Winter Iditarod Tour

Our local Alaskan guides will lead you through the festival’s must-see moments, with insider opportunities to meet the Iditarod mushers, dog-guided sled riding, aerial vistas from Mt. Alyeska, wildlife viewing, and (of course) an abundance of opportunity to partake in the Iditarod race, festivities, and native demonstrations.

Winter Iditarod Tour Itinerary

Titled the “Number One Winter Carnival in the World” by National Geographic Traveler, this seasonal Iditarod special offers 6 days and 5 nights of spectacle. Our local Alaskan Guides will lead you to locally renowned sites in Anchorage, Wasilla, Willow, Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Girdwood and Seward.

Our local Alaskan guides will lead you through the festival’s must-see moments, with insider opportunities to meet the Iditarod mushers, dog-guided sled riding, aerial vistas from Mt. Alyeska, wildlife viewing, and (of course) an abundance of opportunity to partake in the Iditarod race, festivities, and native demonstrations.

Unwind with this Iditarod-focused tour where your comfort and safety is our priority.

Day 1 - Wednesday, 2020 - - Anchorage: (Meals Provided: None)

With beautiful scenery and wildlife right in town, Anchorage provides visitors with an undeniable charm. The 24-hour shuttle will take you straight to your downtown hotel where you have easy access to artisan shops and local cuisine. A short walk out of downtown can land you on a variety of trails, most notably the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, which allows for seasonal sightings of beluga whales or moose and winter sport.

The Fur Rendezvous presents many opportunities to partake in local events: the Native Arts Market, Theater Show, Winter Carnival Activities, Snow Sculpting Competition, Snowshoe Softball Matches and Firework Displays are just a samples of the festivities. As the city gears up for the Iditarod Race over the weekend, Anchorage becomes animated with whimsical, cultural, and historical revelry.

Day 2 - Thursday, 2020 - - Anchorage & Mushers Banquet: (Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Dimond Center Mall has transformed for the festivities with artisan vendors and demonstrations of native art—basket weaving, dolls, beading, carving and more. The Fur Rendezvous presents a limited opportunity to obtain artisan, Alaskan artifacts, and Wild Berry Products, the Ulu Factory, and Alaska Fur Company offer visitors a sample of the handicraft that Alaska provides.

In the evening, the Musher’s Banquet, Drawing and Dinner will be your only chance to spend one-on-one time with Iditarod mushers before they head out on the trail. For first-time viewers of the “Last Great Race on Earth,” attending the Musher’s Banquet is an obligation. (Dress: Casual; Doors open at 5:00 P.M.; Dinner begins at 6:00 P.M.)

Day 3 - Friday, 2020 - - Willow & Vern Halter's Kennel: (Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

A first-hand mushing experience awaits at Vern Halter's Kennel. Vern’s personable approach means you get to interact with the dogs and compound while learning the knowledge and history of mushing. Vern’s presentation includes an overview of survival gear and tactics, mushing requirements and hands-on experience riding on an extended sled dog ride.

Returning to Anchorage, the Auction and Dinner at the Millennium Hotel provides bidders an opportunity to win an 11 mile ride, basket-side at the start of the Iditarod. Afterwards, enjoy another night at Lake Lucille B&B.

Day 4 - Saturday, 2020 - - Start of the Iditarod Race & Anchorage: (Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

The famous Iditarod Race begins at 10:00 A.M. with over 80 mushers and 1,000 sled dogs lined up and ready to bolt. The race grounds are energized with the revelry of thousands of spectators eager to visit and inspire the morale of the mushers. Individual teams separate themselves through colorful coats and bandanas that characterize their party, providing optimal opportunities to capture the merrymaking as the mushers form the starting line for the 1049 mile race to Nome.

Afterwards, a stop at Iditarod Race Headquarters grants an opportunity to study Alaskan heritage and culture and the role of the trail as a trade and delivery route. Once a lifeline to medication, supply and post from the mainland, today the headquarters chronicle the traditions and history of mushing.

Day 5 - Sunday, 2020 - - Anchorage & Iditarod Re-Start Race in Willow: (Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

The restart ceremony in Willow provides an additional opportunity to immerse yourself in the joy of the Iditarod. Artisan handicrafts and demonstrations are arranged through the Willow Community Center, and the restart allows you to observe the volunteers as they prepare for the race.

On clear days you can see the peaks of Mt. McKinley overlooking the frozen race grounds, as the mushers arrive and prepare for the race to resume. Enjoy the invigorated spirit of the bustling race as the musher’s prepare for the final stretch of their 1049 mile trip through Alaska’s backcountry.

Day 6 - Monday, 2020 - - Anchorage, Girdwood & Wildlife Conservation Center: (Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Driving the Turnagain Arm presents memorable sights with colossal sloping mountain spires echoed across the horizon, while wildlife viewing possibilities exist en route. Lunch is held in the resort town of Girdwood before taking the tram to the top of  Mt. Alyeska, providing aerial views of far-off glaciers and deep peaks of the Chugach Mountains from all directions. While it may be hard to take your eyes off the horizon, it’s possible to see bald eagles in the canopy of the trees.

Afterwards, Big Game Alaska Conservation Center provides first-hand sights of some of Alaska’s renowned wildlife. After learning about the center’s mission and the animals that reside, a visit to Seward's Sealife Center, a $56 million project towards study and restoration of Alaska's marine wildlife provides opportunity to view harbor seals and sea lions, or partake in live exhibits.

Our trip culminates with our return to Anchorage. It’s advised to book return flights for after 8:00 P.M. for ample time to make your flight. Those with next day flights* will enjoy the opportunity to partake in last-minute Iditarod revelries in downtown Anchorage before their next day return. (Overnight lodging in Anchorage not included).

Included in this Tour *All lodging *All transportation including flight seeing, van & boat *All park and entrance fees *National & State Park Fees *All activities except those stated as optional *Complimentary beverages, water, soda or juice *Some breakfasts & lunches where listed.

Not included in this Tour Not included is Airfare from your home to Anchorage, and some of your meals.