Visit Alaska in the winter and drink in spectacular snow-covered vistas
The thought of visiting Alaska in the winter may fill you with shivers and a longing to hibernate, but for adventure-seekers, it is prime playtime. Mesmerising mountains laden with snow create stunning backdrops, and the outdoor options are limitless. You can strap on snowshoes, grab a snowboard or skis, get a taste of dog mushing or cruise the backcountry on a snowmobile -- stubbornly called a snowmachine by locals.
Getting used to it
I visited in late January and early February and was smitten. I declared myself a future Alaskan. I vowed to buy Alaskan slippers, which are actually heavy-duty boots - XtraTufs - worn by many in the Last Frontier. I scoffed at the cold even as I slipped along icy streets in downtown Anchorage and wished for a thicker jacket. Living in the Pacific Northwest, I'm accustomed to the cold and congratulated myself on braving Alaska's winter temperatures. What I didn't know at the time was that my trip coincided with the fourth warmest January ever recorded in the city. I was simultaneously relieved and disappointed.
Escaping to a winter wonderland
Winter in Alaska may be downright cold, but this trip was an escape from the dreary rain back in [Washington]. I was enraptured with winter skies that were crisp and blue rather than bleak and grey.
When I set out to explore the winter wonderland around Anchorage, I bundled up but my Gore-Tex gear stayed shoved in the bottom of my pack. It's about appreciating the small things, right? Sunshine in the winter for a Northwesterner is no small thing. This brings me to my one grievance with taking a winter break in Alaska: longer hours of darkness. The sun did not design to come out until 9 a. m., which ruled out early alpine starts. Then again, it's a rare chance to sleep in.
☺ ☻
drink in [phrasal verb]
drink in (something) or drink (something) in :
to stop and look at or listen to something in order to enjoy it fully
- The view is so beautiful. Let's just take a minute to drink it all in.
conquer v.
to take control of (a country, city, etc.) through the use of force
- The city was conquered by the ancient Romans.
shiver n.
/ˈʃɪvɚ/
a small shaking movement caused by cold or strong emotion
longing n.
/ˈlɑːŋɪŋ/
a strong desire for something or someone
mesmerizing adj.
/ˈmɛzməˌraɪzɪŋ/
to hold the attention of (someone) entirely : to interest or amaze (someone) so much that nothing else is seen or noticed — usually used as (be) mesmerized
laden adj.
/ˈleɪdn̩/
loaded heavily with something : having or carrying a large amount of something
backdrop n.
the scene or scenery that is in the background
- The mountains provided a perfect backdrop for the wedding photos.
smitten adj.
in love with someone or something
- From the moment he saw her, he was smitten.
scoff v.
to laugh at and talk about someone or something in a way that shows disapproval and a lack of respect
- He scoffed when she told him that she planned to become an actress.
downright adv.
to the fullest degree : completely or totally
- The movie was downright stupid/bad/scary.
enrapture v.
to fill (someone) with delight
- Her melodious voice enraptured the audience.
bundled up phr v.
to wear enough clothing to keep very warm
grievance n.
/ˈgriːvəns/
a complaint or a strong feeling that you have been treated unfairly;
a feeling of having been treated unfairly
deign v.
/ˈdeɪn/
to agree to do something although you consider yourself too important to have to do it;
to do something that you think you should not have to do because you are too important — usually followed by to + verb
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