Alaska is an enormous place, but no matter where you are in the state, people all seem to know the same things about how to handle life in the far north. New Alaskans seem to pick up the Alaskan style in no time. These rules are things Alaskans just seem to know about living in Alaska.

1. We are ALWAYS ready for adventure!

Alaskans have warm layers, sports equipment, and extra supplies for anything that comes at them — from emergencies to opportunities for fun.

2. It's always ice cream time!

Alaskans devour more ice cream per capita than any other state. We just accept that it's never too cold for this icy treat. Life in Alaska always tastes this good.

3. It's also always beer-thirty!

And who can blame us, with the fantastic selection of locally made microbrews at the neighborhood breweries?

4. Always go out for the lights!

If someone feels the need to text you or wake you from your slumber to announce a northern lights show, it's probably something you don't want to miss. What is living in Alaska like? Seeing these kind of natural wonders!

5. We brake for wildlife.

When our wild animal neighbors are in a conspicuous place, we slow our roll to share a moment with the natural world. After all, that's why we live here!

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6. We hike with our friends

When heading out into the woods, we always bring a friend. Because then, all you have to do when a bear attacks is run faster than your friend! In all seriousness, keeping yourself safe while in the outdoors is easiest when you use the buddy system. All jokes about Alaska aside, the buddy system is a good way to stay safe in Alaska.

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7. We fight the cold by playing in the snow!

We know the best way to beat the winter blues is to get out and play in the snow! We know that skiing, snow machine riding, snowboarding, snowshoeing, dog mushing, or just walking in the gorgeous Alaskan wilderness all help with the winter blahs.

8. We get out in the winter.

Alaskans are frequently flying off to tropical beaches in the dead of winter, but we get sick of the crowds and come back ready for more winter adventures.

9. We are tough. No wimps allowed.

Alaskans understand that we choose to live in a harsh, unforgiving climate and that complaining about the cold is futile. It's just the price one has to pay to live in the wide open spaces and the pristine wilderness. The juice is definitely worth the squeeze.

10. We talk to the birds.

Being so close to nature, the wild birds are always watching and the sound of birdsong is always in the air. Replying is not at all unusual in the far north.

11. We eat wild Alaskan seafood — and snub the rest.

As wild-caught seafood is a major part of the state's economy, most Alaskans are pretty picky when it comes to ordering. Atlantic salmon? Farmed? No thanks, we'd rather head to the freezer for a Copper River red.

12. Winter is for getting cozy.

Everyone forgives each other for not showing up to anything throughout the long winter months. It is just understood that instead of scraping the ice off the windshield and driving through the snow, staying at home is so safe and cozy it often sounds better.

13. Alaskans always lend a helping hand.

If you are in need, especially if the conditions are rough, an Alaskan will lend a helping hand. The unwritten rule is to be nice. You never know when the tables will be turned and your car will be in the snowbank at 40 below zero.

14. We go with the flow.

When the weather rolls in, from bitter cold to fog to relentless rainstorms, it can ruin your plans. Alaskans know that this is just part of the deal and pull out a board game to wait out the storm.

Would you like living in Alaska? Like this post? Check out: 16 Ways Living In Alaska Ruins You For Life and 12 Things You Must Know About Dating Someone From Alaska.

Can you think of an unwritten rule that Alaskans all seem to know? Tell us about it in the comments below.  And if you want to make sure you’re outfitted for Alaska in every season, we recommend checking out REI.