Winter wonderland

Several feet of snow blanket the ground, the thermometer dips below zero for weeks at a time and ice crystals form on the trees, a bright contrast with the deep blue skies -- winter in Alaska can be something to behold after all.

After two years of having unpredictable winters, this year's season has been everything Alaska winters are supposed to be -- crisp, snowy days followed by long, dark nights.

The best way to spend a winter weekend is getting away from the lights of the city and settling in to enjoy the spectacle of winter.

There are several ways to get away and enjoy a winter weekend. The first thing you should do is figure out what you want to do -- a long weekend snowmachining in Hatcher Pass, for example, or perhaps a night in a cabin with the warmth of a woodstove as your only company. After that, do some preparations and get ready for a fun and relaxing weekend.

Here's a list of some possibilities:

Head to Talkeetna

There are a number of businesses that rent cabins in the area, as well as different lodges that have rooms. The area is a winter playground, with something for every visitor. If you want to cross-country ski, there are numerous trails that you can access, probably from the front door of the lodge. There are places to snowshoe, snowmachine and even ice fish if that's what you want to do.

Get cozy

Rent a public use cabin from the Alaska State Parks for a weekend. In the Nancy Lakes area, cabins are $40 a night, and vary in size.

The only problem is that cabins can be rented six months in advance, so you may not be able to just pick up and go. Check with the Alaska State Parks offices before you go.

Local bed and breakfasts offer good deals during the winter, and can be the answer for those looking to recharge their batteries with a quiet weekend. During the middle of the winter, tourism isn't as heavy as it is during the summer, and residents can take advantage of discounted rooms and seasonal specials.

Take a drive

The same breathtaking views you enjoy in the summer have a totally different look in the winter, and are just as spectacular. Take a drive north on the Parks Highway on a clear day, but make sure you have your camera. You may capture Mount McKinley towering over Willow on the ride up the highway, or perhaps you'll see the northern lights dancing over Mount Susitna.

Going north on the Glenn Highway can yield even more picturesque moments. The highway has been designated a National Scenic Byway for good reason. Another scenic drive is the Seward Highway.

Don't Pass on it

Hatcher Pass is another winter playground. About a half hour drive from Wasilla, the area has everything from snowmachine and cross-country trails to perfect sledding hills. You can spend days exploring the area and not see the same thing twice.

After you're finished, you can even spend the night in one of the lodges in the pass, or simply stop for a glass of wine and appetizers before heading home.

You don't have to spend the night in a remote area to enjoy the day.

If you do head out for an extended drive, or overnight excursion, make sure you plan ahead and take some gear in case of an emergency.

A good pair of boots, hats and gloves and a heavy coat are necessities.