Alaska continues to celebrate its 50th anniversary of statehood this year with travel deals lasting through spring 2010. Here are seven ways to see Alaska:

TAKE A TRAIN

Alaska Railroad's Winter Escape Package between Anchorage and Fairbanks journeys across the land of aurora borealis, arctic blue skies and Denali. The Aurora Winter Train travels northbound on Saturdays, departing Anchorage at 8:30 a.m., arriving in Fairbanks at 7:45 p.m.

From Fairbanks, travel north by day to experience Alaska's Arctic and south by night to scan the northern skies for the amazing Aurora. Or add on a day trip or overnight at Chena Hot Springs Resort for a mineral soak, 60 miles from Fairbanks. Visit the Aurora Ice Museum, the largest year-round ice environment in the world created from more than 1,000 tons of ice and snow. Tour price: $345 per person based on double occupancy and includes one-way rail between Anchorage and Fairbanks, Fairbanks hotel and return airfare. Transfers are included. Weekends through May 9, 2010.

Book the Aurora Winter Train and see other winter/spring rail specials at 800-544-0552, www.alaskarailroad.com.

TAKE A CRUISE

Cruise West is offering up to $1,000 per cabin savings on its 2010 small-ship cruises to Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage when booked and paid for by Nov. 20. Cruises take 78 to 138 passengers to explore smaller bays and inlets and see glaciers and wildlife, as well as to visit native villages where bigger vessels can't reach. Cruises start at $1,699. www.cruisewest.com, 888-361-6621.

TAKE A TAXI

Talkeetna Air Taxi is offering 20 percent off flights that circle Mount McKinley, traverse the Alaska Range and land on a glacier. One-hour tours start at $190. Talkeetna Air Taxi operates daily, throughout the year from Talkeetna Airport, 125 miles north of Anchorage. www.talkeetnaair.com.

SEE THE LIGHTS

Westmark Hotels in Anchorage, Juneau and Fairbanks is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Alaska's statehood with special rates and promotions. Guests can enjoy their fourth night for $59 when reserving three nights at the regular cost.

• Westmark-Fairbanks Aurora Viewing package includes deluxe room for two, breakfast buffet for two, aurora viewing wake-up call, 2 p.m. check-out, map of aurora borealis viewing areas with walking and driving distance to hotel, hot chocolate and cookies while viewing. $95 per room per night, through April 15, 2010.

• Westmark Baranof-Juneau ski package includes room, continental breakfast and two lift tickets to Eagle Crest Mountain. $148 per night, through April 10, 2010.

See more promotions at www.westmarkhotels.com.

HELI-SKI ALASKA

Alaska Powder Descents offers half-day, full-day, weekend and weeklong packages at the Aldersheim Wilderness Lodge near Juneau. The lodge offers easy access to the Chilkat Range and coastal mountains for heli-skiing and snowboarding. Rates start at $450 for a half-day adventure with four runs.

The weeklong lodge package includes an all-inclusive seven-night stay, three full days of heli-skiing or boarding, two days of lift access at Juneau's Eaglecrest Ski Area, use of powder skis, gear-certified guides, pilots and more. Weekend packages are also available.

The lodge is 30 minutes from Juneau by road and open year round. Guests return from the slopes to a bonfire or hot tub and enjoy cocktails and gourmet Alaska cuisine. March and April 2010. Book before 2010 and receive a 5 percent discount per person; groups of six or more receive a 10 percent discount per person. www.alaskapowder.com.

TAKE A FERRY

Sitka National Historical Park, Alaska's oldest federal park, will turn 100 next March. The 113-acre park on Baranof Island on the outer coast of Alaska's Inside Passage commemorates the 1804 Battle of Sitka, the last major conflict between Russia and the Alaska Natives. Once the capital of Russian-owned Alaska, Sitka can be reached only by air and sea and is a popular stop for cruise vessels and the Alaska state ferry.

The park is home to an impressive collection of Haida and Tlingit totem poles, a museum and an active Tlingit arts studio where the public can watch and talk to Alaska Native artists. Also in Sitka, travelers can check out the eagles, owls and other birds of prey at the Alaska Raptor Center. www.sitka.org.

Alaska Marine Highway, the state ferry system, is offering a 30 percent discount for full-fare adults, children and vehicles on "mirror image" round trips through March 30, 2010 (departure to destination and back to departure point). http://dot.state.ak.us/amhs.

TAKE THE TRAM

Hop on the Mount Roberts Tramway and rise 1,800 feet over Juneau, with great views of the nearby Chilkat Mountains and Gastineau Channel. Local artisans and musicians greet you at the summit, where performances and lessons on Tlingit culture are held in the Mountain House. You will also find an observatory, nature center, restaurant, bar, theater and two gift shops. Hike the surrounding trails for outstanding photo ops. $27, $13.50 ages 7-12. Six and under are free $13.50. http://alaska.net/~junotram/Information_Center/information_center.html.