Alaska Journals

Best of IgoUgo

Iditarod 2011

A March 2011 trip to Alaska by Ken @ American Odyssey TV

Quote: This is my first trip to Alaska, where I check out the mountains, the ocean, and most importantly, The Iditarod.

12 Photos

Cheer!
Flag

Alyeska Resort

Hotel | "A Great Getaway Just a Few Miles From Anchorage"

Quote:

When planning my trip to Anchorage, I knew I wanted to get out of the city for a couple of days, and I knew I wanted to see the Seward Highway, a road that leaves town to the south and heads along the frozen coastline. Enter Alyeska.

Alyeska is a ski/snowboard resort, that has everything you need for a nice getaway: peace, quiet, snow, spa, food and a bit of luxury thrown in. Not to mention, for those looking to hit the slopes, Alyeska Resort is ski in, ski out, with a tram that runs from the hotel, and a private lift that serves beginners and has a giant park attached for the braver souls. Basically, Alyeska has it all.

I had two days, and one night to spend away from town, and the first day was wasted on the drive out there. I say that jokingly because although it is only 40 miles from Anchorage, it took me nearly three hours - not because of road conditions or weather, but because of the views. I stopped at nearly every parking spot along the way, and came out with some amazing pictures and video to show for it.

Once I arrived at Alyeska, it was too late to 'board, so I took the tram to the top and had a romantic afternoon with my Canon. The following morning, I had breakfast at the hotel, then took advantage of the resort's indoor pool and gym, before visiting the rental shop to gear up for the mountain. Btw, the shop rents out pretty new Burton gear, so I'm glad I didn't lug my equipment all the way to Alaska.

As for the snow, well, the weather was so nice that the snow left a little to be desired. The mountain would be great on a snowday, but as it was, I just cruised around on the groomers a few times before calling it a day. I could have stayed longer, but another drive along the Seward Highway was too intriguing.

If you are looking for a quick getaway from Anchorage, or a week-long vacation, Alyeska is a great place that has everything you need... and with this place, the journey is just as important as the destination.
Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on March 8, 2025

Alyeska Resort
1000 ARLBERG AVE
Girdwood, Alaska 99587
907-754-1111

Cheer!
Flag

Fur Rondy Festival (Iditarod Week)

Attraction | "Snowball Fight!"

Quote:

One of the newer events on Iditarod weekends in Anchorage is the Yukigasen or snow ball fight. If you've played paintball or capture the flag, then you know how this goes. Two teams, a hand full of players, a few obstacles, and a flag on the other teams side that you need to grab. This is such a simple idea, but also genius. Snowball fights are as old as, well, snow; and I've been in my fair share. However, it's never been organized, refereed, or encouraged. Give the teams helmets, and let them go at it. Unfortunately, I stumbled on this, and wasn't able to play, but if you are planning to go to Anchorage, and have a group of people with you, then you should probably sign up ea...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on March 7, 2025

Fur Rondy Festival (Iditarod Week)

Anchorage, Alaska

Cheer!
Flag

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

Attraction | "One of the Craziest Events I've Ever Seen"

Quote:

Many people have heard of the Iditarod, and many have heard of The Running of the Bulls, but not many have heard about the Running of the Reindeer. On Saturday, after the ceremonial start to the Iditarod in Downtown Anchorage, they bring in about a dozen reindeer, and let them loose to run with the hundreds of people that signed up for the event. The runs goes for about three city blocks, and there are no official winners. Most people dress up in crazy outfits, from simply wearing nothing but underwear, to those in elaborate Halloween-type costumes. There are three heats: one is for the women, one for the men, and the last is coed. There is really no organization, e...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on March 7, 2025

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
400 D St (start)
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
+1 907 346 5155

Cheer!
Flag

Mitch Seavey and a Family of Mushers

Story/Tip

Quote:

Mitch Seavey, winner of the 2004 Iditarod comes from a family with deep roots in the Iditarod. When Mitch was a teenager, back in 1973, his father Dan was helping to organize the inaugural race. Dan raced four times in the Iditarod, and now helps organize the event. Mitch got his start in the Iditarod in 1982, finishing 22nd. He took a few years off to raise a family, and ran his second race in 1995. He hasn’t stopped, competing in every race since then. Mitch now has four boys, and three of them have raced in the Iditarod. The youngest son hopes to compete once he reaches 18. Just a few weeks ago, Mitch’s son Dallas won the Yukon Quest. The Quest is 1,000 miles, and thought of...Read More

Cheer!
Flag

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

Attraction | "What is the Iditarod?"

Quote:

Before I came to Alaska, I knew about the Iditarod - it's a dog sled race that goes across Alaska, in the middle of winter. That is all I knew. So, now, with a little more knowledge, I can at least tell you this much...The Iditarod Sled Dog Race, also known as ‘The Last Great Race’, starts in Anchorage and travels over 1,000 miles through the coldest land in America. It starts on the first Saturday in March, and takes anywhere from nine to fifteen days to complete.The trek started in 1925 when residents in Nome, Alaska needed serum to combat diphtheria, and since they were closed off to the outside world in the harsh winter, sled dogs were the only means of transporting the ser...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on March 7, 2025

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
400 D St (start)
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
+1 907 346 5155