Immersive Iditarod Experience

A Winter Wonderland FUN Glacier Adventure❄️  

March 3-9, 2026
7 Days / 6 Nights

Overall Trip Highlights

• Experience the Iditarod Up Close: Witness the excitement of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, one of the world’s most iconic sporting events, from prime viewing spots.
• Meet the Mushers: Enjoy exclusive opportunities to meet the brave mushers and their incredible sled dogs, learning about their stories and race preparation.
• Snowy Adventures Await: Immerse yourself in Alaska’s stunning winter landscape with activities like snowshoeing, dog sledding, and scenic walks through snow-covered trails.
• Chance at Northern Lights Viewing: Take advantage of Alaska’s dark winter skies to witness the spectacular Northern Lights dancing above you—a truly unforgettable experience. Of course this is weather based. 
• Authentic Alaskan Cuisine: Savor delicious local dishes, including fresh-caught seafood and hearty comfort food, with specially arranged dining experiences that highlight Alaska’s culinary traditions.
• Dog Sledding Adventure: Feel the thrill of riding a dog sled across snowy trails, guided by skilled mushers who will share their knowledge and passion for this unique mode of travel.
• Cultural Exploration: Discover the rich culture and history of Alaska.
• Wildlife Spotting Opportunities: Keep an eye out for Alaskan wildlife, including moose, eagles, and more in their natural habitat as you explore the breathtaking surroundings.

The Last Great Race on Earth

You can’t compare it to any other competitive event in the world! A race covering  1000 miles of the roughest, most beautiful terrain Mother Nature has to offer. She throws jagged mountain ranges, frozen river, dense forest, desolate tundra and miles of windswept coast at the mushers and their dog teams. Add to that temperatures far below zero, winds that can cause a complete loss of visibility, the hazards of overflow, long hours of darkness and treacherous climbs and side hills, and you have the Iditarod. A race extraordinaire, a race only possible in Alaska.

*Itinerary is subject to change

Day One: Arrival Day – Welcome to Alaska!

As your plane descends into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, the breathtaking Alaskan landscape unfolds below—a pristine winter wonderland that seems straight out of a postcard. After a warm welcome and a smooth check-in at your downtown Anchorage hotel, the crisp air invites you to explore. If time permits, wander through Anchorage’s charming streets, where local shops offer unique treasures, and snow sculptures transform the town into a magical, frozen gallery. As the day draws to a close, gather with new friends at the Crush Bistro, for an unforgettable first night in Alaska. For the early birds, Suzanne and Mercy have plenty of add-on suggestions to make your arrival day even more special.

Highlights:

• Fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport mid-day: Your Alaskan adventure begins as you land in this stunning winter landscape.
• Airport pick-up and check-in to your downtown Anchorage hotel: Enjoy a smooth transition from travel to relaxation with our convenient pick-up service and cozy hotel accommodations.
• Tour downtown Anchorage and enjoy local shops: If time allows, immerse yourself in the charm of Anchorage’s downtown, filled with unique Alaskan crafts and souvenirs.
• Stroll around a winter wonderland of Snow Sculptures: Explore the city’s sparkling galleries, where intricate snow sculptures create a magical atmosphere.
• Welcome dinner at Crush Bistro
• Early Arrival Add-Ons: For those arriving early, Suzanne and Mercy are ready with exciting suggestions to make the most of your extra time in Anchorage.

Did you know? Anchorage is home to nearly 250 miles of trails, and on a clear day, you can see Mount Denali, North America’s tallest peak, from various spots in the city!

Day Three and Four: Rainy Pass Lodge Dog Sled Immersion

The adventure deepens as you begin with an early riser snowy coffee walk, where the serene, snow-covered landscape sets the tone for an exhilarating day ahead. Soon, you’ll embark on a thrilling flight to Rainy Pass Lodge, landing on a frozen lake in a small bush plane equipped with skis. As one of the most iconic checkpoints of the Iditarod, Rainy Pass Lodge is nestled within some of the most scenic and treacherous parts of the 1,049-mile trail, making you feel like a true part of the race. The air buzzes with excitement as mushers and their teams arrive at the checkpoint, having conquered 140 miles of rugged terrain. During your stay, immerse yourself in the thrill of the race and indulge in wine and beer tasting, live music by Alaskan musician Ken Peltier, and rides in a vintage 1924 Model-T Snow Mobile. A special presentation from a race judge offers insider insights, while a fireworks display lights up the night sky. If luck is on your side, you’ll be awakened to witness the magical Northern Lights dancing above the lodge. As the mushers press on, your days are filled with snowy adventures, from snow machining along the Iditarod trail in search of lost dog booties to snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and more—creating a winter wonderland experience you’ll never forget.

Highlights:

• Early Riser Snowy Coffee Walk: Start your day with a peaceful stroll through the snowy landscape, coffee in hand, soaking in the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.
• Fly to Rainy Pass Lodge and land on a frozen lake: Feel the thrill of adventure as you soar over Alaska’s wilderness and land on a frozen lake in a bush plane equipped with skis.
• Rainy Pass Lodge Iditarod Checkpoint: Immerse yourself in the heart of the Iditarod at this iconic checkpoint, where you’ll witness mushers and their dogs push through one of the race’s most challenging sections.
• Watch all the excitement of the dog sleds arriving: Be part of the action as dog sled teams arrive at the checkpoint after 140 grueling miles on the trail.
• Wine and Beer Tasting: Relax and unwind with a tasting of local wines and beers, adding a touch of indulgence to your Alaskan adventure.
• Live Music from Alaskan Musician Ken Peltier: Enjoy an intimate performance by Ken Peltier, whose music captures the spirit of Alaska.
• Rides in a 1924 Model-T Snow Mobile: Take a ride in a piece of history with a spin in this vintage snow mobile, adding a nostalgic twist to your trip (weather/conditions permitting) 
• Special Presentation from the Race Judge: Gain unique insights into the race with a special presentation from an Iditarod race judge.
• Fireworks Display: Watch the night sky light up with a stunning fireworks show, adding sparkle to your evening at Rainy Pass Lodge.
• Wake-Up List for Northern Lights Viewing: Cross your fingers as you’re added to the wake-up list for a chance to see the awe-inspiring Northern Lights.
• Wide Variety of Activities: After the mushers pass through, explore the winter wonderland with snow machining, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, sledding, and even searching for shed moose and caribou antlers.

Did you know? Rainy Pass Lodge, the oldest hunting lodge in Alaska, is a true wilderness retreat, accessible only by plane, and serves as a crucial checkpoint for mushers braving the Iditarod’s most challenging terrain.

Day Five: Explore Alaska’s Backcountry and the Talkeetna Mountains

Your final morning at Rainy Pass begins with a leisurely breakfast, followed by a last-minute exploration of this enchanting wilderness. As you pack up, savor the memories made before boarding a charter scenic flight back to Anchorage, where stunning aerial views remind you of the vast beauty of Alaska. Upon arrival, you’ll head to Glacier Suites in Palmer. 

After long days in Rainy Pass enjoy some downtime and a long shower before heading out to dinner at local Palmer favorite, Palmer Ale House. 

Highlights:

• Breakfast and last-minute exploration at Rainy Pass: Enjoy a final morning in the wilderness with a hearty breakfast and a chance to explore Rainy Pass Lodge one last time.
• Charter scenic flight back to Anchorage: Experience the thrill of a scenic flight over Alaska’s majestic landscapes as you return to Anchorage.
• Head to Glacier Suites in Palmer
• Dinner at local ale house: After a few days packed with adventure, relax with a chill dinner at Palmer Ale House followed by and early night enjoying the cozy ambiance of Glacier Suites.

Did you know? The Talkeetna Mountains are known for their dramatic landscapes and rich history, once serving as a popular gold mining area during Alaska’s gold rush in the late 1800s.

Day Six: Once-in-a-Lifetime Excursion to the Terminus of the Matanuska Glacier

The day begins with a hearty breakfast at the locally owned Noisy Goose, where the welcoming atmosphere and delicious food set the tone for the adventure ahead. After breakfast, you’ll embark on a guided tour to the Matanuska Glacier, a breathtaking natural wonder that spans 4 miles wide and 27 miles long. As you traverse the glacier, your guides will share fascinating insights about this majestic ice formation, the largest glacier accessible by car in Alaska. The journey along the Glenn Highway, a nationally designated Scenic Byway, offers stunning views of the Chugach and Talkeetna mountain ranges, making this excursion truly unforgettable. After exploring the glacier, you’ll head into Palmer for a leisurely stop at a few local boutiques, perfect for finding unique Alaskan treasures. The day concludes with a final dinner together as a group at the Fabulous Feather and Flower, where you’ll share stories, laughter, and memories from this incredible journey.

Highlights:

• Breakfast at the Locally Owned Noisy Goose: Start your day with a satisfying meal at this beloved local spot, known for its warm hospitality and delicious offerings.
• Guided Tour of the Matanuska Glacier: Explore the awe-inspiring Matanuska Glacier with expert guides who will narrate the journey, offering insights into the glacier’s history and the surrounding landscape.
• Matanuska Glacier – Largest Glacier Accessible by Car in Alaska: Witness the grandeur of the Matanuska Glacier, the largest glacier you can reach by car, offering unparalleled views of the Chugach and Talkeetna mountain ranges.
• Scenic Drive Along the Glenn Highway: Enjoy a picturesque drive along the Glenn Highway, a nationally designated Scenic Byway, with breathtaking views at every turn.
• Explore Local Boutiques in Palmer: Take a relaxed stroll through Palmer, stopping at charming local boutiques to pick up unique souvenirs and gifts.
• Final Dinner at the Fabulous Feather and Flower: Celebrate the end of your Alaskan adventure with a memorable final dinner, surrounded by new friends and the beauty of Alaska.

Did you know? The Matanuska Glacier is not only the largest glacier accessible by car in Alaska, but it also moves about a foot per day, constantly reshaping the landscape and offering a unique view every time you visit!

Day Seven: Farewell Alaska and Until We Meet Again, New Friends!

As the sun rises on your final day in Alaska, we will take a relaxed morning getting loaded up for our trip back to Anchorage. After a coffee stop we will head to Anchorage for our goodbye brunch at South Restaurant and Coffee House where we can share highlights from the trip. It’s a moment to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve shared—the breathtaking landscapes, thrilling adventures, and the warm camaraderie that blossomed along the way. This trip has been more than just an exploration of Alaska; it’s been about building connections and creating memories with new friends who now feel like old ones. As we head to the airport to catch your flights, there’s a sense of anticipation, not just for the next adventure, but for the day when you’ll meet again. Alaska has given you more than just stories to tell—it’s given you friends for life and an unforgettable experience that will always bring a smile to your face.

Did you know? Many travelers leave Alaska with a piece of its magic in their hearts, and it’s not uncommon for friendships formed on these adventures to lead to future travels together, continuing the journey of exploration and connection.

Note: This itinerary serves as a general guide to what we will be doing, seeing, and eating, with the final version provided approximately two weeks prior. The published itinerary is an example and may be adjusted to include accommodations, tours, or restaurants of comparable quality to ensure the best experience.