Stay Anchorage

Arriving in Anchorage for the Winter: A Newcomer's Guide

By Alex, your Stay Anchorage host since 2011 · Updated

Short answer

Winter in Anchorage means short days (about five and a half hours of daylight at the solstice), snow and ice on the roads, and a lot to do once you're set up. In your first week: check Alaska 511 before driving, wear traction on icy sidewalks, and learn the essentials near you. From the South Addition apartments, the nearest full grocery is a 14-minute walk (0.7 mi) and Providence Alaska Medical Center is a 9-minute drive (3.7 mi).

Daylight

On the winter solstice, Anchorage gets about 5 hours and 27 minutes of daylight, with sunrise around 10:15 AM and sunset around 3:41 PM. Shift outdoor errands and longer drives into the middle of the day, and use the long evenings for northern lights when skies are clear.

Getting here and getting around

  • Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is a 13-minute drive (6.4 mi) from the apartments. Taxi, rideshare or a rental car all work.
  • JBER is about 6.8 miles, an 18-minute drive. See TDY & PCS housing near JBER.
  • Check Alaska 511 for road conditions before any drive out of town.
  • Driving your own car up? Alaska DOT&PF bars studded tires north of 60° latitude from May 1 through September 15. Anchorage holds off until October 1 inside city limits, and police can ticket earlier use. In snowy springs the state has extended the removal deadline by emergency order, so check before you swap.
  • Ice cleats help on packed snow and icy sidewalks. Downtown is close enough to walk, but you will be glad of the grip.

Essentials near South Addition

Hospitals

In an emergency, call 911. These are the three Anchorage hospitals to know about. Alaska Native Medical Center serves Alaska Native and American Indian people, so check its eligibility page before relying on it. If you are here on a clinical contract, see travel nurse housing and housing near Providence.

Living comfortably indoors

  • Condensation: buildings here are sealed tight for energy efficiency, so moisture builds up on windows. Run the bathroom exhaust fan while you shower and for about 15 minutes after.
  • Laundry: winter means more layers to wash. Our building has shared coin-op laundry.
  • Arriving late: check-in is self-service with a keypad door code emailed before you arrive, so a delayed flight doesn't strand you.

Getting outside in town

For trips beyond the city, see winter day trips from Anchorage.

Frequently asked questions

How many hours of daylight does Anchorage get in winter?

About 5 hours and 27 minutes on the winter solstice, with sunrise around 10:15 AM and sunset around 3:41 PM.

When can I put studded tires on in Anchorage?

Inside Anchorage city limits, from October 1. Alaska DOT&PF bars studded tires north of 60° latitude from May 1 through September 15. The removal deadline has sometimes been extended by emergency order in snowy springs.

Where is the nearest grocery store to South Addition?

New Sagaya City Market on W 13th Ave is a 14-minute walk (0.7 mi) from the South Addition apartments.

How far is Providence Alaska Medical Center from downtown Anchorage?

From the South Addition apartments it is a 9-minute drive (3.7 mi).

How do I check winter road conditions in Alaska?

Alaska DOT&PF runs 511.alaska.gov with a road-conditions map. Check it before any drive out of town.

Plan your stay

Sources

Stay in South Addition, book direct

Four furnished 2-bedroom apartments, walking distance to downtown Anchorage. Check live dates, or call or text (888) 413-7829. Our 24/7 virtual assistant can help any time, with quick replies from the team during business hours.