The Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train completed its first departure of the 2019-2020 season in late September, kicking off traditional winter service and introducing a new tour option for beer fans.
The "Hops on the Rail" tour, offered in partnership with Big Swig Tours, treats travelers to a regional beer tasting adventure that starts and ends in Anchorage. Alaska Railroad passengers take the Aurora Winter Train to Talkeetna and meet a Big Swig guide for a private tour and tasting at Denali Brewing Company. Guests then stop at three more breweries on the return trip to Anchorage, sampling local brews as they learn about Alaska's wider beer scene.
The Alaska Railroad also offers several themed packages throughout the winter season, including a Talkeetna pie-making adventure, Denali in a Day outings and multi-night excursions that include train travel, hotel accommodations and guided tours.
Seasonal Aurora Winter Train routes travel northbound from Anchorage to Fairbanks on Saturdays and southbound from Fairbanks to Anchorage on Sundays, with additional midweek connections scheduled on select dates from November through March.