora Winter Train, bound for Basecamp; choose from guided dogsledding or Anchorage. Overnight in Anchorage. snowmobiling, or choose to add on fat tire biking or aurora photography course. Tonight brings another SATURDAY – Take a day to experience Alaska’s largest opportunity for world-class aurora viewing from your city and its surroundings. The excellent Anchorage private dome. Museum is well worth a visit for art and history lovers alike, or add on the Mountains and Musk Ox tour (page TUESDAY – Depart Borealis Basecamp for Chena Hot 22). Overnight in Anchorage. Springs, a popular Interior Alaska destination for visitors and locals alike. Overnight in Fairbanks. INCLUDES: Rail travel to Talkeetna and Anchorage, all accommodations, guided dogsledding, and transfers. WEDNESDAY – Board the Aurora Winter Train and travel south to Talkeetna, arriving in the late afternoon. For tour price and booking details, visit: AlaskaRailroad.com/WinterTours

7 8 TALKEETNA GETAWAY

1 night retreat – Talkeetna Weekends, late September 2018 – mid-May 2019 Select midweek dates available.

SATURDAY – Take the Aurora Winter Train to Talkeetna INCLUDES: Round-trip rail Anchorage to Talkeetna and enjoy a relaxing overnight retreat in this quaint and one-night stay at the Talkeetna Cabins. Alaska town. Winter activities abound: opt to take a breathtaking Denali flightseeing tour, or watch for the shimmering colors of the aurora borealis. Bring your snowshoes or cross-country skis to explore Talkeetna’s winter trails. For tour price and booking details, visit: AlaskaRailroad.com/WinterTours SUNDAY – Spend a leisurely day exploring Talkeetna or opt to add a guided dogsledding tour (page 23). That evening, return to Anchorage on the southbound Aurora Winter Train.

9 10 TALKEETNA PIE-MAKING

1 night retreat – Talkeetna Weekends, early October 2018 – late May 2019 Select midweek dates available.

SATURDAY – Board the Aurora Winter Train for a SUNDAY – The morning is at your leisure; you will breathtaking trip through boreal forest and open have plenty of time to enjoy exploring Talkeetna marsh to Talkeetna, Alaska. Keep your eye out for before you climb aboard the Aurora Winter Train for moose which are frequently seen in the winter. your scenic and relaxing ride back to Anchorage.

Upon arrival in Talkeetna you’ll be met by a INCLUDES: Round-trip rail from Anchorage to representative from Talkeetna Roadhouse, your Talkeetna on the Aurora Winter Train, an overnight home for the weekend. The Roadhouse is full of stay at the Talkeetna Roadhouse, and registration character, warm hospitality, and the delicious for the pie-making class, including one pie to take smells and flavors of freshly baked goods. home.

Enjoy a hands-on class learning the secrets of the Does not include meals or optional activities. Space is limited at Roadhouse’s famous pies. The finished pie is yours the pie-making class to four participants at a time. to keep. After finishing your class, choose dinner at one of the local establishments in Talkeetna.

For tour price and booking details, visit: AlaskaRailroad.com/WinterTours

11 12 with an overnight inAnchorage. Fairbanks mayalsoplanaweekend rail-fly itinerary the rail journey for Sunday. Travelers originating in Or, reverse theitinerary: flyonSaturday, andsave return to Anchorage. (page 23).That evening, flight ashort provides your Museum of theNorth orjoinaFairbanks City Tour Alaska’s largest city. Opt to visitthe excellent SUNDAY for dazzlingdisplays of theaurora borealis. America’s tallest Overnight peak. inFairbanks, known on aclearday, anincredible view of Denali –North and untouched wilderness.Watch for wildlife and, journey across thislandof vast mountain ranges Anchorage to Fairbanks for anunforgettable SATURDAY Weekends, late September 2018 –mid-May 2019 WINTER ESCAPE – Spend thedayexploring Interior Select midweekSelect dates available. 1 night retreat –Interior Alaska –Take theAurora Winter Train from 13

stay, andtransfers. Flight operated by Ravn Alaska. between Anchorage andFairbanks, aone-night INCLUDES: guided winter journey across theArctic Circle. Ask aboutextending your timeinFairbanks to adda For tour price andbookingdetails, visit: AlaskaRailroad.com/WinterTours One-way rail ticket andone-way flight 14

Saturdays, late September 2018 – mid-May 2019 Select midweek dates available.

SATURDAY – Mid-morning, meet your guide in INCLUDES: Guided drive from Fairbanks to Denali, Fairbanks and begin the drive south along the Parks visit to Murie Science and Learning Center, guided Highway, visiting the river community of Nenana en nature walk or snowshoe, rail from Denali to route to Denali National Park. At Denali, experience Fairbanks. the park’s six million acres of wilderness as few ever have the chance to see it, savoring the quiet beauty Does not include meals. and solitude of a winter landscape blanketed in snow. Explore the Murie Science and Learning Center and learn about the rugged landscape – including Denali’s namesake peak, the tallest mountain in North America – and famed wildlife such as bears, moose, For tour price and booking details, visit: caribou, and more. AlaskaRailroad.com/WinterTours

After exploring Alaska’s most iconic National Park, climb aboard the Aurora Winter Train for a relaxing rail journey back to Fairbanks.

15 16 ARCTIC CIRCLE ADVENTURE

5 nights – Interior Alaska Late September 2018 – late April 2019 Friday through Wednesday

FRIDAY – Arrive in Anchorage. Opt to go flightseeing TUESDAY – Return to Fairbanks on a scenic flight, over the Chugach Range, visit the Anchorage Museum crossing the Arctic Circle once more as you travel at Rasmuson Center, visit a musk ox farm (page 22), south. See the vast arctic tundra landscape from the or enjoy fine dining, shopping and numerous galleries. skies. Arrive in Fairbanks and overnight. Overnight in Anchorage. WEDNESDAY – Return to Anchorage by air. SATURDAY – Travel to Fairbanks via the Aurora Winter Train. Watch for the northern lights. Stay the INCLUDES: One-way rail Anchorage to Fairbanks, night in Fairbanks. one night hotel in Anchorage, two nights hotel in Fairbanks, two nights hotel in Coldfoot, van transfers, SUNDAY / MONDAY – Depart on the Arctic Arctic Circle flightseeing and return flight on Ravn Circle Aurora Adventure with Northern Alaska Tour Alaska from Fairbanks to Anchorage. Company. Cross the Yukon River and head deep into the Arctic. Spend two nights in the Brooks Range, known for phenomenal northern lights viewing. Ask For tour price and booking details, visit: about optional tours, including a dogsled ride. AlaskaRailroad.com/WinterTours

17 18 WORLD ICE ART CHAMPIONSHIPS

1 night retreat – Fairbanks Weekends, March 2019 Select midweek dates available. Sherman Hogue / Explore Fairbanks / Explore Sherman Hogue ©

SATURDAY – Depart Anchorage on the Aurora Winter (Note: travelers may opt to add an additional night and Train for a serene journey through Alaska’s snow- day to explore Fairbanks. Alternatively, travelers may blanketed Interior. Overnight in Fairbanks. choose to fly from Anchorage to Fairbanks and then return to Anchorage via train.) SUNDAY – Spend the day visiting the World Ice Art Championships. Fairbanks hosts the world’s largest INCLUDES: One-way rail Anchorage to Fairbanks or ice art competition and exhibition, with over 70 teams the reverse, an overnight in Fairbanks, entrance to the from all over the world. The competition and the Kids’ World Ice Art Championships and one-way flight on Ice Art Park attract more than 100 ice artists and Ravn Alaska. approximately 45,000 visitors from Alaska and all over the world. Return to Anchorage Sunday night via For tour price and booking details, visit: air. AlaskaRailroad.com/WinterTours

19 20 OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

Anchorage

There is no shortage of exciting adventures all along the Railbelt. The following tours can be paired with any train trip to create a custom vacation itinerary; or add/substitute these tours to an existing Alaska Railroad travel package (pages 5-20) of your choosing. For more details and current pricing, visit AlaskaRailroad.com/WinterTours.

ANCHORAGE Knik Glacier Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center Mountains and Musk Ox Through combination of art, history and science, Take a guided visit to one of the most unique the Anchorage Museum creates a rich, deep animal husbandry projects in the world: the understanding of the Alaska experience and offers Musk Ox Farm, where you’ll learn about this something for everyone. Open daily, 9:00 AM – fascinating Ice Age creatures. Next, ascend to 6:00 PM. the mountains to explore the old mining district of Independence Mine State Historical Park by snowshoe or fat tire bike.

Anchorage Museum.

Glacier & Wildlife Flightseeing Musk Ox Farm, Palmer, Alaska. Depart from the world’s busiest seaplane base for the expansive Knik Glacier, 50 miles north of Anchorage. This route also includes flying over Colony Glacier to Lake George, which spills into the winding Knik Glacier Gorge.

21 22 OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

Talkeetna and Fairbanks

TALKEETNA Chena Hot Springs Aurora Tour Talkeetna Dog Sledding Watch for the aurora borealis from the comfort of a Experience Alaska’s state sport on a five-mile guided natural Alaskan hot spring. dog sled tour through the groomed trails of Talkeetna’s snowy boreal forest. Arctic Circle Tour Fly over the Yukon River Valley, and beyond, outside of Denali Flightseeing the Gates of the Arctic National Park. Cross the Arctic Take to the skies for a Circle and receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure stunning view of the Alaska Certificate. Learn about the Brooks Range and see the Range and North America’s Trans Alaska Pipeline. tallest peak: Denali. Fairbanks Dog Sledding Pie Making Join in the fun of Alaska’s state sport as you travel Learn the secrets of the across the snowy landscape behind a team of canine perfect crust at a hands- athletes. on pie-making class at the famed Talkeetna World Ice Art Roadhouse. Championships

Ruth Glacier, Denali National Park. Each March, Fairbanks attracts the world’s top FAIRBANKS talent in ice art. See page Fairbanks City Tour 19 for details. Learn about the history of Interior Alaska’s largest city on a guided city tour. Highlights include visits to the Denali in a Day Santa Claus House, the Trans Alaska Pipeline, and the Travel to famed Denali Museum of the North or Antique Auto Museum. National Park on a guided day trip from Fairbanks. World Ice Art Championship. Aurora Lodge Tour See page 15 for more details. Travel to a remote lodge away from the city lights - the perfect destination for an evening of aurora hunting.

23 24 TERMS AND CONDITIONS

PAYMENT: Full payment is required within 72 hours of booking. Passengers may transport five liters or less of white gas per We accept VISA, MC, Discover and American Express cards. container in the baggage car. Federal Railroad Administration regulations prohibit the transport of all other types of camping LATE BOOKINGS: Package bookings that are made within 35 stove fuels and/or motor fuels on passenger trains. Non-service days of departure require a minimum of 24 hours to confirm animals must be transported in kennels in the baggage car; a availability. Full payment is required at the time of booking. special handling fee of $20 applies. For more information, visit AlaskaRailroad.com/baggage. REFUNDS: All winter vacations that are canceled 36 or more days before travel will be refunded 90% of the booking value. No SCHEDULES AND FARES: Delays can occur with rail service; the refunds will be issued 35 or less days before travel. No refunds Alaska Railroad recommends a minimum of six hours between will be issued for unused services. scheduled rail arrival time and an air departure. The Alaska Railroad will not be responsible for missed connections. Schedules Rail-only bookings that are canceled one (1) or more days before and prices are subject to change without notice. travel will be refunded 90% of the booking value. No refunds will be issued the day of travel. The Alaska Railroad Corporation offers a Half Fare Program for seniors (65+) and individuals with certain disabilities, allowing them CHANGE FEES: All paid bookings are subject to a 10% change to travel for half fare during the Alaska Railroad’s winter service fee. Changes are allowed on packages up to 36 days before schedule. For more information about this program, please visit travel and on rail-only bookings up to one day prior to travel. A www.AlaskaRailroad.com/HalfFares. “package” is any rail booking that includes a non-rail component. Change fees apply only to the changed value of the booking. ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION: The Alaska Railroad will No change fees apply when the change increases the cost of provide the best alternate service available in the event of the booking. Changes to packages that include flights may incur unforeseen circumstances that may require any part of our additional fees. Any charges incurred by the Alaska Railroad service to be altered. as a result of changes made by the customer will be applied to the booking in addition to the change fee. All changes or ACCESSIBILITY: We are pleased to provide wheelchair lifts at all cancellations must be made during business hours through stations. Accessibility on other connecting modes of transport can the Alaska Railroad Reservations Office at 800.544.0552 or vary, so please check with an agent for details. Alaska Railroad’s 907.265.2494. passenger trains are wheelchair accessible and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Service animals are welcome aboard. TRAVEL INSURANCE: We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance so you can plan your travel with GROUPS: A group is 15+ paying adult passengers traveling on complete peace of mind. Ask your Alaska Railroad reservations the same route and on the same day. For more information, call agent for a travel insurance quote and about available plans. 907.265.2240, or e-mail [email protected].

CHECK-IN: Please check in one hour prior to the scheduled CHARTERS: Private cars may be chartered on regular service departure time. Reservations and seat assignments may be trains or an entire train may be chartered for special group altered or reassigned if passenger(s) and baggage are not functions, based on seasonal availability. For more information, checked in 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure. The e-mail us at [email protected]. Transportation Security Administration requires that any Alaska Railroad passenger 18 years of age or older present a LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: The Alaska Railroad Corporation government issued photo ID, or two other forms of ID, one of acts only as an agent for its clients in securing reservations which must be issued by a government authority. Children ages from the various non-affiliated hotels, transportation companies, 2-15 may only travel in the company of an adult 18 years or older. sightseeing operators and other third parties and is in no way to be considered as the principal or operator of the services. BAGGAGE: Alaska Railroad passengers are allowed four pieces The Alaska Railroad Corporation shall have no liability for loss of checked baggage and one carry-on. No single piece may or damage to baggage or property, or for loss or additional weigh over 50 lbs. A special handling fee of $20 per bag applies expenses or inconvenience from delay due to acts or omissions to oversized bags, bicycles, and other recreational equipment. of any third party carrier, hotel operator, restaurant or another Firearms may be transported only as checked baggage and must supplier of services or facilities. The Alaska Railroad Corporation be either disassembled (slide or bolt removed) or have a lock reserves the right to cancel, substitute transportation, or alter for (trigger or cable type) installed to prevent operation, and must be any reason, any rail trip or tour itinerary as current conditions, in in a locked case. Concealed weapons are not permitted onboard. the Alaska Railroad’s sole opinion, may require.