To AZ, in response to your question about the trip to Alaska. I have never done it and I don't know anyone who has. I would not recommend taking the Crossfire on the trip though. Too many long stretches of nothing and not a tire shop for hundreds of miles!! As Calgary has the luxury of having the Rocky Mountains only about an hour away, most will head west for vacation. As you mentioned about the cold in the winter going North isn't usually an option. I perfer to vacation in the winter in Cuba.