Alaska is the farthest north state in the United States, and also the coldest. The Alaska Highway is nicknamed the Alcan Highway, and is a 150-mile stretch of two-lane highway that is maintained by the Alaskan Government. Despite constant supervision, the extreme heat and cold of Alaska can wreak havoc on the asphalt and cause portions to become less than stable. If you're planning to drive in the winter, you'll also have bad weather, constant night, and dangerous driving conditions to deal with.
Things You'll Need
- Emergency Roadside Kit
- Winter Tires
- Vehicle with 4-Wheel Drive (optional, but recommended)
Tips For You
- Plan your trip. This includes locating lodging, figuring out what roads to take and finding a suitable vehicle for the trip. Due to the extreme cold and snowfall that may occur during an Alaskan winter, you're going to want a vehicle with 4-wheel drive to help you through the rough patches. Plan to be gone for a few days, as the entire trip from Dawson City, British Columbia to the Delta Junction, Alaska, is 1390 miles. Out West Newspaper estimates the trip will take 7-10 days, more if you want to ice fish, hunt, or hike.
- Learn winter driving techniques. The best way to avoid an accident is to be prepared. You need to be comfortable driving in blizzards, getting your vehicle out of the ditch should you slide in, and how to respond when you hit a patch of black ice. Black ice is ice that has frozen onto the road in such a thin lair that you're unable to see it, but is thick enough that it will prevent you from having any kind of traction.
- Prepare for constant night time. Due to Alaska's geographical position, winter consists of nearly constant night. If you do see the sun, it will only be in the sky for an hour or two at the most. Be prepared to go a 10-day stretch without sight of the sun.
- Inspect your vehicle and get an oil change. The highway can be desolate in the winter, with long stretches between cities. Make sure your vehicle is prepared for the trip with the appropriate levels of brake fluid, anti-freeze, and an emergency roadside kit.
- Pack warm clothes. With no sun to heat up the wilderness, Alaska gets cold and stays cold. Wool is recommended over cotton, because if cotton gets wet it has no insulation value and will only serve to keep you cold. Wool dries quickly and provides insulation.
- Consider purchasing a book like "The Milestone" in the resources section below. A guide to Alaska can be indispensable as you travel across the state.
- Invest in a good emergency roadside plan. Mechanics are scarce--estimated at every 100 miles. Tow truck companies may charge five dollars per mile or more.
- Get to Alaska. Many people attempting to make the trip fly up to Seattle, rent a car, drive north through British Columbia and enter Alaska that direction. They exit on the coast, taking a ferry back down to Seattle.
- Let people know where you're going and how long you'll be gone. Make sure to check in with people during your adventure so they know that you're safe.
