10 Day Iditarod Race Start, Rainy Pass, Nikolai and McGrath Checkpoint Tour

Experience the most comprehensive Iditarod Checkpoint Tour available

Combine our 6 Day Race Start Tour with spectacular flights to the Rainy Pass, Nikolai and McGrath checkpoints. We will then spend three additional days in the McGrath checkpoit, a favorite place for many teams to take their 24 hour layover with numerous opportunities for you to mingle with the mushers.

Why Book Your Checkpoint Tour With AIT?

Owner and guide Rich Montagna lived in McGrath for 20 years. He mushed his dog team thousands of miles along the race trail, worked for several Native organizations representing the concerns of the villages to State and Federal agencies. He is intimately familiar with the Upper Kuskokwim area and its people. Visiting the Nikolai and McGrath checkpoints with Rich will give you a unique trail experience no other tour company can provide.

10 Day Iditarod Race Start and Checkpoints Tour Package Highlights

  • Spectacular flights over the Alaska Range to the Rainy Pass, Nikolai and McGrath checkpoints.
  • Opportunity to interact with the dog teams and mushers along the trail at the Nikolai and McGrath Checkpoints
  • Have a unique cultural experience meeting locals in the Nikolai and McGrath checkpoints
  • Attending the Iditarod Race Starts in Anchorage and Willow.
  • Learn about dog mushing and ride the runners on an exciting sled dog ride at the Alaska Mushing School
  • Attend the Musher's Meet and Greet followed by the Musher's Banquet
  • Scenic ride along Turnagain Arm and vist to the Alalask Wildlife Center and Alyeska Ski Resort
  • Visit to the Anchorage Museum of History and Art
  • Visit to the Iditarod Museum

Cost and Details

March 3- March 12, 2027. $8100 pp. shared accommodation, single supplement $1100 depending on availability. Price includes all local taxes.

Booking button

  • 7 Nights Accommodation at the Hilton Hotel on 3rd avenue, right next to the ceremonial start line
    • ear
  • Iditarod Banquet and Meet and Greet admission tickets
  • Dog Mushing at the Alaska Mushing School
  • Group meals in Anchorage as indicated on the itinerary
  • Admission to the Anchorage Museum of History and Art
  • Transportation to the Willow Restart and Iditarod Museum
  • 3 Nights Accommodation at the McGrath Outpost
  • Flights between Anchorage Rainy Pass, Nikolai and McGrath
  • Meals as indicated on itinerary
    • Coming into Nikolai

    Coming into the checkpoint

    Dog in Box

    John Baker

    Resting Dog

    coming under the burl arch

    John Baker Champ

    musher

    Pat HallFive Time returning client Pat Hall at the Safety Checkpoint

    "Next year, 2016, will be my fifth visit to the Iditarod Sled Dog Race travelling with Alaska Iditarod Tours. My experiences with Richard's tours have always been exactly what I wanted. This includes booking the entire race (start to finish), accommodation, meals, side trips, extra activities and great company. Many friends are made as there are several return visits which gives us an opportunity to meet new friends and renew friendships. Richard's tours are very relaxed, flexible and because he has been travelling to the Iditarod for many years, he has a great understanding of the needs of his clients and has connections with the Iditarod family. I would absolutely recommend Alaska Iditarod Tours as a complete Iditarod experience one never forgets." Pat