Why Choose March?

March is one of the most spectacular times to experience and photograph Alaska’s breathtaking Aurora Borealis!

The spring equinox brings increased opportunities for dazzling Northern Lights displays, while longer daylight hours, often clearer skies, and magnificent snow-covered landscapes create ideal conditions for an unforgettable photography adventure.

Imagine brilliant ribbons of green, purple, and pink dancing across a star-filled Arctic sky, illuminating Alaska’s pristine winter wilderness.

Experience the magic of Alaska in March—when the Northern Lights take center stage and extraordinary photographic opportunities await!

Why Fairbanks ? 

Fairbanks, Alaska, is one of the world’s premier destinations for experiencing and photographing the magnificent Aurora Borealis!

Located directly beneath the Auroral Oval, Fairbanks offers exceptional opportunities to witness dazzling displays of green, purple, pink, and red Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky.

Its inland location provides a greater chance of clear skies, while the surrounding wilderness offers spectacular landscapes far from city lights.

We’ll venture beyond Fairbanks to carefully selected locations, seeking dark skies, stunning scenery, and unforgettable opportunities to capture the magic of Alaska’s dancing Northern Lights!

World Ice Art Championship:

Fairbanks hosts one of the biggest ice sculpting competitions globally, showcasing over 70 teams from various countries. Each year, around 45,000 visitors flock to the park to admire these beautifully crafted ice masterpieces.

Aurora Chena Hot Springs Resort:

We travel 60 miles from Fairbanks to an acclaimed resort.  It is world renowned for being one of the best places on earth to see the northern lights. The resort is located under one of the most active regions of magnetic fields producing the aurora borealis. 

It is away from the light pollution, and the skies are clear more often than those over Fairbanks. We will be there near the vernal equinox when auroras are typically the strongest, as well as during the new moon when the night sky is also the darkest!

The resort has a large, heated mineral indoor pool, the outdoor rock lake and numerous hot tubs provide a great opportunity to soak, swim, or rejuvenate. We will also visit the famous Aurora Ice Museum and Ice Bar.

Snow Coach 

On certain nights, we will embark on a cozy journey in a heated snow coach, which will transport us for about 30 minutes to a hilltop where the city lights won’t disrupt our view. 

Once we reach the summit, you’ll have the opportunity to step into a warm Mongolian Yurt, where you can relax and sip on a hot drink to fend off the chill. For the next few hours, prepare to be mesmerized by breathtaking 360-degree displays of the Aurora Borealis. 

We plan to head back to the resort around 3 AM, or later if the lights are still dazzling us with their beauty. 

Please keep in mind that the snow coach ride can be a bit bumpy, which might pose challenges for those with back problems or other medical conditions.

Trip Itinerary:

Day 1: On the first day of our adventure, we will gather in the lobby of our hotel in Fairbanks for a warm welcome and orientation session followed by a delicious group welcome dinner (included) inspired by the flavors of Alaska. 

This will be a great opportunity for everyone to get acquainted, learn about the exciting activities planned for the trip, and receive important information to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Later in the evening, we'll head out to photograph the stunning northern lights. 

Day 2: On the second day, we will meet after lunch (on own) and if the weather is on our side, we plan to venture out to capture the breathtaking ice sculptures displayed at the World Ice Art Championship.

Additionally, we will set off on an adventure to photograph the enchanting local landscapes, allowing our cameras to showcase the natural beauty that surrounds us.

After enjoying some relaxation at the hotel and having dinner at your leisure, we will set out on an exciting adventure under the mesmerizing shimmer of the Aurora Lights.

Day 3: On the third day, following a leisurely lunch on your own, we will pack our van and embark on a picturesque 60-mile journey to the Chena Hot Springs Resort. This drive promises to be filled with breathtaking views at every turn, making for a memorable adventure.

Once we arrive, we will get checked in, settled and take a moment to rest, relax and recharge before dinner.

Please Note: At the resort, we will come together for dinner every evening at the fantastic restaurant, which offers a diverse menu ranging from delicious hamburgers to exquisite Alaskan King crab.

This shared dining experience will help cultivate a warm sense of camaraderie among all participants.  It's important to note that each person will be in charge of their own tab at the resort, ensuring that everyone can manage their dining expenses independently.

After a yummy dinner together, we will hop on a snow coach for a thrilling 30-minute ride up to a nearby mountain peak, where we can soak in breathtaking, unobstructed views of the northern lights. 

To keep cozy while we photograph this magical display, a spacious yurt will be available, along with warm beverages to sip on as we marvel at the beauty of the night sky until the early hours of the morning.

Days 4 - 5: This resort is famous all over the world for its amazing hot springs, both indoors and outdoors, along with a variety of other fun activities. 

* Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit if you’re planning to take a dip in the hot springs.* 

Throughout the day, there are numerous additional activities available for you to enjoy at your own cost, such as exhilarating snowmobiling, thrilling dog sledding, Aurora Ice Museum Tour and Chena Kennel Tour. (Play with the puppies)

We’ll carve out some time during the day to unwind since we’ll be out shooting late into the night. After a cozy afternoon nap and a delicious dinner, we’ll gear up and head out, either by snow coach, van or on foot, to chase the spectacular aurora for some unforgettable nighttime photography.

Day 6: After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we pack up our van and make our way back to Fairbanks, capturing beautiful photographs during the journey. 

Once we arrive, we will get checked in, settled and take a moment to rest, relax and recharge before dinner.

After our final group dinner, (included) we will set out for our last evening together, eager to experience our final opportunity to capture the enchanting glow of the Aurora Lights.

Day 7: Depart For Home Anytime

Workshop Dates:

March 18 -23, 2028

Arrival Date:  March 18, 2028  (By 2 PM into Fairbanks, Alaska) 

Departure Date:  March 24, 2028 (Anytime after 10am out of Fairbanks, Alaska)

Price For Workshop: 

$6,995.00  Per Photographer

A $995 DEPOSIT RESERVES YOUR SPOT TODAY!

* Due to the significant expenses associated with running this workshop, we are currently unable to provide reduced rates for guests as well as our loyalty program discount.

 This Workshop DOES Include:

• 3 Nights of single occupancy lodging at Springhill Suites in Fairbanks, AK
• 3 Nights of single occupancy lodging in Chena Hot Springs, AK
• Hotel provided airport shuttle to and from hotel in Fairbanks. (No need to rent a car)
• All transportation from hotel to shooting locations in our AWD 15 passenger van. 
• 6 Nights of professional photography guiding and instruction by 2 instructors (Craig and Dora)
• Hot breakfast each day at the hotel in Fairbanks, AK
• Welcome dinner Fairbanks, AK
• Last night dinner in Fairbanks, AK
• The World Ice Art Carving Championship in Fairbank
  
• Snow Coach Fees
• Alaska Hot Springs Experience
• All Permits  

This Workshop Does NOT Include:

• Lodging outside of workshop dates
• Transportation to and from the workshop
• Flights and rental cars (rental car not needed )
• Meals not listed as included in the itinerary
• Alcoholic beverages
• Gratuities for resort staff and instructor(s)
• Trip Insurance (Strongly Recommended) We strongly recommended to purchase trip insurance to cover any non-refundable fees or for any unforeseen emergency situation for which cancellation is desired or necessary. Please protect your investment.

Experience Level: 

This experience is perfect for anyone who loves photography, whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro.

Fitness Level: Medium

* Due To Extreme Cold In The Overnight Hours *

When it comes to chasing the aurora, we might find ourselves driving up to 200 miles each night, depending on the weather, all in search of those perfect clear skies.

Our adventures could stretch late into the night, often lasting until the sun starts to rise again, so be ready for some seriously long nights with minimal sleep. 

The temperatures can be quite extreme, fluctuating anywhere from a bone-chilling -40°F to a brisk 30°F, so dressing warmly is a MUST. 

To join in, you'll need to be in good health and physically capable. It's important to be prepared for chilly weather and icy conditions, as you'll be spending time outdoors. 

Certain locations will involve brief hikes through mountainous landscapes, featuring gentle elevation changes of under 150 feet. 

The locations we've picked for shooting are absolutely breathtaking, providing a perfect blend of seclusion and darkness that will really enhance your overall experience.

Please Note: Riding in a snow coach can definitely be a little rough, and this might be tough for anyone dealing with back issues or other health concerns. 

Clothing and Gear:

We suggest bringing along the following clothing and gear to make the most of your time outdoors.

• For your snow hiking adventures, we suggest checking out Bunny Boots Fairbanks or something similar for that perfect blend of warmth and traction.  
• Don’t forget to layer up with warm base layers for both your top and bottom; they’re essential for staying cozy.
• A EXTREME snow jacket is a must-have to keep you dry and insulated against the EXTREME elements.  
• Pack a warm hoodie to throw on for extra comfort when the temperature drops.  
• EXTREME snow pants are crucial for keeping your legs warm and protected from the cold and wet conditions.  
• Accessorize with beanies, gloves, and a face mask to shield yourself from the biting wind.  
• Wool socks are a game-changer; they keep your feet warm and wick away moisture.  
• A headlamp is super handy for navigating in low-light conditions, especially during those early morning or late evening hikes.  
• Hand and toe warmers are lifesavers for keeping your extremities toasty when the chill sets in.  
• Always remember to pack water and some snacks for your overnight stays; staying hydrated and fueled is key to enjoying your trip!

Please contact us if you have any questions about this specific workshop.

Trip Insurance:

• To safeguard against unforeseen circumstances, it is highly advisable to consider obtaining trip insurance. You have the option to acquire a policy through this platform here or explore a range of other online providers, all of which offer competitive pricing for such coverage.
• Image 10 Photographic, Inc. is unable to provide refunds or credits for deposits under any circumstances. We highly advise clients to consider acquiring trip insurance to safeguard against any non-refundable fees or unexpected emergencies that may necessitate cancellation. It is essential to take measures to protect your investment.

PLEASE NOTE: It is important to understand that travel insurance providers stipulate that the purchase of travel insurance must occur simultaneously with the booking of your workshop.

This requirement ensures that you are adequately covered for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise during your travels, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

By securing your insurance at the time of your workshop registration, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are protected from potential financial losses associated with travel-related incidents.

Therefore, it is advisable to consider this aspect carefully when planning your trip, as failing to comply with this requirement may leave you vulnerable to unexpected challenges during your journey.

One such company is Squaremouth Travel Insurance which has earned a strong reputation among travelers for its comprehensive policies and reliable service.

• See Our Cancellation Policy here.

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