The Aurora Winter Train : Alaska Railroad, an unforgettable experience in the North

Howdy folks,
Welcome to this trip report in the heart of Alaska onboard the Aurora Winter Train!
A 12 hour journey in the pure Alaskan wilderness...
If you haven't already, I highly suggest watching the Denali Star video FIRST before watching this one.
You can learn more details and history of the Alaska Railroad and compare winter and summer trips.
Here's the link tot the video : • The DENALI STAR - Alas...
Enjoy :)
- TRIP INFORMATION -
RECORDED IN JANUARY 2021
Railroad company: Alaska Railroad
Train type : EMD SD70MAC and Emprotech coaches
From : Fairbanks to Anchorage
Time : Around 12 hrs
Price : $209 - €174
PATREON PAGE : / simply_railway
Massive thanks to my following Patreon for their help :
Claudio Bickel ; Iwan Di Tullio ; Martin Haynes ; Cyril ; Laurent Gilson ; Louis Haywood ; D Austin Horowitz ; Thomas Alfred Roell ; Jos Bowmaster ; Captain Ginyu ; Beni Heiniger ; Andreas Konrad ; Greg Wenzler ; Joshua bedel ; Christopher Style ; Dick DeBartolo ; Brian Sikorski ; Guillermo Franco ; Sandeep Ayyappan ; Nicholas Torres ; Peter N ; Claire Nat ; Killua , Nick Reed , Randy Dean ; Philippe Branco ; Erorus
- INSTAGRAM - / simply_railway
- TWITTER - simply_railway?la...
- TIKTOK - / simplyrailway
- SIMPLY RAILWAY PRODUCTS : teespring.com/stores/simply-r...
- EQUIPEMENT - Iphone 12 Pro and DJI mobile go 2

[@SimplyRailway]

So as you can see, I recently introduce a new intro/conclusion style. Do you like it ? I shot quite a lot video recently with that style!

[@butterknife3357]

I like it, but can you add subtitles? Somethimes I watch you're videos without sound.

[@oscareduardoriosuribe6178]

I liked too.

[@jagdeepdesai6848]

Great

[@aeiro5390]

I'm deaf and previously liked watching your videos because hearing wasn't necessary to enjoy the content - I could just read the text you wrote. If this is your new intro/conclusion style and manual subtitles aren't added, I'm going to have to stop watching the videos :'(. Even automatic captions (which aren't enabled on this video) often do not work well for deaf people when trying to understand someone with an accent.

[@OnkelPHMagee]

I noticed the new format, and I like it. I appreciate how it adds a more personal connection.

[@dennisfox6343]

Thank you SOOO much for this trip. I'm a retired, disabled, railfan and you just provided the most wonderful trip that I can never experience. Videos like yours make all the COVID isolation bearable. I was smiling all the way thru the video. God bless you Sir!

[@jrmichel]

Is my case also!

[@benjamintivin4147]

Your English has gotten way better since the last time you did a video like this!!

[@rossgordon3471]

"Gotten" is good English?

[@DanieltheTruebadour]

Thibault, such a wonderfully Shakespearean name!, and one of my favorite roles -- Michael York (Zeffirelli) was outstanding. So French is your first language?. Vraiment! Congratulations for successfully tackling English - quite a feat. WONDERFUL video. I look forward to more. Cheers, mate. P.S. J'aime Les chose françaises, la langue, la musique. I'm a Jaques Brel and an Eric Satie fan, and love the poetry of Paul Verlaine. I'm afraid being a vegetarian keeps me from fully appreciating French food, but not the wines! Sorry, my French no longer serves me, but I do so enjoy the music of the language. Votre santé.

[@ncarnaiz]

Such a strong French accent! :)

[@kschadha]

Love your videos - no annoying music; no commentary - purely immersing in the experience along with you! Fantastic!

[@michaellane6724]

The Alaskan railway is definitely on my bucket list of railway journeys both summer and winter.

[@eliafarinelli3962]

Yeah! Me too!

[@Esperantisto]

Fantastic! I liked the direct-to-camera as well Thibault!

[@MarksKicksOnRoute66]

I love this style where you talk and show yourself some. Well done 👏

[@brentonalexander3167]

If you like Alaska I would recommend taking the White Pass and Yukon railroad in Skagway.

[@chalermchaiwattanawongpitu9649]

Wow! So freezing weather there...but Alaska wilderness is great...👍👍👍👍🚆🚆🚝🚝🚄🚄

[@abshivkumar2549]

Yes

[@michael19488]

Mostly fairbanks, delta, and northpole are cold but anchorage, Wasilla, and palmer are nice due to the coast line

[@abshivkumar2549]

@@michael19488 I still prefer the road or flying since its much faster

[@Zvkstudios18]

Just a suggestion maybe use the chapter feature to guide people through different parts of the video...

[@jasonwilson1134]

Greetings from Fairbanks Alaska!!! Just watched both of your videos from our great state. We truly love our train and take great pride in it! I however have only ridden the train from Anchorage to Seward and back, which from what I hear is the best part of the whole line. If you decide to come up and visit again, I would suggest that route in the summer and definitely get the Gold Star Ticket for the dome car.... its worth it on that route. The train stays in seward for 4 hours before it returns... you can tour the town or take one of the bay cruises. The aurora train is on my bucket list..... thanks for the videos!

[@dazeyday5699]

That’s a great idea! As a fellow Fairbanksian, I’ve driven the Fairbanks-Anchorage leg hundreds of times. But amidst Covid I was thinking of ways to see parts of the state I’ve missed in all these years without paying for expensive lodging. That little turnaround sounds awesome. I assume for the shorter distance it’s just a full day trip with the break in the middle?

[@charleswhitaker8175]

They clearly have huge pride in their work. Very impressive

[@literaldirt]

"Is the only railroad in Alaska" WP&Y: are we a joke to you?

[@mr-sn2gk]

I'm dying to move to Alaska, and so I'm tracking down all the info I can get. This video is AWESOME! Visually stunning, but also, I love how your passion for trains and this ride comes through in your captions. Well done!

[@paulcartlidge751]

After watching your two videos of the journey , I decided to book a trip when I visit Alaska in September 2023 can't wait

[@TaylorMMontgomery]

I hope Alaska never changes their iconic logo. from your ticket to the cup of orange juice, the wordmark easily conveys Alaska's grandeur and heritage. Amazing trip!

[@GLICKMIRE]

Outstanding work! In my opinion, this is the best video I have seen about the Alaska Railroad. Congratulations on a video well done!

[@davidjennings127]

Crunch,crunch,crunch,the sound of really cold snow.

[@ozgirl45]

An amazing sequel to your summer review! As a Canadian I think the winter scenery is spectacular - it is incredible that a change of season can make the landscape seem like another world. I agree that the shiny appearance of the train is just amazing. Your in person introduction and conclusion are a great addition as it adds a personal touch.

[@fenus609]

the "good morning folks" was a surprise! Love your voice

[@billplatt]

It's always a good day when Simply Railway has a new video! Thanks brother!

[@iansuehooper7542]

Thibault, you made our day with this video. Absolutely stunning country, especially in winter. Looking at Denali and surrounding country was quite emotional. We saw your summer video as well. Thank you so much taking us with you on this journey. Sue and Ian, Australia

[@akbobtom]

That was a great video. I was born in Fairbanks and I'm still here. In 1977, I was 4, My Grandma and I did the Fairbanks to Denali round trip, I remember looking for flat pennies while we waited for the north bound train and the two tunnels. My Grandma took a picture of my walking to the Mckinely station and she painted it, she was a great artist, and she had it on her wall from '78 till '03 and now it's on mine.

[@tinkwilkinson9446]

We had great experience with Alaska RR crew also. Took train south in May.

[@refinedbrass]

one of the nicest trains I've ever seen i like the colors

[@LQC2556]

Seeing the same place in 2 different seasons surely is a great experience, especially when the landscape is this amazing.

[@Yo_Its_Matty_ice]

I seriously am impressed with how clean and shiny the trains are, especially during the winter. Really shows how much they care about preserving the golden era aesthetics and vibes.

[@tracemitchell2093]

Nahh 3004 and 3001 are black and coated in exhaust. But government subsidizes are a big help the railroad doesn’t usually make money, maybe once every 4-5 years they turn a profit

[@ronclark9724]

@@tracemitchell2093 Plus it is easier to keep the trains washed and clean when you are only running the train once a week in each direction... It isn't like Amtrak where they are running their long distance trains almost 24-7, everyday with only a few hours at terminus stations for turnaround...

[@tracemitchell2093]

@@ronclark9724 they run nonstop in the summer the ARR is a tourist spot

[@nauticaldreaming]

The scenery is even more spectacular than the summer trip.

[@sebyx31]

When I take pictures of mountainous winter landscapes, it always looks quite dull on screen compared to reality. And in your video, what I see on screen looks so gorgeous that I cannot imagine how awesome it must have looked like in real life!! Thank you Thibault for making me travel through beautiful scenery while I stay at home!

[@dazeyday5699]

His video is exceptional, but even it pales in comparison to the lonely grandeur of the Alaskan winter landscape. Nothing can quite capture it fully in its remote loveliness. I’ve been trying all 25 years I’ve lived in Fairbanks. Make the trip if you can, it will stay in your wild heart forever.

[@AntenneQC]

1,4 M de vues en 4 semaines pour le Silver Meteor. C'est un énorme succès et très mérité. J'espère que celui ci sur l'Alaska en fera autant, vraiment très bien filmé ! Merci.

[@artholcomb3731]

Thank you for all your efforts to promote train travel.

[@heartevie1076]

I felt like I was there!! Love your video style. Thank you for sharing your journeys!

[@montevallomustang]

I took the Seward to Anchorage train in 2015. It's definitely something to do once in your life. Alaska is my favorite place on earth I've never seen anything like it anywhere else.

[@donaldrentfrow4333]

Being a former Alaskan I really regret never making that trip. Thank you for a great view.

[@robinmills5827]

Fantastic scenery. The winter landscape is specially enjoyable, to those of us who live in a temperate climate, when cocooned in the warmth of a comfortable train. How lucky can you get seeing Denali on both trips.

[@spencercampbell691]

Thank you for these Alaska videos. Simply stunning!

[@lorenaarias1952]

What a lovely ride! The landscape is absolutely stunning! I love to see snow. I never see snow where I live so this was lovely. Thank you!

[@debchancy2304]

First time watching and I had a beautiful trip with your video! The scenery was breathtaking!

[@catherinebreitfeller669]

This was wonderful. Now I’m going to watch the summer video. I am a winter/snow person. Thanks 😊

[@airline.pictures]

Loved the trip! I took the train in early April, and my train was three hours late due to avalanches. It brings back good memories watching this.

[@ok_big_ben_ok1315]

Nice shot of Denali around the 30:30 mark. Beautifully clear sky!! Lucky!

[@Delta-pantages]

I sensed your excitement and felt your emotion. How I envy you!

[@oscareduardoriosuribe6178]

Love the landscapes

[@Lis422]

Alaska AND Train-riding - I am so jealous!

[@BenSussmanpro]

Stunning travelogue! Makes me think an Alaskan train ride is preferable to a cruise. Thank you!

[@entroenbanda]

Looks like Alaska Railroad love their trains and they're really proud of them and the service they're doing to the State. That's so cool and I would be so happy if in the rest of the USA they do the same, having this mesmerising love for trains and train travel. Btw, it's an amazing report and an amazing trip. I'm taking into good account every journey you post to have good ideas to travel in the future.

[@elisacrater9895]

This is fantastic! Thank you so much for your time and effort to share this video. This has been incredibly helpful as I plan a trip for my family.

[@candicehopkins2344]

That was a cool, beautiful train ride ! Thanks for taking us along !!!

[@tobster1499]

wow that train ride was so cool, im well jealous

[@Nikky705]

I love that cloudy weather!

[@PeterGregg]

Beautiful scenery, train was louder than most other trains I watched you do. Happy to see you in the video. Your accent is beautiful! Wonderful video as usual, big thumbs up 👍👍👍

[@nathanwulf]

The train is so clean and the correct amount of blue that it looks like a mirror. Incredible. I think I might prefer the winter journey.

[@stevenyocom9954]

Simply gorgeous! The summer/autumn trip and the winter trips are each beautiful! I like this trip because I've never seen AK in the winter time! You have given me one more for the to do list! THX

[@pops9190]

That was really fantastic. I visit Alaska from time to time and will definitely be taking the train next time I go thanks to you!

[@robc.5745]

Very well done, Love the snowy scenery and being warm inside.

[@DanielsUKT]

Amazing trip its good to see Alaska in winter it looks so different to the summer but very beautiful seeing the winter landscape of valleys moutains forests and frozen lakes almost like a fairytale. Also it must be more peaceful as there was much less people than last time so you can fully enjoy the experience!

[@ericlloyd4329]

Gorgeous in summer. Even better in winter. Thank you

[@_w_w_]

Love this video! Alaska is one of the only few places in the US I haven't visited. What a beautiful scenic ride!

[@scottyg9167]

I just love your enthusiasm. And especially that you leave your captions up long enough for people to actually read them. Definitely going to do this some day soon! Bravo!

[@cnat.travels]

Your Denali Star video was the first one of yours I ever watched and I was hooked! Thank you for providing some picture-in-picture differences between the two trips!

[@williamchristian8389]

I watch all your videos they are Great. This is the Greatest!!!

[@jeanmariebalaes1137]

Bravo et merci pour ce merveilleux voyage hivernal en Alaska. Les paysages sont absolument magnifiques.

[@loreleilawson5296]

Loved seeing you narrate the beginning! My new goal is to book a roomette trip from Central Illinois to anywhere!

[@DanieltheTruebadour]

The expression "Chilling" takes on a whole new meaning!

[@wdh47211]

Thanks so much for posting this. Awesome video.

[@ChrisH-1952]

You always produce interesting, educational and enjoyable videos, but these Alaskan travelogues have been absolutely the best. Thank you. I would very much like to take a trip on one of these trains after watching. The introduction and epilogue were excellent additions and gave a very personal feel to the video.

[@abshivkumar2549]

Yes sir

[@michaelsansom6]

WONDERFUL! Thank you very much for such excellent coverage.

[@timmyangeltlc4888]

I just watched the September Denali Train trip. It was beautiful. This one is stunning as well. The winter season has its own beauty. Sometimes deadly but still beautiful. Thank you

[@jcbaily5559]

What a fantastic treat, thanks! Having lived in Anchorage for almost 20 years, I never had the opportunity to take the Alaska Railroad between ANC/FAI during either the winter or summer, but I did get to see Mt. Mckinley(Denali) often either from my home or flying between ANCFAI. You can't beat Alaska for the natural beauty whether summer time or winter and though I got to visit many places there taking the Alaska RR was a limited adventure!!! Thanks again for the memories!!!!!

[@Tromme100]

Thank´s a lot for a fantastic trip in the Alaska winter landscape. Must be so exciting....

[@drob517]

What a beautiful site from the train.

[@shivaprasad6311]

Breathtaking scenery ❤️👌🏽

[@violetpathirana509]

Wow!!! very excited. !!! beautiful.

[@jasonminier6782]

Very beautiful. Adding it to my bucket list.

[@lturner744]

Extraordinary! Thanks for getting this.

[@catherinebreitfeller669]

Can sure tell their trains are well taken care of. 🤩

[@bahiras]

Stunning! Thank-you.

[@RainorXXX]

What a trip! Amazing.

[@Benjamin0c]

Super vidéo

[@cherylanderson6265]

Thank you for another fantastic video!! Yet again you got lucky with the weather!! Well done!!!! Simply enjoyable this train trip!!!😁😁😁

[@sirgermanm78]

Congrats! I see myself in your tasted: railways and winter and lonelyness. Blessings!

[@cindywho134]

Beautiful!

[@anthonygavalas841]

Amazing shiny train!!! Beautiful video👍 ty

[@utahrailfan1946]

Alaska Railroad does have it's own tv show, that might partially explain the detail to cleanliness.

[@tracemitchell2093]

That show is soooo sensationalized my boss was in the yard when they were filming and intentionally derailed a flat deck freight car. He was standing by the freight and marine ops manager who I shit you not said “every day I’m here making life and death decisions” now it’s a running joke, and then they had the audacity to ask if we could use one of our fork lifts to put the train back on the track after they derailed it for the cameras.

[@melvinhathorn4988]

I have one more trip for my bucket list.

[@giselavega6560]

Just loved. Thank you son much. Next time I'm taking this trip for sure.

[@fernandel5055]

Simply Amazing video reminds me of my favorite show ‘Life Below Zero’...KUDOS👍

[@freeziefreeze5971]

I love that show as well..sue is my favorite,she's one tuff lady

[@jackybeck2479]

Ooh! I want to gobble into a pasta like that as well! NOM NOM NOM!🤩😍

[@tony-ce7qp]

thank you so much a great video for sure!

[@rodrigoalvesdepaula5262]

Your English is simply perfect!

[@thomasroell8979]

I really enjoyed your video. The scenery was fantastic. I also enjoyed your summer video. Thank you for sharing.

[@nickpapagiorgio5056]

Fantastic video man, and what an epic train ride this must have been!!!

[@patbott3569]

Excellent video thank you from Bris Australia

[@mikeizzano172]

Very good job ! It beautiful country, I enjoyed everything,thank you !

[@richardc488]

Thank you

[@tomshourd2601]

You have a great channel. I didn't think I was interested in train travel but now I am thanks to you. Well done!

[@deepalib3096]

Such lovely landscapes!

[@hughosborn7292]

loved the photo comparisons from your Summer trip and this one !!

[@janicegilman7672]

Great video! I would like to make a correction regarding the Parks Highway - it is the newest and probably the shortest, but not the only highway between Anchorage and Fairbanks.Great information otherwise. I will need to check out the trip you did in late summer/early fall.

[@VolcanoEarth]

I have really been enjoying your videos but this one is really getting my wanderlust woke. I'd love to see Alaska in person myself, especially if I could see the aurora borealis. In general seeing the world by train sounds fun, because such scenery NEEDS to be viewed with no hands on the wheel and through large side windows just the way you're sharing with us. But I admit this makes my heart ache. I know how much my father would love to ride a train one more time, and I'm scared that time may not come soon enough. I think he would enjoy your channel though. He's crazy about trains.