Anchorage winters are long, dark, and — with a little preparation — genuinely enjoyable. If it's your first one, here's how to get ready.
Prep your home
- Service your heating system before it gets cold. Book a fall tune-up with an [HVAC company in Anchorage](/hvac-repair-in-anchorage) so your furnace or boiler is ready.
- Know your utilities. Set up electricity (Chugach Electric), natural gas (ENSTAR), and water (AWWU) as soon as you move in — links are on our [resources](/resources#utilities) page.
Prep your car
- Studded tires are legal in winter and strongly recommended — get them installed before the first freeze.
- Keep an emergency kit in the car: blanket, gloves, ice scraper, and jumper cables.
- Consider an engine block heater; many Anchorage parking spots have plug-in posts for a reason.
Prep yourself
- Embrace the dark. Anchorage sees just a few hours of daylight around the solstice. Many locals use a light-therapy lamp and get outside midday.
- Get the right gear. Layers, insulated boots, and traction cleats make winter walks safe and fun.
- Stay active. Skiing, fat-biking, and ice skating are Anchorage traditions — and a great way to beat the winter blues.
Make the most of it
When it's too cold to stay out long, check our guide to [things to do in Anchorage](/blog/things-to-do-in-anchorage) for indoor ideas.
Welcome to Alaska — you've got this.