Illuminating Alaska’s Hospitality Future
Nestled on a remote ridgeline just 25 miles from Fairbanks, Borealis Basecamp has become one of Alaska’s most iconic destinations for aurora viewing and wilderness hospitality. Founded in 2017 by Alaskan owners, the resort was built on a simple but ambitious vision, to connect visitors with the wonder of the Northern Lights through comfort, community, and care.
From its first six glass-domed igloos to its modern Cube suites and locally inspired dining, Borealis Basecamp has redefined what it means to explore Alaska’s wild beauty. Guests can watch the aurora swirl overhead from their beds, mush with sled dogs, or walk alongside reindeer by day, each moment crafted to reflect the spirit of the North: authentic, adventurous, and deeply personal.
As global interest in aurora tourism grows, so too has the need to expand responsibly, ensuring Borealis Basecamp can continue offering meaningful, sustainable experiences for visitors and locals alike.
As Borealis Basecamp is a very unique, special-use property, Northrim Bank turned to the Alaska SBDC’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Tribal Consortium at the University of Alaska Anchorage program to provide additional credit support. With a 50% guarantee in place, the bank confidently moved forward, demonstrating how the Alaska SSBCI program empowers lenders to back bold local projects and fuel growth in the state’s tourism economy. This guarantee helped refinance existing debt originally used to construct the lodge, ensuring stability and improved financial footing for future growth.
Building on that success, in 2025, Borealis Basecamp secured an additional SSBCI 50% loan guarantee, again in partnership with Northrim Bank, to help finance the next phase of expansion. This new investment supports the construction of five additional igloos, two saunas, and new foundations for future igloos, strengthening both the business and the local tourism economy.
The investment is fueling Borealis Basecamp’s continued growth and enhancing its capacity to welcome visitors from around the world. Each expansion phase creates new local jobs and opportunities for year-round tourism in the Fairbanks region.
“Tourism continues to be one of the largest industries in the State of Alaska. While many businesses focus on summer tourism, Borealis Basecamp has found a niche in showing visitors the many things Alaska has to offer, even in the darkest and coldest months of the year. Northrim Bank is proud to partner with SSBCI in a joint effort to support unique businesses with a passion for Alaskan life.” – Cody Beech, VP, Commercial Loan Officer
Today, Borealis Basecamp stands as a testament to what happens when Alaskan vision, local lending, and strategic investment come together. From handcrafted hospitality to unforgettable northern nights, the Basecamp’s story reflects a broader truth: when small businesses have the resources to grow, the whole community shines a little brighter.
