SkyChase Private Northern Lights Experience Luxury Aurora Tour

Introduction

If you’re dreaming of seeing the Aurora Borealis in Alaska but want to do it with style and comfort, the SkyChase Private Northern Lights Experience offers just that. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, detailed reviews and the itinerary suggest it’s perfect for travelers who prefer a personalized, hassle-free adventure.

What we love about this experience is its luxurious transport in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the expert guidance for capturing the perfect shot, and the flexibility to choose your viewing vibe—whether cozy with hot drinks or joining group activities. One potential consideration is the steep price, but for many, the intimate size and premium features justify the cost. This tour is ideal for those who value privacy, high-end comfort, and expert advice while chasing the Northern Lights.

Good To Know

• Luxury transport ensures comfort and style throughout the chilly Alaskan night.
• Private, small-group setting maximizes intimacy and personalized service.
• Expert Aurora photography guidance helps you secure professional-quality photos.
• Flexible viewing options and the ability to choose between joining group activities or retreating to your own space.
• Aurora guarantee offers peace of mind, including reschedules or refunds if no lights are seen.
• Inclusive amenities like hot drinks, a campfire, and complimentary beverages enhance the experience.

The Itinerary: What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Pickup and Departure

The tour begins at 10:00 pm, a time that aligns well with the Aurora’s prime viewing hours. Pickup is offered from your hotel or designated location in Fairbanks, making the experience hassle-free. The private transportation in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a highlight, providing plush seating, mood lighting, and a cozy environment that keeps you warm and relaxed during the drive. Since the vehicle includes a restroom (weather dependent), it eliminates the common discomfort of long outdoor waits.

Privately Guided, Highly Flexible

This is a private tour for up to 9 people, which ensures a more personalized experience. The small group size means you can choose to stay in your cozy space or join the other groups for shared activities. The flexibility is a significant advantage—if the conditions aren’t right or you want a different experience, rescheduling within a week is possible, and if the Aurora remains elusive, you’ll get a refund or a free re-tour, depending on availability.

Prime Aurora Viewing Spots

Unlike larger tours that might stick to predefined spots, this experience offers exclusive access to the best Aurora viewing sites. The guide, an English-speaking expert, is familiar with the area’s best-kept secrets and will choose optimal locations based on weather and Aurora forecasts. Reviewers mention enjoying the ability to avoid crowded spots and enjoy a more serene, untouched wilderness environment—perfect for stunning photos.

Expert Guidance & Photography

One of the main draws is the Aurora photography service, where a professional photographer provides guidance to help you capture the lights at their best. The promise includes personalized camera tips, un-edited pictures, and professionally edited photos available for purchase. This personalized guidance is highly valued, as Aurora photography requires some skill and patience—something your guide can help with.

Stargazing & Campfire

This tour includes the chance to stargaze while enjoying a campfire—a quintessential Alaskan experience. Weather permitting, you’ll sample Alaskan reindeer hot dogs and enjoy complimentary drinks from the Borealis Brew Drink bar, which offers hot and cold options. Guests report that the campfire adds a cozy, social element to the evening, making the experience more than just a light show.

Aurora Guarantee & Rescheduling

A standout feature is the Aurora guarantee. If the weather conditions aren’t favorable, you’ll be notified in advance and given the option to reschedule within a week. If the lights don’t appear during your booked night, you can choose a full refund or a complimentary re-tour, which provides extra confidence in booking.

What’s Included & What’s Not

Included

• Private transportation in a luxurious Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
• Dinner featuring Alaska reindeer sausages (with vegan options available)
• Access to the Aurora photography service, with un-edited pictures and the opportunity to purchase professionally edited photos
• An English-speaking guide

Not Included

• Edited pictures — you’ll need to purchase these separately if you want the polished versions
• The tour does not specify any other extras, so it’s up to you whether to bring additional gear or extra snacks

The Experience: What Travelers Can Expect

From start to finish, this tour emphasizes comfort, exclusivity, and expert guidance. The plush interior of the van creates a warm environment, ideal for viewing and photography. Reviewers note that the guides are knowledgeable and personable, providing insightful commentary about the Aurora and offering camera tips that help amateurs get stunning photos.

The choice of viewing locations is a definite plus. Instead of crowded tourist spots, you’ll likely find yourself in peaceful wilderness areas, surrounded by snow-covered trees and a clear night sky. One reviewer mentioned that the guide was proactive in adjusting the location based on weather, which significantly enhances the chances of seeing the Aurora.

What We Loved

• The luxury vehicle made the chilly night comfortable, with plush seats and mood lighting setting a relaxing tone.
• Having a professional photographer along ensured you’d have high-quality, memorable images to remember the night.
• The flexibility to join group activities or stay private gives a custom feel, catering to different preferences.
• The campfire and hot drinks created a warm, social atmosphere, transforming a potentially cold, solitary experience into a cozy gathering.

What to Keep in Mind

• The price point ($3,850 for a group of up to 9) might be steep for some, but the personalized service and luxury setup aim to justify it.
• The weather dependence means that clear skies are crucial—if the Aurora is faint or hidden, the experience could fall short.
• The tour requires booking well in advance (average of 96 days), so plan accordingly, especially for peak Aurora season.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who value luxury and exclusivity and are willing to invest in a premium Aurora adventure. It’s perfect for those celebrating a special occasion or seeking a memorable, personalized Alaskan experience. If you’re an avid photographer or want expert guidance to capture the Aurora at its best, this tour offers an excellent package.

However, more budget-conscious travelers or those comfortable with more casual outings might find the price high for what essentially is a private drive with some added amenities. The tour’s focus on comfort, privacy, and high-quality images makes it stand out, but it’s not aimed at budget travelers.

The Sum Up

The SkyChase Private Northern Lights Experience offers an indulgent way to chase the Aurora Borealis, combining luxury transportation, expert guidance, and exclusive access to the best viewing spots. The small-group, private setting means you’ll experience Alaska’s natural wonder with minimal fuss—just sit back, relax, and let your guide do the work.

The inclusion of professional photography and flexible rescheduling adds a significant value, especially for those who want high-quality photos and peace of mind. It’s ideal for travelers celebrating a special occasion, photographers eager to learn, or anyone who simply wants a high-end, personalized Aurora adventure.

While the cost is on the higher side, the combination of comfort, expert guidance, and exclusive access makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a memorable, hassle-free Alaskan night under the Northern Lights. If you’re after a luxurious experience that emphasizes quality over quantity, this tour might just be the perfect fit.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup is offered from your hotel or designated location in Fairbanks, making the start seamless and convenient.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, beginning at 10:00 pm and typically ending around 3:00 am.

Can I join this tour with my family or friends?
Absolutely. It’s a private experience for up to 9 people, ideal for families, couples, or small groups wanting privacy.

Is there a restroom on board?
Yes, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter includes a restroom, weather permitting, so you don’t have to hold it during the drive.

What if the Northern Lights don’t appear?
The tour offers a 50% refund or a free re-tour if no Aurora is seen, provided the viewing conditions were suitable and the forecast was clear.

Are vegan options available?
Yes, dinner includes vegan options alongside Alaska reindeer sausages, catering to most dietary preferences.

What’s included besides transportation?
Dinner, Aurora photography, un-edited pictures, and guidance from an English-speaking guide are included.

Are drinks provided during the tour?
Yes, complimentary drinks from the Borealis Brew Drink bar, hot and cold, are available to keep you warm and refreshed.

Can I purchase the edited photos?
Edited photos are not included but are available for purchase separately.

Is this experience suitable for all weather conditions?
The tour is weather-dependent, and if conditions are poor, it can be canceled or rescheduled, with a full refund offered if no Aurora is seen.

This detailed review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect from the SkyChase Private Northern Lights Experience. For those seeking a luxury, personalized Aurora adventure in Alaska, it offers a combination of comfort, expert guidance, and memorable moments that are hard to match.