Winter Conditions in North Pole, Alaska (Fairbanks: house, travel, work)

[KayDee The Curious]

My stepson and his wife moved to North Pole, AK on August 10th of this year.

Neither have ever been to Alaska, nor did they do any research before they moved from Ca to Ak!

I would like to know what the road conditions are in the winter there. How severe does the weather get? Is there well travelled roads from North Pole to Fairbanks or will that be a problem getting there?

Is it common to have only a wood burning stove to heat with in the homes there?

Thank you,

KayDee

[Arcticthaw]

The stories they will tell you are true! To ease you mind I will tell you there is a 4 lane highway between the two towns, and it is only like 15 miles and lots of traffic at work times. Cell phones work well, so they can get help if they break down. They should have their car winterized right away to avoid the rush. Yes it can get cold here, but they will recieve advice from locals and co workers on how to prepare. They just need to be humble and friendly and remember the first rule up here.... WE don't give a Dam* how they do it outside! That is why we live here and not there. As for wood burning stoves as the primary heat source, this is becomming more popular as heating oil is in the 2.50+ range. If they have indoor plumbing I would recommend a backup of oil heat like a Toyo stove. This is just a general recomendation, not knowing their particulars. Sounds like they are on a grand adventure! Maybe you should visit next summer!

Originally Posted by KayDee The Curious

My stepson and his wife moved to North Pole, AK on August 10th of this year.

Neither have ever been to Alaska, nor did they do any research before they moved from Ca to Ak!

I would like to know what the road conditions are in the winter there. How severe does the weather get? Is there well travelled roads from North Pole to Fairbanks or will that be a problem getting there?

Is it common to have only a wood burning stove to heat with in the homes there?

Thank you,

KayDee

[KayDee The Curious]

Arcticthaw...
Thanks for the immediate response. I am going to call them with the "heads up" information you gave me about the winterizing their truck now.
I am also going to ask if they have indoor plumbing! I never gave that a thought..Is it pretty common to not have indoor plumbing in Ak or in that area?
Enjoyed talking with you. KayDee

[Arcticthaw]

Originally Posted by KayDee The Curious

Arcticthaw...
Thanks for the immediate response. I am going to call them with the "heads up" information you gave me about the winterizing their truck now.
I am also going to ask if they have indoor plumbing! I never gave that a thought..Is it pretty common to not have indoor plumbing in Ak or in that area?
Enjoyed talking with you. KayDee

In this part of Alaska one can live almost any lifestyle they can afford, from a dry cabin with no water and an outhouse to the decedant with indoor swimming pool and all the emmenities. Most homes in North Pole have running water, as it is only about 15' down, some of the water quality is not the best, but softeners and such usually take care of those issues.

Once they get settled a bit more you should come up and visit them, like in late feburary and early March during the Ice Festival. That would give you a taste of Alaskan winter and see some beautiful ice sculptures along with some beautiful days.

[verynicebecky]

lol. that does sound like an adventure. did u totally flip out when they told u this? from what part of Ca did they move from?

[verynicebecky]

they have st. nicholas dr. and snowman lane. how cute is that?!?

[mal_flisk]

The whole town of North Pole centers around Santa Claus House, and has Christmas decorations up all year long. There are volunteers who answer all SASE return mail to Santa (North Pole) every year. There's Candy Cane lane etc.

Snow doesn't usually get too deep, maybe a foot of accumulation. Winds are sometimes bad. -20 average not counting wind-chill.

Nice little town, centers around the Air Force base (Eielsen). McDonalds, Subway, etc.

[c.adam]

It's pretty much what you expect outside the gates of any military installation, just 10 miles away instead of the mere feet.

Nothing really excited, as the Santa Clause House and that deals in Stuff... nothing really valuable, more kitsch than anything.

It always, as anything is in life, comes down to whether or not they embrace the situation.