Willow Winter Activities
Willow is a winter wonderland about 1.5 hours north of Anchorage. This is home to the start of the world-famous Iditarod Sled Dog race, and is the home of many Iditarod mushers. Some of those mushers open their homes so visitors can experience Alaska's state sport first hand! Experience the thrill of gliding across the snow being pulled by a team of dogs, and you'll see why this tradition lives on. Other activities in the area include snowmobile tours and enclosed UTV tours.
Getting to Willow in the Winter
You can rent a car and drive about an hour and a half north of Anchorage to Willow. In winter, expect snowy conditions. Many locals and visitors are more comfortable driving a vehicle with studded tires, something you can request when you reserve your vehicle. If you'd rather sit back and enjoy the scenery, you can hire a private transfer with AK Tripping.
Winter Activities
Summer or winter, visit a family-run champion kennel, meet friendly dogs and an experienced musher for a ride along private trails with views of Denali. Opt to ride in the sled or mush your own. Or, for a truly authentic adventure, go on a training run for the Iditarod! Large groups and special events welcome when organized in advance.
Experience the excitement of racing champion sled dogs at the Alaska Mushing School, just 75 minutes from Anchorage. Get a professional’s insight into the mushing lifestyle as you ride behind a team of energetic sled dogs on trails connected to the famous Iditarod route. Bundle up and ride in comfort, or brave the cold and drive the team yourself!
Winter or summer, experience the thrill of running Iditarod sled dogs and even have a chance to drive! Meet the sled dogs and hear first-hand just what it’s like to run the Iditarod.
Pilot a utility task vehicle (UTV) — an ATV that’s fully enclosed — with family and friends as you splash through rivers, take in stunning views, and even pan for gold on this unique, 3‑hour excursion with Hatcher Pass ATV Tours out of Willow.
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