North to Alaska!
Discover Alaska on one of the Alaska Railroad’s Theme Trains.
by J. Schilling for the Alaska Railroad
Simply gazing at the splendid views and enjoying the unparalleled experience aboard the Alaska Railroad is enough of a reason to take a train trip, but the Alaska Railroad takes the fun of train travel one step further with a variety of special “theme” trains that run throughout the year. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast in search of adventure, a microbrew connoisseur, looking for a little holiday fun, or just someone wanting to be inspired by the beauty of Alaska in the winter, the Alaska Railroad has a specific journey suited to your interests.
The Ski Train
In concert with the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage, Inc., skiers can easily shake off the winter blues with a ride on the Alaska Railroad’s Ski Train. Two charter trips take Nordic skiers into the Alaska outback — South to Grandview or North to Curry Ridge.
The Southbound train to Grandview is a three-hour journey from Anchorage along Turnagain Arm to picturesque Grandview, where Nordic skiers spend the day backcountry touring, telemark skiing, or snowshoeing.
When fingers and toes start to feel a little numb, hop back aboard to warm up, enjoy the food and beverages available for purchase, or snack on a picnic lunch brought from home. The train takes on a festive air for the return ride as the Anchorage Krausenspieler Blaskapelle Band provides polka music. Dance along, or kick back in the “Beer Car” and quench your thirst.
While Grandview skiing offers primarily intermediate to advanced terrain, the Curry Ridge train offers flat trails, perfect for beginners. For more information about the Ski Trains and rates, contact the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage, Inc. at (907)-276-7609 or nsaa@alaska.net.
The Great Alaska
Beer Train.
Does the idea of an evening spent among friends hoisting a few mugs of microbrew and sampling Alaska appetizers appeal to you? Then plan on taking a scenic journey along Turnagain Arm with the world’s best designated driver – the Alaska Railroad.
The Microbrew Express travels 80-miles round-trip from Anchorage to Portage and features an impressive assortment of the finest microbrews from Anchorage’s Glacier Brewhouse (along with the incredible vistas of Turnagain Arm). The fare includes six halfpints of the Brewhouse’s best drafts and an array of hors d’oeuvres.The Great Alaska Beer Train departs Anchorage on the first Saturday in October. For more information and to purchase tickets, call the Glacier Brewhouse at (907) 274-2739 or the Alaska Railroad at (907) 265-2494.
Alaska Railroad Holiday Train.
The magic of the holiday season can be found aboard the Alaska Railroad Holiday Train. Caroling, storytelling, and some of the best scenery the Alaska Railroad has to offer are sure to put you in the holiday spirit as the train journeys south from Anchorage to Seward.
Highlights include a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, who arrive with gifts for the children. The festivities continue when you step off the train in Seward. Spend the afternoon enjoying the Seward Holiday Festival, cruising Resurrection Bay or investigating the Alaska SeaLife Center. And don’t forget to ask about the free shuttle, activity map and shopping discounts. Call (907) 265-2494 for more information and reservations.
Aurora Escape.
It is no secret that the Alaska Railroad provides its passengers with some of the most majestic sights in the state during the Summer months. But the Railroad’s hidden treasure lies in the magical views of Alaska’s landscape observed from a railcar on a wintry day. Enjoy this well-kept secret and ride the Alaska Railroad North for a memorable trek through the Great Land. From Anchorage to Fairbanks, frosty white snow and the icy blue sky can create the perfect conditions to view Mount McKinley. Fairbanks, the final destination of the Aurora Escape, is the best place on earth to see the northern lights, and on a clear night will dazzle you with an impressive show.
The Aurora Escape package includes one-way rail from Anchorage and return airfare from Fairbanks. A variety of accommodations are available for those who want to linger in Fairbanks. For more information, call the Alaska Railroad in Anchorage at
(907) 265-2494 or toll free at 800-544-0552.
