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IDITAROD TRAIL SLED DOG RACE 2011 - Iditarod Expedition 2011
“The Last Great Race”, Iditarod traverses the beauty that is Alaska. Starting in Willow, teams travel on frozen rivers through the Alaska Range, across barren coastline and finish 1000 miles away in Nome. On the trail the fanfare of the ceremonial start fades and Alaskan Huskies eager for adventure run almost non-stop as the challenges unfold. Snowmobiles allow us practical transportation for viewing the race up close.
Alaska Backcountry Access has been guiding Iditarod Expeditions and snowmobile tours for years. During the 2008 season we guided a filming expedition for Bearded Dog Cinema across the Alaska Range, through Dalzell Gorge, to the village of McGrath. In 2009 we took to the trail offering a three-day two-night inclusive package covering hundreds of miles and the first two checkpoints in a loop including the original overland Iditarod route. In 2010 we combined snowmobiles and ski planes for an ultimate adventure.
The Ceremonial Start of the Iditarod on Saturday in Anchorage is a great time to get to know the teams before the intensity of competition begins. We schedule a meet and greet, safety meeting, gear check and last minute shopping trip. A good night’s rest is useful before the excitement of the next three days running with the Iditarod.
On Sunday morning we grab a hot drink from an Anchorage coffee shop before outfitting our snowmobiles in Wasilla and continuing to our jump off point of Willow. The Iditarod is big, truly Alaskan and for many the highlight of winter. Snowmobile along the race through the Yentna checkpoint before arriving at our lodge for dinner, bonfire and fun late into the night.
Monday takes us back to the Iditarod Trail as teams wake from a short night. The trail turns from wide frozen rivers to vast snowy meadows and dense snow-filled forests. In the afternoon, we concentrate on sightseeing, snowmobile riding and visiting additional lodges and roadhouses. The third day takes us back to Willow and Anchorage with more excitement and adventure along the way.
In 2011: join a multi-day sled dog mushing adventures along the race trail; access the race finish in Nome utilizing a tracked truck while staying in a Native Village; and fly to villages like White Mountain and watch teams headed to the Nome finish from Safety.
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is an ultimate adventure. We are glad to customize with activities like: cross-country ski trekking, sled dog mushing, igloo camping and whale watching for a complete Alaskan experience. Contact us or one of our agents for details.
Iditarod Willow to Skwentna Expedition 2011
Saturday March 5th, 2011 · Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, The Last Great Race, Ceremonial Start · Iditarod expedition, meeting, packing and planning
Sunday March 6th · 7 am departure from Anchorage driving north to Wasilla · depart on snowmobiles from Willow · lunch along the trail at one of several lodges · snowmobile 50 miles to Yentna Station checkpoint · watch your favorite Iditarod teams as mushers sign posters on the way through the first checkpoint · dinner and accommodation provided at exceptional Bentalit Lodge in rooms with individual bathrooms · bon fire and fun late into the night
Monday March 7th · breakfast at our lodge · snowmobile 35 miles to the 2nd checkpoint at Skwentna Option A · snowmobile toward the Old Skwentna Roadhouse along the Iditarod Trail · BBQ lunch and fire along the trail watching the last teams heading toward Rainy Pass · in the afternoon relax at the TalVista Lodge on the Talachulitna River · take a snowmobile or snowshoe tour of the remote area
Option B · get a view of the trail from above by bush plane or helicopter · conditions dependent fly to Finger Lake or Rainy Pass checkpoints · lunch is served along the trail · return to Skwentna and snowmobile to join the group at TalVista Lodge
Tuesday March 8th · morning meal and visiting at our lodge · snowmobile toward Willow overland along the original Iditarod Trial · return to Wasilla by 4pm and drive to Anchorage · celebrate our return and toast the brave teams headed to Nome
Inclusive of guide, transportation, meals, lodging, fuel, host gratuities and snowmobile rental. Bring a sense of adventure.
Price Option A: $4450 adult Price Option B: $4950 adult
Deposit and Cancellation Policy for Iditarod Expedition: 50% deposit at the time of booking. Full payment is due 14 days prior to date of service. The deposit is non-refundable.
Disclosure: Alaska Backcountry Access LLC takes no responsibility for the inherent hazards and risks associated with participation in all activities. All participants must sign a release of liability form, and are responsible for applicable snowmobile damage.
Phone: (907) 783-3600 Web: www.akback.com Email: andy@akback.com Toll Free: (800) 783-3005
Nome, White Mountain, Solomon Iditarod Expedition 2011
· 11 AM fly from Anchorage to Nome on Alaska Air · lunch in Nome · Nome to White Mountain on Bering Airlines · first mushers arrive in the late afternoon or early evening · dinner in White Mountain · teams have a mandatory 8 hour rest then are back on the trail · B&B accommodation with beds or cots, maybe the floor
Tuesday March 15th · breakfast and lunch in White Mountain · fly from White Mountain to Nome at 4:25 PM · dinner in Nome · watch the finish in Nome (hopefully) · transport to Solomon via tacked truck · accommodation at Solomon B&B
Wednesday March 16th · breakfast at B&B · snowmobile 32 mile to Nome or to Safety Roadhouse or watch from Solomon · lunch on the trail · helicopter tour of Iditarod Trail with Bering Air · dinner in Solomon or Nome · accommodation at Solomon B&B
· breakfast in Solomon · Musk Ox viewing tour (condition dependent) · snowmobiling along Iditarod Trail · make our way to Nome via track truck or snowmobile · alternate day for helicopter tour · visit shops, see local attractions · lunch and dinner in Nome · homestay accommodation in Nome
Friday March 18th · breakfast and lunch in Nome · fly to Anchorage on Alaska Airlines at 1:20 PM
Inclusive of guide, transportation, meals, lodging, fuel, host gratuities and snowmobile rental. Bring a sense of adventure.
Price: $6880 per adult
Deposit and Cancellation Policy for Iditarod Expedition: 50% deposit at the time of booking. Full payment is due 14 days prior to date of service. The deposit is non-refundable.
Disclosure: Alaska Backcountry Access LLC takes no responsibility for the inherent hazards and risks associated with participation in all activities. Weather, conditions and extra flying can change the schedule and pricing (at a reduced rate) by adding extra days. All participants must sign a release of liability and indemnity form and are responsible for applicable snowmobile damage.
SLED DOG MUSHING OVERNIGHT
Learn the sport of sled dog mushing from our world class musher Dario Martinez and his energetic huskies. Drive the team from our double stanchion sleds as we wind through the forests and snowy meadows.
Mountain views surround the area as we set up camp for the night. Camp consists of roomy Mountain Hardwear tents, Thermarest pads and Kelty sleeping bags. The sled dog team returns to their kennel home as we start a fire for our evening meal.
Winter camping has its challenges and rewards. We teach you basic and advanced techniques to build shelters, conserve energy and stay comfortable. You may even decide to sleep in an igloo.
Our long winter nights are great for viewing stars, occasional Northern Lights and snowy silence. The next morning we fuel up with hot drinks, oatmeal and more for the ski trek home. Glide through the meadows on trekking skis, taking in all of your surroundings.
Price: $699 adult
Snowmobiles, in Alaska called snowmachines, provide us fast and exciting transportation into the backcountry. Visit the faces of several glaciers and the scenic valleys they carve. Ride your own machine to explore ice caves and scenic wilderness. Other companies put you in a line with 12+ snowmachines, join our exclusive small group tour with guided transportation, gear, lunch, dinner and snowmobile rental included. This snowmobile tour is one of several we provide.
Price: $499 adult
Active Day Treks from Girdwood
Pick and choose day trips offered by Alaska Backcountry Access throughout the winter.
Glacier Valley Trekker Travel through the snowy meadows and silent rainforests of Girdwood's Glacier Valley. Local trails vary from virgin powder to single trek to wide open groomers. Ski trekking is a stable and simple combination of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. We provide high quality backcountry boots, and depending on conditions and requests, select trekking skis, cross-country skis or snowshoes. Professional guides provide instruction and naturalist interpretation along the way. We may visit an igloo too! Price: $79 adult $59 children 8-12 Departs at 10am and 1pm (allow 2 hours)
Travel back in time to Historic Crow Creek Mine and find real gold. We transport you along the Iditarod National Historic Trail to our secret destination deep in the Chugach Mountains. Strap on snowshoes to float over the snow to the creek.
Often miners are plying the gravels with suction dredges in the low water of early spring. We try our luck and pan guaranteed gold. You might find some on your own too. Take in the scenery and tour the historic mine buildings some built as early as 1898. Price: $119 adult $99 children 8-12 Departs at 10am and 1pm (allow 3 hours)
Seaside Trekker Snowshoe or ski trek along a fjord in spectacular Prince William Sound. Our destination is the town of Whittier which we access by van through Portage Valley, via a two mile road/railroad tunnel. World War II installations dot the scenic coastal town.
Dramatic vistas appear in every direction as we traverse a variety of terrain from mellow trails to steep hills with amazing views. Along the way visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to meet bears, moose, musk ox, caribou, fox, bison and more.
Price: $189 adult $159 children 8-12
CHUGACH EXPRESS SLED DOG TOUR
Sled dog mushing is a unique Alaskan way to traverse the snowy landscape. The Huskies of Chugach Express will show you the way in this introduction to the sport. Moose Meadows is the setting for your adventure along the Iditarod National Historic Trail in the Chugach Mountains of Girdwood/Alyeska.
Meet the harnessed team and musher for introductions and photographs. Let the musher know your interests and have your tour tailored to suit. The Iditarod race is a popular topic of conversation as well as information about team commands, running positions and breeding.
Our unique double stanchion sled allows you to drive the team and learn commands like: Gee, Haw and whoa. Take the long way around our Moose Meadows sled dog loop on the way to the kennel. The home of these amazing athletes has everything necessary to run and train in Alaska. Mush some more on the way back around the meadow.
These husky dogs are always ready for adventure; step on the runners for yours! Bring your cameras for lasting memories.
Price: $199 per adult $149 children 12 and under
SOURDOUGH SNOW CIRCUIT
Take a guided ski trek to meet the Chugach Express team for
sled dog mushing. Learn about the Iditarod
Next we pan for gold and visit an igloo as we tour through the snowy meadows, single trek trails and quiet scenery of Girdwood’s Glacier Valley. Price: $299 adult $259 children 8-12 Departs at 9am and 1pm (allow 3 hours)
Ask us about winter: Seward day trips Hot Springs Expedition -- Middle Yukon River Yacht Ski Trekking -- Prince William Sound Dog Mushing Expeditions
Operating tours year-round in Alaska from Girdwood, Glacier Valley, Anchorage, Portage Valley and the Hotel Alyeska Resort. |
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Alaska Backcountry Access operates under US Forest Service, State of Alaska and Municipality of Anchorage special use permits. © Alaska Backcountry Access LLC Modified: 12/29/2010 |
