You say it isn't tourism season?

Valley Life editor

As the temperatures dip and the snow begins to fall, the highways of Alaska are finally devoid of most motorhomes bearing out-of-state license plates. During the winter, much of the tourism dollars are generated in state, as residents enjoy winter activities that help local businesses.

Snowmachining may not be considered a tourism-related business per se, but the activity pumps plenty of money into local businesses, ranging from gas stations to fill up the machines to remote bed and breakfasts, some of which specialize in winter tours and weekend packages that include rental of snowmachines.

The snowmachine season actually gets started much earlier than October, as many people purchase new sleds in the spring, and await delivery until fall. Some manufacturers offer customized packages and better deals for prepurchasing snowmachines early in the year. It's then a waiting game -- both for delivery, and for the snow. Money continues to be spent on accessories -- perhaps a new trailer, helmet and matching gear -- to be "ready to ride" when winter does come.

Winter activities abound in the Valley, and they aren't just limited to snowmachining. Cross-country skiers can get lost on miles and miles of trails, and they take their wallets with them. After purchasing equipment and paying to get where they are going, maybe they'll grab breakfast at a local diner. Again, a bed and breakfast is a good way to turn a day into a good weekend.

Denali is another top attraction, no matter what month it is. Many people take visitors to Talkeetna and farther north to Denali National Park during the winter, although camping isn't often recommended when the mercury rarely tops the "0" mark on thermometers in the area.

Yet another tourism-related industry that locals may not hit during the summer months is that of flightseeing.

There is nothing more spectacular than a flight around Mount McKinley during the winter.

Summer is a great time to see the Valley from the air, but in the winter, scenery is often more beautiful. There are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, and the mountains stand out with their snow-covered peaks.

If a lazy weekend without the kids is in order, there are plenty of options as well. Rent a public-use cabin from the Alaska State Parks, and "rough it" for a weekend. Several cabins on Nancy Lake are within hiking distance of the highway, and nothing beats watching the northern lights under the winter sky, with a wood stove-heated cabin to warm up in.

As the fire crackles, there's no doubt you'll enjoy your stay. Check out the Alaska State Parks Web site, www.alaskastateparks.org for information on how to reserve your cabin. Some are available for as little as $40 a night.

Many bed and breakfasts stay open yearround, and often, local residents help support them during the winter months. Obviously, Iditarod brings in plenty of out-of-state visitors in March, and that leads right into the spring season.

Winter doesn't mean an end to tourism in the Valley. It means it's time for locals to enjoy the things our out-of-state neighbors have enjoyed all summer long -- the beauty and tranquility of out-of-the-way places, many of which are right outside your door.