Face The Outdoors Private Group Northern Lights Tour

Imagine spending an evening watching the sky dance with shimmering green, purple, and sometimes even red auroras — all in a warm, quiet setting, just for your group. That’s exactly what the Face The Outdoors Private Group Northern Lights Tour promises.

While I haven’t done this tour myself, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions suggest a truly special experience that appeals to those seeking intimacy, expert guidance, and a genuine Alaskan adventure.

What we love about this tour? First, it offers exclusive privacy—your own group gets the entire night without fellow strangers sharing the experience. Second, the local guides are native Alaskans with vast knowledge of the area and the aurora, making the experience both informative and authentic. One thing to keep in mind: this is a 9-hour adventure, so it’s a commitment, but one that’s packed with value.

This tour suits anyone who wants a personal, comfortable, and well-guided Northern Lights experience, especially couples, families, or small groups looking for a memorable, tailored evening.

Key Points

• Exclusive privacy ensures a personalized experience free from crowds.
• Expert local guides with in-depth knowledge maximize your chances of seeing the aurora.
• Comfortable setting at a cozy lodge with large viewing windows makes it ideal for chilly nights.
• Photography assistance and portraits provide lasting keepsakes from the night.
• Chasing the weather approach means they’ll move locations to optimize your viewing chances.
• Value for money is evident through personalized service, professional photography, and a memorable experience.

Introduction: What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

When it comes to chasing the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, many tours offer a shared bus ride to a popular viewing spot. But if you’re after something more personal, more comfortable, and with a real Alaskan touch, this private tour really shines. Offering full exclusivity for your group, it guarantees a night free from crowds and noise, allowing you to focus on the sky’s natural spectacle.

Two features truly set this experience apart. First, the homey lodge setting with large viewing windows gives you a cozy place to relax while watching the aurora. Second, the dedication to maximized viewing — they chase clear skies when possible, venturing out for the best chance to witness the lights, no matter the weather.

The only thing to consider? This is a 9-hour experience, which requires a willingness to spend a late night outdoors in pursuit of the aurora. But for many, the opportunity to see the lights with expert guidance and without the usual crowds makes it well worth the effort.

This tour is perfect for travelers who value personalized service, authentic local knowledge, and a comfortable, intimate environment. It’s especially appealing for couples or small groups who want to make the night truly theirs, capturing stunning photos and memories.

Why Choose This Tour? Major Highlights

Personalized Experience
Instead of sharing your night with strangers, your group will have the entire experience tailored to your needs. The guide, a native Alaskan, understands the landscape and weather patterns, working hard to find the best viewing spots and conditions.

Comfort & Convenience
The cozy lodge offers large windows, couches, and a warm environment to wait out the cold. This is a plus for anyone hesitant to stand outside for hours in bitter winter weather. Plus, included snacks, drinks, and a warm ambiance make the wait more pleasant.

Expert Guidance & Photography
The guides are not only knowledgeable about the aurora but also eager to assist with photography. They provide five professional aurora portraits — a thoughtful touch that gives you a tangible memory of the night. Their advice can help you frame the lights perfectly, making your photos truly stunning.

Chasing the Weather
Weather in Alaska can be unpredictable. This tour’s approach to “chasing” means if clouds obscure the sky at one location, they’ll move to another, boosting your odds of witnessing the northern lights. It’s a flexible, proactive strategy that many reviews praise.

Authentic Local Experience
Grown-up in Alaska, your guide has a natural familiarity with the land, climate, and aurora patterns — not just a travel guide from out of town. This local insight adds depth and authenticity to your experience.

Itinerary Breakdown: What To Expect

The tour kicks off at 8:00 pm, with your group being picked up in a comfortable 15-passenger van. This small-group setting ensures a cozy ride, with plenty of chances to chat with your guide about Alaska’s landscapes, wildlife, and the aurora.

The first part of the evening involves heading to a remote, private location, away from city lights and crowds. Because this is a private experience, your guide will customize the setting based on weather conditions and aurora forecasts. If the sky looks promising, you might spend time at a scenic spot perfect for viewing and photography.

If clouds threaten or weather conditions are unfavorable, the guide is committed to “chasing” the clear skies, moving your group to another location. This flexibility is key, as many reviewers emphasize that weather unpredictability can make or break the experience. One reviewer mentioned, “Michael loaded us all up in the van and drove us to where the skies were clear — that kind of dedication makes a real difference.”

Once at the viewing site, you’ll have ample time to sit back on comfortable couches in the lodge or step outside with your guide’s assistance to capture photos. They offer photography tips and help with camera settings, which is essential since the Aurora can be elusive and difficult to photograph. The guide’s local expertise means they understand the best angles and times to shoot for that perfect shot.

Throughout the night, the guide will provide snacks, drinks, and hot beverages, keeping everyone warm and relaxed. If the aurora appears, you’ll enjoy an awe-inspiring show of dancing lights, with the guide helping you capture the moment. The experience can last up to 4 hours of chasing if conditions demand, ensuring you get ample opportunities for viewing.

By around 5:00 am, the tour concludes, with you returned to your accommodation. The long duration isn’t just about seeing the lights — it’s about embracing the entire Alaskan night and making lasting memories.

Authenticity and Personal Touch: What Guests Say

Multiple reviews highlight the friendly, knowledgeable guides. One reviewer raved, “Michael is an amazing tour guide, his knowledge of the aurora is off the charts!” They also appreciated the dedication to finding clear skies: “We set up our cameras and, despite clouds, Michael loaded us into the van and kept chasing the perfect view.”

Guests also love the personalized photography experience, describing their professional aurora portraits as treasured keepsakes. They mention the homey lodge environment as much better than crowded viewing spots, providing a warm, comfortable space for waiting and chatting.

The flexibility in location and the willingness of guides to go the extra mile—even during cloudy nights—is a recurring theme, making this tour feel like a truly customized experience rather than a cookie-cutter solution.

Value for Money: What’s Included and What’s Not

At $487.50 per person, this tour isn’t cheap. But when you consider the private setting, expert guiding, professional photography, snacks, drinks, and the chase to maximize your chances, many find it’s worth every dollar. The personalized approach, small group size, and the chance to get professional aurora portraits add significant value.

What’s not included? Gratuities are extra (as usual), and camera rentals are available if you don’t have your own gear. The tour is non-refundable, but if weather conditions prevent a good viewing, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, reflecting their commitment to customer satisfaction.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for small groups, couples, or families seeking an intimate, personalized experience. If you’re eager for expert guidance, professional photography, and a cozy environment, this tour will meet those needs well. It’s perfect if you prefer flexibility and want to avoid large crowds or noisy buses.

It’s also suitable for travelers who understand that the Northern Lights are nature’s unpredictable show — the guide’s chase strategy increases your chances, but no experience can guarantee a sighting. Still, with the guide’s dedication and local knowledge, your odds are better than most.

Final Thoughts

The Face The Outdoors Private Group Northern Lights Tour offers a highly personalized, authentic Alaskan experience that balances comfort, expertise, and a genuine chance to witness the Aurora. Its emphasis on small-group intimacy, local guides, and dynamic chasing makes it stand out among other tours.

While the price may seem steep, the value lies in the tailored approach, professional photos, and the warm lodge environment. It’s best suited for those who want a luxurious, stress-free night with a high likelihood of seeing the lights and capturing their beauty.

If you’re looking for a memorable, authentic, and private northern lights experience in Fairbanks, this tour ticks all those boxes. Prepare to stay up late, keep your camera ready, and enjoy Alaska’s most dazzling natural show.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all weather conditions?
Yes, the tour is designed to be flexible. If weather cancels the experience, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 8:00 pm, with pickup included in the price.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 9 hours, including chasing, viewing, and transportation.

What is included in the price?
Snacks, hot beverages, soda, bottled water, private transportation, and five professional aurora portraits are included.

Can I rent a camera if I don’t have one?
Yes, camera rentals are available for an additional fee.

Is this experience suitable for children or seniors?
Most travelers can participate, but the long duration and late hours may require consideration for younger children or elderly guests.

To sum it up, this private tour offers a rare mix of exclusivity, local expertise, and comfort, making it an excellent choice for those who want a memorable, personalized Northern Lights experience. While it’s an investment, the combination of expert guidance, flexibility, and authentic ambiance makes it a standout option for travelers seeking more than just a quick glimpse.