This is an excellent taste of what Anchorage is all about in the winter. Perfect for adventures, families, and those who want to get out and explore our winter wonderland. Fat tire biking will put a smile on your face and make you feel like a kid again. Experience the fat bike phenomenon where it was born. Fat tire biking has become one of the most popular ways for locals and visitors to get out and play in the snow. Anchorage boasts 150 miles of multi-use forested trails in the winter. This tour aims to show you the best of what Anchorage has to offer. There are plenty of stops, stories, and photo ops along the way.

Does your group have varying fitness levels? Upgrade to an electric-assist fat bike and go faster and farther with friends and family. Also, great for the other half who doesn’t own the padded biking shorts.

The key to fat bike comfort is warm head, feet, and hands—Alaska Trail Guides provides pogies, hand warmers, and insulated overboots for these contact points so you’ll be ready for miles of riding! Just come dressed in layers (non-cotton), like you are going out skiing. The length of the trip may vary based on conditions.

Turn it into a full day of fun:

Bikes and Beer are simply two of the most incredible things humankind has ever invented. The only thing that makes beer taste even better is enjoying a locally crafted brew after an epic ride! Alaska Trail Guides has teamed up with Big Swig Tours to bring you the one-and-only Winter Bike and Brew Alaska style. After a morning of great riding, you will have time for lunch downtown before meeting your Hopperator for an afternoon of craft beer tasting at three of Anchorages’ best local breweries. 

• Beginner – I know how to ride a bike, shift gears, and use hand breaks. I can control my speed and direction on the pavement, however, I am new to mountain biking and have never ridden dirt trails or ride off-road once or twice a year.
• Novice – I have some experience riding dirt trails or off-road terrain and have been mountain biking several times. I can control my bike speed and direction on smooth trails and moderately uneven terrain, but often walk my bike when things get rooty. I am able to anticipate the terrain and know when to shift gears some of the time.
• Intermediate – I have been mountain biking for at least 2 years and ride regularly. I am able to control my speed and direction on moderately steep and technical singletrack trails which may include tight trees, mud, loose rocks, and sand. I can roll over small obstacles but I don’t take my wheels off the ground. I can anticipate the terrain and know when to shift gears.
• Advanced – I am a strong rider who has been mountain biking for 5 or more years. I am comfortable climbing and descending steep, technical, and exposed terrain that includes rocks, tree roots, primitive trails, tight switchbacks, short drops, and jumps.

• Leisurely: My main source of exercise is walking or light workouts once or twice a week. I enjoy getting outside and walking or light activity. I prefer mostly flat or downhill terrain. Short, small hill climbs are doable, but less is ok with me. (Less than 200 feet of climbing)
• Recreational: Weekend warrior or commute to work or do spin classes in the gym, I enjoy an active lifestyle, working out 2 to 3 times a week with an occasional physical challenge. I enjoy gentle rolling terrain and feel great after reaching the top of a hill climb. (Less than 500 feet of climbing)
• Active: Fitness is central to my life. I ride my bike regularly weekly (spin classes count!) or I work out 4 to 5 times a week physically challenging myself with almost every workout. I enjoy hills and like getting some speed. (Less than 1,000 feet of climbing)
• Avid: Fitness is my life and everything I do revolves around my workouts and nutrition. I ride my bike an average of 100 miles per week and enjoy a fast pace for an extended time. I love to train, improve, and maybe even race my friends. I enjoy all-terrain!

THINGS TO KNOW

1) Transportation Winter 2021/2022: We ask that you meet your guide at the trailhead where they will have equipment sanitized and ready for your tour. For those who require the AKTG Shuttle, face masks are required to be worn at all times, by everyone when inside the vehicle. 

2) Non-family groups on tours will be asked to stay 6 feet apart to maintain social distancing while biking and while at viewpoints. If you prefer a private tour please select that option during the booking process.

3) Contact tracing: Upon arriving for your tour everyone is checked-in. We are keeping records for potential contact tracing. 

4) Signs of sickness: In the past 7 days, if you have experienced any cold or flu-like symptoms please don’t show up for your tour. Contact us in advance of your activity to reschedule or for a refund. 

5) Face covering: Guides and clients will be required to wear face coverings at all times that social distancing isn’t feasible. Please bring a face covering that goes over your mouth and nose and that stays on keeping your hands free.  

6) Handwashing/sanitizer: Hand wash stations or hand sanitizers will be available at all times. Please wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.

7) Be prepared:  Recreation is important for the mind and body but we want you all to be safe and take care out there. Please bring ample water, food as we are not providing these this summer to reduce touchpoints.