FAIRBANKS NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Under the Dome: Chasing Fairbanksʼ Aurora by SUSV to a 360° Arctic Sky

A five-hour outing from Chena Hot Springs that climbs Charlie Dome in a military-style SUSV for unobstructed Northern Lights viewing from heated yurts with complimentary hot drinks and snacks.

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Under the Dome: Chasing Fairbanksʼ Aurora by SUSV to a 360° Arctic Sky.

Duration

5 Hours

Location

Fairbanks

Operator

Chena Hot Springs Resort

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

SUSV ride to Charlie Dome

The ascent uses a military-style Small Unit Support Vehicle (SUSV) for the roughly 20–30 minute ride up to the viewing site, setting the tone for an expedition away from light pollution.

THE VANTAGE

360° unobstructed night sky

Perched on Charlie Dome you have an unobstructed, full-circle view of the night sky—an ideal darkness that helps your eyes pick up faint auroral displays.

THE COMFORTS

Heated yurts, hot drinks and snacks

Two Mongolian-style yurts provide a warm base at the top where complimentary hot beverages and snacks are available while you wait for the lights.

What the day feels like

How the night unfolds

You meet at the resort activity center, board the SUSV for a 20–30 minute climb to Charlie Dome, and establish base in one of two heated yurts. The group remains at the dome for roughly four hours—staying up there rather than returning early—watching the sky with hot drinks and snacks available, before loading back into the SUSV for the 20–30 minute ride down to Chena Hot Springs.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who benefits and who should think twice

Aurora chasersGood fit for travelers willing to commit to an extended, overnight-style outing and the uncertainty inherent in aurora viewing—guides stay at the dome for the whole viewing window rather than returning early.

Those on tight schedulesNot ideal for travelers who cannot devote approximately five hours to the outing, including a fixed four-hour stay at the viewing site and travel time each way.

Travelers who need flexibilityThis tour is less suitable for anyone who may need to leave the site early, since the operator does not make an early descent while waiting for aurora activity.

Guests requiring extra gearA fit for participants who prefer to travel light: if you find you need additional warm clothing, staff can assist—advise guides when you check in.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Warm clothes, plus any personal snacks and bottled water you prefer for the outing.

On-site comforts

The top includes heated yurts where guests can warm up while waiting for the aurora; hot beverages and snacks are provided.

Time commitment

The full Aurora Viewing Tour lasts five hours; plan to be away from the resort for the entire duration.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed on this tour?

No—the Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed, though the site on Charlie Dome offers ideal darkness for viewing if the lights appear.

How long is the tour and how much time is spent at the viewing site?

The Aurora Viewing Tour lasts five hours in total, with approximately four hours spent at the top of Charlie Dome waiting for the aurora.

Where and when do we meet the group?

Guests meet at the Chena Hot Springs activity center 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

How long is the ride to Charlie Dome?

Expect roughly a 20–30 minute SUSV ride each way between Chena Hot Springs and the dome.

Are beverages and snacks provided at the viewing site?

Yes—complimentary hot beverages and snacks are available in the yurts while you wait for the aurora.