So you're coming, how do you get to Iditarod?

Alright, so you've decided that you're going to do it. You're actually coming to Alaska for the Iditarod. But how are you getting here and where are you going to stay? We'll focus on getting to Anchorage/The Start in this post and will do Nome separately. If you're worried about the Fairbanks ReStart, we'll do that separately too so that it is only relevant in for sure Fairbanks years (hopefully never, but it's up to Mother Nature for that).

I am in no way a travel planner or expert, most of my opinions come from my experiences or tips I've gotten from others on the subject. I do not get a kick back or perks

Airlines

While it is possible to drive to Alaska, and the Al-Can Highway is an amazing adventure (I do NOT recommend driving it in a uhaul with two other people in the cab), it's not recommended. So your best option is definitely to fly. Anchorage has one airport (not counting the small plane airport, and other air strips). The Ted Stevens International Airport services flights from all major domestic airlines - but not all year. Domestic airlines that fly to Anchorage in winter are as follows: Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines. International flights seem to be a little trickier, I can't seem to find any that come through in March - so your best bet might actually be to fly to a major hub in the United States and transfer to a domestic flight from there to Anchorage.

Following guidelines by the "professionals" for choosing an airline is a great start, but they rarely take into consideration air MILES. Book with miles as soon as you can. The more searches happening for a specific time frame, the quicker the cost for miles goes up.

Typically Alaska Air is going to be your cheaper bet. Delta gives AK Air a run for their money, but it's been my experience that while airfare may look more expensive looking at AK Air, they don't have hidden fees. You are still able to choose your seat, your checked bag fees are not outrageous, etc. So when you look to book definitely take that into consideration. They also have a lot of great in flight features (and I am a huge fan of their snack packs). I am very biased, though. I love Alaska Air, and I haven't flown any other major carriers since 2007 (I have flown South West and Jet Blue and honestly I think I'd rather pay the extra and fly AKAir, and I'm not independently wealthy). There's a reason they're #1 in the game.

Also note that most of your "American Airline" flights actually transfer in Seattle to an Alaska Airlines flight. They are "partner" airlines and miles should be transferable. Delta is no longer partnered with Alaska Airlines, so your miles are not transferable. In my own experience I'd avoid United and American at all costs. Horrible customer service and a lot of delays and cancellations.

Ground Transportation

With Anchorage being the major hub for all of Alaska, there are plenty of options for transportation in and around the city. They have a fairly decent public transportation system with the People Mover, which are buses that service all over the city and run right by the major spots for the Ceremonial Start of the Iditarod. Several cab companies are available, as are the popular ride sharing apps. Walking can also be an option - but it can be chilly, and in a new city do you really want to hope you don't get lost?

The People Mover runs seven days a week with Monday - Friday starting at 6am and ending at 10pm, Saturdays from 8am to 8pm, and Sundays from 8am to 6pm (subject to change). Most routes have a bus stopping every 15 minutes at any given bus stop. They have an app that you can download to track your particular route, purchase bus fare, and check schedules. Fares begin at $2.00 a ride or $5.00 for a day pass. If you're planning to use this system for more than 6 days, there is an option to purchase a week pass for $26. The week pass must be used consecutively, so price it out accordingly when budgeting. If you are 60 and over, or you have a child aged 5 years to 17 years old, you can get what is called a Half Pass, which just means your fair is half the cost of the regular fare. You must have proof of age with you when you board. You must also complete an application ahead of time which you can find on their website.

For cabs there are two major players in Anchorage. There's AK Checker Cab, whose cars are orange with a black and white checkered strip on the sides. Base fare is $2.75, with $2.50 per mile after that. Their phone number is 907-644-4444. They have cabs running all hours day and night, every day of the year. The other is Alaska (or Anchorage) Yellow Dispatch, which you can guess is a bright yellow cab. Base fare is $2.75, with $2.50 per mile. Phone number is 222-2222. Neither cab company gets stellar reviews, and having working with both of them a LOT when I worked in Anchorage I can definitely say they're both going to be hit or miss as for quality. I've never ridden with Checker Cab, but Yellow Cab drivers typically take you the longest way possible. Both cabs charge by the cab, not by the rider (in other parts of Alaska it's per person, be aware).

Uber runs in Anchorage, and can range from 10 - 30 dollars (or more) depending on how far you have to go. I know in the states for the same distance/time it's less, but, welcome to Alaska. Lyft, also, runs in Anchorage and the fares are the same as Uber. Both services are wonderful IMO, but it's my understanding that there are more Uber drivers in Anchorage than Lyft. I typically have my own vehicle, so my experiences with either company are not in Anchorage but are outside of Alaska (I prefer Lyft).

Speaking of driving your own car, there is always the option of rental cars. All major rental car companies operate in Anchorage. I won't go through the list as they're fairly standard. You can typically get a good deal through Expedia, Orbitz, or other travel sites... or by contacting the local rental car offices directly.

Hotels

Anchorage is one of the major hubs for tourism so there are a lot of lodging options. Hotels range from Hostel to Five Star. There are many great options for every budget and I'll highlight the ones that make the most sense for Iditarod and I'll warn you about the ones to stay away from no matter what the savings are. These are, again, my own opinions and experiences unless otherwise noted. I do not get any perks for recommendations, and I am not trying to be malicious when I state which hotels I would avoid at all cost.

The Lakefront Anchorage - located just minutes from the airport and right on one of the lakes used for float and ski plane landings, the Lakefront is also the official hotel of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Located on Spenard Road it may seem like not the best location, but for Iditarod fans it's prime real estate. The hotel bustles with activity for three weeks before the race begins and while it goes on. It houses volunteer registration, Race Communications, Race Merchandise, and is home to out of town mushers and their handlers as well as many of the volunteers. During the race it's also the drop off location for dogs returning from the trail hang out at the hotel waiting for transport home (handlers are typically on hand to bring the dogs home). This hotel is on the pricier end mainly due to the fact that it IS the official hotel and rooms are at a premium. However, the proximity to the airport, Iditarod dedicated shuttles, and all the official activity make it almost a bargain. There is a restaurant and bar on property (GREAT food), and so much people watching! Rooms right now look to be averaging $120 a night. Closer to Iditarod there seem to be specials of $99 rooms, but that's based solely on availability.

Alex Hotel & Suites - Just down the road from Lakefront is the cheaper option of Alex hotel. It is within walking distance to the Iditarod official hotel, though sidewalks aren't always well maintained and can be slippery. It's within walking distance of several restaurants, including the famed Gwennie's, and offers a complimentary continental breakfast. Rooms look to average around $100 a night. Watch for specials, they can cut down on the price significantly.

Courtyard Anchorage Airport - Run by Marriott, the Courtyard Anchorage Airport is also within walking distance of the Lakefront (it's practically across the street). Several mushers have been known to stay in this hotel, so you're still within the action.  There are no dining options in this hotel, but it is within walking distance of several places to eat as well as allows for dining delivery. Average rate looks to be about $115, but you can snag a pretty good deal if you're willing to book a room with no refund available should you cancel. You can also use Marriott points.

If you're more concerned about being closer to the downtown action for the Ceremonial Start (and Fur Rondy events), then there are several options within walking distance of 4th and D.

The Hilton Anchorage - is just one street down from the start, in fact you'll probably exit your hotel to find dog teams setting up for the race. The Hilton also offers great views of Anchorage, the Inlet, and the mountains. The Hilton holds a bar and a cafe inside, but is within walking distance of some great places to eat as well. This is a higher end hotel with rates starting around $140 a night during Fur Rondy/Iditarod. If you're a Hilton member, you may be able to luck out on deals for extra points or discounts.

Aviator Hotel Anchorage - If I had to stay downtown for the Start of the Iditarod, this is probably the place I'd stay. While the entrance is located on 3rd Avenue, they have many rooms that look out onto 4th Avenue RIGHT. WHERE. THE. ACTION. IS. They even have Iditarod packages specifically for the rooms that give the best view. In 2018 the rate was $148 a night. If you can't swing that, you can book a room that does not overlook 4th avenue for much less. Both packages come with breakfast for two, and the 4th avenue package also gives you two tickets to a VIP Start Party! Wow! If I wasn't a volunteer working the trail that day I might be booking one up myself!

Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa - A little further away from the starting line is the Sheraton on 6th avenue. The hotel is close to where the teams turn off of 4th avenue onto Cordova. That area of the trail is a great spot to watch the teams go by, watch teams make the sharp corner is exciting and fun and the barricade is loosened more there. The price tag is the biggest one of all the hotels I've recommended so far, but it's part of Marriott so if you have points it might be worth it. The Sheraton has spa amenaties on site, as well as two restaurants and a starbucks. Rates average around $160 a night.

Comfort Inn Ship Creek - Futher out of the way on Ship Creek is the Comfort Inn. The price is much better here, you're close to the Ulu Factory and it's not too terribly far for a walk to downtown Anchorage (if I can make the walk, anyone can). This hotel sits across from the Anchorage Railroad depot, but there shouldn't be too much noise in March. A few mushing teams typically stay here (Comfort Inn has sponsored SPKennel in the past, for example). It's a very nice hotel, and bonus you can bring your pets ($15 charge per pet, up to three pets)! Average rate starts at $95. It's a bargain. No restaurant on site, but there are many within walking distance and you can always uber it OR you can order in.

The Westmark Hotel and The Hotel Captain Cook are also a little out of the way and a little spendy, but if you're looking for a very nice stay either one of those could do the trick.

If you're willing to drive/ride/bus to Downtown or you're planning on watching the Ceremonial Start along the trail but not necessarily downtown you can typically get a better deal.

Inlet Tower Hotel & Suites - ETA: I can't believe I forgot about the Inlet Tower. This hotel hosts several top name mushers, so dog trucks can be seen from the parking lot. They also sponsor meet and greets with their biggest named guests - typically Jeff King and Mitch Seavey who have seven Iditarod championships between them. Rooms start around $109 a night, which is a sweet deal. You'll need to have transportation to the start of the Iditarod, but it could be worth it if you get to "stalk" some mushers. They do have a pub onsite as well as a coffee shop.

Comfort Inn Midtown - Off of International Airport Way, it's not far to drive or ride to anywhere you want to watch the start from. Rooms average around $100 a night, and it's close by many different restaurants.

SpringHill Suites at University Lake - My choice for hotels when I come up for Iditarod is this hotel. It recently changed hands, however, and so it's a little pricier than in years past (boo) but it's within walking distance of where I trail guard for the Ceremonial Start, which is one of the most popular places to watch from that isn't downtown. Rooms are now going for about $130 a night, and come with free continental breakfast. It's not within walking distance of many places to eat, but it does allow for food delivery.

Hotels to Avoid

Please note that I do not do this maliciously. I have nothing against the employees or owners. Just my experience, the experience of others, and... well... news and police reports.

Mush Inn Motel - Yeah, the name is PERFECT for the Iditarod, but do not be fooled. Just looking at the building could make you contract some sort of parasite. This is a well known establishment that has rooms you can rent by the hour if you get my meaning. I mean, if that's your thing, then go for it I suppose, but not if you're wanting a good night sleep. The TripAdvisor reviews back me up - and are actually pretty entertaining to read should you be looking for a few laughs.

Puffin Inn - I have friends that swear by this hotel, but guys they have another shooting or knifing in the parking lot every other night it seems. Just not a very safe place. Another one that has a lot of ladies of the night and drugs going on. Of the hotels that I say not to use, this one is probably the one I worry about least, but if you DO stay at the Puffin, don't let me know. The TripAdvisor reviews are all over the map, but most agree that this isn't the best option.

Black Angus Inn - The midtown version of the Mush Inn. So much crime here, how do they even stay open?! Bed bugs are reported, and I bet those aren't the only infestation you'd get. There are bars on the outside of the windows, my guess is to make the repeat offender criminals feel at home. TripAdvisor reviews are terrifying for this one. Don't book there. Just, don't.



There are many other hotel options in Anchorage. I went with ones that make most sense for getting to the Iditarod events. I did not include Wasilla, Big Lake, or Willow. I may look into those for the ReStart blog I plan to write, but really with all the shuttle and bus options (that I will address for the ReStart later) I'd recommend staying in Anchorage and busing up the road if need be.

Have a favorite hotel I didn't put on my list - or one that should be on the AVOID list? Let me know in the comments.

So you want to come to the Iditarod...

Kelly Maxiner celebrates during the Ceremonial Start of Iditarod 46.
March 3, 2018. Anchorage, AK.

For many a mushing fan, attending any part of the Iditarod is a bucket list item. The cost of travel, plus the unknown of what to expect detours a lot of fans from ever making the trek. So often when thinking of Iditarod people think of the cold, icy, remote parts of the trail that seem impossible to reach. While the vast majority of the race is like that, the Ceremonial and Official Starts are much more accessible, and close to the largest travel hub in the state.

In the coming weeks I'll give off tips, tricks, and answer frequently asked questions I've gotten over the years on how best to plan and prepare for a trip to the Last Great Race on Earth. So often, for me, it's hard to come up with answers because my experience is not one of travel and care - I've lived in Alaska my entire life. I have routines and being born and raised here I am used to the weather, the lack of sunlight, and other concerns "outsiders" typically have. I've reached out to others who have traveled to this great state for this race, and will share their tips along with my own.

All recommendations come without any kick back to myself or anyone else. I am not giving advice as a way to financially gain or get any sort of perks for sending anyone their way. All opinions are my own unless stated otherwise, and I can only go by what I have researched or experienced first hand.

When to come

This is the million dollar question. While the race runs about 2 weeks from start to finish, champion to red lantern, most fans cannot take off that kind of time, so the question becomes - when do you want to come and what do you want to see?

The start of the Iditarod is the first weekend of March - every year. It's tradition and there's no way they're going to change it any time soon. The entire mushing season in Alaska keeps the Iditarod tradition in mind when they schedule their races. The Ceremonial Start is Saturday and begins at 10am. Teams leave from the chute on 4th Avenue and D in Anchorage, AK and run roughly 11 miles through Anchorage to end at Campbell Airstrip where they load up the teams and head up the road to Willow, Alaska to prepare for the Re-Start (also called the official start). I plan on doing a blog post about the Ceremonial Start later on in this series, so for now we'll just work with the time and date.

Like most other sled dog races, the Iditarod has a staggered start. Each team leaves in bib draw order in two-minute intervals. The first musher out of the chute is typically the Jr Iditarod champion (Jr Iditarod takes place the weekend before Iditarod) and is carrying the Honorary Musher (or if that person was awarded the honor posthumously then a member of their family rides). They get Bib #1, so all racing teams get bib numbers 2 and up. Depending on how many teams sign up, you're looking at 2+ hours of watching teams take off in a celebration of pure Alaskan tradition.

But let's back up a couple of days. Before the ceremonial start, the mushers come together for a Musher's Banquet. Thursday before race weekend at 6pm the Dena'ina Center is filled with music, food, and lots of alcohol. This is where the mushers will thank their sponsors and draw their bib numbers. Their official media photos are taken for the Anchorage Daily News and Iditarod.com. They eat food and mingle. There is a silent auction as well as an outcry auction. And the best part? Fans can be a part of the action! As of 2018, autographs are no longer allowed during the banquet, however there is a Musher Meet and Greet prior to the banquet which begins at 4pm. Iditarod does not show a Meet and Greet on this year's calendar events, but when asked they would not confirm that it would or wouldn't be happening in 2019. All mushers must be in attendance at both the Meet and Greet as well as the Banquet. Both the Meet and Greet and Banquet are ticketed events, with the Meet and Greet being included with Banquet admission. Tickets go on sale by January.

In between Thursday's official events, and Saturday's Ceremonial start is Friday's "freebie day". This is a day that many mushers's sponsors host meet and greets with the mushers they support. Inlet Towers typically holds a meet and greet for Mitch Seavey and Jeff King. Comfort Inn/Matson host one with Aliy Zirkle and Allen Moore. Other meet and greets also happen. Most of these are not known about until the last minute unless you know where to look, or are on musher newsletter/emails/etc. A lot of mushers stay at the official hotel The Lakefront, and there are several book signings typically planned with different authors and mushers. If you have a few hours to kill you can hang out around the lobby and talk with other fans, eat food at one of two restaurants on property, or just people watch. There's also the official swag tables, and the registration desk for volunteers. (I'll have another blog about volunteer opportunities.)

Sunday is when the real race begins. The Re-Start takes place on the lake in Willow, Alaska. That's about a three hour drive from Anchorage - but don't worry! There are lots of options to get you there if you don't want to make the drive. I know I sound like a broken record, but there will be a blog in the coming weeks to give you a look at some ways to get there. The Re-Start is the official start of the Iditarod. It's what all of the mushers have waited for all year. For the rookies, it's the day they've dreamt about for years - some of them their entire lives. The teams take off starting with Bib #2 (remember earlier when I said Bib #1 was for the honorary musher? they only run in the Ceremonial Start), and leave in two-minute intervals. This will be made up later when teams take their mandatory rest along the trail. Teams hit the lake to start getting ready as early as 8:30am (maybe earlier, I never get there that soon). Spectators are allowed to walk around the chute that is "barricaded" by that lovely orange plastic fencing. You're able to take pictures, talk with the mushers and handlers, and see all the dogs. Most mushers don't get too chatty as they are in race mode, but there's a buzz like no other on race day. Spectators then line the chute on both sides all the way across the ice and into the woods. It continues for miles. It's a sporting tailgating party, a must do.

For the next 10 days the race is run through Alaska's rugged and most beautiful terrain. There are ways to get out onto the trail and watch teams come into different checkpoints. This is expensive, and I'll leave you to decide if you want to add it to your itinerary - there will be a blog for these options coming, but this blog is just about planning how long of a trip you want.

Like I said, it will take about 10 days for the teams to start coming in. If you're wanting to see the finish in Nome, most have to make the painful choice of attending either the start or the finish, otherwise you're looking at a lot of time off from work/home... and a huge credit card bill when all is said and done. Alaska is not cheap - and it gets significantly worse the further away from Anchorage you get. So keep that in mind when planning your trip. The top teams average finish is in 9 days, bringing them in on a Tuesday evening/Wednesday Morning. Mitch Seavey holds the fastest time in just over 8 days. There are only two flights into Nome a day during that time on a commercial airline (Alaska Airlines), the Sunday evening flight gets you in with typically a day, possibly two, to get your bearings and see the sights. There is A LOT to do during Iditarod week in Nome. If you can swing a week in Nome you have a good chance of seeing all of the mushers come in under the burled arch.

The sun shines bright over the burled arch in Nome, Alaska. March 2017.

The Finisher's Banquet in Nome takes place two weeks after the ReStart (Sunday). This is a pay at the door event and is where the mushers all come together and swap stories, mingle with friends, family, fans and the community of Nome. Sometimes the banquet happens before all of the teams come in - but lately the red lantern has come in in enough time to participate in the festivities. The Banquet begins at 4pm and tries to end in enough time for folks to make it to the airport should they be flying out on Sunday night. The final flight of the day leaves around 9:30pm, so you may miss a few of the awards, but for the most part you should be fine. You don't need to be at the airport 2 hours before hand. Their TSA is... interesting. But that's for another blog (yes, soon).

Suggested time-frame

So what do I recommend for a bucket list Iditarod trip? Well, I could just be cruel and say blow 3 weeks worth of savings and come from beginning to end. I mean, we're talking bucket list, right?! But, if you are like me and have a limited income and so time and money are precious, I can suggest a few ideas.

For the Starts:
Fly in Tuesday Evening, Spend Wednesday touring locales near Anchorage like Girdwood and Portage, Thursday Mushers Meet and Greet/Banquet, Friday tour Anchorage and check out some Meet & Greets or hang out at the Lakefront and people watch, Saturday attend the Ceremonial start, Sunday attend the restart (at some point in those two days make a trip to the official Iditarod HQ in Wasilla to get a pic with the Iditarod signs as well as Joe Redington's statue!), Monday fly home.

For the Finish:
Fly in Sunday settle in and take in Nome, Monday if possible take a tour to see musk ox or the tour of Nome (both spendy, but it's on my personal bucket list), Tuesday is a possible Iditarod Champion Finish day, Wednesday is a for sure finish day, fly out Thursday evening or Friday Morning... if you can swing a full week then stay through the Finisher's Banquet on Sunday and fly out Sunday evening.


One more (important) note

Now, not to throw a wrench into things but... well... Mother Nature has had the control of late and we've seen Fairbanks come into play for the restart. This has happened now three times in the last 15 years, most recently in 2015 and 2017. Should that happen forget everything I said about ReStart Day and pay attention. SHOULD the race's restart and trail be moved further north the FAIRBANKS RESTART will take place Monday following the Ceremonial Start. The Anchorage Start stays the same, but they need Sunday for travel time to get the teams up to Fairbanks. This is a 10-12 hour drive in the best weather, and if there's snow and ice and wind as there often times is, the drive can be longer. But, don't dispair, there are other travel options on how to get to the ReStart. Flights from Anchorage to Fairbanks are regular and have several airline options. The flight is about an hour and half long. There is also the option of the train, they have rides running but you're at the mercy of their schedule, and it is based on track and weather conditions. Air travel is your safest bet.

The Fairbanks ReStart would take place at 10am on Monday morning, so you would want to fly up the day before and snatch a room. The restart takes place right outside Pike's Landing (which is a fantastic hotel, btw) on the river. I'll talk more about the logistics and planning of a Fairbanks restart in a later blog, but just make sure that when planning your bucket list trip for the start that you are aware of the possibility of things changing. These changes are typically announced TWO WEEKS before the start of the event - so there's not a lot of time to change plans, but if you have a contingency plan and budget in place it's doable.



Hopefully this gives you a basic blueprint to plan your trip for Iditarod - as the weeks go on I hope to have more information on all aspects of trip planning, but this gives you an idea of the timeline you're looking at. Do you have any questions on this or other topics in planning your trip? Comment below or shoot me a note on social media ( @tonichelleak on twitter ) and I'll give you the best info I can. Are you planning a trip? Let me know in the comments when you're hoping to make it, I'd love to know how your planning is going!



*Note: I am not an official travel planner or guide. All advice is from my own experience/knowledge.*