Anchorage – largest city in Alaska, nestled between the Chugach Mountains and the waters of Cook Inlet

Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, situated in the south-central part of the state. It serves as a bustling urban center nestled between the Chugach Mountains and the waters of Cook Inlet. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Anchorage offers a unique blend of urban amenities and access to the great outdoors. It’s a hub for diverse cultures, commerce, outdoor adventures like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, and serves as a starting point for many Alaskan adventures, including trips to Denali National Park and the Kenai Peninsula

Beginning in Anchorage each March and spanning 8 to 15 days until its conclusion in Nome, the Iditarod represents a supreme test of endurance in sports. Participants brave frigid temperatures as low as 60°F below zero, guiding sled dogs through a grueling 1,150-mile course of snow and ice. It stands as Alaska’s premier spectator sport, epitomizing the pioneering ethos of the state. Originating as a vital mail and supply route for miners, the Iditarod now traverses frozen rivers, desolate tundra, dense forests, and windswept coastlines, linking Seward to Nome on the Bering Sea.

Its historical significance was sealed in 1925 when a section of the trail became a crucial passage for delivering life-saving serum to the epidemic-stricken town of Nome. Commemorating these heroic efforts, the route transitioned into a competitive race in 1973, attracting mushers from across the globe vying for a share of the $600,000-plus prize purse.

For those eager to participate, opportunities exist to ride along as a passenger, known as an “IditaRider,” by bidding for a spot on a musher’s sled. Additionally, Raymie Redington, son of Joe Redington Sr. (“Father of the Iditarod”), leads shorter trips on the trail. Winterlake Lodge, a remote outpost directly on the trail, offers exquisite guest cabins and the chance to experience the trail with a team of 24 Alaskan huskies, remaining open throughout the year. Their dinner menu is notably exceptional, even by urban standards.

As the terminus of the Iditarod and much else, Nome rests on the shores of the Bering Sea. Its dirt streets and spirited saloons remain tranquil until the annual month-long Iditarod celebration arrives each March, drawing race enthusiasts, aurora borealis admirers, and participants of the Bering Sea Ice Golf Classic, who tee off orange golf balls onto Astroturf laid across the frozen sea.