Alaska: a winter wonderland; enjoy a festival in the mild climates of Southeast, or brave the cold to see the northern lights in Fairbanks. Wherever you vacation in the winter, there are activities for all.

• Author: Pardes, Joan
• Position: Statistical Data Included

We Alaskans know that many of the myths regarding our majestic state are exaggerations and half-truths, if not pure fiction. For example: the old adage that claims there are 10 times as many men in the 49th state than women. Now that may have been true at some point in time, but according to the 2000 U.S. Census (and many women who have denied this rumor for decades), the ratio of men to women in Alaska is almost 50-50, with men outnumbering women by only three percent. And if we're debunking stereo-types about the great white north, we have to include the sad, buttrue, fact that no one lives (or lived) in the cartoon-depicted, oversized ice cube houses (commonly known as igloos)-not even the hardy individuals, nor their ancestors, who live on the Arctic Coast.

Despite our efforts to educate our friends and family from the Lower 48 and other continents about the reality of living on The Last Frontier, the mystic and mystery of Alaska seems to take on a life of its own. But thanks to the Internet and lower airplane ticket prices, one of the myths about the country's most northern state is starting to change. Unlike a few years ago, when many of our southern neighbors thought Alaskans hunkered down in the winter (not unlike bears) waiting for summer with the desperate hope that cabin fever didn't manifest into multiple casualties during the long cold months. The word is slowly getting out: Winter in Alaska is a magical time filled with activity. From cultural events, northern lights and art festivals to top-shelf skiing, snowboarding and snowmachining opportunities to the world's most famous sled dog race, America's far north is where it's at this winter. So, don't hibernate, get out there and celebrate winter in your own backyard while it's still Alaska's best-kept secret.

WINTER SOUTHEAST STYLE

Nestled into the nooks and crannies of the Inside Passage, the maritime communities that comprise Southeast Alaska experience a much milder winter than the rest of the state. With temperatures that rarely dip below zero and often hover around 30 to 40 degrees, Alaska's Panhandle offers residents and visitors its own version of winter.

Starting in October, Sitka--a small settlement that embraces the Inside Passage and the Pacific Ocean-rolls out the welcome wagon with its celebration of Alaska Day.

"It was here in Sitka that the Russians formerly transferred Alaska to the U.S. in 1867," said the city's Convention and Visitors Bureau's Executive Director Michelle Blackwell. "We have the most comprehensive celebration in the state. It includes a parade, a ball and a reenactment of the transfer ceremony. It's incredibly popular."

On the heels of that celebration, the sleepy town of 8,500 residents hosts the Sitka Whale Festival that attracts hundreds of people to celebrate the abundance of marine mammals that live in the pristine waters that surround the tiny city.

"The festival attracts researchers, scientists and all types of people who are interested in whales, sea lions and sea otters," said 'Whale Festival Director Phyllis Hackett. "It's a wonderful way to observe humpback whales since they are feeding in our waters from...