Small groups (max 10), expert native Alaskan guide, mobile aurora chasing—experience Alaska’s northern lights the right way
The aurora borealis, or northern lights, is a mesmerizing natural phenomenon caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with gases in Earth’s atmosphere, creating vibrant displays of color across the night sky. The intensity and visibility of the aurora are influenced by both Earth’s weather and space conditions, making each viewing experience unique and sometimes unpredictable.
Fairbanks is renowned for its long, dark winter nights, which provide ideal conditions for aurora viewing. However, visitors should be prepared for the cold temperatures typical during aurora season, as the wintry climate is part of the authentic Alaskan experience.
Our actual home, not a commercial facility
We relocate if clouds move in
Help with any camera or phone
Everything you need for $325/person
No one can control the northern lights—but we can control how we take care of you.
If conditions don't deliver, come back another night during your trip at no extra cost.*
Plans change—reschedule anytime within 12 months at no extra cost.
Severe weather? Full refund if we cancel and can't successfully reschedule you. No questions asked.
*Subject to availability during your trip.
Posted on C HallTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Guide was very knowledgable. Love that the cabin was there to warm up in. Great tour!Posted on Dul CorianderTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are looking for a customized and outstanding experience from a unique place far away from the crowds. Face the Outdoors is your best option. On top of that, Michael, is an exceptional photographer and knowledgeable guide that will maximize the beauty of your encounter with the northern lights. Quality of service at its best. Worth every penny.Posted on Mark DawsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What a wonderful adventure! Professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and comfortable, even when dealing with the necessary clear, cold weather. The beautiful private lodge, hot drinks and snacks, made the experience even more enjoyable. Many, many thanks!Posted on Daniel De La TorreTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Michael IS THE AURORA GUY! Thank you for making our experience memorable! The weather wasn’t favorable yet you made it happen for my fiancee and I. Forever grateful for treating us and for your time. Everyone, absolutely everyone considering going to Fairbanks to see the lights should take your tour.Posted on Christine ChenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If the weather is iffy, or you want nice photos, it’s worth it to go with a tour such as Face the Outdoors. My friend was only here for a few days so we opted for Face the outdoors on 9/15. Michael is an expert at finding the northern lights. He is a professional photographer. His photos of the lights and tour group were beautiful. He pointed out moose twice during the drive. Because of Michael’s expertise we were able to see the lights on a cloudy day. He knew where to go, and found a clear sky, beautiful spot in Denali 2.5hrs away, with a reflective pond and mountains that allowed for epic photos. I think on a clear day with a good aurora forecast, go to Murphy dome without a tour and you can see the lights for free (without a pond or mountains, and you have to take your own photos). I self toured Murphy some on 9/16 and it was amazing. Photos below are from our 9/15 tour. One pro photo from Michael, the rest are from my iPhone 12 Pro with tripod.Posted on John MartinTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Coming to Fairbanks, our main goal was to see the Aurora Borealis. So, we sought a tour that gave us the best opportunity to see this phenomenon. We believe we found this with Michael through Face the Outdoors. Michael is knowledgeable about the Lights and very willing to teach what he knows and enjoys. He knows the area surrounding Fairbanks like the back of his hand. Add to this is his connectedness to the weather; which means he knows where best to find clear skies. (The Lights might be out; but unless you have clear skies, you will not see them.) Michael is willing to drive two hours from Fairbanks to provide the best viewing point to see the Lights that are dancing each night. This might mean driving southwest to his house in Delta or southeast to Denali. I will say we are very pleased! We saw the Aurora each of the three nights we booked with Michael, and each night was different! We are so glad we booked with Face the Outdoors and booked three nights.Posted on Jane SlotaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very accommodating. Michael kept in communication with us and watched the forecast offering to switch us twice in order to have the best chance to see the lights. We were able to come and go from his home to see the lights and warm up. He gave pointers on the best way to capture the lights. All around - a great tour.Posted on Rachel RotabiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent experience!! Mike was a very knowledgeable tour guide about the aurora and Fairbanks area. We really enjoyed having access to a private warm lodge in addition to large, wide open outdoor space for some excellent photos. Bucket list item: check!! Highly recommend.Posted on Ayline VegaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was amazing!!! I loved the small group and the ambiente created by the lodge! Highly recommend, Micheal is a very knowledgeable individual teaching us all about the aurora's.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Michael picks you up from your Fairbanks hotel between 8-9pm. Enjoy the scenic 1 1/2-hour drive through the Alaskan wilderness as he shares local knowledge and aurora science.
Settle into our private log home with panoramic windows. Enjoy hot drinks, snacks, and warm up by the fire while Michael monitors aurora conditions in real-time.
"The small group made it feel so personal. Couldn't have asked for a better experience."
— TripAdvisor Review
When the lights appear, head outside to the viewing deck or stay warm inside. Michael helps with camera settings and takes professional portraits of you with the aurora.
Michael calls with weather intel and confirms pickup time. If weather looks questionable days in advance, Michael will reach out about rescheduling your tour to a better night.
We pick you up from your Fairbanks hotel in our heated van.
Scenic 1 1/2-hour drive through interior Alaska. Only 40 miles further from Fairbanks than Chena Hotsprings, but without the crowds.
Watch from the warm lodge or outside deck. Michael assists with photography.
Clouds roll in? We chase clear skies using real-time weather data.
Back to your hotel with unforgettable memories.
2026-2027 Season
✨ Everything in Small Group, plus:
Book 3+ nights, save 15%
Multiple nights = 90%+ chance of seeing the lights
GET MULTI-NIGHT QUOTE →📸 No camera? Smartphones work great with our guidance, plus we include professional portraits.
We don't give up. Unlike static lodges, we can relocate 100+ miles to find clear skies.
Our Aurora Commitment: come back another night during your trip at no extra cost, subject to availability.
Reschedule anytime within 12 months—free. We never cancel on you. If weather forces us to cancel, full refund. We always try to reschedule you first so your trip isn't interrupted in trying to see the northern lights.
Plan for -10°F to -40°F in winter. We recommend renting winter gear during your visit. Reach out with questions regarding clothing.
Typically 8-9 hours (8pm pickup, ~5am return). Aurora is most active around 1-2am.
Peak season fills 3-6 months ahead. Secure your spot today.
CHECK AVAILABILITY →📞 (907) 590-1567 · ✉️ michael@facetheoutdoors.com