Iditarod Sled Dog Race
Winter in Alaska
March 4 - March 10, 2027
Iditarod Sled Dog Race
March 4 - March 10, 2027Highlights
- See the Start of the "Last Great Race"
- Try Your Hand at Dogsledding
- Walk with Reindeer
- Be on Lookout for the Northern Lights
- Suggestions for additional things to do
- And MORE... See itinerary for details
Itinerary
Thursday, 04 March 2027: Arrive Anchorage, Alaska; Musher's Banquet (D)
Schedule your arrival no later than 1:00pm and take local transportation to the hotel. The tour will begin at 2:30pm in the lobby of the hotel with a Welcome Meeting. We will make introductions and discuss the upcoming week. Afterward, we'll attend the Musher's Banquet, a must for anyone attending the Iditarod for the first time. Overnight Anchorage - 3 nights
Friday, 05 March 2027: Winter Scenic Tour; Free Afternoon; Group Dinner (B,D)
After breakfast this morning, we'll enjoy an overview of Alaska's largest city on a guided sightseeing tour. We'll visit the Port of Anchorage at Ship Creek and visit the Grandma Olga bronze statue. We'll stop at Earthquake Park where a 9.2 earthquake shook the city back in 1964. We'll take in views of the Chugach Mountains and the Aleutian Islands. After returning to our hotel there will be free time this afternoon to enjoy the activities of Anchorage's annual Winter Fur Rendezvous, a winter festival known locally as Fur Rondy or "Rondy." Events such as the Native Arts market, Theater Show, Rondy carnival activities, a snow sculpturing competition, snowshoe softball and firework displays create a festive atmosphere. We will have dinner together this evening.
Saturday, 06 March 2027: Iditarod Start; Running of the Reindeer (B)
Be sure to bundle up as we walk to the "ceremonial" start of The Iditarod in downtown Anchorage. The ceremonial race course is an 11-mile route through Anchorage. Mushers can be seen on the trail along the Glenn Highway to Eagle River. The racers then pack up and head to Wasilla for the official start of the 1,000+-mile-race on Sunday, an event which typically takes anywhere from 8-15 days total. This afternoon you have time to explore as you wish. Perhaps you'd like to see more of Alaska's unique traditions in the city. Your Tour Leader will have suggestions for you. There will also be an opportunity to run with - or watch - the "Running of the Reindeer" down three city blocks of Anchorage.
Sunday, 07 March 2027: Fly to Fairbanks; Ice Sculpture Viewing; Northern Lights Excursion (B,D)
Enjoy a leisurely morning before we take a one-hour flight to Fairbanks. We are here to see the amazing ice sculptures at the World Ice Art Championship. Sculptors carve blocks of ice and with the mixture of pure water and cold temperatures, the ice forms quickly and densely, giving it a glacial blue tint. It is so clear that a person can read a newspaper through a 4-foot block of ice. The sculptors have pronounced Fairbanks’ ice as the best in the world for sculpting. Hopefully the skies are clear because this evening we head out in search for the Northern Lights, a truly remarkable experience if we’re so lucky. Of course, the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed but we’ll still have a grand time. Overnight Fairbanks - 3 nights
Monday, 08 March 2027: Free Time; City Tour (B)
This morning is yours to relax. This afternoon, we see the highlights of Fairbanks on a tour that takes us to the Morris Thompson Cultural Center, home to the history of Alaska Native culture, art, history and more. No visit to Fairbanks is complete without viewing the Trans Alaska Pipeline. While in the magic of winter, we also stop at the famous Santa Claus house. This is yet another "only in Alaska" experience!
Tuesday, 09 March 2027: Dog Sledding; Reindeer Ranch Visit; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
We'll enjoy breakfast together this morning. Be sure to fuel up as we have a packed day of outdoor activities planned. A bit outside of town awaits another uniquely Alaskan experience as we try our hand at dog sledding and walk with nature's most mythical animal, the reindeer! Smaller groups will rotate between the two activities and everyone will have a chance to experience both. Spend time getting to know the dogs and once on the trail, mush a team of Alaskan huskies through the snowy wilderness. Ask your guide about the history, techniques, and subtleties of dogsledding – they are extremely knowledgeable and the close relationships between musher and dogs are especially engaging. Our guided walk through the black spruce forest with reindeer will certainly be memorable. We return to the hotel late this afternoon and regroup tonight for our Farewell Dinner.
Wednesday, 10 March 2027: Return Home from Fairbanks (B)
Sadly, our time together has come to an end. Schedule your departure out of Fairbanks at your convenience. Based on the departure time you provide WTT, your Tour Leader can assist with organizing travelers into small groups so you can ride-share to the airport if you wish.
Iditarod Sled Dog Race
March 4 - March 10, 2027Pricing
Room Share
$3,759.00Single Room
$4,722.00Non-Members
ADD $50.00Status of this Tour
Space Available
Tour Pricing Includes
- All meals and activities expressly listed in the itinerary, PLUS...
- All tipping of local guides and drivers
- Flight from Anchorage to Fairbanks
- WTT Tour Leader to enhance the individual & group experience
- Arranged room sharing with another solo traveler
- Travel Dollar credits (a benefit of WTT membership) toward future travel with WTT
Not Included In The Price
- Airfare or other transportation to and from the tour
- Airport Arrival & Departure transfers
- Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
- Baggage fees on internal flight (budget $40 per bag)
- Any personal expenses or expenditures
- Any pre- or post- tour arrangements
- Any gratuities for the WTT Tour Director
- Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance
Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for This Tour
You have 3 days to cancel and receive a refund. Thereafter, the amount required at time of reservation is non-refundable and the following cancellation penalties will be enforced.
Saturday, 5 Sep 2026: Last day $500 deposit can be converted to a credit for use on a new reservation; thereafter the deposit is forfeited.
Tuesday, 24 Nov 2026: Balance Due. Cancellation after this date but before Sunday, 3 Jan 2027 results in a cancellation penalty of 75% of your Total Tour Cost.
Sunday, 3 Jan 2027: Cancellation on or after this date results in a cancellation penalty of 100% of your Total Tour Cost.
Using Parked Credits: If traveler cancels during the 3-day cancel without penalty period, used credits will be re-parked with the original expiration date(s). Thereafter, cancellation will result in forfeiture of the total amount of parked credits used. If applicable, additional cancellation penalties will be assessed based on date of cancellation.
To Cancel: Should you need to cancel after your space on this tour is confirmed, you must use the Cancellation Form. Cancellation penalties are based on the date we receive your cancellation form. No other method of communicating a cancellation will be accepted.
Insurance Reminder
Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance is not included in the cost of the tour. It is your responsibility to determine the amount and type of coverage you require to recoup some or all of your travel investment, whether you cancel, are unable to complete the tour, or the tour cannot operate. Section 4.0 of WTT Terms & Conditions explains what will happen to your payments in the unlikely event that your tour cannot operate.
WTT is not licensed to sell travel insurance. You can purchase travel insurance from any provider you choose. To get an idea of rates, please go to NTA Travel Protection Plan (Enter 206063 for the "Tour Operator Location #") or TravelGuard.
Iditarod Sled Dog Race
March 4 - March 10, 2027Flights, Transfers & Lodging
Arrival & Departure Information
Travelers will make their own air arrangements as follows:
When searching for flights for this trip, be sure to search "Multi-city" or "Multiple Destinations." For comparison, you may also want to search for one-way fares.
Arrival Airport: ANC - Anchorage, AK (Anchorage Int'l Airport)
Arrival Date: Thursday, March 4. Arrive no later than 1:00pm.
Arrival Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi. Details provided in Final Travel Instructions.
Departure Airport: FAI - Fairbanks, AK (Fairbanks Int'l Airport)
Departure Date: Wednesday, March 10th. At your convenience.
Departure Transfer: Not included. The WTT Tour Leader will assist in organizing ride-sharing based on flight departure times.
When to Book Your Air
Once you have booked your flights (or other transportation arrangements), use the Travel Arrangements Form to send WTT your flight details. Use the same form to update your information should it change.
Airport Transfer Information
Getting from the airport to the hotel (i.e. the arrival transfer) can be a point of concern for some travelers. Locate the "Arrival and Departure Information" -OR- "Want to Arrive a Day Early?" on this page for arrival transfer information.
When arrival transfers are not included: WTT will provide suggestions to get to the hotel in your Final Travel Instructions about 2-3 weeks before the start of the tour. You'll also be able to see who else is arriving at the same time if you want to coordinate ride-sharing to the hotel.
Don't Worry. We're Expecting You: One of the reasons we ask for your travel arrangements is so we know when you're arriving and can approximate when you should be at the hotel. Your Final Travel Instructions will have instructions on what to do and who to contact if your flight is delayed.
Lodging / Hotels
Anchorage: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel
Fairbanks: Springhill Suites Fairbanks
In the unlikely event WTT is unable to provide the hotel accommodation(s) listed, for whatever reason, WTT will substitute similar quality accommodation(s) at no additional cost to the traveler.
Want to Arrive a Day Early?
Worried about possible flight delays? Consider arriving one day before the official tour start date. Many of our travelers choose this optional service. Your pre-tour package includes:
- The room (standard check-in times apply)
- Breakfast the following morning
- Optional activity suggestions prior to tour
$182.00 Roomshare pp $327.00 Single Occupancy
The pre-tour package is an optional service. Rates are established at time of tour posting. Early check-in is solely at the discretion of the hotel and cannot be arranged in advance.
Early Arrival Hotel: This tour uses the same hotel used on the first night of the tour.
Iditarod Sled Dog Race
March 4 - March 10, 2027Destination Information
What do others say about this tour and traveling with WTT?
How Does Room Sharing Work?
On the Reservation Form there are 3 choices regarding room-sharing.
Note: Certain room-types may be unavailable at the time you make your reservation. If a room-type is unavailable the choice will be greyed out.
- Select "Yes, I want to share a room" and WTT will assign you a roommate when Final Travel Instructions are sent out.
- You can specify a roommate by entering her name where indicated. If your named roommate is not on the tour, for any reason, WTT will assign you a roommate unless you pay to have your own room, if available.
- Select "No, I do not wish to share a room" if you want to have your own room. Additional cots apply.
- All shared rooms have 2 beds
- All shared rooms are non-smoking
- No special requests about your roommate can be accommodated
- See "Frequently Asked Questions" TAB for more details
How Active is this Tour?
- 40% Easy
- 60% Moderate (walking in wintry weather conditions)
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
What is the Group Size?
You will be introduced to the WTT Tour Leader when you receive your Final Travel Instructions, about 2-3 weeks before the tour begins.
Learn about your fellow travelers after final payment by visiting MyWTT. Room sharing assignments will be listed in the Final Travel Instructions.
What meals are included and how are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Each day of the itinerary lists the included meals for that day (B,L,D,O). When a meal is not included, the WTT Tour Leader will have suggestions for where to eat.
You do not have to dine alone unless it is your personal choice. You'll most likely be dining with new acquaintances you've made, or you can join the Tour Leader.
Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian and gluten-free dietary requests can be accommodated on this tour with limited selections.
What clothing and items should I pack for this trip?
Alaskan winter weather is cold! Daytime temperatures are likely to be in the mid-teens to 20s with nighttime temperatures in the single digits. Expect temperatures to be lower in Fairbanks. The ability to add and remove layers of clothing as the temperature warrants will enhance comfort. We suggest you monitor weather apps leading up to the time you depart for the most current information.
For This Trip You Will Need—
- Cold-weather outerwear: gloves, hat, scarf and winter coat
- Base layers for adding warmth
- Comfortable, warm shoes or boots with good traction for walking on packed snow.
You May Also Want—
- Single-use hand & toe heat packs
- Snow pants
- Wool socks
- Reusable water bottle
Good Packing Habits—
- Bring what you need to get a good night's sleep, such as earplugs, white noise generator, sleeping pills, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.
- Pack a limited amount of comfortable, casual clothing that layer and coordinate. Your fellow travelers will not mind or even notice – seeing you in the same clothing.
- Pare down your beauty regimen to the bare minimum and always pack travel-sized toiletries.
- Pack medication in your carry-on and pack only as much as needed for the duration of your tour plus a few extra days as a precaution.
What are the luggage restrictions for this tour?
On every WTT tour, our policies regarding luggage restrictions are driven by the requirement that all travelers be able to manage their own belongings without assistance.
- We recommend you bring only one suitcase plus carry-on.
- If you carry a purse, it should be able to be worn across your body to safeguard your belongings while leaving your hands free.
- You are responsible for managing your own belongings. We expect you to take your belongings from the coach to your room and to bring it back to the coach and load it on days we change hotels. We do not provide luggage pulls; they are not safe and are inconvenient. The possibility of steps exist at most hotel entrances.
How much money should I bring on this tour?
What are the tipping guidelines for this tour?
- You are responsible for tipping waitstaff, porters, or other individuals who provide a service to you at the hotel, or other public locations.
- You may want to tip your WTT Tour Leader for an outstanding job. The amount is entirely a personal preference. If you'd like a guideline, consider $8-$10 per day.
Can I transfer my deposit to another tour?
To get off this tour and register for another tour, you must follow these steps - in the order shown:
2) WAIT before submitting your new reservation! You must receive the Cancellation Confirmation email before submitting your new reservation. This can take up to 2 business days. The Cancellation Confirmation email will list the amount of parked credits from this tour that are now available to use on a new reservation.
3) COMPLETE the new Reservation Form and USE the parked credits towards your deposit on the new tour.
Note: If you used Parked Credits to pay the deposit on this tour, these credits cannot be used a second time and are not eligible to be transferred.
What happens if I need to cancel this tour?
Iditarod Sled Dog Race
March 4 - March 10, 2027SPACE RESERVATION REQUEST
If becoming a member and signing up for a tour at the same time, you only need to fill out this form.
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