1st Alaska Outdoor School — Attraction in Alaska

Our final night in Fairbanks, Alaska, was nothing short of magical, thanks to 1st Alaska Tours and their “Late Night Yurt Dinner and Northern Lights” experience. From the moment we were picked up from our hotel, it was evident that we were in for a special evening.

Our guide, Ash Naderhoff, greeted us with warmth and enthusiasm, making us feel instantly at home. His passion for Alaska and the auroras was palpable as he shared detailed insights into the Northern Lights phenomenon, interspersed with captivating local anecdotes and historical tidbits. Ash’s storytelling prowess kept us engaged and entertained, turning the journey into an educational delight.

Upon arriving at the secluded yurt, we were welcomed by Joss, our chef for the evening. Nestled away from city lights, the yurt provided the perfect setting for our adventure. Joss treated us to a home-cooked meal that exceeded all expectations. Each dish was meticulously prepared, reflecting her deep passion for culinary arts. From appetizers to dessert, every bite was a testament to her skill, with presentations that rivaled those of high-end restaurants.

As we dined, Ash and Joss fostered a sense of camaraderie, sharing stories and answering our myriad questions. The combination of delectable food, engaging conversation, and the anticipation of witnessing the auroras created an atmosphere that was both cozy and exhilarating.

Nature graced us that night with a breathtaking display of the Northern Lights. Through the expansive north-facing windows of the yurt, we watched in awe as the sky danced with vibrant colors. Ash offered invaluable tips on capturing the perfect aurora photographs, ensuring we could immortalize the spectacle.

Reflecting on the experience, it’s clear that Ash and Joss are the heart and soul of 1st Alaska Tours. Their dedication, enthusiasm, and genuine care transformed a simple tour into an unforgettable memory. For anyone considering an Alaskan adventure, we wholeheartedly recommend 1st Alaska Tours, especially the dynamic duo of Ash and Joss. They don’t just offer a service; they craft experiences that linger long after the journey ends.

Thank you, Ash and Joss, for making our final night in Alaska an experience we’ll...

We had an awful experience. The driver's name was Jeff and I would not recommend him to anyone. He took multiple smoke breaks on the drive up to the hot springs, spent the majority of the drive bitching about someone named Burning Carl, making us feel like we wasted our time coming to Alaska, and was driving incredibly fast on the roads. The ice museum was closed (not something that could be helped, but would've been nice to know ahead of time as there wasn't much else to do besides the hot springs... and 7 hours is a long time to spend solely in hot springs). The hot springs closed at 11:45pm and we were to stay until 2am to watch for Northern Lights, however, it was very uncomfortable because we had nowhere to go to spend the remaining two hours. We were all kind of lingering in the parking lot while Jeff sat in the van complaining, and I just felt very uncomfortable. It started pouring and with no chance of seeing the northern lights, the group decided to head back around 12:30am (not a complaint... we understand no one can control the weather/actually seeing the northern lights). The drive home was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. Jeff drove at least 70mph on the windy road, in the dark and the pouring rain, passing other cars as well. People were literally bouncing up and down in their seats when he would fly over potholes and seat belts clanging against the windows. We were out of cell service and it felt incredibly dangerous to be on the road with Jeff. I was incredibly disappointed with...

We had read beforehand that Aurora was a very hit or miss experience as it ultimately comes down to Mother Nature. However, when a visitor is making a trip with nervousness that they may not see what they came for, it is the experience that counts. Even if you do see the lights, experience provided by a professional tour operator just takes it to a different level.

Right from the booking and making the reservation, we had a very nice experience. The lady was very informative, and suggested days when Aurora could be highly probable. The hotel pickup was sharp on time, if not a few minutes early. Our guide Ryan was incredibly knowledgeable about Alaska in general and was just incredible to listen to so many informational tidbits that are quintessential to the Alaskan culture and way of life that always leaves you longing for more..

The dog sled ride was also beyond incredible. We were initially nervous about making this sled ride at night, but our dog mushers were so friendly and informative that we were at ease from the get go, and had such an unforgettable experience. At the end of the ride, when our fingers and toes needed some warmth, we were welcomed with warm drinks and delicious dinner. We were skeptical of the vegetarian dinner options initially, but the hot food prepared by the host were really yummy and absolutely delicious.

Aurora for us showed up only at the end of our tour, towards 1:30 am and it was absolutely mesmerizing.

Would recommend 1st Alaska Tours for an unforgettable...