Who needs the Running of the Bulls when Alaska has reindeer? 🦌🏃‍♂️ Welcome to the Running of the Reindeer in Anchorage — one of the most unique winter travel experiences in Alaska and an absolute bucket list event! Every year during the iconic Fur Rendezvous ( Fur Rondy), hundreds of runners pack the streets of downtown Anchorage for a race you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The twist? A few very real, very fast reindeer are released behind the crowd — and suddenly it’s a full-on sprint through the snow for survival. 😅 Costumes, cheering crowds, and pure chaos turn this legendary Alaskan festival into one of the most unforgettable things to do in Anchorage and a must-see for anyone planning Alaska winter travel. Wild? Absolutely. Terrifying? A little. Unforgettable? 100%. If you’re building your Alaska bucket list, this is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience that makes visiting Alaska so unforgettable. Who’s running with us next year? 👀 #runningofthereindeer #Thingstodoinanchorage #Alaskabucketlist #uniqueevents #Alaskatravel

If you think travel thrills are just sunsets and beaches—wait until you feel the energy of the Iditarod Sled Dog Raceripping through Alaska’s wild winter! 🐶✨ This is more than a race—it’s a celebration of mushing culture, courage, and the deep bond between mushers and their incredible sled dogs. The grin on a musher’s face as they launch into the wilderness and the joyful yelps of the dogs? That hits you in the soul. 🏔️ 🎉 The Adventure: Fur Rondy + Ceremonial Start The Iditarod is wrapped in Fur Rendezvous (@furrondy )—a two-week Anchorage winter festival full of quirky Alaska experiences: snow sculptures, reindeer races, and “Mr. Fur Face” contests. It all leads to the Ceremonial Start—a festive send-off through downtown city streets where the spirit of the trail takes over. 📍 How to Experience It: • ✨ Self-Guided: Stake out Fourth Ave in Anchorage the next day head 90 mins north to the Official Restart in Willow, where the timed race really begins. • ✨ Guided Tours: Worth the investment for insider access, fly-outs to remote checkpoints, and stress-free logistics. 📖 The History & Heart: The Iditarod honors the legendary 1925 Serum Run to Nome, where mushers and sled dogs saved a city by relaying medicine across 674 miles of frozen wilderness. Today, it preserves that Alaska heritage. Mushers care for their teams with unwavering devotion—it’s not just athleticism; it’s a labor of love. Whether you’re here for #AlaskaTravel, #AdventureTravel, or chasing epic stories—this is one event you’ll never forget. 🌨️✨ #Iditarod #Alaska #DogSledding BucketListTravel VisitAlaska

❄️ Save this for your ultimate Fairbanks winter bucket list! 🧊 Every February and March, Fairbanks, Alaska transforms into a frozen wonderland for the World Ice Art Championships—where world-class artists travel from across the globe to carve jaw-dropping ice masterpieces. The skill level? It’s out of this world. 🌌 Here’s how to experience it like a pro: • Timing: Watch carvings in action early in the season—or go later to see every piece fully finished and on display. Either way, the artistry will blow your mind. • Cold? No problem: Temperatures can plummet (we’ve seen -37°F!) but with layers, you’ll be perfectly comfortable. 🧥 • Hungry? There’s even a cozy warming hut with hot drinks, food and seating when you need a break from the chilly Alaskan winter weather. ☕ • Ice Park Fun: Beyond the sculptures, the Ice Park is packed with slides, games, and free sleds. It’s basically the most fun you can have with ice. ⛸️ • Tickets: Buy a day pass, or upgrade for just a few dollars more to a seasonal pass. Come and go all day to see sculptures in daylight, glowing evening lights, and enjoy all the activities at your own pace. 💡 Insider tip: Visit at night for the lights—they make the sculptures feel magical. Save and share this reel with anyone who loves winter adventures, epic art, or just wants a reason to bundle up and embrace the cold. #IceAlaska #WorldIceArtChampionships #FairbanksAlaska #IceCarving #alaskatravel

👇 ALL THE DETAILS + HOW TO BOOK ❄️🐕 If dog sledding is on your Alaska bucket list, this is the place to do it. We booked with @themushingcoop in Fairbanks, Alaska and it ended up being one of the most memorable things we’ve ever done here. The co-op is run by local mushers, so you’re not just going for a ride—you actually learn about the sport, the dogs, and the history of mushing in Alaska. We went in early March, and because it’s Fairbanks… it was still very winter. Temps that day hovered around -27°F 🥶 but the co-op provides everything you need to stay warm on the trail—including parkas, snow pants, mittens, hats, boots, and even the iconic Alaskan bunny boots built for extreme cold. Our musher Jeremy and his dog team were incredible. Along the trail he shared stories about dog mushing in Alaska, how the dogs are trained, and the history of the sport. Some of the dogs on the team have even run the Iditarod, which made the whole experience feel even more special while you’re actually riding behind them. Here’s what to know if you want to book this yourself: ❄️ Winter (Dec–March): Traditional dog sledding on snow. You’ll meet the huskies, ride in a cushioned sled pulled by a team of Alaskan huskies along snowy trails outside Fairbanks, and warm up afterward in a cozy yurt. 🍂 Fall (Sept–Nov): The dogs pull wheeled carts or UTVs instead of sleds, so you can still experience mushing before the snow arrives. Some evening tours even combine the ride with chances to watch for the Northern Lights. ☀️ Summer: You can visit the kennel for mushing demonstrations, meet the dogs, and learn how training works during the off-season. So yes — you really can experience dog mushing in multiple seasons, even if you’re not visiting in peak winter. If this is on your bucket list, comment “MUSH” and We’ll send you the link to book 🐕❄️ Highly recommend adding this to your Fairbanks itinerary. It’s adventurous, educational, and one of those experiences that makes Alaska feel truly wild. #AlaskaTravel #DogSledding #AdventureTravel #BucketListTravel #FairbanksAlaska

Hot take: winter travel isn’t miserable. Being under-prepared is. Fairbanks, Alaska hit us with -20°F during the day and a casual -50°F at night. If you’ve never experienced that kind of cold let me tell you- it hurts to breathe. The big difference between a “this is magical” winter trips and “My finger just fell off ” comes down to having the right gear. And Gloves are 100% one of the most important items not just for warmth but also for function. Because I can promise you a team of sled dogs will not wait while you to fumble with your phone trying to get the shot 🤣 Our absolute favorites are from REI Co-op, and here’s what we’d actually recommend if you’re planning extreme cold travel: What to Look For in Gloves (for sub-zero adventures): • Rated for well below the temps you expect • Waterproof + windproof shell • Insulated (down or high-quality synthetic) • Removable liner (so you can dry them overnight) • Enough mobility to use your hands without taking them off- bonus point for screen friendly finger tips. Winter travel is bucket list for a reason. Investing in the gear that lets you experience more is worth the splurge …Your fingers (and frozen eyelashes) will thank you 😉 #rockporchpartner #gifted @rockporch.creators @rei

𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 for your Lake Tahoe winter trip ❄️ Snowshoeing Chickadee Ridge ended up being one of our favorite winter adventures in Tahoe—and we almost skipped it. This easy snowshoe hike (about 1 mile uphill) delivers incredible Lake Tahoe views and the chance to hand-feed wild chickadees in the snow. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: Start at Tahoe Meadows Trailhead off Mount Rose Highway (NV-431) between Incline Village and Reno. Winter conditions can change quickly, so drive slowly, check weather and road conditions ahead of time, and be prepared for snow-covered roads. The chickadees here are tiny, brave, and curious. If you’re patient and stand still, they may hop right onto your hand—an experience we’ll never forget. 𝐏𝐫𝐨 𝐭𝐢𝐩: If you want to see the chickadees but skip the up-close-and-personal part, find a nice rock, pile some seeds on it, and they’ll swoop in for them—still magical, zero gloves required. 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐝-𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐬: • Bring birdseed intended for birds only • Use plain, unsalted, unflavored sunflower seeds • ❌ No bread, no flavored seeds, no human snacks • Let the birds come to you—don’t chase them 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝: • Snowshoes + poles (rent locally if needed) • Warm winter layers • Sunflower seeds (plain + unsalted) • No experience required—beginner friendly We loved how peaceful and uncrowded this hike felt—just snow, silence, and tiny birds trusting us way more than expected. If you’re planning a Lake Tahoe winter trip, love outdoor adventure travel, or want a unique winter hike, Chickadee Ridge deserves a spot on your list. #LakeTahoe #SnowshoeingTahoe #WinterHiking #AdventureTravel #OutdoorAdventure