Compared to other locations, our winters are mild - in both snowfall & temperatures. But my area has been under 5-17" for a couple months. 6yrs back, 3' for a month & no one getting in or out for 2wks. I provided bread for the street (4 other families) until the power went out Christmas eve. Now I can bake with a wood oven.
Alaska has had my imagination in its grip since boyhood. 'Glad you got to see it. 'Hope I get to.
The learning curve: big grins. I had kind neighbors here that helped me avoid *some* of the bigger mistakes. As one So Cal to another.