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Winter Landscape on Chelatna Lake

Winter at Chelatna

Wintertime at Chelatna Lake Lodge offers a truly unique journey into an untouched winter wonderland.

Embrace the enchanting allure of Chelatna Lake Lodge as winter transforms this remote Alaskan haven into a pristine wonderland. Your adventure begins with a scenic bush plane ride from Anchorage, offering breathtaking views of Mt. Denali. Landing on the frozen Chelatna Lake, surrounded by snowy peaks, it sets the stage for an unforgettable winter escape. 

Chelatna Lake Lodge stands as one of the closest lodges to the southern border of Denali, and one of the few that operates sporadically throughout the winter. Snowmobile out onto the lake for sunset. Snowshoe one of our hand-made hiking trails, ice skate on the lake, go birding, and if you're lucky you might get a chance to see the northern lights. 

Snowmobiling Adventures

Navigate the untouched winter terrain on exhilarating snowmobile rides led by our experienced owner. Chelatna Lake Lodge boasts diverse terrain suitable for riders of all levels, ensuring every guest can tailor their snowmobiling experience to match their preferences. Whether you seek novice trails, crave challenging terrains, or simply want to get to a location for backcountry skiing, our lodge is the perfect playground.

The Northern Lights

Escape the city and find yourself gazing up at the Northern Lights. Far away from light pollution, the lodge can offer an unparalleled view of the Aurora Borealis. The vast northern sky, coupled with the backdrop of the Alaska Range in Denali National Park, creates a magical setting for witnessing solar flare activity. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Ice Skating on Chelatna Lake

Chelatna Lake, transformed into a winter ice rink, invites guests to glide across its frozen surface. Ice skating at the lodge combines the joy of winter sports with the tranquility of the Alaskan wilderness. It’s hard to believe that it’s possible to have your own private ice skating lake on the edge of Denali, but we do!

Ice Fishing Near Denali

Venture onto the frozen lake surrounded by 3,000 foot peaks. Drill a hole in the ice, drop a line and you never know what you might catch. Whether you are looking to catch burbot, lake trout, rainbow trout, northern pike or grayling, each angler is allowed to set tip-ups and jigs. Our lodge is full outfitted with gas powered augers, and extra tackle.
Snowshoeing the Alaska Range
Strap on snowshoes and hike Pappy’s Trail. Whether you want to go birding for pine grosbeaks, ptarmigan, gyrfalcon or look for moose and track wildlife, snowshoes are perfect for you.
Sledding
For those seeking the thrill of speed and laughter with the family, you can take our snowmobiles across the lake to a couple of safe locations for sledding. Feel the wind in your face as you coast down hills surrounded by Alaska’s natural winter landscape.
Lakeside Hot Hot Tub & Sauna
After a day filled with snowy adventures, unwind in the lakeside hot tub. Immerse yourself in warm waters as you gaze at the starlit sky which remains completely void of light pollution. Whether embarking on snowmobile adventures, witnessing the Aurora Borealis, or engaging in winter sports, the lodge ensures an unforgettable winter escape surrounded by the most unique experience the Denali region has to offer.

The Denali View

Chelatna Lake Lodge is one of the closest lodges to Denali, both the mountain and the National Park.
Not only will you likely see North America's tallest peak on the flight into Chelatna Lake (weather permitting), but one of the best viewing points of the mountain is only a short and easy snowmobile ride from the lodge.
Mount Denali on a Clear Day