|
This Iditarod vacation package combines the highlights of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, a scenic trip on board the Alaska Railroad to Fairbanks and observing the famous Alaska Northern Lights at Chena Hot Springs Resort. Witness the highly active Iditarod Ceremonial Start in downtown Anchorage, the restart activities in Willow and the extremely scenic checkpoint flight to Rainy Pass within the magnificent Alaska Mountain Range. Travel on board the famous Alaska Railroad towards the magnificent snow covered Alaska Mountain Range to Fairbanks. Chena Hot Springs Resort provides some of Alaska's most perfect and almost guaranteed Northern Lights viewing in a remote wilderness setting just below the Arctic Circle. This is the perfect itinerary for our independent and active travelers who strive to experience some highlights of the Iditarod. Join us and get an unforgettable insight view and first hand race information from the toughest and most popular sled dog race in the world. Our tours are fully customizable. |
ID04 - Iditarod 2027 | Iditarod Highlights & Alaska Northern Lights
Tour Itinerary
Dates | Rates
Options | Extensions
Anchorage Information
|
Day
01 |
 |
Anchorage | Mushers Banquet (Thursday) Welcome to Anchorage! Check in to your hotel, which is located in downtown Anchorage. At 4:00 PM doors open for the Musher Meet & Greet at the Dena'ina Center. The program and Mushers banquet dinner begins at 6:00 PM. Main part of the exciting evening entertainment is the annual banquet fundraiser and drawing for the official start order. The banquet celebrates the mushers who are about to take part in the “Last Great Race on Earth” – the nearly 1,000-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Attendees can help raise funds for the Iditarod via a robust live and silent auction while enjoying a 3-course meal and watching the mushers take the stage to draw for their official start order. This is a must for anyone interested to observe "The Last Great Race on Earth" for the first time. Participants have plenty of photo opportunities, good chances to meet and talk with the Iditarod Musher personally, collect autographs and participate in the auction. |
|
Day
02 |
 |
Anchorage | City & Turnagain Arm Sightseeing Tour (Friday) |
|
Day
03 |
 |
Anchorage | Iditarod Ceremonial Race Start (Saturday) The legendary Iditarod Race starts at 10:00 AM on 4th Avenue in Alaska's largest city. Get up early and observe the start preparations, take close up pictures from about 40 mushers, over 700 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 that was threatening to devastate Nome's population in the winter of 1925. The story of the sled dog relay is a classic tale of adventure and sacrifice, as dozens of dogs and mushers risked their lives in brutal conditions to save their fellow citizens. |
|
Day
04 |
 |
Anchorage - Iditarod Official Race Restart Willow (Sunday) After enjoying breakfast, embark on a motorcoach for a guided journey to the official Iditarod Race Start in Willow. Relish the picturesque drive along the scenic Glenn Highway, pausing briefly in Wasilla. Witness the mushers set off from Willow at 2 PM, launching in two-minute intervals. Immerse yourself in the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of the Iditarod race, observing the mushers' final preparations. As the excitement of Saturday's ceremonial start in Anchorage fades, mushers and their teams face the solitude of Alaska's wilderness on their way to the Nome finish line, nearly 1,000 miles distant. This journey is not without its challenges, presenting potential hazards for both mushers and dogs. Expect to return to Anchorage around 6 PM, carrying memories of the day's unique adventure. |
|
Day
05 |
 |
Anchorage - Flight to Rainy Pass Checkpoint (Monday) Begin your day with a morning flight by ski-plane, soaring over the breathtaking Alaska Mountain Range as you head toward the remote Rainy Pass Checkpoint. Nestled near Puntilla Lake, this checkpoint is one of the most scenic and dynamic points along the iconic Iditarod Trail, marking the transition from Alaska’s rugged mountain terrain to the vast interior. Rainy Pass is a strategic layover for many mushers and their teams, who often rest here to recharge for the challenging journey ahead. The checkpoint transforms into a bustling hub, where you can observe a range of dog-mushing activities up close. Watch as mushers tend to their sled dog teams, feeding, resting, and preparing them for the next stretch through the notorious Farewell Burn area. Lunch includes deli-style options and soft drinks, allowing you to refuel while immersed in the camaraderie and energy of the checkpoint. With unforgettable memories of Alaska’s backcountry, you’ll return to Anchorage by ski-plane in the late afternoon. |
|
Day
06 |
 |
Anchorage - Fairbanks | by Alaska Railroad (Tuesday) Experience the thrill of a full-day railroad journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks! Depart at 8:30 AM and take in stunning views of the snow-covered Alaska Range, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park, arriving in Fairbanks by 8:00 PM. Along the way, watch for wildlife and pristine landscapes that define Alaska's rugged beauty. Transfer to your hotel near the banks of the beautiful Chena River. Fairbanks is the largest city in the interior region of Alaska - just 180 miles south of the Arctic Circle - with a population of about 36.000 people. Captain Barnette founded the city in 1901 setting up a trading post and during 1902 the first gold was discovered. Unwind on your first evening in Fairbanks and gear up for winter adventures in the Last Frontier. From your hotel, marvel at the Aurora Borealis lighting up the night sky, or opt for a guided aurora viewing tour at a lodge north of Fairbanks (10 PM - 3 AM). |
|
Day
07 |
 |
Fairbanks – Chena Hot Springs Resort (Wednesday) In the morning you have time to visit the University of Alaska with its large collection of Alaska artefacts, gold nugget displays and Aurora Borealis information. During the winter month, Fairbanks hosts the World Ice Art Championship, exciting Sled Dog Races and a variety of winter carnival activities. Enjoy the scenic van transfer (60 Miles) to Chena Hot Springs Resort, located in a prime Northern Lights viewing area – far away from any city lights. 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 3 AM. |
|
Day
08 |
 |
Chena Hot Springs Resort (Thursday) 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. In the afternoon take a guided tour of the Aurora Ice Museum (included), visit a dog kennel or run your own sled dog team. Join a guided snow mobile tour around the areas of the resort and have your tour guide show you the remote backcountry. Get a work out by renting cross-country skis, snowshoes or ice skates and cruise around the resort's 440 beautiful acres and scenic trails. In the evening enjoy a delicious dinner at the rustic log lodge restaurant and then join the Snow Coach Tour (optional) or take a short hike for another night of outstanding Northern Lights viewing opportunities. A prow-front heated log cabin with large plate-glass windows facing northeast is open 24 hours per day for guests staying at the resort. It sits high on a hill overlooking the Resort and outdoor rock lake. |
|
Day
09 |
 |
Chena Hot Springs Resort - Fairbanks (Friday) After breakfast spend some time to enjoy the facilities at Chena Hot Springs Resort. Transfer to Fairbanks airport or downtown. If time permits, explore the city and join a winter activity. Flight reservations to your home destination should be arranged preferably after 10:00 AM. Rest of the day on your own and tour extensions are readily available. |
| Rates in US $ / per Person | Single | Double | Triple | Quad | Child |
| March 4 - March 12 | $4194.00 | $3378.00 | $3182.00 | $3085.00 | $2534.00 |
First Class Hotel Category
| Rates in US $ / per Person | Single | Double | Triple | Quad | Child |
| March 4 - March 12 | $4997.00 | $3780.00 | $3417.00 | $3254.00 | $2534.00 |
Departure Days
| March 04 - March 12, 2027 |
Services included
|
Flexible Tour Options - Upgrades & Sightseeing
| Tour Details | Rates in US$ |
| Anchorage: Guided Matanuska Glacier Hike Departure: 8:30 AM, Duration 9 hours |
|
| Anchorage: Alaska Snowmobile Adventure Departure: 10 AM and 1 PM, Duration 3 hours |
|
| Anchorage: Winter Dog Sled Ride Departure: 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, Duration 2 hours |
|
| Chena Hot Springs Resort - Evening Aurora Snow Coach Tour (4 hrs) | |
| Chena Hot Springs Resort - Tour of the Sled Dog Kennel | |
| Chena Hot Springs Resort - Ice Fishing (1/2 day or full day) | |
| Chena Hot Springs Resort - Guided Snowmobile Tour | |
Anchorage Winter Activities
The crystal gallery of ice carving competition kicks off the winter festivities in Anchorage each year. It marks the beginning of many activities to come between January and April - such as the Iditarod and the Iron Dog. The ice carving competition occurs around the first weekend of January and happens in Anchorage’s town square with teams traveling as far as China to compete. Teams are provided with two blocks of ice weighing around 3 to 4 thousand pounds apiece and 48 hours to turn the blocks of ice into a masterpiece. Be careful when going to view the ice sculptures as they are located on an ice rink, literally. Or better yet bring your ice skates along for the adventure. Ice skating is free.
Fur Rendezvouz Activities
Inuit Blanket Toss
The blanket toss competition is like jumping on a trampoline, except the people who are holding the blanket are raising and lowering it to toss a person. This is the game often played at festivals and other Inuit celebrations. The "blankets" for the game are usually made from seal and walrus skins, so it can handle the pounding that results every time a player lands on it after the "toss." The winner is the player who bounces the highest. This game started when mountain men, Inuits and old fur traders used to meet in a pre-arranged place in the early spring each year to trade their winter's kills (furs) for cash and supplies. In the early 1900s, these meetings stopped happening because modern trappers and fur buyers had no use for them. But in the 1930's, a group of people who wanted to preserve their history brought back these meetings in the form of a 10-day celebration where games like the Blanket Toss are played.
Native Arts Market
Featuring over 150 Native Artisans selling and demonstrating their art - from basket weaving, dolls, beading, carving and more! A rare opportunity to meet and greet the artists and watch them create their one of a kind items. The Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market is named for Charlotte Jensen as a tribute to her many years of service and her love of all things Rondy. She was a Past President, Former Lady Trapper, Vern Johnson Award winner, and long-time Board member of Greater Anchorage Inc. since the 1970’s. Charlotte was also Chairperson of the Merchandise Committee and the Native Arts Market.
Miners and Trappers Charity Ball
Break out the costumes and celebrate the 62nd Anniversary of the Miner’s and Trapper’s Charity Ball. Bring your world class beard and extremely tolerant other half to compete in the “Mr. Fur Face Contest,” the Alaska State Championship Beard and Mustache Contest. The Miner’s and Trapper’s Charity Ball has raised several million dollars for local charities and is produced by area Lions Clubs. The Egan Center - Tickets: $30.00 per person
Alaska Trappers Association Fur Auction
The South Central Chapter of the Alaska Trappers Association brings you the finest in Alaskan Fur, continuing its legacy as one of the original events of Rondy.
World Championship Sled Dog Races
With a great big field of amazing mushers from Alaska, Germany, Canada and the lower 48. Sled Dog Races are a Fur Rendezvous classic which began in 1946 and continue today with what is known as "The Rondy." The Open World Championship Sled Dog Race is considered the grandfather of all Alaskan races! The Rondy is produced by the Alaskan Sled Dog Racing Association (ASDRA). Come and witness the sheer intensity and excitement that is the most anticipated sprint race in North America. Endurance, Speed, and agility prove these dogs to be true athletes.
Iditarod View Points in Anchorage
Iditarod fans have an array of spots where they can watch the 62 race teams make their way across Anchorage on Saturday morning. One of the best is at the end, on Campbell Tract in Far North Bicentennial Park. There's parking at the "BLM" Bureau of Land Management Science Center, 5600 Science Center Drive off Elmore Road, for about 500 vehicles as well as shuttle buses to Kasuum Elementary (about 100 spots) and Abbott Loop Community Park (75 spots). After parking, spectators can follow wooded winter trails to viewing areas or use a shuttle to sample different viewing areas. School buses will run a loop route between 10:00 h and 16:00 h With the ceremonial start beginning at 10:00 h downtown, you'll have plenty of time to get a taxi from downtown Anchorage to the viewing areas before dog teams start arriving at around 11:00 h. The BLM staff put a lot of effort into preparing the terminus site to accommodate free public parking and close-up sled dog viewing and the Campbell Tract venue is one of our best kept scenic secrets to watch the musher away from the crowd. Portable toilets will supplement restrooms at the Campbell Creek Science Center, 5600 Science Center Driver off Elmore Road. The center also has hot chocolate and Iditarod exhibits.
Outdoor Activities in Anchorage
Nordic Skiing is available at Kincaid Park, on the Coastal Trail, Beach Lake, Eagle River and along the Hillside.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the ID04 Iditarod 2027 package, and when does it run?
It is a 9-day package with 8 hotel nights. The tour page lists departures from March 04 to March 12, 2027, with Superior or First Class hotels.
What happens each day of the Iditarod Highlights & Northern Lights tour?
- Day 1, Anchorage (Thursday): hotel check-in and the Musher Meet & Greet at the Dena’ina Center from 4:00 PM, followed by the Mushers’ Banquet
- Day 2 (Friday): 3-hour Anchorage city and Turnagain Arm sightseeing tour
- Day 3 (Saturday): Iditarod Ceremonial Start at 10:00 AM on 4th Avenue
- Day 4 (Sunday): guided motorcoach trip to the official race restart in Willow
- Day 5 (Monday): morning ski-plane flight to the Rainy Pass checkpoint
- Day 6 (Tuesday): Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Fairbanks, departing 8:30 AM
- Days 7 to 9: Chena Hot Springs Resort, then transfer to Fairbanks
How do I see the northern lights on this tour?
You spend days 7 and 8 at Chena Hot Springs Resort. The tour includes the Chena Aurora Snow Coach tour (once), a daily hot springs pool pass, the Chena geothermal energy tour and a tour of the Ice Museum.
Is the flight to the Rainy Pass checkpoint included?
Yes. The package includes the flightseeing day tour to the Rainy Pass checkpoint, including lunch, by ski-plane over the Alaska Range.
How do I travel from Anchorage to Fairbanks?
By the Alaska Winter Rail Tour from Anchorage to Fairbanks, a full-day railroad journey with reserved seats. Fairbanks airport and railroad station transfers and the van transfers between Chena Hot Springs Resort and Fairbanks are included.
What is included in the ID04 Iditarod 2027 package?
The package includes:
- 8 nights in a Superior or First Class hotel and local taxes
- Mushers’ Banquet ticket with Meet & Greet, including dinner
- Anchorage city sightseeing tour
- Guided tour to the Iditarod restart in Willow
- Flightseeing day tour to the Rainy Pass checkpoint, including lunch
- Alaska Winter Rail Tour from Anchorage to Fairbanks with reserved seats
- Van transfers between Chena Hot Springs Resort and Fairbanks
- Daily Chena Hot Springs pool pass, geothermal energy tour, Chena Aurora Snow Coach tour (1x) and tour of the Ice Museum
- Fairbanks airport and railroad station transfers
- Sightseeing information and tour documentation
