Train Ride in the Snow

I hadn't been living in Skagway, Alaska long when the local attractions did a "locals" day. Anyone who was a local, at least for the summer,  could get a deal on the local attractions. 
I chose the White Pass & Yukon Train ride. I had heard a lot about the train and how it was THE thing that tourist did when they came to Skagway. I arrived at the train station a few minutes early and got to explore the train station as well as the gift shop. Soon they lead us out to the platform so we could board the train.

 

 It was a crisp day in May with an ever so slight drizzling of rain. The mountains around Skagway were enveloped in delicate gray clouds.
As the train started to move I could feel the thrill of adventure bubble up inside me. I took a window seat and watched as we passed mile after mile of unspoiled Alaskan land. We started up hill slowly working our way up the mountains and into the clouds. After a few minutes I couldn't stand it anymore I had to go outside. I was sitting in one of the passenger cars closer to the front of the train. I made my way to the back of the car and stepped out onto the tiny balcony. The Air took my breath away, crisp and cold. I was freezing, this born and raised Southern California Girl was not used to any type of cold.

As the train climbed the mountain the rain turned to sleet and the sleet turned to snow. When I imagined Alaska, I imagined snow covered forests and as we climbed the mountain, I was not disappointed. I spent most of the ride on the little platform on the outside of the train car. I just couldn't stand to sit inside, freezing or not, the experience was incredible. Diminishing the experience of the Alaskan wilderness even by a sheet of glass was unacceptable.

By the time we had made it to the top of the mountain we were cruising through several feet of snow. It was just a quick turn around, we stopped barely long enough to switch the engines on the train, and we weren't allowed to get off. It took everything I had to stay on the train and not dive into the tempting piles of snow. I had seen snow before, but wow, this was incredible.

 

I took the train very early in the tourist season, which is why I was treated to the delightful weather. If you go later in the season you will probably see more greenery than snow, but make no mistake it is still breathtaking. If you are headed to Skagway, consider the train for your afternoon adventure.

 

There are a lot of options for Train excursions:

 

You could take a turn around trip like I did, just enough to get a little taste of Alaskan beauty. This trip will cost you about $119 for an adult and will take about 3.5 hours.

 

If you feel a little more daring try the overnight camping. Take the train to the campsite spend 1-2 nights out in the wild. This trip starts at around $90 (add and extra $30 if you want to bring your canoe)

 

To check out more of the train tour options explore the White Pass & Yukon Railroad Website: http://wpyr.com/

 

 

Sincerely yours, Lady of Adventure

 

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