Reindeer and Snowmobile Day Trip to Borealis Basecamp with Lunch

If you’re considering a day trip that offers both the thrill of snowmobiling and the charm of meeting reindeer, this tour might catch your eye. It’s designed to give visitors a taste of real Alaskan winter life—complete with stunning scenery, animal encounters, and a hearty lunch. While it’s not a perfect fit for everyone, it’s a solid choice for those who want a balanced mix of adventure and local culture without spending too much time on one activity.

What we really like about this experience is its combination of activities—you get to drive your own snowmachine, which many find exhilarating, and there’s also a close-up reindeer meet-and-greet. Plus, the scenic drive along the Trans Alaska Pipeline offers memorable views of the Arctic valleys and White Mountains. The friendly guides and well-organized itinerary help make it a smooth, enjoyable day.

One potential downside is the group size and pace—with a maximum of only 10 travelers, it feels intimate, but if you’re hoping for a more rugged or off-the-beaten-path adventure, this might seem a bit polished. Also, for those traveling with children or certain age groups, there are some restrictions—kids under 8 can’t ride snowmachines, and minors under 16 will need to ride as passengers.

This tour will suit anyone looking for a well-rounded, scenic, and fun day in Fairbanks—whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, animal lover, or just curious about Alaskan life. It’s especially good for those who want a taste of local wildlife, stunning vistas, and authentic hospitality without getting lost in overly commercialized experiences.

Key Points

• Balanced Activities: Combines snowmobiling, reindeer encounters, and scenic drives for a full day of Alaskan winter fun.
• Expert Guides: Well-reviewed guides keep the experience engaging and informative.
• Great Value: For around $239, you get a half-day of snowmobiling, reindeer interaction, a nice lunch, and optional activities.
• Limited Group Size: Max 10 travelers, fostering a personalized experience but may feel less adventurous.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for older kids (16+) with driver’s licenses, but younger children face restrictions.
• Weather Dependent: The tour relies on good weather; cancellations due to poor conditions can happen, with options for rescheduling or refunds.

What to Expect on the Day

The Journey to Borealis Basecamp

Your day begins with a hotel pickup, a convenient start that saves you from navigating snowy roads yourself. The drive north on the Elliott Highway takes about 45 minutes, revealing the vast expanse of the Boreal Forest and offering glimpses of the Arctic landscape. The location itself boasts panoramic views of the valley, setting the perfect scene for a winter adventure.

Snowmobiling Experience

Once at Basecamp, you’ll get a 1-hour snowmachine tour. This is your moment to drive your own snowmobile along groomed trails, with sights of the Trans Alaska Pipeline running through the snow-covered landscape. The guides are praised for their clear instructions, making it accessible even for first-timers. Several reviews mention how fun and exhilarating snowmobiling is—though a few note it can be tricky for beginners. For many, the highlight is the gorgeous scenery, with vistas of the White Mountains and snowy valleys.

Reindeer Meet-and-Greet

Following snowmobiling, you’ll have a 30-minute visit with the reindeer. The basecamp is home to year-round residents, fed a diet of reindeer feed and natural treats. The guides are eager to share insights about how these animals survive and adapt in the Arctic. Visitors report that the reindeer are friendly and photogenic, making for some memorable moments. Lance from the reviews describes it as “enjoying the reindeer as well,” and Sarah appreciated the knowledgeable guide and the fun on the nature walk.

Lunch at Latitude 65

A highlight for many is the lunch break. The onsite restaurant offers a menu featuring hot and cold sandwiches, noodle dishes, and fresh soups. The food is generally well-received, with guests praising the friendly service and delicious options. It’s a good opportunity to relax and refuel before more activities or heading back home.

Optional Resort Activities

If you’re looking to extend your day, there are complimentary activities available, such as fat tire bike rentals, sledding, or a nature walk along the Alyeska Pipeline. These are a nice bonus and give you a chance to enjoy the setting at a more leisurely pace.

Return and Reflection

The tour concludes with a drop-off around 4:30 pm, giving you plenty of time to relax and maybe revisit some spots or plan your evening. The overall schedule is balanced, giving you enough time to enjoy each aspect without feeling rushed.

What Travelers Are Saying

Reviews highlight the friendly and knowledgeable guides as a key strength. Lance describes the snow machine as “a blast,” and many appreciate the scenic views, calling the Borealis landscape “beautiful” and “breathtaking.” Sarah mentions that the guides ensured everyone had a good experience, even those new to snowmobiling.

Food at Latitude 65 gets lots of praise, with many saying it’s “top notch” and a satisfying end to the trip. The reindeer encounter is often seen as a highlight, especially for animal lovers—many reviews mention the reindeer as being friendly and photogenic.

However, not all reviews are glowing. Some found the reindeer walk a bit disappointing or dangerous due to icy hills. A reviewer felt the walk was too slow and the group too large for the guide to effectively communicate with everyone. It’s worth noting that the tour’s group size is limited to 10, which keeps it intimate but also means you need to book well in advance, as it’s popular—most people book about 71 days ahead.

The snowmobiling experience is generally seen as exciting, though a few mention that it might be tricky for first-time drivers. That said, guides are praised for their helpful instructions, making it accessible for most.

The Practicalities: Price, Duration, and Accessibility

At $238.80 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience for the price. You get about 8 hours of activity, including transportation, snowmobiling, reindeer interaction, lunch, and optional activities. For adventure seekers, outdoor lovers, or anyone wanting a taste of Alaskan winter in a well-organized package, it’s a good value.

The group size limit of 10 enhances the experience, making it less commercialized and more personal. The pickup service adds convenience, especially since transportation in snowy areas can be tricky. The mobile ticket nature of the booking makes it easy to plan ahead.

Note the age restrictions: children under 8 cannot participate in snowmobiling for safety reasons. Minors under 16 will need to ride as passengers, and those between 16 and 18 must hold a valid driver’s license to drive. This makes it less suitable for families with very young kids but perfect for older children and adults.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This adventure is best suited for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, wildlife, and scenic drives. If you’re someone who appreciates a laid-back, well-organized experience that mixes excitement with opportunities to learn about local animals and culture, this trip will hit the mark.

It’s a great option if you want a full day of activity without the hassle of organizing multiple bookings. The scenic beauty combined with animal encounters and good food makes it ideal for those wanting a well-rounded, memorable day.

However, if you’re averse to cold weather or snowmobiling, or have young children under 8, you might want to look elsewhere. The tour may also seem too tame or structured for those seeking true off-the-beaten-path adventures.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your hotel, making logistics stress-free.

How long does the entire experience last?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, with a start time around 9:30 am and return around 4:30 pm.

Can I drive the snowmachine?
Guests over 16 with a valid driver’s license can drive their own snowmachine. Minors under 16 will ride as passengers.

What should I wear?
While not explicitly stated, expect cold weather. Dress in warm layers, including waterproof outerwear, gloves, and a hat.

Is there a minimum age for participation?
Yes, children under 8 cannot participate in snowmachine tours. Minors under 16 must ride as passengers.

Is the tour suitable for families?
It’s suitable for families with older children (16+), but younger kids might find the activities less accessible due to age restrictions.

What is included in the lunch?
A variety of hot and cold sandwiches, noodle dishes, and fresh soups are available at Latitude 65.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before will not be refunded.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a fun, scenic, and well-organized day in Fairbanks, this tour ticks many boxes. It combines the thrill of snowmobiling with the charm of meeting reindeer, all set against a stunning Arctic backdrop. The guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the experience more meaningful and enjoyable.

The food and optional activities add extra value, making it a comfortable and satisfying day out. While not overly rugged or adventurous, it’s a reliable choice for those looking to enjoy Alaska’s winter wildlife and landscapes in a structured, friendly environment.

For those who love to combine adventure with culture, and don’t mind the cold, this trip is worth considering. Just be sure to book early—it’s popular, and the limited group size makes it even better.

Happy planning, and enjoy your Alaskan winter wonderland!