Life in the North
Fairbanks
is the heart of Alaska's interior region and the major hub for all
trade and travel further north. Located at 64°50'16''N 147°42'59''W it
is only a few hours drive south of the Arctic Circle. And is claimed to
be the city with the largest temperature extremes in the world, with a
typical seasonal high around 90 F (33 C) in July and a typical seasonal
low around to -40 F (-40 C). People living here take both extremes
rather relaxed. Know though, that UAF is the Arctic University and does
not close for any kind of weather. The proximity to the Arctic Circle
means that days in the midst of winter are very short, while it does
not get fully dark for about 8 weeks in the summer.
Being
the only major city north of Anchorage, Fairbanks has much to offer for
its size with a vibrant theater and arts community and a rich heritage
as a gold mining supply post. Some of the activities offered are unique
to Alaska, like the outhouse races in Chatanika about 40 min drive
north of Fairbanks. Or, the start/finish of the worlds hardest sleddog
race - the 1000 mile Yukon Quest from Fairbanks to Whitehorse, plus the
Open North American Championship Sled Dog Race and international Ice
Carving Championships.
Wild life is abundant in and
around Fairbanks. Moose on campus are not uncommon. Located close to
the Alaska Range in the South with some of North America's highest
peaks and the Arctic in the North there is much to do for the outdoors
enthusiast.
