How much do Northern Lights tours cost?

Small Group Tours are $325 per person (maximum 10 guests, all-inclusive). Private Group Tours start at $975 for up to 9 guests with exclusive lodge use. Multi-night bookings receive a 15% discount on 3+ nights. Price includes round-trip hotel transportation, private lodge access, hot drinks and snacks, 1-3 professional aurora portraits, photography guidance, and mobile aurora chasing.

What makes Face The Outdoors different from other aurora tours?

Five key differences: 1) Truly small groups (max 10 guests) unlike bus tours with 30-50 people where headlights ruin photos. 2) Our personal home, not a commercial lodge. 3) Native Alaskan guide Michael with 20+ years experience. 4) Mobile aurora chasing—we relocate to find clear skies. 5) Prime location 100 miles from Fairbanks under the aurora oval with minimal light pollution.

How long are the aurora tours?

Tours typically run 6-8 hours depending on aurora activity and weather conditions. If aurora is spectacular, we stay longer. Peak viewing usually occurs 10pm-2am. We're experience-focused, not time-focused.

Do I need to bring a camera for aurora photography?

Not necessarily. Michael includes 1-3 professional aurora portraits of you with the northern lights (high resolution, no upsells). Modern smartphones can capture surprisingly good aurora photos with guidance. You can also bring your own camera or rent one from us for $80.

Northern Lights Alaska FAQ

Expert answers to your aurora viewing questions from a native Alaskan guide

Jump to:

🌌 Aurora Commitment 💳 Booking & Pricing ⏰ Best Time to Visit 🌟 Tour Experience 📸 Photography 🧥 What to Wear

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Our Aurora Commitment

The guarantee that puts your mind at ease

What is your Aurora Commitment?

Our Aurora Commitment: If no aurora sighting is observed—either visually or by camera—you can join another night FREE OF CHARGE during your Fairbanks trip (subject to availability). We stand behind your experience because we're confident in our prime location, our mobile chasing capability, and Michael's 20+ years of expertise finding the lights.

✓ Free Rescheduling: Plans change? Reschedule anytime within 12 months at no cost

✓ We Never Cancel: We run tours even with one guest—you'll never be left hanging

✓ Weather Guarantee: If severe weather forces us to cancel, full refund—no questions

✓ Booking 3+ nights gives you approximately 90% success rate

Can you guarantee I'll see the Northern Lights?

Yes—with our Aurora Commitment. If no aurora is visible during your tour (either visually or captured by camera), you can join another night free of charge, subject to availability. While nature doesn't perform on schedule, our 20+ years of local expertise, mobile chasing capability, and prime location under the aurora oval give you the best possible chance. Booking 3+ nights increases your success rate to approximately 90%.

Our philosophy: Honest expertise, maximum effort, and the confidence to back it up.

💳 Booking, Pricing & Policies

Transparent pricing, flexible policies

What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?

Plans change—we get it. That's why we offer free rescheduling up to 12 months out, no questions asked.

✓ Free Rescheduling: Change your dates anytime up to 12 months at no cost—life happens!

✓ We Never Cancel On You: We run tours even with just one guest. You'll never be left stranded because we "didn't fill up."

✓ Weather Cancellation: If severe weather forces us to cancel, you receive a full refund—guaranteed. However if weather looks questionable we'll reach out days in advance to see about rescheduling you first to maximize your chances.

✓ Proactive Communication: If forecasts look poor, we'll reach out to help you reschedule to a better night.

We require 30 days notice for cancellations (industry standard for small-group tours). This policy allows us to operate without minimum booking requirements—meaning your tour happens even if you're the only guest. It's how we deliver intimate, personal experiences rather than waiting to fill a bus.

How much do tours cost?

Pricing (August 2026 - April 2027 season):

✓ Small Group Tour: $325 per person — Maximum 10 guests, all-inclusive

✓ Private Group Tour: Starts at $975 (up to 9 guests) — Exclusive lodge use

✓ Multi-Night Discount: 15% off 3+ nights (Example: 3 nights = $828 instead of $975)

What's Included: Round-trip hotel transportation, private lodge access, hot drinks & snacks, 1-3 professional aurora portraits (high resolution, no upsells), photography guidance, mobile aurora chasing, 6-8 hour experience.

Should I book multiple nights?

YES—we strongly recommend 3-5 nights for the best chance of seeing spectacular displays. Aurora doesn't perform on schedule—weather and solar activity vary night to night. 3+ nights gives you approximately 90% success rate vs. 50-60% for a single night. Each display is unique, and it accounts for unexpected weather. Bonus: 15% discount on 3+ night packages rewards smart planning.

Do you offer refunds if I don't see the northern lights?

We do better than refunds—we offer our Aurora Commitment. If no aurora sighting is observed by your guide (either visually or by camera), you can join another night free of charge, subject to availability.

✓ Aurora Commitment: No sighting = free return visit during your trip

✓ Free Rescheduling: Need to change dates? Reschedule anytime within 12 months at no cost

✓ Weather Refund: If severe weather forces us to cancel, you get a full refund

✓ Maximum Effort: Mobile chasing, real-time monitoring, local expertise—we don't give up on your night

⏰ Best Time & Viewing Conditions

When and where to see the aurora

When is the best time for Northern Lights tours in Alaska?

The aurora borealis is most active from late August to mid-April in Alaska. Peak northern lights viewing in Fairbanks occurs September through March when we have long, dark nights and clear skies.

🍂 August-September: Season begins, moderate temps (30-50°F), fall colors

🌙 October-November: Increasingly dark nights, colder (0 to -30°F)

❄️ December-February: Darkest skies (peak darkness), coldest (-20 to -40°F)

🌅 March-April: Spring equinox surges, warming (0 to -20°F)

💡 Pro tip: Book 3+ nights to account for weather variability. Even during peak season, clouds or low solar activity can affect viewing any single night.

Why is Fairbanks the best place for aurora viewing?

Fairbanks offers the highest probability of seeing northern lights in Alaska:

✓ Aurora Oval Position: Fairbanks sits directly under the aurora oval—the aurora appears overhead, not on the horizon

✓ Interior Climate: Dry, continental climate means fewer clouds—240+ clear nights per year

✓ Minimal Light Pollution: Our lodge is 100 miles from Fairbanks with virtually zero light pollution

Face The Outdoors advantage: Our lodge location has its own microclimate pattern—often clearer conditions than the city itself.

What is the KP index and why does it matter?

The KP index measures global geomagnetic activity on a scale from 0-9. Higher numbers mean aurora visible farther south.

✓ KP 0-2: We can still see beautiful aurora because we sit under the aurora oval

✓ KP 3-4: Moderate displays, visible clearly in Fairbanks

✓ KP 5-6: Strong displays, more intense colors and movement

✓ KP 7+: Major geomagnetic storm, spectacular displays

Don't obsess over KP numbers. We monitor solar wind speed, cloud cover, and local weather patterns. Trust your guide's real-time assessment combining all these factors.

🌟 Tour Experience

What makes us different

What makes Face The Outdoors different from other tours?

Five key differences that actually matter for your aurora experience:

1. Truly Small Groups (Max 10 Guests): Unlike crowded bus tours with 30-50 people where you're competing for your guide's attention and vehicle headlights ruin your photos, our intimate groups mean personal guidance, peaceful viewing, and complete darkness for stunning aurora photography. No bus lights. No crowds. Just you and the lights.

2. Our Personal Home: Not a commercial lodge—you're invited into where we actually live. Genuine Alaskan hospitality, not a tour operator facility.

3. Native Alaskan Guide: Michael has 20+ years of aurora experience, born and raised in Alaska. Not seasonal workers learning on the job—real expertise that knows exactly where to find clear skies.

4. Mobile Aurora Chasing: We don't just wait and hope—we actively relocate to find clear skies using real-time weather data and decades of local knowledge.

5. Prime Location Under the Aurora Oval: 100 miles from Fairbanks with minimal light pollution. The aurora appears overhead, not on the horizon.

Our philosophy: Quality over quantity. This is about connection to nature and authentic Alaska, not processing tourists through a checklist.

How long are the tours?

Tours typically run 6-8 hours depending on aurora activity and weather conditions. If aurora is spectacular, we stay longer. If conditions are poor, we may wrap up earlier. We're experience-focused, not time-focused. Peak viewing usually occurs 10pm-2am. Pickup times vary seasonally—we'll confirm your specific time after booking.

Where do you pick up guests?

We provide complimentary round-trip transportation from Fairbanks hotels in our comfortable, heated van. Pickup from Fairbanks hotels and Airbnbs within 5 mins of downtown. For those staying outside the city, we meet at Morris Thompson Visitor Center. Drive time is approximately 90 minutes to our lodge (100 miles from Fairbanks). Why so far? Distance from city lights dramatically improves viewing conditions and success rate.

Is this suitable for children or elderly guests?

Yes! We have an age minimum of 10 years old for small group tours. For families with younger children, a private tour is available. Our lodge provides warm indoor space anytime, clean accessible facilities, large windows to watch aurora from inside, and comfortable seating. Children and elderly guests can enjoy the experience without enduring harsh cold continuously—move between indoor/outdoor at your own pace.

What if the weather is bad on my scheduled night?

We monitor weather patterns and solar forecasts continuously. Before your tour: If conditions look poor, we'll contact you proactively to discuss rescheduling to a better night—we work with your schedule. During your tour: We use mobile chasing to relocate and find clear skies, with real-time weather monitoring and local knowledge of microclimate patterns. Our small, local operation offers flexibility that large tour companies with rigid schedules cannot match.

📸 Photography

Capture the moment

Can I take photos of the aurora?

Absolutely! Michael has 20+ years of aurora photography experience and will help you capture stunning images.

✓ Camera settings: ISO, shutter speed, aperture adjustments

✓ Composition: Framing, foreground elements, perspective

✓ Focus techniques: Manual focus in low light

✓ iPhone tips: Yes, modern phones can capture aurora with guidance!

Professional portraits included: 1-3 high-resolution photos of YOU with the northern lights (5-7 on private tours). Full quality—no upsells. Camera and tripod rental available for $80 if you don't have equipment.

💡 Important: Don't spend the ENTIRE time behind a camera. Take moments to simply watch and experience this natural wonder with your own eyes!

Do I need to bring a camera?

Not necessarily! Several options:

1. Michael captures you: Professional portraits included (1-3 photos of your group, full high resolution)

2. Use your smartphone: Modern iPhones/Androids capture surprisingly good aurora photos with guidance

3. Bring your own camera: DSLR or mirrorless with manual settings, wide-angle lens, tripod

4. Rent from us: Camera with tripod available for $80

For serious photographers: Camera with manual mode, wide-angle lens (14-24mm ideal, f/2.8 or faster), sturdy tripod, extra batteries (cold drains them quickly!), remote shutter release, headlamp with red light.

📷 Explore Aurora Photography Workshops →

🧥 What to Wear & Bring

Dress for temperatures down to -40°F

What should I wear for a Northern Lights tour in Alaska?

Dress in thermal layers for temperatures that can reach -30°F or colder in winter months.

Essential layering system:

1. Base Layer: Moisture-wicking thermal underwear (merino wool or synthetic—NOT cotton)

2. Mid Layer: Fleece jacket or wool sweater for insulation

3. Outer Layer: Insulated, waterproof parka and snow pants

Critical extremity protection:

🧢 Head: Warm hat covering ears, neck gaiter or scarf

🧤 Hands: Insulated mittens (warmer than gloves) or glove liners + heavy mittens

🥾 Feet: Thick wool socks + insulated waterproof winter boots

Seasonal adjustments:

🍂 Aug-Sept: Lighter layering (30-50°F)

🌙 Oct-Nov: Moderate winter gear (0 to -30°F)

❄️ Dec-Feb: Full winter gear (-20 to -40°F)

🌅 Mar-Apr: Moderate layering (0 to -20°F)

💡 Pro tips: Chemical hand/foot warmers provide extra heat boost. Avoid cotton—it retains moisture and makes you colder. Layer up! You can always remove layers if too warm.

📥 Download Free Packing Guide (PDF) →