Face The Outdoors FAQ's Your Aurora Adventure Questions, Answered
Welcome to the Face The Outdoors FAQ page! We’ve gathered answers to the most common questions about our Northern Lights tours in Fairbanks, Alaska. Our goal is to help you prepare for an unforgettable aurora adventure.
Can’t find your question? Contact us directly.
Top 5 Things to Know
- Our Tours are Intimate: We limit groups to 10 guests for a personal, uncrowded experience.
- We Chase Clear Skies: If clouds roll in at our lodge, we initiate a “mobile chase” to find the best viewing conditions, maximizing your chances of seeing the aurora.
- Dress in Warm Layers: Alaskan nights are cold. Proper fall/winter gear is essential for your comfort and enjoyment.
- Aurora Sightings Are Not Guaranteed: The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon. We do everything possible to put you in the right place at the right time, but sightings depend on weather and solar activity.
- Book in Advance: Our small-group tours fill up quickly. We recommend booking early to secure your spot.
Booking & Logistics
What time are pickup and return?
We begin pickups between 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM. We will text you on the day of your tour with a precise time, we kindly ask that you be ready in the lobby 5 mins beforehand to prevent delays and to keep our schedule. Tours typically conclude around 5:00 AM. These times may be adjusted based on weather or aurora activity, and we will communicate any changes with you directly.
What is your cancellation policy?
- Cancellations made 30+ days in advance incur a $50 fee.
- Cancellations less than 30 days in advance receive a 50% refund.
- Cancellations within one week of the tour are non-refundable.
If we cancel a tour due to severe weather, you will receive a full refund. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
Do you have a booking minimum?
No! We happily welcome solo travelers. If a spot is available on our calendar, you can book it.
Can I book if my group is larger than the available spots?
Unfortunately, no. We strictly limit our tours to 10 guests to ensure a quality experience. Our online calendar shows real-time availability.
Do you offer discounts?
Yes, we offer a 15% discount for multi-night bookings of three or more nights. Please contact us to arrange this.
Tour Details & What to Expect
What makes Face The Outdoors different?
- Authentic Experience: Your guide is a born-and-raised Alaskan who shares a genuine passion for the outdoors.
- Private Lodge & Mobile Chasing: We offer the best of both worlds—a cozy, private viewing lodge away from city lights, plus the flexibility to chase clear skies if weather conditions change.
- Truly Small Groups: When we say small group, we mean it. With a maximum of 10 guests and one van, you get a personalized, comfortable tour.
What’s included in the tour?
- Transportation to and from your Fairbanks hotel.
- Access to our private Aurora Viewing Lodge with a clean, modern bathroom.
- Complimentary hot/cold drinks and light snacks.
- Photography assistance and 1-3 professional aurora portraits of your group, 5-7 on private tours.
- An expert, native Alaskan guide.
What is the difference between a Small Group and a Private Tour?
Our Small Group Tour includes up to 10 guests. A Private Tour reserves the entire lodge and tour exclusively for your party. Private tours also include 5-7 complimentary aurora portraits instead of 1-3.
Can I see the aurora if it’s cloudy?
Heavy cloud cover will block the view of the aurora. However, local weather can vary greatly. Our unique advantage is our ability to relocate to chase clearer skies, which significantly increases your chances of a successful night.
What should my expectations be for seeing the lights?
The aurora is a natural event, and its intensity varies nightly. The vibrant colors seen in photos are often the result of long-exposure photography, which captures more light than the naked eye. On many nights, the aurora appears as a white, cloud-like in the sky. We recommend keeping realistic expectations and enjoying the entire experience of being under the Alaskan night sky.
Preparation & Gear
How should I dress for the tour?
Layering is essential. We recommend thermal underwear, insulated snow pants, a warm winter coat, insulated winter boots (not rain boots), a hat, and gloves. Being properly dressed is crucial for staying comfortable while watching the sky. Gear rentals are available in Fairbanks if you don’t want to pack bulky items. Download our free northern lights viewing dress code E-book.
Are your tours kid-friendly?
Children 10 years and older are welcome on our small group tours. For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, families with children under 10 must book a private tour and total number of people regardless of age is the group size to be booked.
Should I nap before the tour?
Yes! Aurora viewing is an all-night activity. We highly recommend resting during the day so you have the energy to stay awake for the main event, which often peaks after midnight.
Photography
Can I take pictures of the aurora with my phone?
Some newer smartphones with night mode capabilities can capture the aurora, but the quality will not match a dedicated camera. For the best results, we recommend using a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual controls.
What kind of camera gear do I need?
A camera that allows manual settings, a wide-angle lens with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or lower), and a sturdy tripod are essential. We offer camera rentals if you need gear, but you must provide your own SD card. Check out how to photograph the northern lights blog post.
Do you offer photography assistance?
Yes! Your guide is an experienced photographer and will provide hands-on assistance to help you with your camera settings. We want you to go home with amazing photos you captured yourself. Consider joining my photography workshops.
Can I purchase additional photos?
Yes. Beyond the complimentary portraits included with your tour, you can purchase additional high-resolution digital photos for $50 each. Rest assured, all of our complimentary photos are high-resolution and of the same exceptional quality as the additional photos available for purchase. Unlike some tour operators who may provide low-quality images as part of their included offerings and charge extra for better versions, we believe in providing you with stunning, high-quality photos as part of your experience. Every included photo is carefully captured and delivered at the highest resolution, ensuring you leave with images you’ll cherish forever.
Don't See Your Question Here?
Simply reach out and ask.