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Planning a trip to Shishmaref, Alaska? This remote Iñupiaq village, situated on a narrow barrier island in the Chukchi Sea, offers an extraordinary glimpse into traditional Alaskan Native life and the forefront of climate change challenges. Before you embark on this Arctic journey, let’s talk about how to secure your plane tickets to this unique destination.
With CompareWings, you can easily find flights to **Shishmaref Airport (SHH)**, the critical gateway to the village, from regional hubs like Nome and Kotzebue. We help you compare ticket prices, discover travel hacks for remote Alaskan travel, and make your trip to the Bering Strait region as affordable and seamless as possible.
Shishmaref (known as *Qigiqtaq* in Iñupiaq) is a community defined by its subsistence lifestyle, incredible natural setting, and rich cultural heritage. Located just north of the Bering Strait, the village is an ideal destination for an authentic look into the Arctic. The local Iñupiaq people are renowned for their traditional crafts, including exquisite carvings from whalebone and walrus ivory. The community is also a vital location for observing the impacts of coastal erosion and climate change, making it a profoundly meaningful place to visit. Whether you're purchasing local artwork, experiencing the unique Arctic environment, or learning about traditional subsistence hunting, Shishmaref offers an unforgettable adventure.
If you're looking for the best deals, consider booking your flight to Shishmaref on Tuesday or Wednesday. These days typically have lower fares compared to weekends.
Historically, January and September are the cheapest months to book a flight to Seldovia. December and February can be more expensive due to holiday travel.
Booking flights to remote Alaskan villages requires specialized knowledge. Use these smart travel tips to save more on your essential air travel:
The only airport serving the village is Shishmaref Airport (SHH), a state-owned public-use airport located just south of the main village on Sarichef Island.
All commercial flights to SHH originate from the two main regional hubs, which you must fly into from a major US city (like Anchorage, ANC):
Air travel in the Bering Strait region is handled primarily by regional carriers using smaller aircraft, which are essential for connecting these remote villages. The primary airline serving Shishmaref Airport (SHH) is:
For your connection to Nome or Kotzebue, you may also use carriers such as Alaska Airlines. **CompareWings** displays all the regional and major airline options in one search.
A trip to Shishmaref is focused on culture, environment, and community. Here are the key places and experiences:
Local Carver's Workshops: Shishmaref is famous for its Iñupiaq artists who create intricate sculptures from fossilized whalebone and walrus ivory. Visiting a local carver or the Melvin Olanna Carving Center is a must.
Beach Walk on Sarichef Island: The island is part of a dynamic barrier chain. Take a reflective walk along the shore to observe the powerful Chukchi Sea and the effects of coastal erosion, which are central to the village’s story.
Nayokpuk General Store: Visit the local general store, which serves as a central meeting place, and the Shishmaref Native Store to purchase authentic subsistence foods and local crafts.
Shishmaref Carnival (April): If your timing is right, participate in the annual spring carnival, which often features traditional dog races and basketball tournaments.
Bering Land Bridge National Preserve: While not physically in Shishmaref, the village is in the heart of this vast region. You can arrange guided tours into parts of the preserve, or simply appreciate the stunning geography of the area that once connected Asia and North America.
Accommodations in Shishmaref are limited and non-traditional compared to a city hotel. Visitors should be prepared for a rustic and intimate community stay:
Local Arrangements: The most common form of lodging is renting a room through the **Nayokpuk General Store** or in private homes. This offers the most authentic cultural experience and requires advance coordination with the village.
School Floor: In some cases, arrangements for floor space in the local school may be possible, often for larger groups or during community events.
Nome/Kotzebue Staging: Some visitors choose to stay in the more equipped regional hubs of Nome or Kotzebue and fly into Shishmaref for short day or overnight trips, though this limits the experience.
Contact the City of Shishmaref directly well in advance of your trip to confirm lodging and visitor facilities.
CompareWings is your partner for navigating the complexities of Arctic air travel. Our platform provides the necessary tools and information to plan your journey to the Shishmaref area with confidence.
Begin your extraordinary journey to the Arctic—book smarter with CompareWings
The airport code for Shishmaref Airport is SHH.
There are no direct flights from major cities. You must first fly to a regional hub like Nome (OME) or Kotzebue (OTZ), and then take a small commuter plane, typically operated by Bering Air, to Shishmaref (SHH).
Key attractions include the local Iñupiaq carvers' workshops, the Nayokpuk General Store, and experiencing the unique environment of Sarichef Island and the Chukchi Sea.
No, traditional hotels are not available. Lodging must be pre-arranged, usually through the local general store or in private homes, offering a community-based stay.
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