If you’re considering visiting Juneau, Alaska, in Winter, you might be wondering, “Is it worth it?”
If so, you’re not the only one! Several people have asked us this exact question since returning from our winter adventure to Juneau. And we get it. Juneau is located in southeast Alaska and can see around 80 inches of snow in town, while Eaglecrest Ski Resort sees an average of 320 inches a year!
While this means most people consider it a summer destination, there’s something exceptional about visiting Juneau in winter. You’ll get to experience this winter wonderland more like a local – with virtually no crowds and embracing the snow and beauty of the mountains.
Although some activities and excursions are closed during the off-season, don’t worry. There are still plenty of things to do in Juneau. We’ve pulled together some of our favorite activities and our recommendation for where to stay to help you plan your Alaskan winter adventure.
Silverbow Inn & Suites hosted us during our stay. However, all opinions remain our own.
Where to Stay in Juneau Alaska
Although Juneau is the largest capital city by land area in the US, with around 32,000 residents, it maintains a small-town vibe. There is one main road (Highway 7 – also called Glacier Highway north of Mendenhall Loop Road and Egan Drive to the south). We think staying in Downtown Juneau is the best location for easy access to winter activities. It is incredibly walkable with several shops and restaurants nearby.
Silverbow Inn & Suites
We love finding unique places to stay, and the Silverbow Inn did not disappoint. When we started researching places to stay in Juneau, one that immediately stood out was the Silverbow Inn. Full of character and located in the heart of downtown Juneau, Silverbow Inn & Suites is a boutique hotel with 16 fabulously appointed rooms and thoughtful details throughout.
A few of our favorite features that make the Silverbow stand out are:
- Fabulous views of downtown and the mountains from the rooftop and certain rooms, such as the Penthouse Suite.
- Comfortable (and warm) bedding. Our rooms even had adjustable beds!
- A shared kitchen downstairs is open 24 hours and is stocked with several options for breakfast (or a late-night craving).
- The game collection, coloring wall, and “secret stash” of candy were HUGE hits with our kids.
- The rooftop hot tub with views of the mountains.
As soon as you enter the front door, you can immediately tell that the building has a rich history. In 1902, Guy Messerschmidt, a German immigrant, founded the San Franciso Bakery. Four generations of his family were raised in the building until 1980. Jill Ramiel & Ken Alper bought it in 1997 and started the Silverbow Bakery. In 2015 they closed the bakery and renovated and expanded to include an Italian restaurant, 16 hotel rooms, and a family apartment. You’ll find remnants of its past mixed with current updates to make your stay incredible.
Where to Eat in Juneau Alaska
Although we generally spend most of our travel budget on activities, we also love trying out new restaurants. A few of our favorites from our time in Juneau are:
- V’s Cellar Door – We went with Guy Fieri’s favorites from Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, and it did not disappoint. But we all agreed that the Fusion Nachos were the best.
- The Rookery Cafe – Try the Avocado Toast. 😋
- Devil’s Club Brewing – During our stay, Wednesdays were pizza night, which is always a win with kids!
- Heritage Coffee – Locally roasted coffee and cafe.
- Hangar on the Wharf – Their halibut was incredible!
If we’d had more time, here are a few more restaurants that come highly recommended:
- Red Dog Saloon
- In Bocca Al Lupo
- Salt
- Alaskan Brewing Company
- Tracy’s King Crab Shack – This one wasn’t open during our visit, but hopefully it will be for you!
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Explore Mendenhall Glacier & the Visitor Center
The Mendenhall Glacier & Visitor Center, located in Tongass National Forest, is a short 20-minute drive from downtown Juneau. You can see the glacier beyond the frozen lake from the pavilion or explore one of the trails, such as Photo Point Trail, to get a closer look.
Keep your eyes peeled on the cliffs in the distance – you might be able to spot mountain goats! After exploring outside, head to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center to learn more about the landscape, the animals that live here, and how the glacier is changing.
Things to Know
- The Visitor Center is open Friday-Sunday (except federal holidays) from 10 am to 4 pm during winter. However, you can still visit, see the glacier, and explore the trails on other days.
- As of March 2022, masks are required to wear a mask indoors. You can find updates here.
- There are several walking and hiking trails in the area. Many may be covered in snow, so we recommend bringing microspikes and/or snowshoes, depending on conditions and your plans.
- The thickness of the ice on Mendenhall Lake is not monitored by the Forest Service and can be unpredictable.
Snowboard or Ski at Eaglecrest
Have you always dreamed of skiing or snowboarding in Alaska? This is your chance! One of the best things to do in the winter is to experience skiing or snowboarding at Eaglecrest – especially if you’re lucky enough to visit during a winter storm. Although Eaglecrest Ski Area is a smaller, independent resort, it is not lacking in big mountain terrain. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced rider, you’ll find exactly what you need at Eaglecrest. Eaglecrest receives plenty of heavy snow each year (over 25 feet of snow!) and has 1620 feet of vertical drop. It is located on Douglas Island, just a short drive from the downtown area.
In addition to alpine skiing, Eaglecrest offers Nordic skiing as well. You’ll find a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes at the downhill ski areas. Directly behind the lodge is the Porcupine Chair, which accesses green runs for your group’s new skiers and riders. For more intermediate and advanced riders, three more chairs (Hooter, Black Bear, and Ptarmigan) access blue, black, and double black trails. But if you’re looking for even more challenging terrain, you can hike to the West or East Bowl for impressive backcountry access. The best part? There’s rarely a lift line!
Things to Know
- Eaglecrest is open Wednesday-Sunday during the season.
- If you’re an Indy Ski Pass holder, you get two days included at Eaglecrest (as of March 2022, there are no blackout dates). Learn more about Indy Pass here.
- Have a season pass with a Powder Alliance resort? You also have access to free days at Eaglecrest! Learn more about Powder Alliance.
- Last but not least, Eaglecrest offers a Boarding Pass Deal. If you’re flying in on Alaska Airlines (Alaska Seaplanes and the ferry also count) early enough in the day, head straight to Eaglecrest for a free same-day lift ticket!
Drive “Out-the-Road”
If you’re looking for an easy day trip, this is it. There is one main road in Juneau, Glacier Highway, and you can easily drive it from end to end in a little over an hour. However, we suggest giving yourself ample time to stop and enjoy the spectacular scenery along the way. The drive north from downtown is especially worth it. After you pass Auke Bay, continue following Glacier Highway soaking in the view of snow-capped peaks and stopping as you wish. This is a great place to watch for bald eagles as well. We saw countless numbers on the day we did this drive.
Things to Know
- The paved road ends around Echo Cove Boat Launch. There is a dirt road that continues for a bit beyond this point. Still, we wouldn’t recommend this in a rental – especially not without the proper winter recovery gear (and making sure you won’t wind up with extra fees).
- There are several trails and parks along this road, such as the Lena Beach Recreation Area, where you can stop, stretch your legs, take photos, and explore.
- It’s a good idea to bring snacks and drinks with you on this drive and make sure you have plenty of gas. Once you pass Auke Bay, there are minimal facilities. You might find an open state park restroom, but that is about it.
Explore Sunset Cove Beach
Sunset Cove Beach is located near the north end of “The Road,” but it deserves its own place on the list. We highly recommend making this stop, even if you only catch the rest of the views from the comfort and warmth of your vehicle. There is a pull-off on the side of the road where you can park, and a short dirt trail takes you down to the rocky shoreline of Sunset Cove. It’s a great place to get out those wiggles, skip rocks, and have a bite to eat.
Things to Know
- Though the trail access is a short walk, it is pretty narrow, and the beach is very rocky. Therefore, I would not consider it to be wheelchair or stroller friendly.
- There are no facilities, so you’ll want to plan accordingly for food, water, and restrooms.
Catch a Sunset at Auke Bay Park (and watch the seals if you’re lucky)
We love catching a beautiful sunset whenever we can, so we took full advantage when things lined up perfectly for us to catch golden hour at Auke Bay Park. In the evening, you’ll see boats coming in after a day of fishing, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch some seals playing and feeding!
Things to Know
- We did not personally eat here, but if you’d like to pair this with dinner, you’ll find two restaurants directly across the street – Auke Bay Cafe and Forbidden Peak Brewery.
Visit the Alaska State Museum
Although we prefer to spend as much time adventuring as possible when we travel, we also enjoy learning about the history and culture of the places we visit. So, we were stoked to learn about the Alaska State Museum and Sealaska Heritage Institute.
Sealaska Heritage is still closed to the public as of March 2022, so we will save that for a future visit. However, we were still able to learn more about the Alaska Native Culture, including the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Peoples, and the history of Alaska at the State Museum.
Things to Know
- The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 am -4 pm.
- Children (18 & under) and active duty military are free.
- Don’t miss the eagle tree in the lobby!
Check out Tahku The Whale
Even though winter is not the best time for whale watching (though you might get lucky in late winter), you can still check out a life-size whale sculpture made of bronze named Tahku. Located along the waterfront in Juneau next to the Juneau-Douglas bridge, this is definitely worth a quick visit during your stay. Along the path, you’ll find markers that share additional details about the sculpture and the humpback whales who spend their summers in Alaska.
Things to Know
- The infinity pool and fountains are drained during the cold winter months, but…
- You’re also likely to have this area entirely to yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions and Additional Planning Tips for Visiting Juneau in Winter
What are winters like in Juneau?
Juneau experiences 230 days of precipitation each year, which means you’ll need to be prepared for the possibility of rain and snow during winter. You may not be guaranteed to have bright sunny days, but fresh snow is always a strong possibility. Average daytime temperatures in the winter months range from 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit and low temperatures of 26-30 degrees at night.
What should I pack for a winter trip to Juneau?
Becuase winter weather in Juneau can be cold and bring plenty of rain and snow, you’ll want to pack plenty of warm layers to keep you comfortable. We highly recommend wool or synthetic baselayers, fleece or down midlayers, and waterproof outerwear to keep you warm and dry on snowy or rainy days.
What should I pack for a winter trip to Juneau?
Becuase winter weather in Juneau can be cold and bring plenty of rain and snow, you’ll want to pack plenty of warm layers to keep you comfortable. We highly recommend wool or synthetic baselayers, fleece or down midlayers, and waterproof outerwear to keep you warm and dry on snowy or rainy days.
How many hours of daylight does Juneau get in winter?
It depends. If you visit in December, you’ll experience some of the shortest days. For instance, Juneau experiences only a little over 6 hours of daylight on the winter solstice. However, as you move closer to spring, you’ll have longer days. We had approximately 11-12 hours of daylight during our March visit.
Although Juneau, Alaska, may be more popular during the summer months, visiting in winter is a unique experience that we think is not to be missed. Whether you’re looking for beautiful snow-covered mountain views or epic skiing and snowboarding, you will not be disappointed. Unless you’re like us and are simply disappointed that you couldn’t stay longer. 😉
