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IDIA05 Iditarod Race & Chena Aurora Viewing

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  • Code: IDIA05

IDIA05 Iditarod Race & Chena Aurora Viewing in 2025

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Combine two Alaska winter highlights - Northern Lights Viewing at Chena Hot Springs and the Iditarod Sled Dog Race ! The most common place to see the aurora is under the famed auroral oval, a several-hundred-mile-wide, doughnut- shaped ring that encircles the earth’s magnetic north pole. The auroral oval encompasses tried-and-true destinations like Chena Hot Springs in the Fairbanks region. Take the scenic trip on board the Alaska Railroad to Anchorage and join the activities around the Iditarod Race Start. The Mushers Banquet dinner is the annual banquet fundraiser and drawing for the official start order. This is the chance to meet the mushers personally. Experience the bustling atmosphere of the Iditarod ceremonial race start on Anchorage's 4th Avenue and the Iditarod restart in Willow. Please  read  our  itinerary  to  have  more  detailed  day-to-day  experience.  On  request,  this  trip  can  be  customized.

  • Itinerary

  • Prices & Dates

  • Attractions & Add-ons

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Fairbanks (Overnight: Fairbanks )

Arrive in Fairbanks. Complimentary transfer to your first class hotel near the banks of the beautiful Chena River in downtown Fairbanks. 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 in Fairbanks 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 and/or enjoy a dinner at the popular Pump House fine dining restaurant.

Fairbanks – Chena Hot Springs Resort ( Overnight: Chena Hot Springs Resort )

Morning on your own: explore the city and check out the winter activities or visit the famous Alaska University Museum with the States largest collection of gold, gold mining history and Alaskan heritage. Afternoon transfer to Chena Hot Springs Resort - a prime Northern Lights viewing area in the hills about 60 road miles northeast of Fairbanks. Tonight join the spectacular snow coach tour to see the aurora up close (included). From the resort you travel 30 minutes to the top of a ridge (2600 ft) where no city lights interfere the aurora. After arriving on top you can step inside the heated Mongolian Yurt to warm up and enjoy a hot beverage. For the next few hours you can always step outside and enjoy spectacular 360-degree Aurora displays. Return to the resort at around 2:00 AM.

Chena Hot Springs Resort ( Overnight: Chena Hot Springs Resort )

Relax in the large heated mineral indoor pool, the outdoor rock lake and in numerous hot tubs – which are providing a great opportunity to soak or swim until the Northern Lights are appearing in the evening again. You have plenty of time to go dog sledding, visit a sled dog kennel tour, try snowmobiling or join a tour of the Ice Museum. Dinner (optional) at the rustic log lodge restaurant and then take a short walk to a heated cabin for another night of outstanding Northern Lights viewing opportunities. The resort is also known for its healthy outdoor opportunities in the pristine wilderness of Alaska´s great Interior - first discovered by gold prospectors at the turn of the century. In 1912, the geothermal area was the premier place to soak - for residents of the booming town Fairbanks.

Chena Hot Springs Resort - Fairbanks ( Overnight: Fairbanks )

After breakfast spend some time to enjoy Chena Hot Springs Resort facilities. Transfer to your hotel in Fairbanks. Rest of this day at leisure. Fairbanks offers a variety of excellent gift shops and galleries such as the "Roseberry Art Gallery" with some tasteful gifts for your friends at home. If you travel during February or March - Fairbanks hosts the World Ice Art Championships, exciting professional Sled Dog Races and a variety of other winter carnival activities. Optional: Evening transfer from your hotel to a prime Northern Lights viewing lodge 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 a heated cabin or outside.

Fairbanks - Anchorage | By Alaska Railroad ( Overnight: Anchorage )

Transfer to the Fairbanks rail station and departure at 8:30 AM for a very scenic full-day rail tour to Anchorage. All seats within the comfortable train compartments are pre-reserved and the staff takes care of your entire luggage. Enjoy the ride ! You'll get fantastic and breathtaking views of the snow covered Alaska Mountain Range with its towering 20.320 feet high Mt. Denali. Short stopovers are at Denali National Park and Talkeetna before arriving in Anchorage in the evening at 8:00 PM. Check in to your downtown hotel.

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

Morning at leisure in/around Anchorage. Time for your last shopping activities or have a delicious seafood lunch in one of Anchorage's top restaurants. Spend some time at the Alaska Native Heritage Center: the Gathering Place is center stage for Alaska Native dancing, compelling Native Games demonstrations and intriguing storytelling. The Hall of Cultures features exhibits and demonstrating Alaska Native artists. Visitors discover more about each of the five major culture groups through engaging exhibits. Check out of your hotel and individual transfer to the airport.

Rates in US $ / per Person
Comfort Hotel Category Single Double Triple Quad Child
February 22 - March 3 $2912 $2046 $1808 $1690 $1106
First Class Hotel Category Single Double Triple Quad Child
February 22 - March 3 $3799 $2489 $2119 $1934 $1106

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

Daily Hot Springs Pool Pass (Admission to the outdoor natural hot springs rock lake (ages 18+), hot tub, interior pool and hot tubs)

Geothermal Energy Tour

4-hr Aurora Snow Coach Tour

Alaska Winter Rail Tour from Fairbanks - Anchorage

Reserved Seats

Fairbanks Airport & Railroad Station Transfers

Van Transfers between Chena Hot Springs Resort - Fairbanks

Anchorage Airport Transfers (Comfort Hotel Category only)

Sightseeing Information

Tour Documentation

Tour Departures

February 22 - March 03, 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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Marc, CA: We have just returned home from a great trip to Alaska. Our vacation started with the stay at Chena Hot Springs Resort. Chena offers so much.. hot springs (guaranteed to warm you up), dog sledding - and the kennel tour was FABULOUS, an ice hotel and bar, geothermal energy in action, green houses. The train ride to Anchorage was another highlight of our trip. Don't miss the ceremonial start in Anchorage, it is quite the extravaganza! The sleds and their mushers depart from the ceremonial start line in downtown Anchorage 1 by 1, to pass by the crowds lining the street to see them off. Great fun watching each team go by. And don't miss the ""Running of the Reindeer" later in the afternoon!