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Old 06-16-2010, 01:49 PM
 
38 posts, read 93,682 times
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Okay long story short, might be moving up to Fairbanks for school or other reasons in Dec/Jan. Would it be very dangerous to drive up from the lower 48 in Dec/Jan, like through Canada and the ALCAN highway? I should mention that I have driven the George Parks Highway in early march this year
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Old 06-16-2010, 02:04 PM
 
Location: Deltana, AK
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I drove up in February this year and it was totally fine. The road is well maintained, but the distances are huge so heavy snow cause problems for a day or two. My only advice is to allow LOTS of extra time and be prepared to hole up in a hotel somewhere if there's a bad cold snap or heavy snow. I also wouldn't really want to drive at night past about Ft. Nelson (especially between there and Watson Lake). So yeah, lots of time and general caution and you should be fine.
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Old 06-16-2010, 02:06 PM
 
Location: Bethel, Alaska
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How to Drive to Alaska in the Winter - ExploreNorth
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Old 06-16-2010, 02:12 PM
 
38 posts, read 93,682 times
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thanks guys!
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Old 06-16-2010, 02:38 PM
 
Location: Bethel, Alaska
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Make sure you install a plug in block heater, a majority of the hotels have plug ins to keep your engine warm overnight.
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Old 06-16-2010, 02:59 PM
 
Location: Myrtle Beach
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I think it depends on what you are driving as well...
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Old 06-16-2010, 05:17 PM
 
Location: Dangling from a mooses antlers
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I'd watch out for buffalo east and west of Ft. Nelson. Those things are huge and can be anywhere along that stretch of road.
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Old 06-16-2010, 06:30 PM
 
Location: Wasilla, AK
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The MILEPOST: Alaska Travel Guide and Trip Planner is an essential tool. Don't do the trip without it.
I've done the Alcan 5 times. Everytime in winter driving straight through around the clock (with a driving partner.) Three times was in a Subaru Justy, once in a Uhaul pulling a trailer and once in a minibus.
Have cold weather gear, fill up whenever possible, watch your speed and enjoy the trip.
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Old 06-17-2010, 08:40 AM
 
Location: Lyon, France, Whidbey Island WA
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I have done this trip.

Carry a sat phone.hypothermic emergencies can occur in 15 minutes. You get the picture. Take a camera. Its the trip of a lifetime. Be prepared and enjoy it.
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Old 06-17-2010, 09:20 AM
 
38 posts, read 93,682 times
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well thanks again for the input guys. I will have to pick up that guide you guys mentioned. I would be driving a saturn sc1 (just a smaller, average run of the mill car) but I'm fairly experienced in winter driving where conditions are less than desirable)
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