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Iditarod “Chase the Race” - Race Start + Wilderness Fly-In Check Points
A perfect itinerary for the Iditarod enthusiast: observe the race start in Anchorage, fly out to the remote checkpoints within the
Alaska Range at Finger Lakes, the Yentna River and Rainy Pass, overnight in a remote backcountry lodge,watch the Northern Lights dancing across the sky and experience Alaska’s wilderness and nature.
Day Itinerary
01
Anchorage (Arrival Day)
Upon arrival in Anchorage transfer to your downtown hotel. Remaining day at leisure.  You have time to explore the historical and scenic points of interest of the downtown area, walk along the Coastal Trail with its great Cook Inlet views or check out the Alaska Native Heritage Center with a variety of interactive displays, shows, and five separate culture galleries about the different native groups that used to live in Alaska. Overnight: Anchorage
02
Anchorage
The Iditarod race starts at 10:00 am on 4th. Avenue in Alaska's largest city. Get up early and observe the start preparations, take close up pictures from the Musher’s and the dog teams and enjoy the bustling and exciting race atmosphere. About 80 Musher’s and over 1000 sled dogs are leaving shortly from the starting line for the "1050 mile race to Nome". Anchorage parks and green belts are providing also a great alternative to observe the race activities. Remaining day at leisure. Don't miss a seafood dinner with a breathtaking view across Cook Inlet at Anchorage's renowned "Crow's Nest Restaurant". Overnight: Anchorage
03
Anchorage – Wilderness Lodge Fly-out
Optional morning sightseeing tour to Wasilla or Willow for the re-start of the Iditarod. Alternatively - check out the many festivities during the ongoing annual Fur Rendezvous in Anchorage with: Native Arts Market, Theater Show, Winter Carnival Activities, Snow Sculpturing Competition and Snowshoe Softball Matches. Afternoon transfer from your hotel to Lake Hood. Fly-out with private ski planes to the Yentna Station - the first remote Iditarod checkpoint in Alaska’s backcountry. Time to observe the race activities on the ground. We continue along the trail and may observe now also the race from the air before we reach a remote wilderness lodge – located over 150 Miles from the civilization. After a delicious dinner we gather around a bonfire on the Yentna River and await the leading dog teams. Some Musher’s even may stop and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with us. Overnight: Lodge
04
Finger Lake/Winter Lake Checkpoint
After a hearty breakfast our adventure continues with a morning flight along the Iditarod Trail to the Finger Lakes checkpoint within the eastern fringe of the mighty Alaska Range. (Deli Style Lunch Box & Soft Drinks included) Observe race activities and watch the Musher’s gearing up for the most difficult trip across infamous Rainy Pass. Many teams camp here for a while. It is not uncommon for the area to have 10 ft. of snow on the ground. Afternoon return flight to our lodge. Time to relax or for x-country skiing and ice-fishing. After a delicious dinner we watch out for the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and enjoy the peace and solitude of the Alaska wilderness. Overnight Lodge
05
Rainy Pass & Puntilla Lakes Checkpoint - Anchorage
Breakfast at the lodge. We say good-by to the lodge and take our ski-plane for a scenic flight to Rainy Pass and the Puntilla Lake checkpoint. The gateway to the interior offers truly the most spectacular scenery of the entire Iditarod Trail. Many teams are taking their mandatory 24 h. layover here before venturing via the treacherous Farewell Burn area and into the flatlands of the interior. Deli Style Lunch Box & Soft Drinks included. You’ll spend the whole day in this incredible wilderness area along the trail observing dog-mushing activities. Return to Anchorage in the early evening. Overnight: Anchorage
06
Anchorage – Portage Lake – Alyeska Resort
Morning departure with a private limousine along Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm. Enjoy impressive views of the frozen Turnagain Arm and many icefalls. Look out for Dall Sheeps and Moose along the mountainside. Continue to Alaska's largest ski area, the Alyeska Mountain Resort. Rest of the day at leisure. The AAA deluxe resort hotel offers extensive world-class spa facilities, indoor pool, fitness center, multiple restaurants, bars, ice skating ring – all within a pristine wilderness setting. If you are a avid skier you may enjoy the 1.000 acre of ski terrain with easy to expert runs. The annual average snowfall exceeds 630 inches per year! Overnight: Alyeska Resort
07
Alyeska Resort
A day for winter activities: skiing, snowmobiling, sled dog tours or x-country skiing etc. Gear may be rented at the hotel. For more adventurous natures the resort also offer deep powder Heli-Skiing. Use the gondola for a trip to the top of Mount Alyeska with a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding seven glaciers and Turnagain Arm. For the last evening in Alaska: We highly recommend a lunch or dinner at the renowned 7-Glacier Restaurant or at the Double Musky. Overnight Alyeska Resort
08
Alyeska – Anchorage
Morning private limousine pick up at the hotel and return transfer to Anchorage. Time for last shopping activities, a visit of the Alaska Native Heritage Center or lunch. End of tour.
 * Depends on race schedule and weather conditions.
Departures & Rates per Person in US$
Single Double Triple Quad
March 06 - March 13, 2009
$2620.00
$2190.00
$2050.00
$2010.00
March 05 - March 12, 2010
$2690.00
$2260.00
$2120.00
$2080.00
March 04 - March 11, 2011
$2760.00
$2330.00
$2190.00
$2150.00
March 02 – March 09, 2012
$2830.00
$2390.00
$2260.00
$2220.00
 Including:
 • 5 Nights ***/* Downtown Hotel Accommodation
 •
2 Nights Wilderness Lodge Accommodation
 • 7 x Breakfast
 • 2 x Deli Style Lunches
 • 2 x Dinner
 • Hotel Tax
 • Airport - Hotel - Airport Transfers
 • Private Limousine Transfers Anchorage - Girdwood - Anchorage
 • All Ski-plane fly outs to Yentna Station, Finger Lake & Rainy Pass as scheduled
 • 1 Gondola Pass
 • Use of Resort Facilities - WLAN Internet Access, Free transportation within Girdwood, Local Calls
 • Tour Descriptiosn