Aurora In Alaska / SkyChase™
Northern Lights tour, Fairbanks, Alaska.
SkyChase™ is a guided night under the aurora. We read the sky, drive to the clearest, darkest skies we can reach, and put you in the picture.
Why we chase
Clouds move. So do we.
In Fairbanks the aurora is common. A clear, dark sky is the hard part. Before every night, our guides compare forecast models, satellite views and live sky cameras, then head for the part of Interior Alaska where the sky is opening.
Even on a clear night, city glow washes out a fainter aurora, so we go past it to skies that are properly dark, with an open northern horizon, spruce silhouettes and, when we can, a lake that mirrors the lights.
Our in-house system, SkyCommand, reads the solar wind a million miles upstream, so guides get an early read when activity starts building and call you out for it.
“Due to cloud cover in the Fairbanks area, they drove 65 miles out of town to find a clearing in the clouds.”
Dale Backlund · Google review · Oct 2025What's included
Everything for the night, in one ticket.
Lodging pickup & drop-off
Within about five miles of downtown Fairbanks, or an assigned meeting point.
Unlimited portraits
Ask for as many photos as you like. Unedited photos are included.
Night-lapse footage
Our 360° camera records the whole sky while you watch, when conditions allow.
Fireside food & drinks
Tea, cider, hot chocolate and locally roasted coffee; reindeer sausages over the fire (vegan option) and s'mores when available.
The Mobile Lodge
A warm place to sit between views, on nights it travels with us.
Your own camera
Guides help set up your phone or camera. Complimentary tripods on request, subject to availability.
Aurora Guarantee
When you book direct: on a Guaranteed Night with no aurora, choose a 50% refund or a rescheduled outing.
Standby Program
Book direct and you can request standby on any night in the seven days after your tour.
The shape of your evening
Your night, hour by hour.
The weather call
On challenging nights we message you by about 3:00 PM Alaska time with what we're seeing and your options.
Pickup
From your lodging within about five miles of downtown, or an assigned meeting point. 10–11 PM early and late in the season.
Toward clearer skies
Your guide shares what the sky is doing tonight and why we're heading where we are.
Lights, portraits and the fire
Watch, take photos, warm up, repeat. Stay warm in the van or the Mobile Lodge while guides keep watch; they call you out when the lights pick up.
Home
We usually aim to return around 2–3 AM. Long or difficult nights can run to about 3–5 AM.
In their words
1,400+ five-star reviews.
“The mobile lodge with wood stove kept us warm while we would wait for activity, then could quickly step outside and see the northern lights when they were most active.”
Justin H. · Viator review · Dec 2025“The Aurora appeared on 9/13 at 2:14 am We cried!”
Lori B. · Viator review · Sep 2023“Our tour guide Tony is a must request.”
Rachel A. · Viator review · Dec 2024“My parents were in their 70s and were bit worried about the restroom during the five hour tour. There was a mobile lodge coming with us which made us very comfortable.”
Hirotake H. · Viator review · Dec 2025
4.9600+ Google reviews
4.9540+ Tripadvisor reviews
800+Viator reviews · Badge of ExcellenceChoose your night
SkyChase or Private SkyChase?
| SkyChase™ | Private SkyChase™ | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | 14-passenger high-roof van, shared | Your own luxury Sprinter |
| Group | Shared; most nights seats are left open | Just your party, up to 8 |
| Photos | Unlimited portraits, unedited included | A dedicated photographer; photos delivered separately |
| On board | Heated van | Private restroom, mini fridge, internet, reclining seats, two TVs |
| Guarantee | Aurora Guarantee + Standby (book direct) | Aurora Guarantee; Standby not included |
| Price | From $335 per adult | $3,150 per private party (up to 8) |
Before you book
Straight answers.
How much is SkyChase?
SkyChase starts at $335 per adult. Guests 15 and older pay the adult rate; younger guests have lower rates. See live dates & prices.
What time does it start and end?
Pickup is usually 9–10 PM from your lodging within about five miles of downtown Fairbanks, or an assigned meeting point. Early and late in the season pickup moves to 10–11 PM because of daylight. We usually aim to be back around 2–3 AM; long or difficult nights can run to about 3–5 AM.
What if it's cloudy?
That's what the chase is for. Our guides compare forecast models, satellite views and live sky cameras, then head for the part of Interior Alaska where the sky is opening. If conditions look very challenging, we tell you by about 3:00 PM and you can cancel for a full refund, reschedule, or go ahead without the guarantee. How the Aurora Guarantee works.
How many people are on the tour?
You ride in a 14-passenger high-roof van, and most nights we don't fill every seat. On busy nights several vans meet at the same viewing site and share the fires and the Mobile Lodge. Want your own space? Private SkyChase.
Are photos included?
Yes. Ask for as many portraits as you like; unedited photos are included and delivered in about seven days. An optional edited gallery is $59 per booking group. More about your photos.
More in the full FAQ.
Private SkyChase™Your own luxury Sprinter and photographer
Best time to goMonth by month, hour by hour
What to wearDress for an Interior Alaska night
Aurora GuaranteeWhat happens if the sky doesn't cooperate
Your photosPortraits under the aurora, included
QuestionsStraight answers before you bookFairbanks, Alaska · 64.8° N
Ready when the sky is.
Questions before you book? Call or text a real person at (907) 931-4000.