SkyChase™ | Northern Lights Experience - Free Photography & More
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 781 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is SkyChase™ | Northern Lights Experience - Free Photography & More worth booking?
SkyChase™ | Northern Lights Experience - Free Photography & More is a 5-hour experience in Fairbanks, United States, from $335 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 781 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (781)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $335 per person
We don’t just take you to the Northern Lights — we chase them. At Aurora In Alaska™, our exclusive SkyChase™ Northern Lights Experience uses our Lights-for-Life™ Formula to track weather, clouds, and solar activity in re
What you get
About this experience
We don’t just take you to the Northern Lights — we chase them. At Aurora In Alaska™, our exclusive SkyChase™ Northern Lights Experience uses our Lights-for-Life™ Formula to track weather, clouds, and solar activity in real time to take you to the clearest skies, at the best time. Travel in a heated, winterized Mercedes Sprinter van, relax at our mobile Aurora lodge, enjoy a twilight campfire meal, and sip drinks from our Borealis Brew Bar. Receive unlimited Aurora portraits from our pro photographers, plus night-lapse video and tripod rentals. We’re the only tour with an Aurora Guarantee: If no Aurora is visible to the eye or camera on a “guaranteed night,” you get a 50% refund or free rebooking. Disclaimer: A guaranteed night is based on real-time conditions. If any Aurora is visible by eye or camera, the night is considered fulfilled.
What's included
Included
- 360° time-lapse video of the night
- Aurora Guarantee* (refund or retry if no lights are seen)
- Twilight Campfire meal (Alaskan reindeer sausage or vegan option)
- Your personal Auro-meteorologist - predicts northern lights' visibility blending aurora and weather.
- Hands-on camera support & tripod rentals
- Keepsake Media - professional photography included, downloadable images
- Mobile Aurora Lodge - Most nights our mobile heated lodge follows the vans. ( 14 or More Guests)
- Real-time Aurora tracking with Lights-for-Life™ Formula
- Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)
- Exclusive access to mobile Aurora lodge & fire pit
- Borealis Brew Drink Bar - Featuring 8+ hot/cold drink options
- Local Expert - ensure your in the best spot to view the lights for the night
Not included
- Edited Pictures - unlimited download of edited photos
- Please note our Primary goal is Aurora viewing. Weather and other variables may remove extras
- Meals
- Private transportation
- RAW files and watermark-free originals are not included in the base package
What you'll see and do
Fairbanks
As our home base, Fairbanks is one of the best locations in the world for Northern Lights viewing — located directly under the Aurora Oval. Each night, our SkyChase™ tour departs from Fairbanks and uses the Lights-for-Life™ Formula to determine the optimal location outside the city for clear skies and strong activity.
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Murphy Dome
Murphy Dome is one of the highest accessible points in the Fairbanks area and occasionally used on clear-sky nights for its panoramic views and low light pollution. It’s a prime example of the remote high-elevation locations our team accesses while chasing the Aurora.
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North Pole
While not our final destination, North Pole, Alaska is located along our route and adds charm to the adventure. Guests love passing Santa Claus House and seeing this quirky, festive town en route to darker skies.
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Chena Hot Springs
Chena Hot Springs region is often considered when skies to the east are favorable. These peaceful, forested areas offer a quiet backdrop for Northern Lights viewing with excellent visibility when cloud trends push us in that direction.
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c, northeast of Fairbanks, is one of the elevated points we use on select Aurora nights. When conditions are right, it offers excellent visibility and sweeping skies, especially during high activity nights.
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Denali National Park and Preserve
While not a nightly destination, Denali National Park is visible on rare clear-sky nights from certain elevated viewpoints. Guests occasionally glimpse the Alaska Range from afar, especially during strong Aurora activity. This region highlights the vast scope of Alaska’s night sky and our commitment to chasing the most breathtaking views whenever possible.
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Felix Pedro Monument
This historical stop marks the first major gold discovery in Alaska and is located along one of the routes we sometimes take while chasing clear skies. Though we typically pass by, it showcases our access to remote, scenic locations far from city lights. It’s a meaningful part of the Alaskan landscape and history.
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Chena River State Recreation Area
The Chena area is one of many regions we travel toward when skies are favorable. It offers forested backdrops, river reflections, and lower light pollution — making it a frequent route on strong Aurora nights. This region represents one of many weather-based destination options included in our flexible SkyChase™ route strategy.
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Alyeska Pipeline Viewing Point
One of many high-elevation stops that we utilize on clear-sky nights for its vast visibility and iconic Alaska scenery. Our flexible route often includes this point or others nearby when it offers cloud-free conditions and great Aurora potential. We use dozens of pre-approved locations in all directions based on real-time sky data.
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Pleasant Valley
The Two Rivers and Pleasant Valley region is often considered when skies to the east are favorable. These peaceful, forested areas offer a quiet backdrop for Northern Lights viewing with excellent visibility when cloud trends push us in that direction.
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Ester
Ester Dome is a frequent direction for clear-sky nights. Its elevation, low light pollution, and distance from city glow make it a strong candidate in our flexible SkyChase™ route system.
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Nenana
On nights with clearing trends to the west, we may head toward the Nenana Hills region, exploring lesser-known sites that deliver expansive skies and beautiful terrain far from city lights.
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Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Fairbanks
Please let us know if you need meeting point details.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Please let us know if you need meeting point details.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Aurora In Alaska
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- No more than 1 backpack per guest
- All persons joining are required to purchase a ticket, despite their age.
- Please visit our website for a full cancellation policy and information
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 777 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
777 verified traveler reviews for SkyChase™ | Northern Lights Experience - Free Photography & More. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Good
Good good service and staff 655
via Tripadvisor
Hassle-free experience
Perfect service and amazing visit World Pass Tour made the whole experience very easy. Fast ticket delivery and helpful support. The Louvre is huge but starting with a smooth entry made a big difference. Would definitely book again.
via Tripadvisor
There is a lot of driving...
There is a lot of driving to find the lights if it is cloudy. Overall it was a good experience on a partly cloudy evening. It has been over 3 weeks and we are still waiting for our pictures to arrive via email.
via Viator
Big click energy!
My time in Alaska was coming to an end without seeing the Lights despite various efforts. The kp index dropped to 2 and opportunity seemed null. But, these guys said, "Hold my beer!" The communication was great and tracking told me when to expect them at the hotel. We were picked up and on a mission! Our guide was entertaining and informational during the drive. We arrived at their lodge setup with campfire and hot beverages. Within minutes, someone waved a wand and shouted, "Aloaurora!", unlocking a green wave of energy. Bucket list checked! Our cameras clicking away at the beautiful sight! Kudos also to the lodge crew for maintaining camp and helping with camera settings. I hope it's not a once in a lifetime event. But if it is, it was a great experience I could capture and had professional back up if my pics missed the mark. Highly recommend!!!
via Tripadvisor
Great experience!
I absolutely love it! They were great and the experience was very nice!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 273
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
SkyChase™ | Northern Lights Experience - Free Photography & More: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Fairbanks.
How much does SkyChase™ | Northern Lights Experience - Free Photography & More cost?
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Prices start at $335 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Fairbanks usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does SkyChase™ | Northern Lights Experience - Free Photography & More take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Fairbanks is not rushed.
Is SkyChase™ | Northern Lights Experience - Free Photography & More worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 781 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Fairbanks, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule SkyChase™ | Northern Lights Experience - Free Photography & More?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is SkyChase™ | Northern Lights Experience - Free Photography & More suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book SkyChase™ | Northern Lights Experience - Free Photography & More?
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Around 273 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Fairbanks can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Fairbanks and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does SkyChase™ | Northern Lights Experience - Free Photography & More start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Fairbanks within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Fairbanks?
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Fairbanks is the aurora capital of interior Alaska: heated viewing lodges, late-night chase tours, Arctic Circle day drives up the Dalton Highway, dog sledding and summer riverboat cruises. On Outty we rank every Fairbanks experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Northern Lights - Aurora with FREE Photos - Arctic Night Tours, Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience in North Pole, Fairbanks Ice Fishing Expedition in a Heated Cabin with Fish Cookout. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Fairbanks?
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Late August to April for aurora, June to August for midnight-sun river trips. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Fairbanks?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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