Watching aurora from Friends of Creamers

Question

I have lived in Florida all my life and have hardly ever driven in snow, may be twice in my entire life which were short drives. This time I have a strong need (don't ask why :)) to watch aurora from Fairbanks.

I plan on staying at a place I found 2 miles southeast of Friends of Creamer's Field, Can I rent a car and drive very carefully to watch aurora from the Field and mostly stay at my place? What issues do you see in this plan?

I have been told that if I treat my car as if there were no brakes when driving in snowy conditions I should be fine.

Answer

Driving in Fairbanks in winter conditions, even for a short 2-mile distance, can be surprisingly challenging, especially if you have very limited snow driving experience. Snow and ice can make roads slippery, and temperatures can drop far below freezing, which affects both road conditions and car performance. Renting a car is possible, but it’s important to choose a vehicle equipped for winter driving—ideally with four-wheel drive and winter tires.

Some issues and considerations with your plan:

Road conditions: Even short local roads near Creamer’s Field can be icy or snow-packed. Black ice is common and often hard to see.
Visibility: During aurora viewing, it’s often dark outside, making ice patches and snowdrifts harder to detect.
Vehicle readiness: Ensure the rental car has proper winter tires, functioning windshield wipers, de-icer, and enough fuel. Cold weather can reduce battery efficiency, so battery health is important.
Braking advice: Treating your car as if there were no brakes is partially correct—you should allow extra stopping distance, brake gently, and use low gears when going downhill—but anti-lock braking systems (ABS) should be used as intended. Overcorrecting can cause skidding or loss of control.
Local guidance: If possible, ask locals or the rental company for specific advice on which routes to avoid at night or when conditions are icy.

Other practical tips:

Consider checking the aurora forecast each evening and plan to leave during clear, calm weather.
Drive slowly and deliberately. Even 2 miles can take longer than expected if roads are icy.
Keep an emergency kit in your car: blankets, flashlight, food, water, and a phone charger.
If you’re uncomfortable, some local tour companies offer aurora shuttle services or guided trips that reduce the need to drive in snow at night.

In summary, your plan is feasible with careful preparation and a winter-ready vehicle, but you should be aware of the risks of icy roads, very low temperatures, and dark driving conditions. Allow yourself extra time, drive slowly, and always have a backup plan in case roads become unsafe.

Watching aurora from Friends of Creamers

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