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Mendenhall Glacier. Photo courtesy of Sonny Side Up!
Winter is a great time to visit Juneau, as there is much to do and see during this time. Keep in mind, the weather will be cold — an average of 29 degrees Fahrenheit (-1.7 degrees Celsius) — although not bitter. As long as you dress in layers and warm clothes you’ll be able to enjoy the outdoors. From panning for gold to outdoor adventure to fun festivals, there is plenty to do in Juneau during this time. To help you plan your itinerary, here are some top winter activities in Juneau.
Pan for gold
During the winter in Juneau, visitors can enjoy an Alaskan Gold Discover: Gold Mining and Panning at Gold Creek from Juneau Tour. The experience will teach you how to learn to gold pan in one of Alaska’s most historically gold rich areas: Last Chance Basin Mine. It is here that in 1880 Joe Juneau and Richard Harris discovered a golden fortune. The site is also a sort of museum, as remnants of the old Alaska-Juneau Mining Company remain. Best of all, you’ll be able to keep all the gold you keep and will receive an Orelove Brothers Gold Claim Certificate.
Skiing
During the winter, Juneau is a haven for skiers as it’s home to the popular Eaglecrest Ski Area. Encompassing 640 acres (259 hectares), the ski resort has four chairlifts, 36 alpine ski and snowboard runs (20% Novice, 40% Intermediate, 40% Expert), Nordic ski loops, challenging bowls, backcountry trails and a vertical drop of 1,400 ft (430 meters). From the top the views are beautiful, with water visible on both sides and endless peaks. Additionally, Eaglecrest Ski Area features an average snowfall of about 200-300 inches (508 to 762 centimeters). If you don’t want to ski, the resort also offers ziplining and snowshoeing.
Attend a seasonal event
During the winter, there are a number of fun events one can attend in Juneau. First there is the Juneau Public Market, open from November 29 to Dec 1, 2013. Attendees will be able to browse great Christmas gifts from over 150 vendors in the Juneau Centennial Hall and Convention Center and the nearby Juneau Arts and Culture Center (JACC). Here you’ll find items like handmade jewelry, Alaska Native handicrafts, local food products, decorations, books, custom made clothing and accessories, and other artisanal offerings. During winter you can also see special productions from Juneau’s Preserverance Theatre, including “Treasure Island (November 8 – December 8, 2013),” an adventurous pirate story, and “Rush at Everlasting (January 10 – February 2, 2014), a wild tale taking place in the 1930s depicting two women who go broke and decide to rob a bank to solve their problems. There’s also the Eaglecrest Winter Fireworks Spectacular taking place on February 15, 2014, featuring live music, bonfires, extended skiing hours, a light show and parade, and a beautiful fireworks display.
Go rafting at Mendenhall Glacier
A Mendenhall Glacier Rafting Tour from Juneau is a great winter activity option. The excursion takes you to the base of the glacier where you’ll paddle through Class II and III rapids. Along with having an adrenaline rush, you’ll see Mendelhall Glacier from a unique point of view while learning about the local ecosystem.
Seek shelter indoors
There are many interesting indoor attractions in Alaska where you can seek shelter when it gets too cold. Head to the Alaskan Brewing Company for a crisp craft beer, explore local history at the State Capitol Building or learn more about the local arts scene at Juneau Arts & Humanities. In Juneau you’ll also find a number of interesting museums, some of which include the Alaska State Museum, Juneau-Douglas City Museum and Last Chance Mining Museum.
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