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IDIA03 Iditarod Race & Fairbanks Aurora Viewing

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IDIA03 Iditarod Race & Fairbanks Aurora Viewing in 2025

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This 10 day tour combines the highlights of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, a scenic trip with the Alaska Railroad to Fairbanks and Northern Lights viewing. Witness the Iditarod ceremonial race start on the snow covered Anchorage’s 4th Avenue, the restart activities in Willow and the extremely scenic checkpoint flight to Rainy Pass within the magnificent Alaska Mountain Range. Fly up the Iditarod Trail to the 4th checkpoint at Rainy Pass Lodge. Experience the race action as the mushers and their dog teams arrive at the checkpoint and take care of their huskies. Travel on board the famous Alaska Railroad via the snow covered Alaska Mountain Range to Fairbanks. View the Alaska Aurora Borealis in all its glory as you gaze upon the Northern Lights far away from Fairbanks city lights - waving across the sky in shades of green, purple and red. Relax in natural outdoor hot springs pool, visit the ice museum, join a sled dog ride and enjoy the many winter festivities Fairbanks has to offer.

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Anchorage ( Overnight: Anchorage )

Welcome to Alaska ! Check in to your hotel in downtown Anchorage. The remaining day is at leisure and you have time to enjoy the many winter festival activities during Winter Fur Rendezvous with: Native Arts Market, Theater Show, Winter Carnival Activities, Snow & Ice Sculpture Competition, Snowshoe Softball Matches and Firework Displays - while the cities gears up for the Iditarod Race Start over the weekend. The statue of the legendary lead dog Balto, located on 4th Avenue, marks the "official" starting point of the Iditarod race. Enjoy a gourmet Alaska seafood dinner with a breathtaking view across Cook Inlet from the Captain Cook Hotel or Simon and Seafort's Restaurant just above the shoreline of Cook Inlet.

Anchorage (City Tour & Mushers Banquet) ( Overnight: Anchorage )

Join a 3-hour sightseeing tour through Anchorage, beginning at the historic Ship Creek's Port. Explore the snow sculptures and scenic Bootleggers Cove, which leads to Earthquake Park. Next, enjoy a scenic drive around Lake Hood, recognized as the world's most active seaplane base. Continue to Turnagain Arm, Beluga Point for a chance to spot wildlife, and Potter Marsh within the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge. Meet at the Dena'ina Center at 4:00 PM with a Musher Meet & Greet, setting the stage for a captivating evening. At 6:00 PM, a gala and fundraiser for the Iditarod begins, featuring live auctions, a three-course dinner, and insightful musher presentations. A highlight of the night is the mushers' drawing of their official race start positions.   

Anchorage (Day at Leisure) ( Overnight: Anchorage )

Enjoy a day at your leisure, filled with diverse winter activities in Alaska. Embark on a 2-hour sled dog tour north of Anchorage, engaging directly with the dogs before heading out on a memorable trail ride. You can either savor the journey in a specialized sled or take on the challenge of guiding it. Alternatively, take a thrilling 3-hour snowmobile ride through Alaska's backcountry, with opportunities to spot wildlife and view Denali. For those drawn to natural wonders, a full-day tour Matanuska Glacier offers breathtaking scenery. You’ll venture across the glacier and discover grand views of crevasses, seracs and unique ice formations. Adventure enthusiasts might prefer a Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise or skiing at Alyeska Ski Resort, each providing unique experiences in Alaska's magnificent landscapes. Choose your adventure and immerse yourself in Alaska's winter beauty.

Anchorage (Iditarod Ceremonial Race Start) ( Overnight: Anchorage )

The legendary Iditarod Race starts at 10 AM on 4th. Avenue in Anchorage. Observe the start preparations, take close up pictures from about 50 Mushers, over 1000 Sled Dogs and enjoy the bustling and exciting race atmosphere before the teams are leaving from the starting line for the "1050 mile race to Nome". Anchorage parks and green belts are providing also a great alternative to observe the race activities. The Balto Statue marks the ceremonial starting point of the Iditarod. Balto was the final lead sled dog in a relay of dogsleds that brought vaccine from Anchorage to Nome just in time to stop a diphtheria epidemic in 1925. The story of the sled dog relay is a classic tale of adventure and sacrifice, as mushers risked their lives in brutal conditions to save their fellow citizens.

Anchorage (Iditarod Race Start Willow) ( Overnight: Anchorage )

After breakfast board the motorcoach for a guided tour to the official Iditarod Race Start in Willow. Leave at 9:30 AM and enjoy the drive along the scenic Glenn Highway with a brief stopover in Wasilla. Continue to Willow where the Iditarod restart ceremony begins at 2:00 PM. Enjoy the busy and bustling Iditarod race atmosphere and the mushers final preparation. For mushers, thousands of cheering fans at the official race restart -- following Saturday's ceremonial start in Anchorage -- now give way to remote Alaska wilderness and the promise of a finish line in Nome some 1,000 miles away, but not before crossing a trail that may prove perilous for both mushers and dogs. Return to Anchorage approximately 7:00 PM.

Anchorage (Rainy Pass Checkpoint Day Tour) ( Overnight: Anchorage )

Morning ski-plane fly-out for a breathtaking flightseeing trip along the Alaska Mountain Range to Rainy Pass Checkpoint along the Iditarod Trail. The gateway to the interior offers truly the most spectacular scenery of the entire Iditarod Trail. Many teams are taking their mandatory 24 hour layover here before venturing via the treacherous Farewell Burn area and into the flat lands of the interior. You'll spend the whole day within the incredible wilderness area along the trail observing various dog-mushing activities and teams arriving and departing. A delicious lunch is served at Rainy Pass Lodge. Return flight to Anchorage in the late afternoon. 

Anchorage – Fairbanks | by Alaska Railroad ( Overnight: Fairbanks )

Depart Anchorage at 8:30 AM for a scenic full-day rail tour to Fairbanks aboard the Alaska Railroad. You'll get fantastic views of the snow covered Alaska Mountain Range, a glimpse of Talkeetna and Denali National Park before arriving in Fairbanks at 8:00 PM. Transfer to your hotel near the banks of the beautiful Chena River. Known as the Golden Heart City of Alaska, Fairbanks is tucked into miles of unexplored wilderness only 120 miles from the Arctic Circle. Fairbanks offers many winter activities; from the Open North Sled Dog Race Championship to the World Ice Art Championship - Ice Alaska. Relax during your first evening and get ready for a few days of winter fun and adventure within the Last Frontier. You may watch the Aurora Borealis at night dancing on the northern sky.

Fairbanks (Chena Aurora Tour) ( Overnight: Fairbanks )

Sleep in late this morning. During the day you have time to join a sled dog tour, go ice fishing or explore the Alaska University Museum. At 5 PM you'll be picked up from your hotel for your visit to Chena Hot Springs Resort, 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks. The large heated mineral indoor pool, the outdoor rock lake (adults only) and numerous hot tubs are providing a great opportunity to soak, swim or rejuvenate until the Northern Lights appear in the evening. Included is the visit to the famous Aurora Ice Museum and Stoli Ice Bar. Dine at the restaurant serving everything from hamburgers to Alaskan King crab, or choose to join the free geothermal tour. Enjoy Northern Lights viewing opportunities after darkness at Chena Hot Springs Resort. Return to Fairbanks between 3 and 4 AM.

Fairbanks (Northern Lights Viewing) ( Overnight: Fairbanks )

Join this morning the Fairbanks & area sightseeing tour - combining fun with Fairbanks history, Alaskan craftsmanship and Alaska winter activities. Your first stop is the Santa Claus House in North Pole where you can shop for Christmas decoration and visit the reindeer. Continue to the Trans Alaska Pipeline viewpoint and the Morris Thompson Cultural Center. Return to your hotel at 1 PM. Rest for the remaining afternoon. You will be picked up at 10 PM for your northern lights viewing tour. Enjoy the transfer to a prime aurora viewing lodge, located in the hills about 20 miles north of Fairbanks – far away from any city lights. Enjoy spectacular 270-degree aurora displays through large picture windows from the comfort of the lodge or outside. Return transfer to your hotel around 2 AM.

Fairbanks

This morning you have time to visit the Alaska University Museum with the States largest collection of gold nuggets, gold mining history and Alaskan heritage artefacts and the nearby Geophysical Institute - recognized as the best in the world for its Aurora Borealis research activities. You may join a Bush Mail Plane Flight to a remote native village above the Arctic Circle. Downtown Fairbanks offers a variety of excellent gift shops and art galleries such as the "Roseberry Art Gallery" with some tasteful items for your friends at home. Stroll through downtown before returning to the airport for your individual flight home. Tour extension is available upon request.

Rates in US $ / per Person
Comfort Hotel Category Single Double Triple Quad Child
February 26 - March 7 $4161 $3365 $3142 $3031 $2381
First Class Hotel Category Single Double Triple Quad Child
February 26 - March 7 $5045 $3807 $3452 $3274 $2381

What’s included

9 Nights Comfort or First Class Hotel Accommodation

Local Taxes

Anchorage City Sightseeing Tour

Mushers Banquet Ticket, Meet & Greet including Dinner

Iditarod Restart Tour to Willow

Flightseeing Day Tour to Rainy Pass Checkpoint including lunch

Alaska Winter Rail Tour from Anchorage – Fairbanks

Reserved Seats

Fairbanks: Chena Northern Lights Viewing Tour

Fairbanks: Aurora Viewing Lodge Tour

Fairbanks City Sightseeing Tour

Fairbanks Airport & Railroad Station Transfers

Anchorage Airport Transfers (Comfort Hotel Category only)

Sightseeing Information

Tour Documentation

Tour Departures

February 26 - March 07, 2025

Matanuska Glacier Walk

The Matanuska Glacier is a stable 27 mile long river of ancient ice. Thousands of years old, this massive glacier is tucked up into the Matanuska Valley. You spend 2 h. on the glacier learning how the glacier has formed the landscape in the Matanuska Valley. Explore blue meltwater pools, the ice formations and deep crevasses that make up the Matanuska Glacier. Walking on ice is slippery fun so our guests are equipped with a helmet, walking stick and cramp on for your shoes. This tour requires a walk of 1.5-2 h. In these winter months, we will actually have the assistance of a snowmachine. Of course, our fully-guided transportation includes a pick up at your hotel in Anchorage as well as water and snacks in the touring vehicle. We will also stop for lunch where we will overlook the glacier while enjoying some yummy Alaskan fare

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Alaska Winter Dog Sled Adventure - 2 hrs 

Experience the ultimate Alaska adventure with our #1-rated Dog Sled tours! Located near the iconic Iditarod restart in Willow - 70 miles north of Anchorage, we invite you to delve into the magic of dog sledding, a quintessential experience in the Last Frontier. From the moment you step into our kennel, you'll be greeted by retired sled dogs eager to share their stories. Every dog is considered part of our family, and this bond is palpable as you embark on your dog sled tour. Witness the enthusiasm and camaraderie as dogs in their prime lead you through Alaska's winter trails, each holding a special place in our team. Join us for an unforgettable outing, complete with outfitting, trail tales, and the chance to ride in a custom sled or even help drive! Be part of the excitement and give our dogs the love they deserve. Tour times are 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM

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Alaska Snowmobile Adventure 

Experience the thrill of riding snowmobiles in the wild backcountry of Alaska with opportunities to see wildlife, breathtaking views of Denali, and of course plenty of charging through the powder. Whether you’re a first-time rider or have more experience, our trails cover a wide variety of terrain from twists and turns to snow-covered forests and mountains that will keep you smiling all day long. Located just over an hour from downtown Anchorage, we have hundreds of miles to ride in Willow. Our tours take you from trail riding to exploring powder-covered fields on the Iditarod Trail, or climbing up the Talkeetna Mountains on Hatcher Pass. We’ll build your skills as we go and help you feel confident to ride like a champ as we get you into the best spots in Alaska! 3 hr Duration. Optional shuttle from Anchorage: add $100 per person

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Prince William Sound Glacier & Wildlife Cruise

A rich variety of wildlife thrives year-round in Prince William Sound, and you can cruise these spectacular waters in the comfort of our spacious heated cabins. Winter is no obstacle to your enjoying the beauty of alpine glaciers, jagged shorelines and towering rocky outcroppings through our vessels' large picture windows. We commonly see Steller sea lions, sea otters, Dall's porpoise, and perhaps even Orca or Humpback whales. There is also a variety of ducks and waterfowl present at this time of the year. Join the 3 1/2 hr cruise to see the massive tidewater glaciers of Alaska at Blackstone Bay and Beloit Glacier - some of the most amazing sights you will ever see. Cruise along Passage Canal and venture into magnificent Blackstone Bay, home to seven glaciers and Yosemite-scale waterfalls. During our adventure you’ll step ashore to experience the natural geology and thick rainforest. Enjoy a snack and hot drink as you reflect on your journey and this magnificent nook of Alaska.

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Jeff, NC: It was a great trip to see the Iditarod Race ! and I got to see the two things I had on my bucket list - the Iditarod and the Northern Lights. I do have a couple of suggestions for improvement from the perspective of an older man with early mobility issues. Your information that you sent was generally excellent, but I never saw any suggestion to bring something like a pair of collapsible ski poles to assist you in walking in snow - especially downhill. It would have made Rainy Pass and Wilson so much easier for me. I am so glad that I got to go and so thankful that my sons were along to provide assistance when I needed. The staff at Chena Hot Springs Resort and at Rainy Pass were simply outstanding in their dealing with visitors. I would definitely recommend your tours to friends.