For racing fans, dog lovers and snow bunnies, the Iditarod race is a chance to combine three pleasures at once. You'll meet the mushers as they draw their starting numbers for the big race, attend a trailside Alaskan barbecue and wish the teams well as they head out on their amazing journey across a frozen 1,150 miles, from near Anchorage to Nome. Per person prices, sharing a double, is $1,995, add $600 for single occupancy. The organizers say if you are willing to share with two or three others, you can achieve a slight savings in hotel costs.
You'll also have a chance to enjoy the spectacular Aurora Borealis at an evening bonfire, with snacks and hot drinks (subject to weather conditions, of course, and aurora activity). Most exciting off all, you'll get the rare opportunity to take short rides behind sled dog teams. The dates are from February 26 to March 6, 2003.
The package includes eight nights lodging, guide and transportation, listed activities, admissions and meals (six breakfasts, four lunches and three dinners). Airfare is not included, so we suggest looking to budget carrier Alaska Airlines (www.alaskaair.com) to get your airfare.. You stay the first night in a hotel, but most remaining nights in guest homes, Toillers' Timbers Guest Chalets & Cottages.
Also included are a visit to the Anchorage Museum of Natural History, a full day dog mashing while you learn to handle your own dog team, attendance at the ceremonies the day before the start of the Iditarod, ditto the official start of the Great Race in Wasilla, a scenic drive to the frontier town of Talkeetna, with optional flight seeing of Denali. Visits to glaciers and big game ranges, as well as the Seward Sealife Center, are part of a three-day sojourn away from your guest home, spending one night in private one-bedroom cabins, another at the Mt. Alyeska Hotel in Girdwood.
For more information and to make reservations, contact Alaskan Tours at 907/746-1438, fax 907/746-7470, or visit their Web site at www.alaskantour.com. To learn more about the event itself, go to www.iditarod.com or www.dogsled.com.