SkyChase™ Northern Lights Experience

Planning to chase the dazzling dance of the northern lights in Fairbanks? If so, the SkyChase™ Northern Lights Experience might just be your best bet. This tour has earned a stellar reputation, with a perfect 5.0 rating from nearly 600 reviews, and is recommended by 96% of travelers. Whether you’re a seasoned aurora hunter or a first-timer, this adventure promises a mix of expert guidance, comfort, and flexibility—crucial ingredients for a memorable night under the Alaskan sky.

What we love about this tour is how it balances professionalism with a personal touch. First, the guides are praised repeatedly for their knowledge and enthusiasm, making the whole experience feel friendly and authentic. Second, the flexible, weather-responsive routing means you’re not stuck in one spot, but constantly hunting for the clearest skies and brightest auroras. Yet, it’s worth noting that, like all aurora experiences, the Northern Lights are unpredictable, so seeing them isn’t guaranteed. Still, the tour’s Aurora Guarantee offers peace of mind—if you don’t see the lights, you get a refund or a chance to try again.

This tour suits travelers who value expert-led adventures, appreciate local insights, and want a well-organized, comfortable night out. It’s especially good for those who want to maximize their chances of seeing the aurora without sacrificing good food, photos, or a cozy setting. If you’re eager for a thoroughly planned, immersive experience with a strong focus on quality and flexibility, the SkyChase™ Northern Lights Experience deserves your consideration.

Key Points

• The tour departs from Fairbanks, a prime location directly under the Aurora Oval.
• A flexible route using real-time aurora and weather tracking maximizes your chances of seeing the lights.
• Included amenities like professional photography, a campfire meal, and a mobile Aurora lodge add comfort.
• The Aurora Guarantee ensures your investment isn’t wasted if the skies stay dark.
• Guides are highly knowledgeable, and personal photography help is a big plus.
• Most bookings are made about 7-8 weeks in advance, reflecting its popularity.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off at 425 Merhar Ave in Fairbanks, a convenient central location. The journey in a heated van means you stay warm and comfortable during the drive, which is important since Alaska’s nights can be chilly. Most travelers appreciate the ride because it’s short enough to keep the anticipation high but long enough to reach the best viewing spots outside the city glow.

Flexible Route and Why It Matters

One of the biggest strengths of the SkyChase™ experience is its route flexibility. The team uses the Lights-for-Life™ Formula—a real-time aurora and weather tracking system—to pick the best spots each night. This means that instead of being stuck in one location, your guides can head toward Murphy Dome, Chena Hot Springs, Ester Dome, or other elevated sites with low light pollution and panoramic views. The itinerary isn’t rigid; instead, it adapts based on current conditions, offering a significant advantage in Alaska’s unpredictable weather.

Stops and Scenic Highlights

While the main focus is the northern lights, the tour includes some charming detours. Passing through North Pole, Alaska, with its Santa Claus House, adds a whimsical touch, giving you a peek into local quirky culture. Sometimes, the group might visit the Chena Hot Springs region, which provides a serene forest backdrop—ideal for peaceful aurora gazing when conditions favor this direction.

Other stops include Murphy Dome, offering sweeping vistas from one of the highest accessible points near Fairbanks, and occasionally the Nenana Hills or Ester Dome, when clear skies are predicted. On rare clear nights, guests may even glimpse Denali from afar, adding a breathtaking mountain backdrop to the sky show.

The Experience Itself

Once at the chosen spot, your guides will set up the mobile Aurora lodge and fire pit, giving you a cozy refuge while waiting for the lights. You can warm yourself around a campfire, with Alaskan reindeer sausage or vegan options provided. The campfire setting, coupled with the warmth of the van, creates a welcoming atmosphere—a far cry from the typical chilly, tense waits many imagine with aurora tours.

Throughout the night, guides provide hands-on camera support and tripod rentals, making sure you leave with great photos. They also take group portraits, so everyone can have a professional-looking keepsake. Reviews highlight how much guests appreciated the personal attention, with comments like “photographers were extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful” and “guides did everything to help us see the lights.”

The Food and Drinks

The included Twilight Campfire Meal features Alaskan reindeer sausage or vegan options, which many guests find satisfying after a chilly evening. The Borealis Brew Drink Bar offers over 8 hot and cold beverage choices—think hot cocoa, cider, or specialty drinks—so you can stay warm and comforted during the wait. Though the food gets praise, some reviewers note that the vegetarian dinner might be simple—just chili and marshmallows—so if you’re after a gourmet meal, you might want to bring your own snacks.

The Aurora Guarantee and Real-Time Tracking

What sets this tour apart is the Aurora Guarantee. If the lights don’t make an appearance, you’re entitled to a refund or a free retry—an assurance that makes the $335 price tag more palatable. The tour’s real-time Aurora tracking, using sophisticated weather data, helps increase the likelihood of a sighting, which is crucial given Alaska’s capricious skies.

Group Size and Duration

With a maximum of 60 guests, the tour maintains a good balance between camaraderie and intimacy. The five-hour duration is enough to explore multiple spots, with enough time for photography, warm-up breaks, and enjoying the scenery.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Many reviewers laud the professionalism of the guides, often describing them as “amazing,” “extremely knowledgeable,” and “fabulous to listen to,” which makes a big difference in a sometimes chilly, uncertain night. The emphasis on photography support and the inclusion of a mobile lodge turns a potentially cold, stressful experience into a cozy adventure.

While some critics have voiced disappointment—particularly about the campfire dinner—these seem to be exceptions rather than the rule. The focus remains on aurora chasing, and the included amenities are seen as a value-added bonus rather than a full dining experience. It’s worth noting that some reviews mention an “excellent” mobile lodge, which provides a warm, sheltered environment for waiting and viewing.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want a trustworthy, well-organized, and engaging way to see the northern lights. It’s ideal if you appreciate expert guides who can interpret aurora forecasts, and if you’re eager to get good photos without fussing over camera settings yourself. It’s also a good fit for those who enjoy a cozy, social atmosphere—campfire, hot drinks, and group photos make the night special.

Those on a budget might want to compare similar tours, but the combination of flexibility, expert guidance, and the Aurora Guarantee makes the $335 price reasonable for many. If you’re seeking a flexible, high-quality aurora adventure with a focus on comfort and authenticity, this tour is worth considering.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes pickup within 5 miles of downtown Fairbanks, professional photography, a campfire meal (reindeer sausage or vegan), hot and cold drinks, real-time aurora tracking, camera support, and a mobile Aurora lodge.

Can I cancel if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
Yes. You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. If the weather causes the tour to be canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and all persons joining are required to purchase a ticket, regardless of age. Service animals are allowed.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
The tour offers an Aurora Guarantee, meaning if the lights don’t appear, you can get a refund or a free retry. Keep in mind that aurora activity depends on weather and solar conditions.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 5 hours, giving enough time to explore several potential viewing spots and enjoy the amenities.

Where does the tour go?
The route varies nightly, heading to locations like Murphy Dome, Chena Hot Springs, Ester Dome, and other high-elevation sites, all chosen for their optimal viewing conditions.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, a small backpack, warm clothes, and perhaps a blanket. The tour provides tripod rentals and camera support to help you capture the lights.

Is food included?
Yes, a campfire meal with Alaskan reindeer sausage or vegan options is included, along with a selection of hot and cold drinks.

How many people are on the tour?
Group sizes range up to 60, allowing for a lively but manageable atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

The SkyChase™ Northern Lights Experience offers a well-rounded, professionally guided adventure that’s designed to give you the best shot at seeing Alaska’s famed auroras. With flexible routing, expert guides, and thoughtful amenities, it combines comfort with authenticity—perfect for travelers who want a reliable, engaging, and memorable night out under the northern sky.

If you’re after a tour that minimizes guesswork and maximizes your chances of a good sighting, this one’s worth the investment. While no aurora tour can guarantee a sighting, the combination of technology, local knowledge, and a great value guarantee makes SkyChase™ a smart choice for your Alaskan trip.

Ideal for those who want a professional, flexible, and cozy experience—especially if capturing photos of the aurora is a priority. It’s also a solid pick for travelers who appreciate local culture, good food, and expert guidance in their pursuit of the northern lights.