Nome Alaska Visitor's Center


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Aliy Zirkle At The Finish In Nome

Every year in March, Nome hosts the finish of one of the toughest sled dog races in the world. The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is a 1,049 mile trek through some of the most extreme wilderness in the nation. The first Iditarod race was held in 1973 and has been extremely popular ever since. During the finish of the race Nome's population grows by approximately 1,000 people and turns Nome into what people everywhere warmly refer to as the "Mardi Gras of the North". With hundreds of events to participate in and the ability to rub elbows with some of the most notorious names in the dog mushing industry, the finish of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Nome is an event not to be missed.

Click here for the
2010 Iditarod Events Calendar
(2-page pdf file)

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. When does the race start? The ceremonial start begins in Anchorage on the first Saturday in March. The restart begins the next day in Wasilla or Willow, depending on snow conditions.

2. When does the first musher cross the finish line in Nome? Usually nine to ten days after the restart. This can vary depending on weather and trail conditions.

3. Which route will the race run this year? The northern route is run on even years, and the southern route is run on odd years.

4. How do I purchase an AWARDS BANQUET TICKET? Tickets are sold only after the first musher crosses the finish line. After that time, you may purchase tickets at Arctic Trading Post, or the Iditarod Headquarters at the Mini Convention Center. Tickets may not be reserved in advance.

5. When is the finish line "Burled Arch" erected on Front Street? The first Sunday before the first musher is scheduled to arrive.

For more information on the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race go to www.iditarod.com.

HOUSING DURING THE IDITAROD: The finish of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is a very popular event; therefore, hotels and B&B's tend to book up very early, some possibly a year in advance! If you are unable to find a room, the Nome Convention and Visitors Bureau may be able to help.

Each year, several Nome residents will open their private homes to people in need of a place to stay during the Iditarod, and the Visitors Center maintains a list of these individuals. Some residents may rent an entire apartment or home, and some may rent couch or floor space. If you are unable to secure a room in a hotel or B&B, and would like to be put on a wait list for a room in someone's private home, please call the Visitors Center at (907) 443-6555, or send an e-mail to nomeinfo@gci.net. Visitors Center staff cannot guarantee being able to place you in a room, but they will do the best they can!

The Visitors Center will begin placing people on the waitlist beginning October 1.

When calling or e-mailing the Visitors Center to be placed on the wait list, please include all of the following:

1. Your Name.
2. Total number of people in your party.
3. Dates of arrival and departure.
4. Any special needs you may have.
5. Daytime telephone number.
6. E-mail address.