IDIA02 Iditarod Race Checkpoints Tour

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Code: IDIA02

IDIA02 Iditarod Race Checkpoints Tour in 2025

Are you ready for a truly one-of-a-kind adventure ? This eight-day Iditarod Race vacation package covers the Iditarod Ceremonial Start on Anchorage’s 4th Avenue, a guided tour to the highly active Iditarod Race restart in Willow and two scenic ski-plane flight seeing tours to the Iditarod Checkpoints Rainy Pass and Nikolai. Fly up the Iditarod Trail to the 4th checkpoint at Rainy Pass Lodge. Experience the checkpoint action as the mushers and their dog teams arrive and take care of their huskies. The following day meet the teams again at Nikolai checkpoint, on the far side of the Alaska Range. The culturally rich Native Alaskan village sits on the Kuskokwim River and offers visitors a glimpse how rural Alaskans live and value their heritage and culture. You’ll have a great chance to see the mushing teams from the air ! Witness the “last great race on earth” where only the best can compete in this gruelling 1000 mile race across the frozen Alaskan Wilderness. On request, this trip can be customized.

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Anchorage Snow Sculptures

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 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.

Mushers Banquet Iditarod

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.

Winter City Tour Anchorage

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.

Iditarod Start Anchorage

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.

Iditarod Restart Willow

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.

Rainy Pass Checkpoint

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.

Iditarod Nikolai Checkpoint

Anchorage (Nikolai Checkpoint Day Tour ) ( Overnight: Anchorage )

Morning flight to the native village of Nikolai for another day of up-close-and-personal race action. With a population of 125 people, Nikolai is the first of many tiny native villages along the Iditarod Trail at the South Fork of the Kuskokwim River. The site was a former trading post and roadhouse during the 1899's gold rush This is usually the preferred area were the leading Iditarod dog teams are taking their mandatory 24-hour layover. You spend the entire day within the incredible wilderness area along the trail observing various dog mushing activities and arrival or departures of the teams. Return flight to Anchorage in the late afternoon with our ski-planes. Remaining evening on your own.

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 26 - March 5	$4283	$3718	$3564	$3486	$3176

First Class Hotel Category	Single	Double	Triple	Quad	Child
February 26 - March 5	$5036	$4083	$3831	$3705	$3176

What’s included

7 Nights Comfort or First Class Hotel Accommodation

Local Taxes

Iditarod Restart Tour to Willow

Anchorage City Sightseeing Tour

Mushers Banquet Ticket, Meet & Greet including Dinner

Flightseeing Day Tour to Rainy Pass Checkpoint

Flightseeing Day Tour to Nikolai Checkpoint

Lunch at Rainy Pass Lodge and Nikolai

Anchorage Airport Transfers (Comfort Hotel Category only)

Sightseeing Information

Tour Documentation

Tour Departures

February 26 - March 05, 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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Accommodation

First Class Hotel Category (**** Hotels & Lodges)

First Class Hotels tend to provide additional amenities such as on-site restaurant, Lounge, Bar, Fireplace Seating, Fitness Facility, Swimming Pool / Hot Tub etc. All First Class Hotel Rooms are of higher category and are always equipped with a private bathroom. Most of these Category Hotels are normally located in prime downtown locations or within national parks. These include larger hotel chains are for example: Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, Westmark Hotels, Princess Hotels and Lodges, Clarion Suites, Comfort Inn & Suite. The larger hotel chains are only available in Anchorage and Fairbanks. In case of non-availability of a larger hotel chain, we prefer to book locally owned Premium Hotels / Deluxe Cabins or Cottage for our clients. Please note that First class accommodation may not be available in small locations and in such cases we will then book the best available accommodation.

Comfort Hotel Category (*** Hotels, Motels & Lodges)

Comfort Hotels offer a good amount of essential guest services and are located in downtown locations and/or in/near national park areas. All Comfort Hotel Rooms are provided with private bathroom facilities. Example larger hotel chains for Comfort Hotel Category are: Holiday Inn, Howard Johnson, Guesthouse Inn, Ramada Inn, High Country Inn. As you might be aware, that these hotel chains are not available throughout Alaska. In such cases or/and when we feel that Alaskan owned hotels & lodges offer a better experience, we go with that choice. Cabins and Cottages also considered in this category to make your experience even more ‘Alaskan’. We ensure that all the Cabins & Cottages have a private bath to make your stay comfortable.

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Information

Information

Customizing Tours

All of our tours are flexible and you can add, modify or exchange nights in destinations to suit your timetable and preferred routing. Thus, sometimes it will be necessary to observe ferry schedules, national park opening/closing dates etc. to match certain dates and/or departures. Please check also each itinerary online.

Included Services

Please refer to the appropriate tour page for a listing of included services. Our service generally includes the rental car, accommodation, applicable local taxes, ferry trips as scheduled, sightseeing as per itinerary, a detailed tour description, highway or road logs. Not included are: Meals, tunnel tolls, gasoline, entrance fees, additional sightseeing tours. The rental of a compact car (automatic) is always included in our flexible self drive tour packages. Additional rental days or upgrade to a Mid and Full Size Car, Mini Van or Sport Utility Vehicles (4x4) are available. The displayed upgrade rental rates are always per car (not per person) - and of course for the total length of the tour package. Our advertised rates include all local taxes, licensing fee, airport fee, road tax and unlimited mileage. Rental Car insurance is not included as most US guests can use their own private insurance. A valid driver license and a valid major credit card are mandatory for all individual vehicle rentals and/or tour packages including vehicle rentals. Driving on gravel roads/highways is at own risk. The rental car insurance is void on the following highways Denali Highway, Dalton Highway, Top of the World Highway, Taylor Highway, McCarthy Road, Dempster Highway and all other gravel roads. You will be responsible for any damages. Drivers have to be more than 25 years of age. Contact us if you are below 25 years of age.

Advance Reservation

If you travel during the high season from the middle/end of June until the end of August we recommend booking as early as possible to avoid disappointments with sold out situations in highly frequented national parks and gateways - because the northern tour season is very short. The same applies in/around national holidays. Any hotel accommodation, rentals cars and ferry space must be definitely booked well in advance. Thus, tour operator such as our company may still have space on a short notice. Accordingly it is well worth to contact us.

Travel Month

The last two weeks of May, June and September are perfect months for a vacation in the Land of the Midnight Sun. The weather is usually stable and sunny with almost 24 hours of daylight. July and August are prime travel months and are obviously very busy.

Emergency Assistance

You can contact us in case of an emergency. We have a dedicated 24/7 helpline available for our guests.

Available Room Occupancy / Bed Configuration

Single: A room assigned to one person. Room with one bed (double, queen, king size)

Double: A room assigned to two people. Room with two double/queen beds or a king size bed.

Triple: A room assigned to three people. Room with two double/queen beds

Quad: A room assigned to four people. Room with two double/queen beds The maximum occupancy per room is four. Please request if you require a roll-a-way bed.

We can arrange our self drive tours including 2 rooms and 1 rental car if your group is larger than 4.

Bed and Breakfast (B&B) Option

We can substitute the overnight in a hotel with the overnight in a Bed and Breakfast. In this case breakfast is included. The rate of the first class / comfort hotel class will remain the same. We can only exchange some of the hotels since B&B’s are not available in all locations.

Northern Lights Observation

Because of the long daylight hours it is uncommon to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) displays from mid May until mid August. The Aurora occurs mainly during the fall / winter months from September – April. Please refer also to our winter touring program.

VISA / Identification

The Visa/entry requirements do change frequently. Please check requirements on the appropriate government pages. We are unable to take any responsibility for such information however you will definitely need your passport to cross the US/Canadian Border. Please ask us if your self drive tour enters Canada.

Travel Insurance

We strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance to cover: cancellation fees associated with an outing as well as airfare or other nonrefundable expense in the event you need to cancel a trip; medical expenses incurred on a trip; and the cost of a possible medical evacuation from a trip, canceled flights due to weather. We have made arrangements with our trusted travel insurance provider for you to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance plan. Please contact us for details

Tanja, CA: My family had a wonderful time, all bookings went smooth. The musher's banquet table was well located and one of the highlights of the trip. It was amazing to see how humbly these world class athletes present themselves. I especially loved the fly in to Rainy Pass checkpoint. I am thinking about coming back next year and going up to the Arctic Circle. Do you do any tour planning around the Yukon race in February?

Keith, FL: We have fond memories of every aspect of the Iditarod Race checkpoints itinerary. Our understanding of the Iditarod and its place in Alaskan culture is now greatly appreciated as is our admiration for the mushers, dogs and race personnel. We were very appreciative of the great hospitality and the down to earth views on the Alaskan wilderness at Rainy Pass lodge. I had a great time and Alaska in the winter is definitely worth the trip.