5 Reasons to Sleep Outside at Least Once This Winter

Whether you’re into winter backpacking or the far tamer car camping (when warmth and comfort are just a key fob away), I firmly believe that camping out during the winter is one of the most magical experiences you’ll ever have in Alaska.

Sure, you have to some extra risks that should be taken very seriously, like cold exposure and avalanche hazard. But the payoffs are more than worth a little extra planning and preparation.

Don’t believe me? Check out these five legit reasons why you should try a winter campout at least once:

1. You’ve Never Seen Night Skies Like These

Seriously. Who knew there were so many stars up there? You’d think that with Alaska’s long winter nights you could just step into your yard, but even the lights of a small town can create enough light pollution to blur out most of the stars. Once you escape that haze of light, you’ll be amazed by what’s been up there in the sky all along.

2. It’s An Adventure…

…but it doesn’t have to be that hard. Sure, if you go in on a serious mountaineering trip, or venture far enough from civilization that you could be stranded by bad weather, you’re going to want some serious skills and preparation. But even if you’re not the hardcore sort, you can still camp in one of the public campgrounds that’s open for walk-in use, just a short jaunt from the warmth and safety of your car.

3. The Peace and Quiet Are Unreal

Lots of people go hiking in search of peace, quiet and solitude. Well, it doesn’t get any quieter or more isolated than a winter campout, especially if you’re willing to forge a few miles away from town. It might even be quiet enough to hear the sounds of the aurora dancing overhead.

4. You Might See the Northern Lights

Speaking of the aurora borealis, AKA the northern lights, AKA those magical lights dancing overhead: Although there’s never any guarantee, getting out of town and away from light pollution puts you in the best possible position to see the aurora if it does come out. If you’re in the southerly reaches of the state, maximize your chances of seeing the aurora by positioning yourself with an unobstructed view of the northern horizon.

5. You Get to Wake Up in Narnia

Just like the stunning sweep of open night skies, it’s worth a little effort to wake up to pristine, untouched snow all around, with your footprints as the only evidence that somebody has passed by. Hey, that isn’t Narnia — it’s just your new front yard, and you can zip open your tent to admire that well-earned view without leaving the warmth of your cozy sleeping bag.