Aurora Photo Tour Agenda
Slonina Nature Photography: Instructional Tours and Workshops
Welcome to the Alaska Aurora Photo Tour!
We’re excited to have you join us for an incredible photography adventure under the northern lights.
Below is your itinerary, important details, and optional activities during the tour. All plans and activities are subject to change. Always monitor your text messages for updates.
Dress warm and wear layers no matter what the weather forecast says.
Itinerary
Sunday, March 30 – Arrival & Orientation
Location: Westmark Hotel
6:00 PM: Group meeting in the Harper Room (bring your camera, including tripod, but no gear). The Harper room is located next to the restaurant. Please ask the front desk if you can’t find it. Please also eat dinner before we meet at 6 pm.
Isabella will collect phone numbers, room numbers, and confirm contact information. She will serve as the group communicator.
John S: Photography lecture (live view testing)
John C: Weather updates and aurora forecast, possible lecture.
9:30 PM – 3:00 AM: Aurora Viewing (bring all your gear including tripod and dress warmly).
Monday, March 31 – Fairbanks Activities
Location: Westmark Hotel (Meet in the lobby for all events)
12:30 PM: Walmart stop for food, drinks, snacks, and cold-weather supplies. 30 min. Please eat before we meet.
3:00 – 6:00 PM: Photo lecture or scenic drive (live view focusing demo)
6:00 PM: Dinner at Pike’s Restaurant
9:30 PM: Aurora shoot (bring all your gear and dress warmly).
Tuesday, April 1 – Transfer to Chena Hot Springs
12:00 PM: Pack cars and check out of Westmark.
Note: Any excess luggage should be left with the front desk at Westmark (non valuables) since we will be returning here. This will save space.
Lunch: immediately after checkout
Drive to Chena Hot Springs: Keep an eye out for moose and winter landscapes.
5:00 - 7 PM: Dinner at Chena Restaurant (if crowded, we may eat separately).
10:00 PM: Meet at the activity center
10:30 PM – 3:15 AM: Snowcoach tour and aurora shoot
Wednesday, April 2 – Chena Activities & Aurora Viewing
Morning: Eat breakfast and/or lunch before 1:00 PM.
1:00 – 5:00 PM: Free time for optional activities.
Available Options:
Dog sledding (self-pay).
Snowshoeing (self-pay).
Snowmobile tour (self-pay).
Winter scenic moose drive.
Hot springs soak.
Photo lessons.
2:00 pm: John C. Lecture + Post Processing Lessons (optional)
Bring your camera and your laptop (if you have any questions)
5:00 - 7 PM: Dinner at Chena Restaurant (if crowded, we may eat separately).
10:15 PM: Meet at the activity center
10:30 PM – 2:15 AM: Snowcoach tour and aurora shoot
Thursday, April 3 – Chena Activities & Ice Museum
1:00 – 5:00 PM: Free time for optional activities (same choices as Wednesday).
3:00 PM: Ice Museum tour with an Apple Martini
bring your ID no matter your age
dress warm and wear gloves
5:00 - 6:30 PM: Dinner at Chena Restaurant (expect crowds, so we will eat in small groups)
7:00 PM: Social
10:00 PM: Nighttime Aurora Activity
Friday, April 4 – Return to Fairbanks
10:30 AM: Pack cars and walk to the restaurant.
11 AM: Group meal at Chena (you may want to skip breakfast).
Drive to Westmark Hotel: Look for moose and scenic photo opportunities. We will also stop at the Trans Alaska pipeline.
6:30 PM: Group dinner and farewells.
Saturday, April 5 – Departure Day
End of Tour: Participants will arrange their own transportation to the airport. No group activities planned.
What’s Included
Snowcoach tours for aurora viewing.
Ice Museum tour with Apple Martini.
Guided photography instruction and lectures.
Scenic drives for wildlife and winter landscapes.
Geothermal energy tour (optional & free).
Hot springs soak (optional & free).
Optional Activities (Self-Pay)
These activities are not included in the tour price and will be arranged on-site. See Isabella with Questions
Dog sledding
Snowshoeing
Snowmobile tour
We do not provide links for activity registration ahead of time. The group tends to book these activities together upon arrival. Check with Isabella for ideas and times.
We look forward to an unforgettable photography experience with you under the aurora-filled skies!
Weather
Temperatures can vary a lot in March. Dressing in layers is the best bet. Be prepared. No matter what the weather forecast says, please dress warmly.
Average Temperature: 11 degrees
Average high temperature: 24 degrees; low temperature: -2 degrees