Iditarod Racing Start

We begin our tour with 4 days in Fairbanks; the ‘Golden Heart City’ located just 190km from the Arctic Circle and dominated by Denali, the highest mountain in North America. From this location you will have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking phenomenon, Aurora Borealis, aka the Northern Lights. This tour will give you a unique and privileged insight into the hospitality and culture of Alaskan Natives, and you will learn a little of the history of the time of the Gold Rush. You will also get to experience local outdoor pursuits such as ice fishing and dog mushing, before relaxing in steaming hot mineral springs. In the latter half of this tour we will transfer through the stunning mountain landscapes of the Denali National Park to Anchorage, for the start of the Iditarod, the longest dog sledding race in the world! First organised in 1973, it has earned its title of “The Last Great Race on Earth” by challenging participants to cover 1000 miles of the roughest yet most beautiful terrain on the planet. Participants will cover vast tundra, jagged mountain ranges, dense forests and frozen rivers, whilst combating temperatures far below zero; low visibility and highly challenging weather conditions.
Our access pass will allow us to be present at the draw of starting numbers, and the opportunity to meet with some of the mushers and their dogs.
This tour operates within a minimum number of 6 participants.

Iditarod Racing Start: Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival
You will arrive at Fairbanks where your guide will greet you and transfer you to your accommodation. Arrival is usually in the evening, so you may want to enjoy a meal before getting a good night of rest.

Day 2: Sightseeing Fairbanks
Today will be filled with sightseeing in Fairbanks. Visit the Morris Thompson Cultural Center, Yukon Quest Headquarters, the Museum of the North or just spend some time in downtown Fairbanks. Spend another night in your accommodation.

Day 3: Meet Santa Claus
After breakfast we will head out to Chena Lake for a spot of Ice Fishing, before journeying to the North Pole to pay Santa Claus a brief visit! In the early afternoon we will continue to follow the Chena River to the Chena Hot Springs Resort, where you will have the opportunity to relax in the hot, healing mineral springs. We will make quick stop at the Turtle Club in Fox on the way home for a delicious Prime Rib Steak Dinner, and then spend the night back in your accommodation. There may be the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights, but unfortunately sightings are not guaranteed.

Day 4: Husky tour through the Alaskan wilderniss
After breakfast we will head to Nenana which is famous as the home of Husky Champions! You will learn plenty of information about these incredible creatures, including details about breeding, their nutritional and training requirements. This will act as a pre-cursor to an amazing 20km husky mushing tour through the Alaskan wilderness before stopping in the Monderosa bar for the best Hamburger in Alaska! Once the sun sets we will be able to go across to the Ice Park in Fairbanks to experience the ornate and illuminated ice carvings.
Again, there may be the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights, but unfortunately sightings are not guaranteed.


Day 5: Denali National Park
Today we will leave Fairbanks and journey through the beautiful Denali National Park to Anchorage. On the way we will visit the Iditarod race headquarters, before staying overnight in Anchorage or Girdwood.

Day 6: Winter activities
On this day you can choose to participate in various winter activities including snowshoeing and skiing. Alternatively you can choose to spend the day exploring Anchorage at your leisure. When early evening arrives we will head across to the Mushers Banquet where the atmosphere will be electric as the start numbers are drawn. This evening also offers the opportunity to speak personally to the mushers and ask them about the race ahead.

Day 7: Explore the beauty of Alaska
A day of exploration awaits us. We will drive along the fjord on the Kenai Peninsula to the icebergs of the Portage Glacier where it will be possible to see the natural wildlife including eagles, bears, moose, musk ox and caribou. On our return we will drive up Mt. Alyeska to the Seven Glacier observation deck, where you will be privileged to witness tremendous views of the mountains, glacier and sea. If the weather is in our favour, a spectacular sunset will provide an incredible backdrop to the evening. A delicious dinner at the Summit Restaurant will be followed by an overnight stay in Anchorage or Girdwood.

Day 8: Iditarod starting ceremony
The Iditarod starting ceremony is today. We will have VIP access and be able to witness the huge fanfare which will see the teams leave the start line individually from 4th Avenue. Then you will have the rest of the day at leisure in Anchorage.

Day 9: Iditarod Racing Start - stay exicted
It’s Race Day! We will drive to the race start in Willow where we will be able to give the nervous mushers and their canine teams a great send off as they begin their incredible journey. If there is time we will travel to the trail in Knik where we may be able to see the dog teams as they pass. You will then return to Anchorage where you will then be transferred back to the airport for your journey home. Alternatively you can choose to stay on for additional nights, and we would be happy to arrange this for you. Whenever you choose to depart, you can be certain that you will take with you many amazing memories of your time witnessing the start of the Iditarod, the greatest husky race on Earth.

Please note, this tour is designed primarily so that you have the opportunity to witness the beginning of the renowned Iditarod race. If you wish to participate in a dog sled ride you may be able to do so, but under supervision.

If you are looking for traditional dog sledding tours we have many that can easily be added to the start or finish of this tour.

Important informations: Thanks to the ever changing landscapes provided by Mother Nature, no tours are identical. The sights and sounds you will experience will create new and lasting memories of your time husky sledding. Don’t miss out; book your trip of a lifetime today!
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