The Allen and Petersen Cooking School offers a number of classes, ranging from “Famous Recipes from our Favorite Movies” and “Foods of Morocco” to “I Heart Chocolate!” and “Essential Knife Skills.” A cooking class is a great way to explore a new cuisine or refine your basic recipes. Prices vary. www.aphome.com/cooking-school.com
“Imagine your frosty cold pint with a storyteller sidecar and you’re imagining an afternoon with Big Swig,” says Big Swig Tours. Each tour lasts 3.5 hours and a guide escorts you to Midnight Sun Brewing Co., King Street Brewery, and Chilkoot Charlies. You’ll meet the brewers, check out the behind the scenes action, taste 12 beers, enjoy a few appetizers, and kick-back with round trip transportation. $99 per person. www.bigswigtours.com
If you’re more inclined towards hosting events yourself, consider signing up for one of Blomma Designs and Bloomsbury Blooms tablescaping classes. You’ll learn the art of arranging flowers and how to dress a table to set the mood for your fete, all with a hyper local focus. Prices vary. www.bloomsburyblooms.com www.blommadesigns.com
Summit Spice and Tea offers a series of tasting classes for tea, chocolate, oil and vinegar, and honey. Experts walk you through tastings and pairings at the midtown tearoom. $10 – 15 per person. www.summitspiceandtea.com/classes
Winter Revelry
From Running with the Reindeer to the Miners and Trappers ball, the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous has something to offer everyone. The state’s biggest winter festival, Fur Rondy is a 10 day celebration of life in Alaska. Event prices vary. www.furrondy.net
Check the snow report and head down the Seward Highway to Girdwood for a day of carving powder at Alyeska Resort. Make a weekend of it and stay at the hotel; you’ll love relaxing in the hot tub with an up close view of the mountain. Midweek day pass, $60. Weekend and holiday day pass, $75. Room rates vary. www.alyeskaresort.com
Alaska State Parks Public Use Cabins are one of the best ways to share a winter adventure. With 66 cabins and 9 ice huts, you’re sure to find a cozy base for back country skiing, snow shoeing, or winter hiking. Rates vary. www.dnr.alaska.gov/parks/cabins
The Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage offers lessons for all abilities, both skate and classic style.
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