Winter Wonderland

Other than oil and fishing, no other industry is as important to Alaska than tourism. Normally, tourism is associated with the summer, but winter can be a very rewarding time to visit the state -- and the Valley.

The face of tourism changes as summer turns to winter. Fishing charters are replaced by snowmachine tours, attention turns to such activities as the Iditarod and skiing, and the pace slows a bit.

For those who visit Alaska in the winter, they would have it no other way.

"We've been here just about every month now, and I think coming in the winter is probably the best thing we ever did," said Tom Dels, a Nebraskan who is visiting his daughter-in-law in Palmer. "This is our seventh trip to Alaska. There is a little less to do in the winter, but it's worth coming when all of the other tourists are back home."

Dels said he enjoys fishing while visiting in the summer, but sledding with his grandchildren is "even better," he said.

Visiting during the off-peak season has other rewards, as well.

"We were up at a hotel, and the service was so much better than when we here last summer," said Gerry Chandler, a visitor from Florida. "I think it's because there are less people, and you get more attention."

While visiting Talkeetna, Chandler and her husband, Art, got to strap on snowshoes and tromp through the backcountry. It was the highlight of their trip so far.

"When do you get to do that in Florida?" Art Chandler asked. "The scenery is great up here in the summer, but in terms of doing stuff, I can do everything back home, like fishing, hiking and everything. But I can't do anything at home that you guys get to do up here during the winter."

The Chandlers also went cross-country skiing -- "a little too much like work," Art said -- and got to take a 5-mile trip in a sled pulled by a dog team.

"I'll never forget that as long as I live," Gerry Chandler said. "It took my breath away."

Most of the hotels in the Valley remain open during the winter months, and the many public-use cabins are booked almost throughout the winter. In Petersville, roadhouses off the road system cater to snowmachiners, doing a healthy business despite the fact nobody can drive to the business. Many businesses and tour operators rely on winter for much of their income.

Winter in Alaska takes a different attitude, it seems.

"This is the first time I've visited Alaska, and it seems like everybody is laid back," said Brett Lorry, who was part of the tour group the Chandlers were a part of.

"Everybody says that changes in the summer. I've had a great time, but it's a little cold," Lorry said.