Coldfoot Airport

Coldfoot AIrport: Your Doorway To The Wilds Of Alaska

Introduction

Ideally situated among the untamed wilderness of Alaska's rugged Yukon-Koyukuk region, Coldfoot Airport (IATA: CXF; ICAO: PACX) serves as a primary transit point for adventurers touring its natural splendor. Coldfoot Airport is an important link between the remote communities of the interior and provides a window to that world.

Airlines and Destinations

Coldfoot Airport scheuldes are here for private flights, charters and air taxis. The airport does not provide regularly scheduled passenger aircraft service, but is used routinely for sightseeing and air taxi flights to nearby destinations such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge or the Dalton Highway.

Number of tourists and flights

Coldfoot Airport is served by commercial airlines flying to and from larger airports in Alaska, but because the airport does not have much space or many facilities other than sheer runway, these flights are limited. Nevertheless, for the community of Coldfoot and surrounding area (and everyone else who needs transportation out), the airport here serves as quite a lifeline.

How to Get Here

Getting to Coldfoot Airport may be difficult, since the airport is located in one of the most isolated areas of Alaska. Fairbanks International Airport, 240 miles (400 km) to the south is the closest major airport. Poor weather can make for unpleasant driving conditions on the winding switchbacks of Alaska's Dalton Highway (popularly known as the "Haul Road"), but travelers from Fairbanks have a choice: Hit up your car rental agency for wheels that will take you straight north and back, or skip time in more temperamental vehicles by booking an air taxi service to reach Coldfoot.

Parking

Parking at Coldfoot Airport is limited to a small gravel lot outside the airport terminal. Effective August 1, Guests are recommended to make transportation arrangements in advance as parking is limited and access times could be long during peak seasons.

Coldfoot Airport is located in a remote area, which means that transportation should be considered as an expensive part of the travel. Renting a car to experience the highway can be costly because the price for fuel and other damage to a vehicle can accumulate to tens of dollars. Air taxi services that are connected with the airport are expensive, and prices can vary based on the size of an aircraft and distance flown. The terminal has a single-story building, which is equipped with a small waiting area, a simple ticketing center, and a brief baggage claim area. Based on the level of operation, Coldfoot provides everything that passengers may need. The airport is small and concise in traffic, so it will not be difficult to navigate through it. The terminal is equipped with information signs, and the personnel are always ready to assist passengers with their inquiries. The single terminal helps avoid confusion caused by different buildings. The airport has basic facilities and services such as restrooms and the area for sitting; that is, however, the extent that the area offers. Due to the location of Coldfoot Airport, there are no restaurants or shops inside the terminal. The travelers may visit the cafe at the Coldfoot Camp, a nearby truck stop, and lodging facility.

Security and Customs

With security and customs being simple at a small, regional airport like Coldfoot Airport. All passengers must pass through a basic security screening, but there are no international flights or customs involved.

Accessibility

Coldfoot Airport is designed to be user-friendly for travelers with wide doorways and level entrances. The airport provides functional restrooms that are accessible as a convenience to all users of Coldfoot Airport located in the common area. Airport staff is also available to help passengers with special needs or mobility requirements.

Travel Tips

WHAT TO PACK

• Clothes in layers for the weather: Coldfoot experiences an extreme subarctic climate, with long cold winters and short cool summers. Have the right gear and clothing with you
• Pack in supplies: It also wouldn't hurt to bring necessary items including food, water and medication as things are rather limited around Coldfoot.

Give Enough Time to Travel

Driving (or being driven) from Fairbanks is usually slow and essentially unpredictable; so it's better if you allow as much time as possible for your potential delays or any unexpected transmission.

Choose your own adventure

In addition to driving the Dalton Highway or booking a flight, visitors can book seats on bus tours that make stops in Coldfoot.