See the Northern Lights at Alyeska

9th November 2011 | Becky Lomax, Western Editor

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The anticipation of a spring powder day during your vacation sometimes necessitates a wake-up call from the hotel. No need at [R011R, Alyeska Resort]—the Northern Lights can provide that wake-up call.

Head north to Alaska’s largest ski area in March for long hours of daylight skiing, spectacular coast to mountain scenery and the best chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis flicker across the night sky.

As the spring equinox nears, solar storms spark more of the natural colorful light displays. However, the auroras have the same fickleness as weather, and they won’t be visible when storms blow in to drop snow.

While January may see only five hours of daylight, the ski slopes in March soak up more than 13 hours of sun. Ski into the evening and then linger over to dining in Seven Glaciers Restaurant atop the aerial tram to watch the sun slowly set. Stay at the chateau-style Hotel Alyeska where a phone call will alert you to any midnight Northern Lights show.

Northern Lights: Also known as Aurora Borealis

What is it: The glow from solar particles blowing at 35,000 miles per hour into the earth’s magnetic field more than 60 miles up in the sky

Colors: Bright yellow-green (most common), red, blue and pink

Best conditions for viewing: Sub-zero temperatures and clear moonless nights

Best nights for viewing: Two weeks around new moon in March, but viewing is possible early January to late April

Best hour for viewing: Midnight

Northern Lights forecast: Click here. http://www.gi.alaska.edu/AuroraForecast

Where to Stay:

Hotel Alyeska: 304-room luxury hotel renovated in 2007

Reservations: 907-754-2111, or click here http://www.alyeskaresort.com/hotel/book-your-reservation.aspx

For more information: Click Here