FAQ’s

Q. Can you guarantee the Northern Lights will be out? A. As the lights are a completely natural occurrence, it is impossible to guarantee them. But that is exactly why we give ourselves four full nights to hunt for them. By staying in this prime area for four nights, your odds of seeing a spectacular show are incredibly high. We have had phenomenal luck during this time of year. You are giving yourself the absolute best chance to see the aurora in all its glory!

Q. Is Alaska a good place for this? A. Absolutely. We head 25 to 30 miles outside of Fairbanks to escape the city lights. Out there, the skies are pitch black and perfect for a showing. This region is consistently ranked as one of the top places on Earth to see the aurora. And we get to experience it at a remarkably affordable price point.

Q. Why late January and early February? Isn’t it freezing? A. Yes, winter in Alaska is undeniably cold. But the payoff is worth it. The dark winter skies and drier climate create the perfect recipe for crystal clear nights, which means far better opportunities for a mind-blowing light show.

Q. Will I freeze? A. This is a very fair question. It gets seriously cold up there. The truth is, if you prepare and dress correctly, you will be totally fine. We will send you a comprehensive packing list so you know exactly what clothing you need to stay warm and how to protect your camera gear in the elements. Plus, we don’t just stand around in the snow for hours. Two of our nights will be at Frank and Miriam’s wonderful cabin – While we wait for the lights, we are snug inside a beautiful, heated home set up as a classroom. We learn, drink hot coffee, and stay warm.

Q. What if the Northern Lights do not show? A. We cannot control the weather, but we really do get great results this time of year. Honestly, no one else offers anything like this. But remember, this tour is packed with other incredible experiences. We have daytime activities like riding the legendary Alaska Railroad down to Talkeetna, a guided hike on the massive Matanuska Glacier, and even dog sledding! We also offer alternative shooting like nighttime light painting and star trails.

Q. Where do I fly into? A. This is a big change from our past trips! Because we are traveling across the state for this tour, you will fly into Fairbanks (FAI) to start the adventure, and you will fly out of Anchorage (ANC) at the end.

Q. How do we get around? A. In Fairbanks, we use large 4WD SUVs to transport you to and from our shooting locations safely. But the real highlight of our travel is taking the Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks down to Talkeetna. We will also have transportation arranged for our spectacular drive down to the Matanuska Glacier and into Anchorage.

Q. I’m truly a beginner, a bit nervous and unsure. Is that okay? A. Yes! We work directly with photographers of all skill levels. Thanks to our small client to instructor ratio, you will get plenty of hands-on help in a fun and completely non-intimidating way. The MPA team and our returning clients are always friendly and eager to help out. That welcoming vibe is exactly why so many people return to our tours year after year.

Q. What if I want to stay longer? A. If you want to extend your Alaskan adventure, we can certainly help point you in the right direction. Just let us know and we can recommend some great local operators to round out your trip.