Where to watch - Iditarod Fairbanks ReStart

No one wants it to happen. The dreaded re-route. As climate change continues it's become a worry among many Iditarod travelers - is this another year that Iditarod will have to make a last minute change and start in Fairbanks? Fans traveling to Alaska for a once in a lifetime experience of Iditarod may find themselves scrambling just days to a week before the need to pivot. 

The decision to change from Willow to Fairbanks is not made lightly. Not only is it a logistical nightmare to get every one and every thing to the restart - it also takes a lot of course changes for the actual trail. Historically the Iditarod has only started in Fairbanks four times: 2003, 2015, 2017, and 2025 and each time they've had a slightly different trail. in 2017 they visited the mushing "holy land" of Huslia which was a slog fest of deep slow trail. 2025 they skipped Huslia but added 150 or so miles to make it the longest Iditarod trail in the history of the race - the "easy" race people expected was anything but.

Part of what forces the choice of race organizers to choose the trail has to do with what trails are open and safe. Just because they have ice and snow further North doesn't mean all of the rivers are safe to travel on, and it doesn't mean the land trails are much better than those in South Central Alaska.

So, how do they come to the decision that they even need to move north? Most believe they can look at the lack of snow in Anchorage and determine if the race heads to Fairbanks - but history shows that in low snow years for Anchorage often times the trail out of Willow has plenty and the run to the Alaska Range is no problem. No, to really get a good idea of trail conditions is to take a look at the Skwentna and Yentna Rivers - there's no way to get to the traditional trail and bypass them. They're more than just names of checkpoints, they have to be crossed - open water is a no go. 

Sometimes the race can start at Deshka Landing and bypass iffy spots on the rivers, but for the most part if the rivers are questionable the race has to look elsewhere.

Another way for fans and volunteers to get a sense of where things are headed is to watch the Iron Dog. The Snowmachine (this blogger refuses to use Lower 48 terminology) race runs close to the same trail as the Iditarod. It gives us a good idea of what parts of the trail are snowy and which are... well... dirt. Dirt doesn't always mean no go - though in 2025 some mushers made a huge deal out of the dirt bringing up the insane trail of 2014. 

In any case, the race organizers keep an eye on the trail and keep tabs with the local communities along the way to make the decision. They hold off for as long as they can so announcements happen as late as two weeks before race start. They do everything in their power to make a traditional route happen - especially in an odd number year as every time they've moved to Fairbanks the Southern Route is the one that loses out.

With all that in mind, let's try to put together a last minute game plan if at all possible, shall we?

Getting There

There are a few options.

Fairbanks is on the road system so you can always drive. When the start moves that far north the race starts on Monday, not Sunday. The Ceremonial Start takes place as scheduled in Anchorage and then everyone begins the trek north. If you feel comfortable driving on wintery Alaskan highways then it's an option. Note that it can take anywhere from 6 hours to 8 hours depending on the weather and road conditions. Just make sure your rental car allows you to go that far - and maybe check to see if they have studded tires or chains.

The Alaska Railroad has weekend trains to and from Fairbanks that could work out for you. The Aurora Winter Train leaves Anchorage on Saturdays so you may have to make the decision to skip the Ceremonial Start to be able to catch the train for Fairbanks as it takes off at 8:30am. In theory before catching the train you could make your way to the Mushing District to see the starting line and a few of the first teams getting set up in their parking spaces. You can then choose to do a round-trip (you would have to stay in Fairbanks until Wednesday) or a one way and then fly back (or fly home from Fairbanks). Looking at the 2027 prices RT would be $530 for an adult (age 12+), $424 if you have a military discount (active and retired), and $266 for seniors (65+). For one way it is $265, $212, and $133. To see the Itinerary/Book the train you can visit the Railroad's Website.

The fastest and possibly cheapest way to get to Fairbanks will be flying. Fairbanks International Airport sees three major airlines come through in the summer. Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines all take off and land from Fairbanks in the warmer months, however only Alaska flies in the winter. So, once again, you don't have a lot of choice in who to use. However, Flights aren't terribly expensive and if you book as soon as they announce the change you won't see the price hike. You can book directly from Alaska Airline's website here.

Where to Stay

This is going to be high priority and if you get a whiff of things possibly changing you might want to book before the announcement is made that they're changing. Most hotels allow for free cancelations up to a certain time (24-48 hours before check-in) so it just costs your time to book/cancel.

Pike's Waterfront Lodge - this is the highest sought stay for one reason: this is the starting line of the Fairbanks Restart. The teams leave from the hotel and head down onto the Chena River just steps away from the hotel. It's close to the airport and has a decent restaurant on property. Rooms are at a premium almost always and really becomes quite the catch when Iditarod and other events come to town. This is the easiest to keep you from having to rent a vehicle to get to and from the Start as you literally walk out the main door and bam you're at the start. There's a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport and Train Depot. They'll even give you a wake up call if the Northern Lights appear if you ask them to! A quick look at 2027 prices on their website have rooms between $187 and $220.

La Quinta Inn & Suites - Located less than a mile (fairly good walking distance) away from Pike's is the La Quinta Inn & Suities. They, too, offer a free shuttle to and from the airport as well as complimentary breakfast. Rates for 2027 look to start at $243 up to $303 with special rates available that will give a bit of a discount. To learn more or book a room visit their website. (Many thanks to musher Josh McNeal who pointed out that La Quinta is a huge supporter of mushing & especially The Quest.)

Aspen Suites Hotel - Located about the same distance away as La Quinta, just in the other direction, they're also on the other side of the highway so it may not be as easy to walk. The suites offer a full kitchenette while your standard rooms are... well... standard. The rooms were recently remodeled. It's also very close to Fred Meyer so if you do want to use the kitchenette, there's an easy way to get groceries. Doesn't appear to have a shuttle for the airport, but you may want to double check with the hotel to be sure. Rooms in 2027 start at $169 and they have rates for government, AAA, and seniors. To learn more or book the hotel visit their website.

Further out there are other hotels that come recommended by those more familiar to the area. They're not within walking distance of Pikes, but they're located in Downtown Fairbanks which gets you to a more centralized part if you want to spend more time than just Iditarod time.

Bridgewater Hotel - Located within walking distance of many must do tourist stops in Fairbanks (less than 10 minutes to the mushing and ice museums, for example), you'll need transportation to get to the Start. It's just under four miles by car to get from the Bridgewater to Pike's Landing. Still, it is a cheaper option for clean rooms and things to do. Rooms for 2027 start at $187 and goes up to $216. To learn more about the hotel or book a room you can visit their website.

Springhill Suites Fairbanks - Another downtown location that's within walking distance of many must do tourist stops. About the same distance away from Pike's as Bridgewater Hotel, so you'll need some sort of transportation to make it down to the start. Springhill Suites are typically a decent sized room and clean. Prices in 2027 start around $225 and up to $307 depending on your dates of stay. There is complimentary breakfast and they offer a shuttle to and from the Airport. You can learn more about the hotel or book a room by visiting their website.

Hampton Inn & Suites Fairbanks - Roughly 5-6 miles depending on which way you go from Pikes, and 7 miles to the airport. A free shuttle to and from the airport is available AND this hotel allows pets! They also offer a complimentary HOT breakfast. You'll need transportation to the Start and back, and it's a little further away from the action of Downtown Fairbanks, but depending on your needs it might be your best stay. For 2027 it looks like rooms start at $228 up to $247. To learn more about the hotel or book a room, visit their website.

Hyatt Place Fairbanks - About the same as Hampton distance wise, the Hyatt comes highly recommended by locals and travelers. The hotel offers a restaurant onsite, and has an indoor pool! There's a complimentary breakfast, and pets are welcome! Doesn't appear to have an airport shuttle, but you'll want to confirm with the hotel. Rooms for 2027 start at $249 and go up to $269. There are discounts available depending on how you book. To learn more about the hotel or book a room, visit their website.

Candlewood Suites Fairbanks - This hotel is closer to five miles away from Pikes, but it does say there is an "area shuttle" - not sure if that shuttle would operate to the ReStart or not, that would be a question for the hotel. They do have an airport shuttle, and pets are allowed! They're centrally located to all of the major tourist spots and dining. Rooms start at $222 and go up to $259. You'll want to visit the hotel's website to learn more or book a room.

[Many thanks to Josh McNeal for the hotel recommendations!]

What to do

Aside from the obvious reason you came to Fairbanks, there's a lot the city has to offer. There's of course the popular Aurora chase tours where you can go out and watch the Northern Lights. Several companies offer tours where they drive you out away from the city light polution so you can witness a magical display. You aren't guaranteed a show, but March is a great time of year to see them so you may be lucky.

Don't forget to check out the World Ice Sculpture Competition (Ice Alaska) to see some AMAZING art in ice. Go at night to see them all lit up. And cross your fingers spring doesn't come early and start to melt everything before you see it in all its glory. It's truly a stunning experience.

You can drive out to North Pole, Alaska to visit the Santa Claus House. Honestly no matter what time of year one visits Fairbanks this should be a must do. 

UAF's Museum of the North has fascinating exhibits *including a fully preserved Stepp Buffalo* and is well worth the time to visit. 

Don't forget the Mushing Museum downtown and the Ice Museum. Take a "quick" trip to the Chena Hot Springs if you're really feeling adventurous. And there are plenty of dog teams willing to take you on a ride in March. And if they're open the Pump House is a pretty tasty place to eat and kinda fun for the theming!

There's so much to do in Fairbanks, but if you're looking at a quick up and back thsoe are the ones I'd look into first to see if it can fit into your schedule.

So that's Fairbanks in a nutshell. If you feel I've missed something important, let me know in the comments! Have you stayed in some of the hotels mentioned? Is there a hotel you think I should add to the list? Let me know!

Iditarod 53 releases information on rerouted trail

After announcing Monday afternoon of the decision to change from a traditional southern route to a Fairbanks restart and reroute, the Iditarod gave out more information Monday on the planned trail. 

Most expected a route similar to what the race used in 2017 when teams ran to Huslia to honor the history of the village as well as pay tribute to one of Alaska's most famed mushers George Attla. That portion of trail got teams off the river and into different terrain, it also had teams camping on the trail between checkpoints - something that hasn't been a real thing on the Iditarod in decades. Many mushers spoke in reverence of their time in Huslia with Aaron Burmeister even stating he wished he wasn't racing so he could spend more time with the people of Huslia.

However, it seems with the late switch, a route involving Huslia is not in the cards. The race, instead, will still meet up with some of the checkpoints of the southern route (though not all, teams will not find themselves in the ghost town of Iditarod, for example). The race will have long runs on rivers as the teams make it to the coast, with a loop along the Yukon checkpoints (visiting several twice).

The checkpoint route will be as follows:

Fairbanks to Nenana
Nenana to Manley
Manley to Tanana
Tanana to Ruby
Ruby to Galena
Galena to Nulato
Nulato to Kaltag 1
Kaltag 1 to Eagle Island 1
Eagle Island 2 to Grayling 1
Grayling 1 to Anvik
Anvik to Shageluk [Loop back upriver]
Shageluk to Grayling 2
Grayling 2 to Eagle Island 2
Eagle Island 2 to Kaltag 2
Kaltag 2 to Unalakleet
Unalakleet to Shaktoolik
Shaktoolik to Koyuk
Koyuk to Elim
Elim to Golovin
Golovin to White Mountain
White Mountain to Safety
Safety to Nome

There's not been an official mileage given for the new route, but the race promises to update fans and mushers in the coming days with more information. 

Another issue will be the logistics of getting drop bags to the right checkpoints. Mushers had already delivered their bags to the Iditarod hangars to be shipped out - with some pallets having already made their way out onto the trail. Likewise the logistics of trail volunteers and trail breakers are now having to be replanned. It is a lot of logistical effort with very little time, but the race and mushers are all certain it will be done.

After all, 53 races ago they had NONE of what we will see this year.

With the restart being held in Fairbanks, the race will take a day between the Ceremonial Start and ReStart to get everyone safely to the starting line. The restart will take place on Monday, March 3 at 11am presumably from Pikes Landing heading down onto the Chena River. (This has not been confirmed at this time.)

In related news, Iditarod Insider won't skip a beat this year as they will have similiar infrastructure for their livefeeds as last year (aka Starlink). One of their sponsors has once again stepped up to pay for the service (Starlink is NOT a sponsor of Iditarod as of this date). This will have many loyal Insiders of "Iditarod Nation" very excited.

What do YOU think of the reroute? Will you be signing up for Insider? Comment with your thoughts below!

If you like what you see and want to support my addiction (I mean HOBBY) of following these races and stalking (I mean cheering on) the mushers, you can buy me a slice of pizza (that really goes to paying for my internet/web expenses).

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.*

Iditarod ReStart safe in Willow!

After a series of meetings that lasted far longer than officials originally planned, the media learned only moments ago that the ReStart for Iditarod 2014 will remain in Willow. Poor snow and trail conditions were a concern for race officials and mushers alike. Parts of the trail between Willow and the Yukon were unpassable. However, with the reports from the Iron Dog as well as aerial survelience and people on the ground Iditarod is officially underway as it's always been.

Stay tuned for more of my ramblings as we get closer to the race!