Rate per person: USD $4979, based on double occupancy, peak season departure
This 7-day/ 6-night trip is designed to introduce you to the Iditarod, “The Last Great Race on Earth”. Extending for over 1,049 miles through some of the roughest and toughest country in North America, mushers and their dog teams race from Anchorage to Nome, facing bitter cold, fierce winds and long, lonely hours of darkness. Being a spectator to the race is unforgettable, and though you can’t experience all of it, you’ll get a great taste of the excitement as you learn about its history, how to raise championship dogs, and how to drive your own team—then watch as the pros cross the start line. And as the renowned Anchorage Fur Rendezvous Winter Carnival now coincides with the Iditarod festivities, you can savor two great Alaskan wintertime traditions in one visit!
Alaska Winter Wilderness Adventure
Day 1
Upon your arrival at the airport in Anchorage, your driver will transport you to your hotel. Explore the state’s largest city before having dinner on your own in any number of great restaurants (we’ll have plenty of suggestions for you). Accommodations are at the Hotel Captain Cook, Junior Suite
Day 2
A scenic skiplane flight will transport you to your next hotel and the fourth checkpoint stop on the famous Iditarod race trail. Keep watch for moose and wolves, as well as Mt. McKinley and the Alaska Range. At the Lodge, settle in and relax—or head straight out to meet the huskies and begin your dog mushing training. Accommodations are at Winterlake Lodge, Cabin
Days 3 & 4
Engage in any number of activities at the Lodge. Accompany the guides for a walk along the famous Iditarod Trail in search of animal tracks in the snow, or join in the kitchen to learn the secrets of the chef’s favorite Alaskan dishes. Wine tastings in the early evening explore wine and food pairings. In the afternoon, you might enjoy snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or taking a ski trip around the lake—or hooking up your own team and learning how to mush. There are simple trails around the lake for beginners, with a progression of trails for the more adventurous. Accommodations are at Winterlake Lodge, Cabin
Day 5
Another skiplane flight transports you to Big Lake and the home and kennels of four-time Iditarod champion Martin Buser. You will have the opportunity to visit Martin’s famous kennels before heading south to visit the studio of renowned Alaskan artist Jon Van Zyle. Accommodations are at the Hotel Captain Cook, Junior Suite
Day 6
Wake to the excitement of the race! Overnight, downtown Anchorage will have been transformed into Iditarod headquarters, with the ceremonial start of the great race about to take place. Wander the streets and soak up the energy and excitement of the locals as they muse over who will be the first to Nome. Accommodations are at the Hotel Captain Cook, Junior Suite.
Day 7
Your driver will transport you from your hotel to the Anchorage airport in time for your return flight. Safe travels!
To learn more about this experience please contact one of our travel planners.
