Denali Winterfest

Each year, this community-wide event features a variety of activities, with something for all ages, interests, and abilities.

Denali Winterfest is organized and supported by the National Park Service, Denali Borough and Denali Borough School District, Denali Education Center, Doyon/Aramark Joint Venture, Alaska Geographic, and additional community organizations.

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2026 Schedule of Events

Winterfest Weeklong Events

Get Outside!: Groomed Loop at Otto Lake

A three-mile ski loop will be groomed at Otto Lake. This unstaffed event is open all weekend long, weather dependent. This track is perfect for walkers, skiers, fat bikes, and snowshoers and offers a 1.5 mile cut off across the lake for those looking for a shorter trip. Parking is available at the Lions Club Park.

Get Outside!: Grooming on the Denali Highway

The Denali Highway will be groomed twice per week leading up to the Winterfest Weekend. The groomed highway provides outstanding recreation access for dog mushers, skiers, snowmachines, and more. Riders are reminded to share the trail and look out for slower moving users.

Friday, February 20

6 pm – 9 pm -McKinley Village Kickoff Celebration

McKinley Village Community Center, McKinley Village
Join Denali Education Center, the McKinley Park Community Club, and the McKinley Volunteer Fire Department for a Winterfest Kickoff Celebration! The evening will start with a dog-pulling event with sled dog and household pet categories. Dogs will pull items based on their size. Dogs, soup, fire prevention info, music, dancing, and good friends...the perfect way to celebrate winter and this special place we call home! 

-5:30 pm: Dog Pull Registration
- 6:00 pm: Dog Pull Event
- 7:00 pm: Awards, Potluck Soup and Chili Feed
- 7:30 pm: Open Mic and Dancing

Saturday, February 21

9:30 am – 5 pm –Winter Visitor Center Open

Rangers will be available to answer questions, play park films, and sign out snowshoes and snow sculpting tools.

9:30 am – 5 pm –Indoor Picnic Area

The unstaffed Indoor Picnic Area is open daily as a warm space with restrooms and limited seating.

10 am – 12 pm –Guided Snowshoe Walk

Meet at the Winter Visitor Center

Come explore the winter wonderland along a snowy trail with a ranger. Sign up required, please see a ranger at the Winter Visitor Center front desk.

*A limited number of snowshoes will be available for checkout at the Winter Visitor Center.

10 am – 3 pm -Snow Block Sculpture Competition

Upper Parking lot of the Denali National Park Visitor Center

Sign up for a snow block at the Winter Visitor Center. Judging begins at 3 pm.

10:30 am – 12 pm -Youth Ski Races

Riley Creek Campground, Caribou Loop

Ski races (ages 6 to 18), skate or classic ski. The 0.8 km loop track will be open for preview starting at 10 am. Racers should check in by 10:30 am at the starting line.

*Bring your own equipment.

11 am – 1 pm -Refreshments

Indoor Picnic Area

Snacks, light lunch, and refreshments provided by Doyon/Aramark Joint Venture.

11 am – 4 pm -Warm-Up at Savage Cabin

Savage Cabin, Mile 14 on the Denali Park Road

Come visit park staff at the historic Upper Savage River ranger patrol cabin. Enjoy a campfire, hot drinks, and s’mores! Park at Mile 13 and walk, ski, or snowshoe 0.25 miles (0.40 km) to the cabin.

Drinks and food items supported by Alaska Geographic.

1 pm – 1:30 pm -Reading Ranger

Winter Visitor Center

Join Ranger Rachel for a reading of Running with the Big Dogs in the Winter Visitor Center lobby. This family friendly event is best for pre-K to fifth grade students, but all are welcome!

1 pm – 2 pm -A Peek at the Past

Winter Visitor Center Theater

Park Ranger Dan will take you on a deep dive into Denali’s amazing history through rarely seen images and slides.

1 pm – 3 pm -Kicksled the Trails

McKinley Station Trailhead, behind the Denali National Park Visitor Center

Have you always wanted to go on a kicksled adventure? Borealis Sparks owner Morgan Clay is providing kicksleds of various sizes for free to explore the snowy trails of Denali. Come give them a try!

Event presented by Kids in Motion.

Sunday, February 22

9:30 am – 5 pm –Winter Visitor Center Open

Rangers will be available to answer questions, play park films, and sign out snowshoes.

9:30 am – 5 pm –Indoor Picnic Area

The unstaffed Indoor Picnic Area is open daily as a warm space with restrooms and limited seating.

1 pm – 3 pm -Guided Ski

Riley Creek Day Use Area, Riley Creek Campground

Join a ranger to explore a 2–3-mile intermediate ski trail departing from the Riley Creek Day Use Area. Bring your own skis, water, snacks, and appropriate layers. This activity is dependent on safe snow conditions. Check at the Winter Visitor Center or call 907-683-9532 for more information.

1 pm – 4 pm -Denali Sled Dog Kennels

Kennels, Mile 3.4 on the Denali Park Road

Visit the Denali Sled Dog Kennels to learn about past and current operations and to meet some of our canine rangers! The Denali Sled Dog Kennels are currently open on Saturdays and Sundays only.

3 pm -Movie Night

Tri-Valley Community Library, Suntrana Road, Healy

Join folks from the surrounding communities for a family friendly cozy movie and craft night. Snacks and warm beverages provided.

 

 

Plan a Winter Trip to Denali

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  Plan a Winter Visit

  Closed in winter? Not Denali! Winter is a great time to explore the park, whether by foot, ski, snowshoe, bike or other means!

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  Winter Camping

  Hardy souls will find great winter camping opportunities, with the wilderness all to themselves.

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  Mushing and Ski-joring

  Visitors who own dogs are welcome to mush or ski-jor in the park.