Join an Aurora Viewing Tour in Alaska at Chena Hot Springs, traveling to Charlie Dome for unobstructed night skies, heated yurts, hot drinks, and unforgettable Northern Lights viewing.
Chase the Aurora Borealis from one of the best viewing locations in Alaska. Three miles up Charlie Dome, this elevated site at Chena offers wide 360° unobstructed views, far from city lights and directly beneath the Auroral Oval.
Relax inside authentic Mongolian-style yurts while you wait for the sky to come alive. With panoramic views and a warm place to gather, this tour is designed for comfort as you watch the Northern Lights move across the Alaskan night.
Tour Details
Meeting Point
Activity Center (15 minutes before departure)
Min Age
6+
Rates
Persons (Ages 2+)
$110
⚠️ Important: The Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights is a natural phenomenon that cannot be predicted or guaranteed. We cannot provide refunds if the Aurora does not appear during your tour.
What's Included
Round-trip transportation from resort to Charlie Dome in military-style SUSV
Warm Mongolian-style yurt to wait for auroras
Complimentary parkas and boots if needed
Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and water
Top Ramen and oatmeal
Reading materials and board games
What to Bring
Warm clothes (parkas and boots available if needed)
Snacks of your liking and bottled water
⚠️ Natural Phenomenon: The Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights is a natural phenomenon that cannot be predicted or controlled. We cannot guarantee the Aurora will appear or provide refunds if it does not show.
Itinerary
Meet at Activity Center 15 minutes before departure
30-minute ride in military-style SUSV to Charlie Dome
4 hours at the top waiting for the Aurora (full 5-hour tour)
20-30 minute ride back down to Chena Hot Springs
Highlights
Darkness at mountain top is better for viewing Aurora displays
Ride in military-style SUSV to the top of Charlie Dome
360° unobstructed view away from city lights
Heated yurts to warm yourself in
Complimentary hot beverages and snacks
Warm gear provided if needed
🌌 Best Viewing Conditions: We stay up there for 4 hours and don't come down early - we never know when this phenomenon will make its appearance!
Winter Mountain Conditions: The route to Charlie Dome travels over active mountain terrain and can be uneven. Snow depth off designated paths can be significant. For your safety, remain with your group and follow your guide's instructions at all times.
Transportation Safety
Transport to the summit is by enclosed, military-style SUSV designed for winter mountain conditions
Remain seated during travel and follow guide instructions when boarding and exiting the vehicle
A safety briefing will be provided prior to departure
At Charlie Dome
Stay on designated paths. Snow depth off trail can exceed several feet
If you plan to step away from the main group area, please inform your guide
Children must be supervised by an adult at all times
Be mindful of footing in icy or low-visibility conditions
Extreme Cold Awareness
Temperatures at elevation can drop well below zero. Dress in insulated winter clothing rated for sub-zero conditions. If you begin to feel excessively cold or notice numbness in fingers, toes, ears, or nose, return to the yurts immediately and notify your guide. Frostbite can occur in extreme cold.
⚠️ No Refunds for Aurora: The Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights is a natural phenomenon that cannot be predicted or guaranteed to appear. We will not provide refunds if the Aurora does not show during your tour.
Cancellation Policy
Notice Required
24-hour notice required for cancellations
Refund
Full refund with proper notice
No-Shows
May be charged full amount without notice
Weather & Aurora Policy
Tour runs regardless of weather, unless weather is unsafe
The Aurora is a natural phenomenon not guaranteed to appear
No refunds will be given if the Aurora does not show
We wish you the best of luck in seeing this amazing display!
Arrival & Check-In
Arrival Time
Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in
Late Arrivals
Tour may depart without you if you arrive late
📋 Overview
▼
Experience Alaska's Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights from Charlie Dome! Enjoy 360° unobstructed views from heated yurts with hot beverages and snacks. 5-hour tour includes round-trip SUSV transportation.
Rates
Persons (2+)
$110
⚠️ Important: Aurora is a natural phenomenon - cannot be guaranteed. No refunds if it doesn't appear.
✨ What's Included
▼
Round-trip SUSV transportation
Warm yurt at Charlie Dome
Complimentary parkas & boots if needed
Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, water
Top Ramen & oatmeal
Reading materials & board games
You Bring
Warm clothes
Snacks & bottled water
🌌 Experience
▼
30-min ride to Charlie Dome, 4 hours at the top, then 20-30 min ride back. Full 5-hour tour!
Extreme Cold: Sub-zero temps possible. Dress warm. Watch for numbness. Frostbite risk.
📅 Policies
▼
⚠️ No Aurora Refunds: Aurora is a natural phenomenon - not guaranteed. No refunds if it doesn't appear.
Cancellation
24hr notice for full refund
Arrival
15 minutes early please
Weather
Tour runs unless unsafe
Book Your Tour
Live Availability
FAQ
Please meet at the Activities Center and plan to arrive 15–30 minutes before your scheduled tour start time to check in and get ready.
Cancellations made at least 24 hours before your scheduled tour receive a full refund or credit. Refunds are also issued in the event of operator cancellation due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. No-shows and late arrivals may be charged in full.
The tour lasts five hours, including a 30-minute ride each way and approximately four hours of uninterrupted viewing time. The group does not return early, as aurora activity can change throughout the night.
Warm winter clothing is recommended. Complimentary parkas, snow pants, and boots are available if needed.
The aurora is a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. This tour visits one of the most active viewing locations in the world and allows ample time in dark, open skies for the best possible opportunity.
If the aurora does not appear, the full tour still takes place. The experience focuses on being in a prime dark-sky location for the best possible chance, but refunds are not offered based on aurora activity.
Yes. Heated restroom facilities are available at Charlie Dome near the yurts. They are well maintained and designed for comfort in winter conditions.
Tour guides may offer basic tips for photographing the aurora with a phone. For guests who want more in-depth instruction on camera settings, techniques, and shooting in low light, we offer a dedicated Aurora Photography Workshop.
