Face The Outdoors Private Group Northern Lights Tour

Face The Outdoors Private Group Northern Lights Tour Review

Seeing the Northern Lights is often at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists, especially when visiting Alaska. This tour offers an intimate, private experience, free from the crowds that often come with group tours, allowing you to focus entirely on this natural wonder. It’s designed for those seeking a cozy, authentic Alaskan adventure paired with expert guidance and a personal touch.

One of the standout features? The dedication to chasing clear skies—when clouds roll in, the guide actively hunts down better viewing spots, which boosts your chances of catching the aurora. Plus, the inclusion of professional photography tips and portraits makes this tour not just memorable but also a great way to capture stunning photos.

However, it’s worth noting that weather dependency remains a factor—if the skies stay stubbornly cloudy, the experience might not deliver the full spectacle you hope for. That said, the tour’s flexibility and personalized approach make it a top pick for those who value comfort, expertise, and exclusivity. This experience is perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a tailored, memorable night under the northern sky.

Key Points

• Exclusive Private Experience: No crowds, just your group, creating a personal and relaxed atmosphere.
• Expert Local Guides: Knowledgeable, born-and-raised Alaskan guides with deep aurora expertise.
• Chasing the Lights: The guide actively pursues clear skies, maximizing your chances of viewing the aurora.
• Photographic Assistance: Includes tips and five professional portraits, perfect for capturing the moment.
• Comfortable Setting: Cozy lodge with large windows and homey vibes, ideal for cold nights.
• Flexible and Honest: Weather-dependent, but with options to reschedule or get a full refund if conditions don’t cooperate.

An Authentic and Comfortable Way to See the Aurora

We’re here to talk about a tour that’s more than just a basic aurora chase—it’s a thoughtfully crafted, private experience that prioritizes comfort and personalized service. Based in Fairbanks, Alaska, this tour is for travelers who want a more intimate encounter with the Northern Lights, away from giant buses or crowded viewing areas.

What makes this tour stand out? For starters, the entire night is just yours—no sharing the sky with strangers. The lodge, which doubles as the host’s home, provides a warm, inviting environment with large viewing windows. You can sit back on plush couches, sip hot drinks, and enjoy the night in real comfort. When clouds threaten, the guide doesn’t just hope for the best; they actively chase better viewing locations, often traveling up to 4 hours from Fairbanks to find clear skies. That kind of dedication can truly make a difference.

The guide, a native Alaskan, offers more than just a driving service. Their knowledge of the area and the aurora’s behavior adds a layer of authenticity you won’t find with less experienced operators. Several reviews praise Michael’s expertise and his ability to make guests feel cared for, whether by helping with camera settings or sharing local insights. One reviewer mentions how the guide’s local roots give them an edge in understanding the best spots and predicting the aurora’s activity.

The experience includes snacks, hot drinks, bottled water, and the chance to get five professional aurora portraits—a fantastic keepsake. The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 8:00 pm, giving plenty of time to chase the lights, which could mean a late night but also a higher chance for a show-stopping display.

The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

While the tour is private and flexible, the general structure is designed to maximize your comfort and viewing potential. You start with a pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point in Fairbanks at 8:00 pm, then hop into a cozy 15-passenger van. The vehicle is chosen for its comfort and ability to handle winter conditions, ensuring you stay warm during the drive.

Once at the lodge, you can settle into the homey environment. The large windows provide a perfect vantage point for quietly watching the sky, and you’re free to relax on couches with hot drinks and snacks. This lodge isn’t just a viewing spot; it’s a place to unwind and enjoy the quiet beauty of the Alaskan night.

If clouds obscure the skies, your guide will take you on a chase—driving to remote locations to find clear conditions. Several reviewers appreciated this proactive approach, noting that even with clouds at first, the guide kept searching and eventually found spots with a view of the aurora.

The guide’s role extends beyond transportation. They’ll help you learn how to photograph the aurora, offering tips and feedback to help you capture those fleeting moments. Several guests mention how helpful and patient Michael was in assisting with camera settings, making it a great experience for serious photographers and casual shutterbugs alike.

Throughout the night, the guide monitors weather conditions, aurora forecasts, and cloud movement, adjusting plans accordingly. If the sky cooperates, the aurora can appear in dazzling curtains, ripples, or diffuse glows—each display unique and unforgettable. The guide also provides five professional aurora portraits, allowing you to take home a high-quality souvenir.

Value and Pricing Analysis

At $487.50 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest option in Fairbanks, but it offers considerable value, especially considering its private nature and the personalized service involved. Compared to group tours, which often charge similar or higher prices for less individual attention and more crowded settings, this experience provides a more intimate, comfortable alternative.

The inclusion of professional photography portraits adds significant value if you want high-quality keepsakes of your trip. The guide’s local expertise and the chase strategy—traveling up to 4 hours if needed—are also huge pluses, increasing the likelihood of seeing the aurora in an optimal setting.

The tour’s flexibility to reschedule or provide a full refund if weather conditions are poor adds peace of mind. Plus, the cozy lodge environment means you’re not standing cold for hours outside, making it more suitable for those who prefer comfort over rugged adventure.

Authentic Alaskan Experience

One of the most appreciated aspects, based on reviews, is the guide’s local roots. Michael, the guide, has grown up in Alaska, giving him an insider’s understanding of the landscape and weather patterns. Guests mention that this knowledge makes a tangible difference in the success of their aurora viewing.

The lodge itself feels like a home away from home—homely, warm, and designed for comfort. It’s perfect for those who want to experience Alaska’s natural beauty without sacrificing comfort, especially during the frigid winter nights.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This private aurora tour is ideal for couples seeking a romantic, quiet night under the northern sky, small groups who want a personalized experience, or serious photography enthusiasts eager for professional guidance. It’s particularly suited for travelers who value comfort, expert knowledge, and a flexible approach.

If you’re after a low-key, tailored, and high-quality experience—especially if this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip—this tour could be perfect. Those who prefer a more social, bustling environment might find the private setting a little too quiet, but for many, that’s a bonus.

The Sum Up

In summary, Face The Outdoors’ private Northern Lights tour offers a genuinely personalized, comfortable, and expert-led experience. With a local guide who actively seeks the best viewing spots, professional photography help, and a cozy lodge setting, it’s a strong choice for travelers who want quality over quantity.

While weather remains the biggest wildcard—and no tour can promise a sighting—the tour’s proactive chasing approach maximizes your odds. The private nature means no crowded viewing spots or noisy buses, allowing for a more relaxed and intimate experience in the Alaskan wilderness.

For those who value expert guidance, authentic local insight, and a cozy atmosphere, this tour delivers on all fronts. It’s well worth considering if you’re willing to invest in a high-quality, personalized adventure in pursuit of the elusive aurora borealis.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
You’ll receive private transportation, snacks, hot drinks (coffee and tea), bottled water, five professional aurora portraits, and chasing to maximize your chances of seeing the lights.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 9 hours, starting at 8:00 pm and lasting into the late night, depending on weather and aurora activity.

Is this a private experience?
Yes, this is a private tour exclusively for your group, ensuring a personalized and relaxed environment.

What if the weather is poor?
If the weather conditions don’t permit good viewing, the tour can be rescheduled or refunded. The guide actively chases clear skies to improve your chances.

Can I bring my own camera?
Yes, you are encouraged to bring your own camera. The guide offers photography tips and provides five professional portraits, which can be a great keepsake.

What kind of vehicle is used?
A 15-passenger van is used for comfort and safety, especially important during winter conditions.

How far will you chase the aurora?
The guide can chase locations up to 4 hours from Fairbanks if the weather calls for it, increasing your likelihood of seeing the aurora in clear skies.

Who is the guide?
The guide, Michael, is a native Alaskan with extensive knowledge of the area and the aurora. Guests praise his expertise, friendliness, and dedication.

Is this experience suitable for photographers?
Absolutely. Several reviews mention how helpful Michael was with camera settings, making it perfect for serious photographers and casual shutterbugs alike.

In short, if you’re seeking a private, warm, and expertly guided Northern Lights adventure in Alaska, this tour ticks all the boxes. Well worth the investment for an authentic, personalized experience that prioritizes your comfort and chances of witnessing one of nature’s most stunning spectacles.