Anchorage Travel Forum

We spent last summer in Alaska and ABSOLUTELY LOVED it and so now we are going back to Anchorage for the start of the Iditarod. We spent most of our time during the summer on the coast, Denali, or just driving around and not much actual time in Anchorage. Realizing driving will be a problem this time of year, I am looking for interesting things to do around Anchorage or tours/transportation to other interesting places (don't really know what's possible this time of year). Would a train ride (as opposed to driving icy roads) be a good choice for viewing Alaskan winter scenery? Other than renting a car, is there any transportation from Anchorage to Wasilla for the restart? Are there any Iditarod or Fur Rondy festivities that we should see or do? Any reasonable air flights to watch part of the Iditarod? Any chance of riding on a dog sled this time of year? Any suggestions on viewing places for the Northern Lights? Restaurant suggestions? We live in Florida, so I don't think long snowy hikes would be a good choice for us!
We only have 10 days and want to make the most of it, but unfortunately price is also a concern! Any and all suggestions will be appreciated.

The Alaska Railroad is a great way to see the winter scenery. The winter train Aurora goes north from Anchorage to Fairbanks on Saturdays, and returns on Sunday. You could take the train to Wasilla (kind of a short trip) Saturday am and return to Anchorage Sunday pm.

There is also the Hurricane train, which makes an 11 hour roundtrip from Anchorage to Hurricane and back each Thursday. Both directions stop in Wasilla.

try this site:
http://www.alaskarailroad.com/arrc18.html#51


Heres a site for flightseeing the Ititarod:
http://www.skytrekkingalaska.com/idititin.html

If you want more of an adventure, consider flying to McGrath, Unalakleet, or Nome.

Mike

Driving is NOT a problem if you understand your limitations, your car's limitations and exercise a tiny bit of common sense. I drive the roads you are referencing on a daily basis and it is usually 4-wheel drives and SUVs that end up in the ditch. The drivers believe they are somehow immune to the laws of physics.

As for the Iditarod, I don't believe that the announcement has been officially made yet but the restart will NOT be in Wasilla... it'll be a bit further north in Willow. Snow conditions in Wasilla are not good enough for the teams. You can easily drive to Willow and watch the restart if you'd like. The start in Anchorage is purely ceremonial and allows the local TV stations easy access to the dogs/teams. Also makes for an easy viewing opportunity for you. Willow will allow you to see the full teams and the real race.

You can indeed arrange to take a ride on a dog sled. I'd offer you one but can't guarantee there'll be enough snow to pull it off. You could drop by and pet the dogs if you'd like though!

Northern lights viewing is generally up to Mother Nature. The predictions for the range of the lights can be found at http://www.gi.alaska.edu/cgi-bin/predict.cgi However, it doesn't matter how nice the lights are, if the clouds are out you ain't gonna see 'em. Generally best to be away from heavily lighted areas like Anchorage for best viewing.

Ak Guy is right. Heard on the news last night that the restart will be in Willow - about another 15 miles north/west of Wasilla. Be best to rent the car. Driving isn't that hard - just take it easy and don't over react. Kind of like driving in Ireland - a source of pride after it's all over. Seriously - they take good care of the roads.

Trains are a good way to see the beauty of Alaska. But they do severely limit train skeds.

You were all so right about everything. We just got back and had a GREAT time! I definitely overworried about the temperatures and road conditions---my plane ticket read Anchorage, but my mind must have been thinking Nome! Temperatures and road conditions weren't any worse than what you find in the lower 48 and just like down here, it's the 4X4's and SUV's that we saw in the ditches.
Just wish I could have stopped by and petted AK-Guy's puppies!

You were all so right about everything. We just got back and had a GREAT time! I definitely overworried about the temperatures and road conditions---my plane ticket read Anchorage, but my mind must have been thinking Nome! Temperatures and road conditions weren't any worse than what you find in the lower 48 and just like down here, it's the 4X4's and SUV's that we saw in the ditches.
Just wish I could have stopped by and petted AK-Guy's puppies!