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. |
ID04 - Iditarod 2025 | Iditarod Highlights & Alaska Northern Lights
Tour Itinerary
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Anchorage Information
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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. |
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Anchorage | City & Turnagain Arm Sightseeing Tour (Friday) |
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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 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 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. Overnight: Anchorage |
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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. Departing at 9:30 AM, 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. |
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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 take their mandatory 24-hour 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. |
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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). |
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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. |
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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 you can take a guided tour of the Aurora Ice Museum, visit a dog kennel or run your own sled dog team. Join a guided snow machine 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. |
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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. |
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