Winter is coming. But for most people in Alaska, it never left—in part because of its unique weather. It’s often argued that Alaska is the most distinctive state in the US. Alaska is home to a variety of distinct ways of life and cultures that are not found anyplace else in the country. While you might associate endless snow with dullness or gloom, there’s an unseen side there.
Here are fifty amusing photographs that highlight the fun side of living in the frosty frontier. From wild mooses and bears wandering through the streets to the fact that first-date fishing is a very real thing—these images will allow you to explore the lighter side of life in the region.
The next time you go to Alaska, you’ll know what to expect!
Sunscreen Left The Room
Here's a humorous sign that only true Alaska natives will understand. When the thermometer hits the floor, it's time to hit the waves. If you want to avoid being scorched by the sun, remember to pack your sunscreen. When there's more ice than water, how could anybody possibly enjoy the beaches in Alaska?
Extremely low temperatures—as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit—have been recorded during Alaskan winters. If you thought Minnesota was freezing in the winter, you haven’t seen anything yet! Alaskan winters are so severe that even Minnesota's seem mild by comparison. Bring an extra pair of gloves to warm your first pair if they get cold, just in case.
Fast Food For Moose?
Look, McDonald's is not generally a nice place to work since we've spent a few months (years, really) there. One happy face for every million hungry customers. If you're on toilet duty, you may as well stay home sick. Well, if you’re a McDonald’s worker, there is one silver lining to working under the big M in Alaska.
Moose aren’t on the menu, but they might want to take a look—and you’ll get to serve them! Or, more accurately, moose will attempt to flush you out for a free meal. Alaska is home to a wide variety of wildlife, and Alaskan moose are only one of them. Moose might seem calm, yet they can suddenly launch a deadly attack. It’s better to stay behind the window.
Smooth Blankets Of Snow
When most people see Alaska, they generally picture a winter paradise with softly falling snow and gentle winds. And it’s true! Well, at least some of the time, if you get lucky. At certain times of the year, you can relax, but just remember that Mother Nature is seldom on your side.
All the same, this is what makes Alaska a paradise for those who like winter activities. The Last Frontier is the go-to location for snowboarding, skiing, or trying your hand at dog sledding. The most dangerous blizzards in Alaska occur in the winter—something to keep in mind at any ability.
We Can See Canada From Here
Believe it or not, Alaska is a state of the USA! But it looks like somebody should have told Chick-fil-A about that. A prospective consumer tweeted to the firm, "When are you opening a restaurant in Alaska?" and got a really bizarre response.
Did you know that just three of the fifty states in the United States lack a Chick-fil-A franchise? We're talking about the states of Alaska, Hawaii, and Vermont. It seems that the local government in Vermont and the fried chicken chain had a verbal altercation, and now Chick-fil-A is not allowed to open any more locations there. But what could have happened with Alaska?
That Was Fast!
Road repair workers are vital in Alaska. Unfortunately, Alaskan roadways are vulnerable to earthquake damage because of the state's seismic history. The good news is that the men and women who work to fix roads in Alaska are true experts at what they do.
In 2018, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake rocked the state, causing widespread road damage. The best maintenance specialists in the state wasted no time getting to work. The accompanying image shows that after just three days, the roads were completely safe to travel on again. The rest of the United States could take a great lesson away from these Alaskans.
What A Catch!
As you'll soon see, fishing is a serious business in Alaska. They don't just use the puny nets the rest of the country employs—with short necks and small baskets. The fishermen in Alaska wouldn’t need bear traps if the situation arose since their nets are big enough to capture a grizzly.
We have no idea if a bear could fit through there—or if any bears have ever tried. This net seems large enough to hold a dozen small wild salmon crates easily. Some anglers see using a net as dishonest. We prefer to think of this kind of fishing as "smart fishing."
Looking To Move North?
Oh, so you expected Alaskan living costs to be low? We'll talk about the price of groceries and other necessities in a bit, but for now, just know that real estate is ridiculously costly. You'll need a substantial sum of money if you want to make Alaska your permanent home.
Anchorage's typical house price is roughly $330,000, much above the $200,000 average on the rest of the US mainland. While land in some areas may be affordable, construction materials and labor often run much over the national average. Also, before construction, you will need to pay a local expert for bear and moose extermination.
Flying In The Skies of Alaska
You'll need to be able to fly if you plan on making Alaska your home. Unfortunately, you cannot tame bald eagles and bind them together to build a floating home like the one in Up. You will have to learn to fly a helicopter—unless you can sprout wings at will.
You may be confused as to why you have to take a plane when you could just take a land vehicle. To begin, the roads, like the weather, are actively trying to kill you. In cold climates, especially in Alaska, black ice can be a dangerous hazard. In addition, if you need to travel between various parts of Alaska, a helicopter is the best mode of transportation since it can easily navigate the state's hilly terrain.
That Is What We Call A Mosquito
Bears and moose won't be waiting for you when you reach the terminus of the Delta Junction Highway. But huge skeeters will be. They’ll be waiting to drain you of your blood and organs. Therefore, if you plan on traveling to Alaska, you should carry plenty of mosquito repellant and, just in case, a large electric mosquito racket.
Obviously, we’re only joking. These skeeters are only statues. All the free coffee you can drink is at the visitor center at the end of the road. There is a mosquito issue in Alaska, despite the cold, although it is often just a problem in the months of June and July.
Setting Expectations
Hopefully, this will muddle any preconceived notions you may have. Have you heard that igloos aren't the norm for housing in Alaska? Although there are certain to be a few people out in the snow desert of Alaska who give up on humanity and are now living alone.
Nope, Alaskans aren't any different from the rest of us regular joes. They live in houses and apartments, drink expensive Starbucks coffee, and undoubtedly shout at their neighbors just as frequently as everyone else. You might see one or two igloos out there, but they are just temporary hunting shelters for when conditions get really bad.
Cheap Curtains
Why would you need to stock up on blackout drapes? It’s because of the Earth's spherical shape. Traveling farther northward will result in an increase in daylight hours. About 19 hours and 40 minutes of daylight are available in Anchorage. There will be 22 hours of daylight in Fairbanks. Every. Single. Day! So if you like your sleep, you’d stock up, too.
At 9 p.m., while the sun is still up, you can forget about getting any shut-eye. Placing blackout drapes over all of the windows is the only certain method to obtain a good night's rest. Because of this, Costco in Alaska stocks curtains in large quantities.
Go Fish
Can you describe your ideal first date? It may be going for a beach ride on a saddle-free horse with the office urologist (Scrubs, anyone?) or eating at the city's best Scottish-Mexican fusion restaurant (HIMYM for the win). In the city, the idea of taking your date fishing could be the farthest thing from anyone's conception of a good time.
In Alaska, things are done quite differently. In point of fact, fishing is an essential component of the way of life for every native Alaskan. Additionally, it provides enough time for two people to learn about one another, catch up, or just chat about whatever comes to mind.
Outhouse Fun In Alaska
Here’s another experience that is unique to the state of Alaska. Have you ever used a porta toilet and thought to yourself, "Wow, this would be fantastic if I could race in this thing! "? If so, you are not alone. ” Outhouse races are held on a yearly basis in this hamlet, where participants race along icy roads. In case you were wondering what the prizes are, the person who builds the most efficient outhouse wins some cold hard cash!
These races are put on in Anchorage by the UAA and the Engineering Club to collect money for whatever philanthropic endeavors the UAA and the Engineering Club are interested in. Perhaps it's also to raise people's awareness of how useful outhouses can be as a form of transportation.
A What In The Driveway?
Most of us are undoubtedly guilty of failing to notice the delivery guy for one reason or another. It might be because you have a dog chained to your yard, and your dog may have scared the delivery person away. In Alaska, they have a whole host of other animals to worry about.
Bears and even moose can make it impossible for UPS delivery people to accomplish their jobs. If you live in Alaska, you should get accustomed to mail arriving later than usual, particularly if a wild animal has decided to settle down nearby or on your property.
Booming Tourism
During the summer, many cruise ships dock in Alaska's coastal towns daily. There is a lot of open, expansive land in Alaska for tourists to enjoy, and the industry is vital to the state's economy. If you have the opportunity, you should visit the last frontier. It's a great location, full of scenic beauty and kind people.
When the cruise ships depart, though, the natives let loose. They don't do this because they dislike visitors (they're nice people, remember), but rather because they can skip the lines at all the popular attractions. That’s how busy it gets during tourist season!
Slippery Roads Ahead
In Alaska, you have to be ready for anything. Blizzards may erupt out of nowhere, reducing visibility to zero and compelling you to pull over. Since you can never predict when your car's tires may become stuck in the snow, you should always have a bag of cat litter on hand.
It takes a lot of work to navigate the roads in Alaska. Black ice covers the roadways, and you never know what kind of wild animals you could come across as they meander. Honking your horn may encourage them to move, but you also run the risk of frightening them.
The Biggest Fish Are In Alaska
A significant portion of Alaska's economy is dependent upon the fishing industry. This makes sense, given that fish are more likely to survive in the cleaner waters of the Arctic. If you go fishing up there, you'll want to take a rod and some of those enormous fish nets with you.
As you can see, Alaska is home to some enormous fish. Most average-sized Alaskan fish can easily feed a small household. As it stands, this fish could have easily fed the whole population of Anchorage not once but twice. What a catch!
The Surf Is UP in Alaska
You'd be wrong to assume that Alaska's cold waters preclude any kind of water sports. Although not many surfers are ready to brave the frigid waters of Anchorage, those who do will find some incredible waves. So take a surfboard with you to Alaska if you're feeling adventurous.
Because Alaska has more than 34,000 miles of tidal coastline, there is seldom a need to wait your turn. You should think about traveling to Alaska on your next surfing excursion to the shore. Just remember that if you surf long enough, your bones will freeze.
Fireworks In July
See how Alaskans celebrate New Year's Eve compared to Independence Day? You may be wondering what happened to Alaskans' patriotism, but rest assured that it hasn't been squelched. It’s just that the sun's brightness, even during night hours, would make it impossible to see a fireworks display in July.
Things are turned upside down in December. Since the days are just three to four hours long, it is perfectly safe to let off fireworks around 3 p.m. Plus, do you really need fireworks when you have Alaska's stunning alpine scenery as a backdrop?
The Key To Keeping Warm
Now, here's something that could make people look twice at you when you shop at the Alaska Costco. The shop sells huge quantities of blackout curtains and insulation at low costs. If you're from a warm and sunny place like California or Texas, you’d want to hoard your warmth, too.
All of us are crossing our fingers that they never run out of insulation in the north. Without the forty layers of insulation now lining most Alaskan homes, we shudder to think of what life might be like in the cold. Come to think about it—ten layers might not be enough!
Huge Vegetation
It's easy to assume that few Alaskans would bother with farming. You would think that digging in the frozen ground is impossible, but the last frontier is a great place to cultivate vegetables due to the abundance of sunshine (almost 20 hours each day).
Most agricultural products from Alaska are admittedly overproduced when compared to the rest of the United States. But the increased exposure to sunshine has a beneficial effect on the size and rate of growth of pumpkins and cabbage and their flavor. A family of four can go for half a month on the food stored in a single pumpkin.
Fish Heads Here Are Abundant
There seems to be a problem with this image. In a normal game of "bobbing for apples," the water isn't this murky. However, these people are not bobbing for apples—they’re fish heads—not candied fish heads, either. Some Alaskan celebrations include the random tossing of whatever fish heads the community has on hand into a basin. Festival-goers then have to catch them with their teeth. The thought of that makes our stomachs turn.
The origin of this game is unclear. Perhaps apples are too costly or do not thrive in Alaska's climate. They're also possibly doing this to honor their prosperous fishing enterprises. We'd prefer to sit back and observe than become involved for whatever reason.
Another Weird Festival
For forty years, Alaskans have welcomed summer by scouring the landscape for moose poop as a symbol of the arrival of warmer weather. Yes, you read that right. They actively seek moose feces on the ground to use for jewelry making. Who knew that feces that had been coated in varnish made such lovely jewelry? We would have been quite content to see this celebration from afar.
However, due to tragic events in 2009, when numerous villagers were lost forever after being carried away by swift currents, the government banned Moose Dropping Festivals. The news that the Moose Dropping Festival would never be celebrated again has left us feeling melancholic, even though we recognize that it was probably for the best.
A Multipurpose Card
You and other drivers may have difficulties due to a frozen windshield while in the state. During the five to six-month-long Alaskan winter, this will become a daily problem, making the situation particularly dire. Credit cards are always an option if your windshield scraper has already been damaged by yesterday's battle with a sheet of ice.
Many residents use these plastic cards to increase their visibility while driving, which may seem like a joke at first. A less exciting option is to use a plastic card holder instead. The fear of having their credit card snapped in half is just half of the reason why people use them.
Is That Santa?
I bet you didn't realize that, among the deer species, only reindeer are kept as pets. That’s right—reindeer are used as agricultural animals by humans. In addition, reindeer are raised on farms for their milk, meat, and hide. But if you can keep a reindeer as a pet, there's no need to consume them.
Just look at this cute little guy! He is able to approach strangers without causing undue alarm. Eventually, someone will decide to keep a moose as a pet. Why not have moose and polar bears too? It’s probably quite evident to Alaskans why this is a bad idea.
Brother Bear Goes Fishing
This is not a picture of a normal family with their pet bear. If you want to call Alaska home, you'll need to learn how to fish, and if you want to fish in Alaska, you'll need to learn how to share the waterways with animals. It's probably for the best that this bear prefers fish over people.
The locals may often see bears, but they know better than to provoke these creatures. Considering that a bear is powerful enough to knock your vehicle off the road, just think what it might do to a person. We wouldn't raise questions if this bear demanded an exit tax from the fisherman before they left.
Breathtaking Views
Believe it or not, saying that Alaska has stunning scenery is an understatement. Below is a photo of a cold lake in the summer, with the surrounding mountains in view. This can be described in only one way: amazing.
Scenes like these are typical in Alaska since much of the land is kept undeveloped. You don't have to crane your neck too much to see Alaska's natural splendor, even from the bustling roadway. Alaska should be at the top of anyone's travel wish list!
Fly High Alaska
In 2019, it was expected that Alaska could have a permanent population of around 730,000 people. When compared to the whole area of the state, this number seems rather low. In contrast, there are 1.7 million people crammed into Manhattan's 36 square miles of land.
Just 2% of Alaska's population of 730,000 hold valid pilot licenses. It may not seem like a lot, but out of the 650,000 licensed pilots in the United States, around 14,000 are in Alaska. Alaskans have to master flying as a mode of transportation.
Flexible Polar Bears
Bears are a common sight for many Alaskans. Bears pose a threat regardless of their location. Sometimes, they are harmful to fish, and other times, they are harmful to berries and nuts. But if you put your fleshy body in the way of a mother grizzly and her youngster, you may as well be a fish or a piece of fruit.
Bears have a justifiably nasty reputation, but not all bears are malicious. Did you know, for example, that polar bears are big fans of yoga? Clearly, all polar bears have a passion for balance, as seen in this photo. There's also the possibility that this particular bear has an itch that its paws are unable to scratch.
That Is One Yummy Falls
Even though it hasn't been officially recognized by Guinness World Records just yet, Alaska is really home to the world's biggest chocolate waterfall. This choco-fall may be purchased at any Anchorage-area confectionery shop. Liquid chocolate is poured from one set of copper pots into another set—and so on—until it reaches the pool below.
Three thousand pounds of chocolate liqueur is pumped 20 feet into the air before plunging into the pool below. For those who can't wait to indulge their sweet tooth, the shop sells a wide variety of decadent chocolate bars. That "NO Diving/Swimming" sign has to have a backstory.
Say Farewell To The Seasons
When a couple breaks up, they typically decide to go their separate ways. Breakup in Alaska signals the end of the long winter and the return of warmer weather, allowing residents to go back to doing the activities they love. The only things we can think of to do in Alaska in the spring and summer are going surfing and cleaning up moose droppings.
Unfortunately, May flowers are not always brought about by rain in the spring. As an alternative, residents know that winter is over when the ice and snow begin to melt. That's right, bears emerge from their winter dens at this time, too. Hurray?...
That Is One Killer Whale
Seeing wild animals in their natural habitats is a big draw for visitors to Alaska. Now, we all know that no one goes out in search of polar bears and moose (we’d hope). Instead, visitors don wetsuits and go out to sea in search of killer whales.
In the north, there is a lot of wildlife that you should be aware of and not disturb. As long as the whale doesn't sink your ship, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Just remember that throwing trash in the sea is an insult to whales, so don’t do it!
Heated Engine Blocks Are A Typical Sight
Count yourself lucky if you don't recognize one of these. When an engine block heater warms the fluids in your vehicle, they may move more smoothly throughout the engine and the rest of the chassis. Car performance might suffer if engine oil thickens to the point of becoming unusable. Those who plan on driving in Alaska should stock up on a few block heater wires.
The parking lots in Alaska are equipped with engine block warmers, which means you can go across the state without worrying about your car's engine freezing up. You can do a lot of damage to your automobile if you try to start it in subzero temperatures!
Early Christmas, Anyone?
Putting up Christmas decorations in July is sacrilegious to the majority of us. Seeing Christmas trees and decorations up in people's homes so soon after Halloween is definitely one of our pet peeves. Thanksgiving isn't for another month—so don't put up the Christmas tree and ornaments just yet, okay?
Anger management is essential in Alaska for this reason. Christmas decorations in the region begin to appear around October when summer is beginning to wind down. This is when people start needing additional light to see while venturing outside.
Aircraft Are Common
Aerial vehicles may appear out of place on roads to us mainlanders. Why don't airports just have big ol' parking lots and landing strips for them? Of course, not all flyers leave their aircraft at the terminal. Some people even store their planes in the garage or the driveway. This is Alaska, after all.
If you'll recall, we said that just 2% of Alaskans have the ability to fly. That's why they put up a sign, then. Aircraft pilots will need you to work around them, so please slow down if you see one rolling down the road. We can only speculate that this is because someone who often travels by air must be in a rush to get to their destination.
Alaska Has A Rich Culture
Native Alaskan customs and lore remain alive and well. In fact, if you make it north, you'll see touches of Yupik and Inupiaq culture in everything from wall art to sculptures and costumes. In fact, Alaskans enjoy honoring indigenous culture by wearing traditional garb and mastering local dances and music.
The celebrations are a terrific opportunity for visitors to help preserve local traditions. There are souvenir stores where you can buy items made by local tribespeople. Things like clothing, sculptures, bowls, and even weapons fall under this category. Alaska is teeming with culture.
Small Population
Alaska’s population is a little over 730,000, so it’s quite easy to understand how everybody knows everybody. They’ve established a tight-knit community where individuals know their neighbors and neighbors’ neighbors. It’s a part of the Alaskan culture, so if you’re accustomed to living alone instead than connecting with people, you might have a terrible time living there.
In fact, there are innumerable examples where individuals don’t only lend their dogs out for sledding but even fly their neighbors to hospitals. We don’t know about you, but living in a town where you know everyone and everyone knows you sound pretty nice.
Birds of prey
What is the single most frustrating aspect of urban life? Other than other passengers on subways, that is. Undoubtedly the pigeons. Despite appearances, these flying rodents spread illness and leave behind foul droppings.
Bald eagle poop must be equally as awful, but at least those birds of prey are awesome. Who wouldn't prefer the national bird over pigeons? Alaska has the highest concentration of bald eagles in the United States (30,000). That's a lot of bald eagles, considering only 731,000 people are living in Alaska.
Night Lights In Alaska
The Northern Lights in Alaska are a sight to see. The sky's vibrant hues are created by electrically charged particles racing through the Earth's atmosphere. These particles undergo a color transformation from their original hues to neon green, blue, and purple.
The best time to see the northern lights is in March. However, the season lasts from around mid-September until April. As long as you keep your eyes on the sky, you should be able to catch glimpses of the lights that stretch beyond the horizon. The finest place to view the northern lights is in Alaska, but you can also see them in Europe and Canada.
Moose X-ing
Why? Because the sign said that the moose could. Alaskan existence necessarily involves being in close proximity to wild animals. For hunting, humans often go to their region of the world, and they frequently venture into areas inhabited by humans. Everyone involved benefits from the exchange; therefore, ending it would be futile.
However, there are measures you should take in preparation for moose contact. Even if you haven't done anything to provoke it, just being there might make the moose react violently. Get the heck out of there if a moose looks like it’s about to charge you.