aknards, not to burst any bubbles here, but seeing the aurora is not a sure thing just because you are there in the right season.
We were there for several weeks and never saw them. Best of luck to you in your quest!

This year isn't supposed to be the year. If you look at long range predictions, they peak every 11 or 7 years(something like that). Anyway, I think 2013 and 2014 is supposed to be the year that is peak. I am pretty sure last year was bad.

All this said, I have been seeing on the news that the sun has been really flaring up.

I guess they predict them with some accuracy, but I think it is still very sketchy.

Link to Bettles Alaska website and what I would consider the best place to see it.
http://www.alaska.net/~bttlodge/aurora.html

Here is another place that is easier to get to and less expensive.
http://www.chenahotsprings.com/

I have not been to Alaska in the winter, but I have researched it a lot as it is something I would like to do. The longer you can stay the better you chance of seeing it, of course. I decided to go ahead an post, since you didn't get many responses before. I have seen the Aurora's once here in Oklahoma about 7 years ago. I thought it was a fire at first. It was red, but looked like a wierd fire.

Here is a link that predict them
http://www.gi.alaska.edu/AuroraForecast

http://www.aurorahunter.com/aurora-prediction.php

I'm thinking that something might be wrong at the gi.alaska site.

Here is an intersting AP
http://www.softservenews.com/Aurora-Alerts-to-Cell-Phone-Via-Twitter.htm

Thanks, everyone! This year is actually supposed to be quite good because of the unusually active solar flaring but, obviously, there are never any guarantees. I appreciate your input........

For your viewing pleasure

http://photoblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/23/10217788-auroras-spark-awe-across-the-north

Really do hope you get to see the aurora in person!

Thanks, saige!

You're welcome!

http://tadatop.com/travel/natural/aurora-borealis-in-bear-lake-alaska/

gfreeman,

You answered a post that is 11 months old. Also, the area you mention definately has a lot of aurora activity, but it is far less than the area north of Fairbanks.