Iditarod Official Start Tour

Arrive into Anchorage and transfer to your hotel on your own. Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city, nestled between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. Offering an abundance of shopping, cultural attractions, and gourmet restaurants, Anchorage provides an excellent start to your vacation. Overnight in Anchorage.

Day at leisure in Anchorage today. Enjoy the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Dog Sled Race in downtown Anchorage. Overnight in Anchorage.

Today, depart in the morning for Willow Lake, the location of the official start of the Iditarod. Spend the day cheering on the mushers and their teams as they start the long journey north. You will have access to hot food and drinks in a warm up tent along the trail start and a great view of the action. Return in the evening to overnight in Anchorage.

Today travel south from Anchorage along the scenic Turnagain Arm to the mountain community of Girdwood. Take the Aerial Tramway up Mt. Alyeska and enjoy breath-taking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and hanging glaciers. Before returning to Anchorage, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Alaska's wildlife.

OR upgrade your program with the following fly-out excursion to a check point of the Iditarod Trail (additional cost): Depart in the morning on a ski plane and fly over beautiful winter scenery and part of the Iditarod trail. Cheer on mushers as they are coming through the check point and experience the real race first hand. Lunch is included.

Return in the afternoon for an overnight in Anchorage.

Today is your turn to try out dog mushing. After a scenic drive north to dog mushing country, you will get an introduction into mushing your own team. Help harness the dogs before setting out on a 5-mile self drive mini expedition! Two guests will share one dog sled and a small dog team of 4-7 Alaskan huskies. After 2.5 miles, stop for photos with your dog team and to alternate from standing to riding on the passenger bench. Upon return to the kennel, reward the dogs with some treats and enjoy a lunch yourself. Overnight in Anchorage.

Depending on your departure time, you might have free time for some souvenir shopping or additional excursions. Transfer to the airport on your own. Depart or start an additional program.