Here are 10 Things People from Alaska Do That Seem Insane To Everyone Else

Welcome to the Last Frontier, where Alaskans embrace their unique lifestyle with fearless determination! From midnight sun parties to freeze-up swims, residents of Alaska engage in behaviors that might leave outsiders awestruck. Join us as we uncover 10 quirks and customs that showcase the adventurous and resilient spirit of Alaska like nowhere else.

“Ice fishing in subzero temperatures”

Alaskans brave extreme cold to indulge in ice fishing, drilling holes in frozen lakes and rivers to catch fish, showcasing a resilience and love for outdoor recreation that may seem insane or uncomfortable to those from warmer climates.

“Bush flying”

In remote areas of Alaska, residents rely on bush pilots to transport them and supplies to isolated communities and wilderness cabins, often landing on rugged terrain or frozen lakes, showcasing a daring and adventurous approach to transportation that may seem risky or unconventional to those from regions with well-developed road networks.

“Midnight sun parties”

During the summer solstice, when the sun remains visible for nearly 24 hours in parts of Alaska, residents host midnight sun parties to celebrate the longest day of the year, often with outdoor activities like barbecues and bonfires, showcasing a festive spirit and adaptability to unusual daylight patterns that may seem surreal or disorienting to those from regions with more consistent day-night cycles.

“Freeze-up swims”

In some Alaskan communities, residents participate in freeze-up swims, plunging into icy waters as they freeze over in the fall, showcasing a willingness to embrace the cold and celebrate the changing seasons that may seem insane or masochistic to those from milder climates.

“Mushing madness”

Alaskans participate in dog mushing races like the Iditarod and Yukon Quest, enduring grueling conditions and covering hundreds of miles across frozen wilderness, showcasing a dedication to tradition and adventure that may seem extreme or unfathomable to those from regions without a strong mushing culture.

“Homesteading off the grid”

In remote parts of Alaska, residents live off the grid in self-sufficient homesteads, generating their own power, growing their own food, and relying on natural resources for survival, showcasing a commitment to self-reliance and a frontier spirit that may seem daunting or impractical to those from more urbanized areas.

“Aurora chasing”

Alaskans eagerly chase the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, venturing into the wilderness at all hours of the night to witness the spectacular light show, showcasing a fascination with nature’s wonders and a willingness to endure cold temperatures for the chance to see the aurora that may seem obsessive or irrational to those from regions without such celestial phenomena.

“Bear encounters”

In Alaska, residents are accustomed to sharing their environment with bears and other wildlife, often taking precautions like carrying bear spray and making noise while hiking or camping, showcasing a respect for nature and a readiness to coexist with wild animals that may seem nerve-wracking or dangerous to those from regions with fewer encounters with large predators.

“Ice road trucking”

In remote parts of Alaska, residents rely on ice roads during the winter months to transport goods and supplies, driving across frozen lakes and rivers to reach isolated communities, showcasing a reliance on seasonal infrastructure and a willingness to navigate treacherous conditions that may seem risky or impractical to those from regions with more stable road networks.

“Volcano viewing parties”

Alaskans gather to watch volcanic eruptions from a safe distance, marveling at the spectacle of molten lava and ash plumes, showcasing a fascination with geology and natural phenomena that may seem reckless or foolhardy to those from regions without active volcanoes.