Winter Filming in Alaska: A Plan for Each Department

Planning guides
Written by Brendan Wells

A winter shoot in Alaska works when every department plans for short days, deep cold and harder access. Winter shoots are possible from November, but we like to start winter work in February, when the days are longer.

By Brendan Wells · Last checked November 2026 · Part of our Filming in Alaska guide

Our team has filmed from -50°F to the summit of Denali. This plan is organized by department so each section can go to the person who owns it. For glaciers, ice and snow work, see our glacier and winter filming page.

Producers and scheduling: how much daylight do you get?

  • Anchorage, December 21

    About 5 hours 27 minutes from sunrise to sunset.

  • Fairbanks, December 21

    About 3 hours 41 minutes. The sun peaks about 2 degrees above the horizon.

  • Anchorage, February 1

    About 7 hours 40 minutes.

  • Anchorage, February 28

    About 10 hours, after gaining roughly 2.5 hours during the month.

Low winter sun gives long, warm light, but short shooting windows and company moves in the dark. That's why we like to start in February. November through January shoots are possible with fewer usable hours.

Cold and snow also set the schedule:

  • Anchorage's normal January temperature is about 17°F. The Interior is much colder: Fairbanks averaged -14°F in January 2026 and reached -50°F on January 4.

  • Snowmobile access depends on snow. Much of the Chugach National Forest opens to winter motorized use from December 1 to April 30 when conditions allow. In 2025, Turnagain Pass opened in mid-January, nearly two months later than usual.

  • Build in weather days, and expect cold to slow every setup.

Camera: how do you keep cameras and batteries working?

  • Batteries lose capacity in the cold. Keep spares warm in inside pockets or a heated vehicle, use insulated covers and plan for more swaps.

  • Bring cameras indoors in sealed bags and let them warm before opening, or condensation forms inside the body and lenses. On multi-day shoots, storing gear somewhere cold and dry avoids the cycle.

  • Lens heater bands stop frost on the front element. Keep your breath away from the lens and viewfinder.

  • Cables and plastic get brittle. Route cables loosely and carry spares.

  • Snow glare fools meters and eyes. Use ND filters and check exposure on a hooded monitor.

Visiting crews can rent our RED cinema cameras, lenses, lighting, grip, audio and more through Alaska camera rentals.

Sound: how do you record clean audio in winter?

  • Wind is the main problem. Use full blimps and fur covers on booms, and fur on lavs.

  • Hide lavs under hats or neck gaiters near the mouth, and keep transmitters inside a layer so their batteries stay warm.

  • Jackets rustle. Sound-check in the actual wardrobe; wool and fleece outer layers are quieter than hard shells.

  • Engines carry a long way on still, cold days. Plan engine-off takes and record wild sound separately.

  • Recorder and wireless batteries drain like camera batteries. Carry spares warm.

Wardrobe: what should crew and talent wear?

  • Layers: a base layer that moves sweat, insulating mid layers, a windproof shell and a big insulated parka for standing still.

  • Insulated boots made for deep cold, with spare liners and socks. Cold feet end shoot days.

  • Thin liner gloves for camera controls, with mitts that go back on between takes.

  • Full face protection on snowmobiles. At 0°F, a 15 mph wind makes a wind chill of -26°F, and a moving snowmobile makes its own wind.

  • For talent, choose wardrobe that can hide heat packs, and keep parkas and a heated spot just off set.

Transport: how do you move crew and gear in winter?

  • Snowmobiles and tow sleds move crew and cases where trucks can't go. Visiting crews can rent our snowmobiles.

  • In deep cold, vehicles need engine block heaters plugged in overnight, plus winter tires. Ask the rental company for both.

  • Roads ice up and daylight is short. Add time to every drive and avoid long drives after dark.

  • Ski planes and helicopters reach glaciers and remote terrain. Weather holds are common, so budget standby days.

Safety: how do you keep a winter crew safe?

  • A lead safety manager. Ours is Brian Burger, an IFMGA mountain guide, the international certification for professional mountain guides.

  • Current first aid for everyone on the crew, and Wilderness First Responder training, a backcountry medical certification, for most. Alaska State Parks film permits also require current first aid for everyone working under the permit.

  • Crew with professional avalanche rescue and forecasting experience, plus swiftwater rescue, glacier, mountaineering and wildlife safety training.

  • Satellite phones and Garmin inReach devices on every remote shoot, and an emergency evacuation plan for every shoot.

  • A daily check of the avalanche forecast in avalanche terrain. The Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center (CNFAIC) forecasts Turnagain Pass and Girdwood, Summit Lake, Seward and Lost Lake, Chugach State Park and Hatcher Pass.

Meet the crew on our team page. For night work, see filming the northern lights.

Questions

When is the best time for a winter shoot in Alaska?

We like to start winter work in February, when Anchorage goes from about 7 hours 40 minutes of daylight to about 10 hours. Shoots from November through January are possible with shorter days.

How cold does it get for winter filming in Alaska?

Anchorage's normal January temperature is about 17°F. The Interior is much colder: Fairbanks averaged -14°F in January 2026 and reached -50°F on January 4.

Do we need a safety team for a winter shoot?

For avalanche terrain, glaciers or anywhere far from a road, yes. Our lead safety manager is an IFMGA mountain guide, everyone on the crew holds current first aid, and every remote shoot carries satellite phones, Garmin inReach devices and an evacuation plan.

Can we rent snowmobiles for a shoot in Alaska?

Yes. Visiting crews can rent our snowmobiles along with RED cinema cameras, lenses, lighting, grip, audio and more.

Planning a shoot in Alaska?

Send us your dates and locations, and we'll build the winter plan with you. Start a project or call (907) 521-8133. We reply within one business day.

Sources

Brendan Wells https://mountainmind.media
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