Northern Lights Lodge & Chase Tour From Fairbanks

From start to end, Michael was the BEST guide I've encountered in a very long time. As a seasoned, solo traveler, I can not recommend his Norther Lights Lodge and Chase Tour enough. I say this as a person who booked multiple night tours to see the Aurora on a 4 day visit to Fairbanks. His tour was the only one that I felt went above and beyond to do everything possible to obtain those coveted Aurora photos and lifetime memories. Flexibility was the key word: from the personalized hotel pick up, to opening his home with comfy seating, snacks, hot drinks and restroom facilities, to the decision to 'chase'. Let's add that to the fact he is an Alaskan original with unsurpassed knowledge of the land and the phenomena that brought us all out on a late night quest. His photography skills are clearly unsurpassed....I mean, check out any of his social media platforms and be prepared to be amazed. I was so grateful that he provided photos with the tour because even the best cell phone can not do justice to the magic that transpires in those northern skies. It was an amazing experience....one I intend to repeat within the next few years with my extended family on one of his private tours. Thank you, so much, Michael for giving me, and everyone on our small group tour, a stellar experience

Absolutely marvellous, couldn’t been better really. Michael is a wonderfully accommodating guide. The house was a great place to hide out for a bit, super interesting with comfy chairs, snacks, furs and skins and art pieces on display. However, the clouds had other ideas. So off we went chasing and, after many miles, we got what we came for.

The guide was great and very knowledgeable.

If you are serious about your desire to see the Aurora Borealis, book with FTO. Michael Schultz goes out of his way to make sure that , if there is any way possible to see it on any given night, he will get you there! The 2 nights we went, it was cloudy and rainy seemingly everywhere; and yet he found a place where we could see the dazzling glorious show of the Aurora! He helps you get your camera set up, tells you the best place to take the shot from, and will take up to 3 photos of you while Aurora is happening. He picks you up right at your lodging and returns you there safely ,and even educates you about the science of Aurora along the way. The entire experience of the Aurora chase is unforgettable: the countless stars, the mountains, the peacefulness, the people you meet, and, of course, the Aurora!!- totally, totally worth the price, time, and effort. I would give it a 100-star rating if possible!

Our experience was amazing because the guide knew exactly where to chase the northern lights, he was very insightful and provided scientific facts on this fabulous phenomenon. I would, however, recommend for the tour guide to provide beverages as the booking suggests as the tour can take a couple hours.

This was an amazing trip and on my bucket list for a few years. Michael is amazing. I discussed with him earlier this year about doing this trip. I hate the rain/snow/cold so I booked for 9/2/26. He picked me up and went to the lodge. That place is amazing. It's perfect to hang out in until the Aurora appears. It was faint to the naked eye but so beautiful on cell phone & camera. Then we headed back to Fairbanks and lo and behold, the Aurora appears again even more beautiful. I'll never forget this Michael. You made my day. One thing to remember, the Aurora is nature/phenomenon. It does not appear on command so discuss with Michael to optimize your possibilities. Michael is a local/grew up there, he has done this all his life and knows about the Aurora. And his photography knowledge is top notch. I rented one of his camera's as I anticipated my own camera would not be able to handle the needed manual settings and I was right. Thank you again Michael. I appreciate you.

We know that Aurora votings cannot be promised, especially when it is pouring rain in Fairbanks, however Michael with Face the Outdoors managed to find two spots with open skies for us to witness an amazing Aurora display. We chased the lights! It was due to Michael’s knowledge of the area, understanding the nature of the Aurora’s and his positive outlook that made for an incredible experience. He helped with camera settings & techniques to help us capture the beauty of this natural phenomenon. Keep on chasing, Michael.

Michael was very determined to have us see any kind of aurora activity despite the clouds being very dense overhead. He drove our group nearly 3 hours outside of Fairbanks to see clearer skies and a glimpse of the aurora and starry skies. Even with less than 5% chance of seeing clear skies, he still made every effort to chase it down.

Northern Lights indoor and outdoor viewing areas were very good. Snacks and beverages provided were good.

Michael was amazing. He picked us up an hour early as we had cloud cover, and he drove 3 hours into the mountains to find clear skies. He was determined to show us something spectacular and he did. His knowledge of Alaska and the Aurora can't be beat, we learned a lot. Michael's clothing guide is a must read at -23F you NEED the correct gear. His van was warm when we needed a break from the cold.

Michael is a real whiz when it comes to the Northern Lights. His tours are obviously a labor of love. He's an outstanding guide and his tour is well worth the extra cost. It was an overcast night when we went but he knew just where to take us to make sure we had a spectacular view of the Aurora. Others would not have seen it that night but we had the best view ever.

Cannot recommend enough, Michael is awesome! We were lucky enough to have a good aurora and the area he takes you to is perfect for viewing and pictures. We booked a private tour and Michael was super informative with what we would need on the tour (parkas you can rent if it’s subzero, etc) as well as actively looking out for us ensuing we went on the best night. He was super helpful figuring out all the logistics and is extremely knowledgeable in monitoring the aurora. The pictures turned out amazing. Cabin is cozy, felt really welcoming, could go on and on. If you want the best chance to see the aurora in Fairbanks, this is the place.

Everything about this trip exceeded our expectations! We were picked up at our hotel on time, during our drive to Michael’s house he explained the Aurora and how he tracks it for optimal viewing. Upon arrival to his house we set up our camera gear and headed to the field for viewing. Michael assisted us with our camera settings while we waited. I was amazed at just how accurate Michael was in telling us to get ready because something was going to happen soon. When we got too cold or needed a break we headed back inside to warm up with hot beverages and snacks. This trip was worth every penny! #noregrets

FTO saved our trip. Bucket list check. The location was perfect for viewing auroras dancing across the sky. Thanks Mike.

Enjoyed the trip. He was able to take us to a fantastic location to see the lights when the original plan didn't work out. Definetly recommend.

Michael was amazing, he was so well informed about the aurora, the weather, best viewing locations and how to get your best photographs. He has the knowledge and experience to make the night an unforgettable experience.

Very accommodating. Michael kept in communication with us and watched the forecast offering to switch us twice in order to have the best chance to see the lights. We were able to come and go from his home to see the lights and warm up. He gave pointers on the best way to capture the lights. All around - a great tour.

Michael did a fabulous job chasing the lights for us. It wasn't the best night for viewing, but since it was our only opportunity during our trip he made sure he got us to a couple of spots to be "wowed". He is knowledgeable and passionate about the Northern Lights and wants to share it. He helped us get the proper settings on our phones to take our best pictures. He is a fantastic photographer and his home is a wonderful gallery of his artwork.

Michael, owner and guide of this tour, cares about, and does his best to enable a pleasant experience for, his clients who want only one thing: to see the Northern Lights. The place where we stayed warm while waiting for the Lights, his house, is very comfortable, and is just steps away from a vast open field, with unobstructed view of the sky. Michael is very knowledgeable about the Northern Lights occurrences, even though the occurrences are not within his, or anyone's, control. He is a congenial host, and was accommodating when we asked to switch to another night when the weather forecast was not promising.

Best northern light experience by far. Extremely knowledgeable whether it's real time or data and what to expect. First time seeing the northern lights and I would recommend this tour. It was worth spending for this experience.

Michael was awesome, he picked us up in Fairbanks, provided tips and info on reading the aurora data, and helped all the guests setup their cameras to get the best shots of the lights. The lodge was cozy and offered great views from indoors by a fire, and the group sizes are kept small to ensure a great experience for everyone.

We had an amazing time with Michael viewing the aurora. We were a small group that night and Michael was an excellent tour guide, taking time to explain to us the northern lights and life in Alaska. He welcomed us into his home where we were able to warm up and wait for the aurora. Once it started we went to a wide open field in front of the house and we got the best views of the sky as we were the only one there and far away from cars/houses. There’s a possibility to rent a camera and tripod, if you want to get better photos than with your phone (my iPhone stopped working after a while because of the cold). Michael was useful at setting up the camera for us and ensuring we got good photos. We had the best time and couldn’t have wished for a better experience.

A Magical Northern Lights Experience with Face the Outdoors If you’re looking for an unforgettable northern lights adventure, look no further than Face the Outdoors. This tour exceeded all of our expectations and created memories we will cherish forever. From the moment we booked, the team was professional, friendly, and eager to ensure we had the best experience possible. Michael was not only an expert in tracking the elusive aurora borealis but also passionate about sharing his knowledge of the night sky. The evening began with a comfortable ride to a remote, carefully chosen location far from city lights. Delicious hot beverages and snacks kept us warm as we waited for nature’s show to begin. And what a show it was! The northern lights danced across the sky in breathtaking waves of green. Michael was prepared with high-quality cameras and helped us capture stunning photos of the aurora, ensuring we had keepsakes to bring home. His enthusiasm was infectious, making the experience even more special. The attention to detail, personal touch, and genuine care for each guest set Face the Outdoors apart. Whether you’re an avid stargazer or a first-time aurora chaser, this tour is a must-do. Thank you, Face the Outdoors, for an incredible journey under the northern lights. We can’t recommend this tour enough!

Michael was extremely knowledgeable about the aurora. He took us to a spot off the road before we arrived because the lights were out. After getting to his gorgeous cabin and seeing the lights were not coming out he allowed us to choose what to do next. We went back in a bit and found a fantastic viewing area.

We were extremely happy with every aspect of this tour. Michael. the owner and guide for Face the Outdoors, is extremely knowledgeable about the lights and a really pleasant, authentic personality- We were glad to spend our overnight quest for the aurora with him. The tour is set up so that our first shot for seeing the aurora was to drive out to his lodge, located about 90 miles outside Fairbanks in a dark, rural area. Michael's home is well equipped for his customers to wait out the appearance of the aurora in comfort! There were couches, warmth, snacks, cold and hot drinks, and a clean bathroom! Our small group was treated to Michael sharing some great stories and photos of living in Alaska- including a baby moose rescue and family reunification! We were challenged by a cloudy night but Michael followed weather data displays and aurora measuring apps to give us the best chance of seeing the aurora. After waiting for some time at the lodge, we hopped back in the van and went in search of a cloudless patch of sky. Around 2:30am, success!!! While nature always has the last word and there's simply no guarantees about whether you will be fortunate to see the lights, Michael definitely gives it the best effort possible. There are many tour operators providing these types of trips from Fairbanks, and we were really happy that we opted to go with Face the Outdoors!!

This was a wonderful experience for me and my husband. Michael drove us to his home a couple hours outside of Fairbanks. On the way he noticed the lights coming out and stopped at Birch Lake so we could take pictures, including the Aurora reflected in the lake. So Special. He brought us to his home where we could get warm, if we needed to. Michael is very knowledgeable about cameras, and he will help you with your camera. He showed my husband how to adjust the focus on his camera to get the best pictures of the aurora. As a result my husband got a wonderful shot of the aurora and the Big Dipper. Michael also took a picture of us with the Aurora, and sent us the file so we can print it. I would highly recommend the tour, especially if you want to photograph the Aurora yourself.

Michael was a wonderful guide to our Aurora tour. We were out with him for two nights; both nights he picked up from and dropped off at the Fairbanks hotel. He would drive us to his beautiful house about 109 miles away from Fairbanks. Fun starts on the way! He even stopped midway and took us to a viewing spot as there were activities in early evening. Both days he helped us set up the camera, guided us to watch the amazing show in the sky. This visit would not be as memorable without the tours with FTO.

Michael was a wonderful guide and resource for our photo workshop. I'd highly recommend him. Some nights we drove long distances in search of clear skies as the weather tended to be cloudy, but Michael worked hard to find us good locations. Not much wildlife in view - some caribou off in the distance, a moose or two, and a momma grizzly with cubs at night next to the road. This trip was designed for northern lights photography, not wildlife, so those animals were a bonus.

Did not see the lights which put a damper on the tour but that mother but thats mother nature not the tour

This was a great experience. The weather was not great for seeing the northern lights but somehow Michael managed to chase and find the lights for us. The moment the light showed through was amazing and breath taking. I would highly recommend going with Face the Outdoors as your number 1 choice as it is not a static experience.

We loved this tour. Michael chases the Aurora to ensure that the group has the best opportunity to see anything. We were lucky and were able to see it fairly early in the night and really appreciate his effort. This is the Aurora tour you should sign up for in Fairbanks!

On a night that seemed hopeless because of the weather, Michael was our all-in-all. Using multiple accurate weather applications as well as the most reliable Aurora apps, Michael did not disappoint. We had an amazing experience with an Alaskan native who utilized his knowledge of his home state and state-of-the-art technology to successfully help us check off a major item on our all-time bucket list! Oh, and did I mention that he's an amazing photographer, too!? If you want to have an amazing Aurora experience, book your excursion with Face The Outdoors. You won't be disappointed. (In fact, we booked 2 more nights after that amazing 1st!) Thanks, Michael! It'll always be one of our greatest memories!

Michael was a great guide, willing to “chase” the lights on a cloudy night. We tried a couple of locations before finding a spot where the weather conditions cooperated and we saw the lights. Michael took a nice pic of me and my wife and helped us with the settings on our phones to take our own pictures.

This was a really fun part of our journey. We truly enjoyed the whole experience. Thank you for a memorable experience and welcoming us to your mountain home.

The guide was not friendly at all. It was just not nearly as good of an experience as we had on the tour at Chena Hot Springs which took us to the top of a mountain on a snowcat, where we had hot cocoa and snacks and amazing views. This tour was more than twice the price of the other tour and definitely not worth it. To his credit he did "chase" to make sure we saw lights. But mostly we sat in a dark van on the side of the road down in a valley. He did help with my camera settings but seemed annoyed and did not explain what he was doing. He just needs to work on his people skills...and if we aren't going to be in a lodge like is described perhaps a partial refund.

Micheal provided a thoughtful, safe and enjoyable experience to see the Aurora. He is the owner and you can tell his passion for keeping up his reputation of a great photographer and native Alaskan. Included was pick up at my front door of my downtown AirBNB, comfortable large van with huge windows in case of needing to chase lights, a private lodge with ample seating overlooking large glass windows and deck into 300 acres of open space surrounded by forest, small group, refreshments/drinks. I booked for three consecutive nights. Glad I did- each one was different and gave me the full experience of typical to extraordinary. He helped me set up my camera and checked with me throughout each night to tweak and settings as the aurora changed. Huge benefit to book with a professional photographer who includes a portrait he took of you under the lights.

We (my teenagers and I) traveled to Fairbanks for Spring Break with the sole purpose of seeing the Northern Lights. I booked this tour as a second "back up tour" to increase the chances that we would see them. I was initially intimidated due to the description related to photography. However, there was no need as it was a great experience. The small group was diverse and had varying levels of interest in photography. The common desire was seeing the Northern Lights. We were picked up at the hotel and there was a 1.5 hour ride to the lodge. The lodge was beautiful, modern and well appointed. It is actually the home of the tour guide but comfortable and accommodating for guests. To me, the most important issue of the night was Michael's expertise. It was clear to him that we needed to go on the chase that night in order to see the Northern Lights due to weather changes. Michael had all the gadgets, interpreted the data and made recommendations. And chasing we went. It was successful. In between we could stay warm in the van and Michael notified us when we should come out because aurora changed or was moving or getting brighter. It was a long night and we were tired from being out the night before but even the teens agreed it was worth it. We got some great pics even with minimal effort and using our smartphones. Overall, Michael's expertise is the differentiator here and that made it worth it. I am convinced that if I was with another group, we would not have been successful because very few people in the Aurora Facebook groups posted pics that night, leading me to think it was a tough night to see them. For people who are into photography, it seemed like a very informative experience too but the reviews here speak to that.

Just standing in the open surrounded by the night sky and cold was awesome! So glad the sky cleared for great photo opportunities! Michael was a fabulous host, guide, and photographer. I recommend this tour to everyone. Just make sure your phone has night vision.

This was our first time in Fairbanks and we’re worried about selecting the right tour. Michael is very knowledgeable. Michael was patient and helpful with our camera settings. He provided a spacious lodge if you want to stay warm! Snacks and drinks were included! The picture that Michael took of us was amazing! I highly recommend booking a tour with Michael! We are going to take this tour again next time it was an absolute blast!!!

We were apprehensive as we left Fairbanks, as it was extremely cloudy. However, the sky cleared up as we travelled the 80 miles to Michael’s house for the viewing, as is frequently the case according to him. We had a spectacular show for three hours. The small group size made for a much more intimate experience, as well as being perfect for Michael to provide immediate assistance to us using his considerable photographic expertise. He prides himself for providing a positive viewing experience even if it involves changing locations or extending the planned timeline. The drive is a bit long, but eight satisfied, sleeping tourists on the drive home is the likely outcome.

Seeing the Northern Lights in the midst of winter is no comfortable task when the outside temperature is -15°C. This tour enabled us to hide in the warm lodge when necessary. Also, our guide, Mike, was very seasoned to look for the Lights.

Our guide, Michael, was extremely knowledgeable about the aurora borealis and made our dream of seeing it a reality.

/the yurts were amazing. We were comfortable while we waited for the northern lights. The guide Ryan kept us entertained and st.arted a fire so we could sit outside and wait for the lights

We used Face The Outdoors for a northern lights tour in February 2024. The experience far exceeded my expectations. I would definitely recommend Face The Outdoors for anyone in Fairbanks looking for a quality tour. I was so glad to have booked this on our first night - we learned a lot about what to look for and how to photograph the aurora, which made our subsequent nights much better than they would have been.

Really well taken care of. Far out of town to a dark sky area, and had a beautiful home to warm up in as we waited for the next display. Was all we had hoped for, and the sole reason we made this trip.

We saw the Northern Lights from Michaels personal home in Delta Junction. Michael is a fantastic guide. Everything you think you know about the Northern Lights, his knowledge of them will be 10 fold greater. He's more than willing to share that knowledge and he'll work hard to make sure you don't miss them when they appear. We were picked up in a modern passenger van from our hotel in Fairbanks by Michael himself. It's about a 90 minute drive to his cabin in Delta Junction. Along the way we learned a ton about the lights in conversation with Michael. Once we arrived at the cabin, it didn't disappoint. Clean, spacious and comfortable with a beautiful view. It was -42 on this night, so the cabin was a blessing while we waited for the show. Several hours into the night the lights made their appearance. They lasted for about 45 minutes. I highly recommend this tour to anyone considering the various options to tour the lights.

This was well worth the trip. Knowledgeable host and beautiful house to wait for lights or warm up in. Just a short walk to an open field or just out in the driveway there was great viewing. The sky did not let us down. Seeing a group of moose munching on hay at the local farm store on the way home was the icing on the cake and shows how local knowledge of the host was beneficial.

We went to Fairbanks from Texas for our honeymoon and booked a tour with Michael with Face the Outdoors. To say we had an amazing time is an understatement. Michael is extremely courteous, lending us his lodge and allowing us to stay comfortable while awaiting Mother Nature to give us a show. He would stay out there in -40 F degree weather and keep us updated to let us know when the lights were out. The night started slow but it intensified as the night went on and we ended up having a beautiful show of the Aurora lights. Even if we hadn’t been able to see the aurora I would highly recommend Michael for booking your aurora tour as he is very knowledgeable in this field. Also his lodge is located in an area with minimal light pollution so we also got an amazing view of the stars and Jupiter. He was extremely patient with us (as we are novice photographers) & showed us all the settings we needed to take pictures, and even went as far as offering to lend us one of his tripods. We got a couple of pictures before, unfortunately, our camera battery dying because of the frigid temperatures (recommend taking extra batteries). We were able to capture a few on our phone however I highly recommend you book the photo package because it was nothing compared to what Michael was able to capture for us. He even did a little pit stop on the way back to the hotel to show us an area where moose gather. Overall 5/5 stars and not a single complaint!

Yikes! Fairbanks was so cold last week (-30), but touring with Face the Outdoors surely warmed our hearts! Michael is such a great tour guide. He picked us up from our AirBnb on time. The drive to his beautiful lodge was longer than expected- about 2 hours. The lodge is gorgeous, warm, and very comfortable. Lots of snacks and drinks too and a bathroom! He has a big meadow in his backyard which gave us a 360 view. The lights were not real active that night, but we saw them and he took a few photos in order to get the best picture of us with the lights. He even asked us if we wanted to stay longer as the conditions were getting better. We did, but the lights did not cooperate until we were driving back. He stopped along the road and we viewed faint lights all over the sky. We got back really late (or actually early morning) but it was worth it. And Michael said if the conditions at his lodge aren't ideal, then everyone in the van goes chasing to clearer skies!