My second real attempt to see the ‘lights’ was a total success!! Michael was professional, highly informative, and attended to every detail to assure expectations were met. Even the unrealistic targets I had were covered before I could voice them. Neither the clouds nor cold winds stopped him from showing us how to view, photograph, and appreciate the Northern Lights in Alaska.
So glad we didn’t choose a stationary location to see them. Chasing was as successful as just watching in one spot.
Do it again? Sure hope so!!
This was a bucket list item for us and Michael made sure we saw two spectacular nights of the Aurora. Everything he advertised was spot on. Would highly recommend Face The Outdoors. Thank you, Michael!
If there is any Aurora activity, Michael is going to find it for you!! His detailed knowledge and experience in tracking and chasing Auroras is amazing. He has all the technicals and made our experience very special! And great photo shooting skills to add. Even though we did not make it to the lodge as it was already clouded there, he drove us to the best spot to view and we spent over 3 hours and had repeated performances from nature! Michael is the Aurora whisperer!! 😀
Sam Starns - Adventure Elopement Photographer2026.10.19
If you're planning on freezing your tuchus off in arctic weather to catch a glimpse of that magical aurora, you can't do much better than someone like Michael, who's your own person Agent Q, cross-referencing weather and space data like Rain Man at every opportunity.
My elopement couple had the aurora on their bucket list as part of their elopement photography coverage, and I knew with October weather, it would really pay off to have a professional take us around. Someone who really knew the area. Someone who was willing to stick it out with us, even if the aurora only started popping off in the wee hours of the morning.
It was great to chat photography and I can absolutely see how invaluable Michael's help is to photographers of all experience levels. Looking forward to heading out with him again sometime!
Michael is truly an exceptional guide. He went above and beyond to make sure that we could be away from the clouds in order to be able to see the aurora if and when it came alive, even if it meant meeting earlier than planned and driving farther than expected. He's vary patient and knowledgeable, I definitely think he should be anybody's first option when booking a tour to see the Northern Lights. Thank you for such a great service, wonderful pictures and an unforgettable aurora night!
Thank you, and thanks for being flexible with the earlier start. Getting out ahead of the clouds made all the difference that night, and the extra miles were worth it once the sky came alive. I’m glad the photos turned out well and that it was a night you’ll remember. Hope to see you out under the lights again.
Megan James2026.10.16
Michael with Face the Outdoors was a real pro. He was really knowledgable and could predict within a couple of minutes when the lights would pop off! Between that and the killer playlist for the trip there and back, he provided a lovely time for my husband and I. We would definitely adventure with him again! Also...be sure to ask about the claw mark on the van! It is a hell of a story.
Thanks to you and your husband for coming out! Reading the sky is a lot of years of watching it, plus a bit of luck when it pops right on cue. I’m glad the playlist held up for the drive both ways. And yes, that claw mark gets asked about a lot. It’s a story best told on the road, so come back and I’ll tell it again. Hope to see you both out there again.
Varsha Venkata Srinivasan2026.10.16
One of the most wonderful experiences of our lifetime. Michael was so knowledgeable, patient and persistent and he chased the skies to show aurora for us on a night when it looked impossible. Definitely recommend the tour with him to see northern lights.
Thank you, I’m glad it turned out to be such a special night for you. Those are the nights I love most, when the forecast says no and the sky changes its mind if you’re willing to keep driving. Thanks for sticking with the chase and hanging in there with me. Hope to see you under the lights again someday.
Nonna .2026.10.16
Verified
Solo, Family or Couples...THIS is the ONLY Aurora tour to book!
From start to end, Michael was the BEST guide I've encountered in a very long time. As a seasoned, solo traveler, I can not recommend his Norther Lights Lodge and Chase Tour enough. I say this as a person who booked multiple night tours to see the Aurora on a 4 day visit to Fairbanks. His tour was the only one that I felt went above and beyond to do everything possible to obtain those coveted Aurora photos and lifetime memories. Flexibility was the key word: from the personalized hotel pick up, to opening his home with comfy seating, snacks, hot drinks and restroom facilities, to the decision to 'chase'. Let's add that to the fact he is an Alaskan original with unsurpassed knowledge of the land and the phenomena that brought us all out on a late night quest. His photography skills are clearly unsurpassed....I mean, check out any of his social media platforms and be prepared to be amazed. I was so grateful that he provided photos with the tour because even the best cell phone can not do justice to the magic that transpires in those northern skies. It was an amazing experience....one I intend to repeat within the next few years with my extended family on one of his private tours. Thank you, so much, Michael for giving me, and everyone on our small group tour, a stellar experience
Thank you so much for writing all of this. It means a lot coming from someone who tried several tours on the same trip. Doing whatever it takes to get people under the aurora is the whole job, whether that’s waiting it out at the lodge or packing up and chasing clear sky. I’m glad the photos came out the way you hoped. You’re right that a phone just can’t catch what those skies do. And I’d love to have you back with your family. A private night is a great way to share it with the people you care about, and I’ll be watching the sky for you when the time comes. Thanks again for coming out and sticking with the night.
Soriya Cortez2026.10.15
Michael goes above and beyond to find the lights, when the weather and data allows for it. He does make it clear to have “high hopes, but low expectations.” My Fiancé and I were scheduled for a tour on a day that was extremely cloudy. Michael was still able to bring us out of clouds and fog, and see a slight aurora, but nothing we had hoped for that we see on social media. He rescheduled us for the following day, and it was a successful adventure. It is true that if the clouds roll in, he does take you out and HUNT for the lights. He has extreme knowledge and is worth the price to see the lights through his company. He uses extensive equipment/apps to find a clear spot. We went to almost four different locations to find the Aurora. I found it reassuring that because we didn’t see anything the first night we were able to reschedule at no cost. He loves his job & shares extensive information about the Aurora & what it takes for a light show to occur. We are grateful for him. He does provide pictures. Once we receive them, I’ll post it. He is an exceptional photographer. He helped our engagement proposal be a special moment! I would recommend him to everyone.
Thank you both, and congratulations again on the engagement! Being part of that moment was a real highlight of my season. That first night was a tough one, with clouds and fog everywhere we looked, and I’m glad we at least broke out long enough to show you a little. That’s why the reschedule is there. The sky doesn’t always cooperate, and you shouldn’t have to pay for that. I’m so glad the second night came through for you. Your photos are on their way, and I hope they bring you right back to that night. Wishing you both the best, and come back and see me anytime.
Andrew M2026.10.12
Verified
Marvellous
Absolutely marvellous, couldn’t been better really. Michael is a wonderfully accommodating guide. The house was a great place to hide out for a bit, super interesting with comfy chairs, snacks, furs and skins and art pieces on display. However, the clouds had other ideas. So off we went chasing and, after many miles, we got what we came for.
Thank you for this! I’m glad you liked the lodge. The furs, the art and the comfy chairs make it a good place to wait out the clouds, and a fair few stories come with those pieces. That night the clouds weren’t going anywhere, so we went to find clear sky, and you all stuck with it the whole way. Those miles are worth it when the sky finally opens up, and I’m glad it did for you. Thanks for making the trip, and I hope we get to do it again someday.
Cindy Alfonso-Hottel2026.10.10
Michael, at Face the Outdoors, went above and beyond to help us see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, Alaska! He recommended rescheduling due to cloudy weather, and the next day, he found the perfect viewing spot—even taking us on a 2.5-hour drive to Denali in his heated van. The ride was pretty bumpy, especially in the back, but it was absolutely worth it to see the Aurora Borealis! The photos Michael took of us were amazing, and we received them the very next day. His website was also incredibly informative, with helpful tips on the best dates to visit, what to wear, and what to expect. It was a long night...(left at 8:30 p.m. and returned back to hotel at 5:00 a.m.), but we truly appreciated his dedication to giving us the best possible experience. Thank you, Michael, for helping us check this incredible adventure off our bucket list! We definitely recommend Face the Outdoors!
Thank you so much! I’m glad the reschedule paid off. Sometimes the best thing I can do is wait for a better night and then go wherever the clear sky is, even when that means a long drive toward Denali. Sorry about the bumpy ride in the back. Alaska roads in winter don’t do anyone any favors, and I appreciate you two hanging in there all the way to 5 AM. I’m glad the photos got to you fast and that the website helped you plan. Congrats on checking it off the bucket list, and thanks for trusting me with it.
Kelly Headrick2026.10.10
Michael was our guide for an awesome northern lights experience, opening his lovely home so we could have a place to warm up and use facilities when not sky-gazing. His lifelong experience in Alaska and dedication to giving the best tour possible really shone through. Highly recommend!
Thank you! Having a warm spot to come back to between looking up makes the long nights a lot easier, and I’m glad it made yours comfortable. I’ve spent my whole life under these skies and I still love sharing them. Thanks for coming out, and I hope to see you again.
Derek Swindall2026.10.09
We had a fantastic time going out and experiencing the aurora with Face the Outdoors. The small group size and Michael’s attention to everyone on the tour really made it a unique experience. His photography expertise was super helpful to everyone on the tour, even folks just shooting on an iPhone, like us. If you’re deciding which tour to go with, this is it.
Thank you! Keeping the group small is what lets me actually spend time with everyone, and helping people get a shot they’re proud of is one of my favorite parts of the night, iPhone included. Newer phones can do a lot more than people expect once the settings are right. Glad you had a great time, and thanks for coming out with me.
Steve K.2026.10.08
Michael, the Aurora chaser, exceeded my expectations! The night was promising but what do you do when Mother Nature changes her mind. Well, Michael faced the challenge and defied them. He drove over 170 miles to find a clearing and gave us a beautiful view.
This tells me that Michael is dedicated to give his customers a great satisfaction. The tour was about 9hrs. I will not hesitate to rebook with him. I highly recommend his service!
Thank you! Mother Nature definitely had her own plans that night, but chasing clear sky is part of the deal, and I’m glad all those miles ended with a view worth the drive. Thanks for sticking with the long night. I’d be happy to have you back out anytime.
Resie Collins2026.10.08
Michael communicated with us the day before and rescheduled our tour for the next day, to give us a better chance of seeing the Northern Lights. We appreciate every effort made to give us a good experience. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and took great pictures.
Thank you, and thanks for being flexible with the switch. When the forecast looks rough I’d rather move you to a better night than spend the night under clouds. I’m glad it worked out and that you enjoyed the photos. Thanks for coming out with me.
Glenda2026.10.05
Michael provides a 5-star, personalised door-to-door experience. I had come from New Zealand to Fairbanks at the end of an Alaskan cruise in August and knew at that time of year seeing the Aurora was a gamble, probably less than 50%, but, when was I ever going to be back?! So . . . . We didn't go to his home/lodge as he knew we would be "chasing" for the evening so we were in his toasty warm van all night and he knew the exact right spot to go, which we had all to ourselves, not another tourist in sight! He helped us with the right settings for our phones and cameras, and also took photos of us under the Lights. He was tracking the aurora activity the whole night and explaining all the science to us as we went. So interesting. And the heavens performed, we saw beautiful aurora over a 2-3 hour time period. Michael's a born-and-bred local and knows his stuff. Thoroughly recommend.
Thank you, and what a long way to come for it! August is always a gamble, with the season just starting and the nights still short, so I’m glad you took the chance and the sky came through with a proper show. Having a spot all to ourselves made it even better. Thanks for coming all the way from New Zealand to share the night with me. Safe travels, and if you ever make it back up north, you know where to find me.
Lissy Adams2026.10.04
What a night! We went out hoping to see the Northern Lights and ended up seeing more than we ever imagined. Michael was amazing- knowledgeable, fun, and just as excited as we were every time the sky lit up.
We chased the lights, saw them dance across the Alaskan sky, and truly experienced it all. It was an incredible adventure and a night our family will never forget. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide or a more perfect experience!
Thank you! I still get just as excited every time it lights up. No matter how many nights I’ve seen, a good show never gets old, and sharing one with a family who’s into it as much as you were makes it even better. I’m so glad the sky put on a show for you. Thanks for coming out, and I’d love to chase it with you again sometime.
Tracy Fazzone2026.10.03
This was an amazing experience! Michael is very knowledgeable and put in extra effort to ensure we had a successful viewing. He drove us away from the clouds and taught us about the science behind the aurora. He is also a talented photographer and showed us how to take the best pictures. I highly recommend a Face the Outdoors tour.
Thank you! Getting away from the clouds is half the battle on a lot of nights, and I’m glad we found clear sky for you. Knowing a little of the science makes the show even better, and I’m happy the photography tips helped you bring some of it home. Thanks for coming out with me.
Lisa Fisher2026.10.03
Michael was great! He drove till he found us clear skies almost to Canada! Spent a lot of time there letting us get our fill and then some! I highly recommend this tour with Michael and I’m going to try to book another one before returning home!
Thank you! That was quite a drive. When clear sky is out there, I’ll go find it. I’m glad once we got there you could take your time and soak it all in. I’d love to have you out again before you head home. Just book a night and I’ll keep an eye on the forecast for you.
Austin Fisher2026.10.03
Had a great tour. Michael was super helpful, found us a great spot, and taught about camera settings and editing software in order to help make the photos the best they can be.
Thank you! Showing people how to get the most out of their camera, and what a little editing can do afterward, is one of my favorite parts of the night. I’m glad we found a good spot and that you came home with photos you’re happy with. Thanks for coming out.
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Face The Outdoors has 335 reviews on Trustindex, collected from Google, Tripadvisor, Yelp, Facebook and Trustindex.
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Face The Outdoors is rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 335 reviews. 98% of reviewers gave five stars.
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