Alaska's best winter getaways.

• Author: Middleton, Saundra

Planning a winter getaway? To Maui? Mexico, perhaps?

May your thoughts are too far south.

Alaska IS a winter getaway.

Alaska's winter offers ample time to enjoy experiences like ice fishing, sleigh riding, snowshoeing and skiing-or sky-gazing from an outdoor spa, dog sledding a pioneer trail, diving in pristine coast waters, enjoying ice sculptures or snowmobiling untracked wilderness.

Every region of Alaska offers a variety of activities, a few highlights:

Southeast

Southeast gets its fair share of snow, but the ocean waters remain open for boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, kayaking and diving.

With so many islands and inlets, coves and canals, Southeast is perfect for those looking for a secluded cabin or lodge tucked away somewhere. One such getaway has veered away from the rustic cabin motif to the lighthouse look. Located in Sitka Sound, Rockwell Lighthouse is close enough for a daily jaunt into town. Yet, being on an island provides adequate privacy.

The lighthouse gives a commanding view of the surroundings in 360 degrees. Soaking in the outdoor hot tub and listening to the splashing of the waves is only improved upon during an Aurora display or by a passing whale.

Diving the pristine waters of Sitka Sound is a definite plus from the island, says Burgess Bauder, owner of Rockwell Lighthouse. Bauder insists that water clarity is at its finest between November and March.

"Even in nasty weather," adds Bauder, "people love being on an island."

Southcentral

Valdez is a small coastal community with bragging rights to extreme snowfall-hundreds of inches every year. Heli-skiing is very popular there-but this sport is not confined to the extreme boarder or skier.

Valdez Heli-Camps offers extraordinary terrain for moderate skiing. In inclement weather, snowcats replace the helicopters. Alternative activities like ocean fishing, touring the Alyeska Pipeline Terminal or ice climbing are also available.

Near Anchorage, Girdwood is a one-stop winter wonderland for all. The downhill skiing/snowboarding available at Alyeska Resort is described as world class.

Girdwood's crown jewel is the Westin Alyeska Prince Hotel. From the hotel, skiers have access to several lifts for skiing a variety of trails from easy to difficult. Virgin slopes are available via helicopter or snowcat.

Visitors don't need to ski to enjoy the facilities. Other activities include an indoor pool, a whirlpool, a weight room, dogsled fides, snowmachine rentals, snowcat tours...