If you’ve recently moved to or are visiting Alaska for an extended amount of time this winter, there are a few things you need to be aware of to help you get through the season. Check out these simple tips for surviving your first winter in Alaska so you can tackle the cold like an experienced local.
Enjoy the Sun
In Anchorage, you get about five hours of sunlight a day, and in other more northern parts of the state, that number can shrink down to one or two. Then, there are extreme cases like the small town of Utqiagvik, Alaska, which won’t see sunlight for two months out of the year. So, you must make the most out of the few hours that you have. Try to walk or participate in a winter sport to keep you active in the sun. Seasonal depression is a very real problem in Alaska, so you want to make sure you’re doing everything in your power to combat this disease.
Go on a Winter Vacation
Sometimes, the best way to hit the reset button is just to get out of the cold. Many Alaskans love to take a winter holiday to somewhere tropical like Hawaii to keep their spirits up during this long season. Getting through winter in Alaska is as much about staying warm as it is taking care of your mental health, so if there are times where the stresses of winter are building up, get away for a few days.
Watch Your Energy Bills
The first winter in such a cold area can shock the system. New residents from the lower 48 will be pumping their heating for all its worth in their first winter without caring about cost. This is a mistake they all come to regret because Alaska is isolated from the lower 48, and energy costs are more expensive. So, if you’re running your heat all day, every day, you will quickly rack up exuberant utility bills.
One of the best energy-saving tips for Alaskans is to cover the windows with a thermal blanket or plastic shrink to keep the hot air from leaking through the glass. Also, at the start of the season, check all of your door’s seals and insulation to ensure there aren’t any cracks in your exterior where heat can escape.
Lending a Helping Hand
One of the reasons Alaskans love their state so much is the tight-knit communities the harsh conditions foster. Rather than retreating into their homes to hibernate for the winter, Alaskans rely on each other to help them get through the season. From helping shovel each other driveways to getting a furnace back up and running, the people pride themselves in how they help each other.
So, if it’s your first winter in the Last Frontier, assist your neighbors when it seems like they need it. Because what comes around goes around, and one day when you’re in a pinch, hopefully, you can rely on them to return the favor.
After exploring these tips for surviving your first winter in Alaska, you should understand the importance of staying warm while being attentive to your mental health needs during this grueling time of the year.
