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Media attendees have the opportunity to request participation in either a pre or post conference press trip as part of their conference registration. These space-limited tours will take media beyond Fairbanks to explore various points of interest throughout the area.
Preview the pre and post press trips dates and locations below.
Depart by ground tour north from Fairbanks and travel on the Dalton Highway, made famous by the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and Ice Road Truckers series, in the comfort of Arctic-appropriate tour vehicles. Learn the story of Alaska’s Arctic both while traveling in the tour vehicle and at the various stops along the way. The remarkable wilderness of Alaska’s Arctic is unlike any place on Earth. Stop along the banks of the Yukon River and marvel at the majestic beauty and power of the mighty river. Cross the Arctic Circle in ceremonious fashion and receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate. Arrive in Coldfoot Camp in the foothills of the Brooks Mountain Range. On the second morning, take a five-hour ground tour into the Brooks Mountain Range on the Arctic Mountain Safari. Travel back to Fairbanks in the afternoon/evening via air by small plane from Coldfoot to Fairbanks relishing the amazing views of pure wilderness a small plane affords.
What to bring: Dress for comfort, not to impress. Wear comfortable walking-type shoes that can get a bit soiled in the event of rain. Dress in layers and bring a medium-weight jacket. Reusable water bottle. Overnight bag not exceeding 15 pounds. Suitcases may be stored at the Westmark Hotel.
Note: One alcoholic beverage will be included with each meal. Additional drinks may be purchased.
Departs from Fairbanks.
Maximum # of Journalists: 7
Limited to media only. Must apply to be considered to participate.
Activity Level: High
Departure Date & Time: Sunday, May 14 at approximately 8:45 am
Return Date & Time: Monday, May 15 at approximately 6 pm
Departure Date & Time: Saturday, May 20 at approximately 8:45 am
Return Date & Time: Sunday, May 21 at approximately 6 pm
Depart by ground tour north from Fairbanks and travel on the Dalton Highway, made famous by the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and Ice Road Truckers series, in the comfort of Arctic-appropriate tour vehicles. Learn the story of Alaska’s Arctic both while traveling in the tour vehicle and at the various stops along the way. The remarkable wilderness of Alaska’s Arctic is unlike any place on Earth. Stop along the banks of the Yukon River and marvel at the majestic beauty and power of the mighty river. Cross the Arctic Circle in ceremonious fashion and receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate. Return to Fairbanks via ground.
What to bring: Dress for comfort, not to impress. Wear comfortable walking-type shoes that can get a bit soiled in the event of rain. Dress in layers and bring a medium-weight jacket.
Note: One alcoholic beverage will be included with each meal. Additional drinks may be purchased.
Departure from Fairbanks.
Maximum # of Journalists: 15
Media only. If space is available, spouse/non-media guest can attend.
Activity Level: Low
Departure Date & Time: Monday, May 15 at approximately 8:45 am
Return Date & Time: Tuesday, May 16 at approximately 1 am
Departure Date & Time: Saturday, May 20 at approximately 8:45 am
Return Date & Time: Sunday, May 21 at approximately 1 am
Travel down the beautiful Richardson Highway from Fairbanks to The Lodge at Black Rapids located 130 miles from Fairbanks. On your way to the lodge, stop in the town of Delta and enjoy a meal and a craft brew at the Big Delta Brewing Co. The Lodge at Black Rapids is a unique Alaskan property that combines accessibility with unspoiled wilderness in the heart of the Eastern Alaska Range. The Lodge offers outdoor enthusiasts everything they hope to experience—glaciers, mountains, and wildlife in a fresh, clean environment. Home to the historic Rapids Roadhouse, the beautiful lodge sits atop a bluff overlooking Black Rapids Glacier and the Delta River in “Alaska’s Last Frontier.” Painstakingly restored, the enchanting lodge has a long and storied gold rush history. Listen to a history program given by the owner while enjoying a delicious Alaskan gourmet dinner. Spend the down time hanging out on the expansive deck with your favorite beverage, exploring the nearby walking/hiking trails or cozied up inside the lodge.
**Weather and Conditions Permitting** One of the highlights of this tour will be an excursion to the Castner Glacier just a few miles from the lodge. The 2.6-mile round-trip hike to the Castner Glacier ice cave is straightforward and almost entirely flat but you do need to be fit and have the appropriate footwear for a potentially muddy walk. Entering the Castner Glacier cave will not be allowed due to falling rocks and collapse potential.
Note: One alcoholic beverage will be included with each meal. Additional drinks may be purchased.
What to bring: Overnight bag with only the essential items for an overnight trip. Suitcases may be stored at the Westmark Hotel. Waterproof shoes or boots for hiking/walking.
Departure from Fairbanks.
Maximum # of Participants: 5
Limited to media only. Must apply to be considered to participate.
Activity Level: High
Departure Date & Time: Sunday, May 14 at approximately 11am
Return Date & Time: Monday, May 15 at approximately 5pm
Departure Date & Time: Saturday, May 20 at approximately 11am
Return Date & Time: Sunday, May 21 at approximately 5pm
Travel 60 miles to Chena Hot Springs Resort. Along the way, keep your eyes open for wildlife – it’s not uncommon to see moose munching on the trees along the road.
Enjoy a visit to the Aurora Ice Museum at Chena Hot Springs. Created from over 1,000 tons of ice and snow, all harvested at the resort, the Aurora Ice Museum is the world’s largest year-round ice environment! Learn about the iconic ice sculptures and the museum before roaming around. Step up to the ice bar and enjoy an Appletini served in a famous ice glass.
After the Ice Museum tour, spend the afternoon exploring the rest of Chena Hot Springs Resort. Visit the outdoor hot springs lake, indoor pool and hot tubs (don’t forget your bathing suit and a towel!). Additional optional activities will be available including a dog cart ride, ATV tour and geothermal tour (pre-registration required). While not on an organized tour feel free to roam around the resort grounds, go for a short walk/hike on a trail, visit the activity center, grab a coffee or snack in the Aurora Café, stop by the Trails End Lounge for a drink, grab a souvenir in the gift shop or just hang out and relax!
Dinner will be provided at 6:30 pm in the Arctic Celebrations Room inside the main lodge before departing back to Fairbanks at 8 pm.
What to bring: Closed toe shoes (required for dog cart ride and ATV tour), bathing suit, towel, quarters for lockers.
Departure from Fairbanks.
Maximum # of Participants: 25
Must apply to be considered to participate.
Departure Date & Time: Monday, May 15 at approximately 11:30 am
Return Date & Time: Monday, May 15 at approximately 9:15 pm
Sign-ups for press trips will open to registered media on February 1, 2022.
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