Iron Dog Is Longest Toughest Snowmobile Race In The World

Alaska is synonymous with the Iditarod, a 1,000-mile dogsled race across the state’s harsh winter terrain, but there is another race that also puts competitors to the test while traversing The Last Frontier. The Iron Dog is a 2,031-mile snowmobile race from Anchorage to Nome, finishing in Fairbanks. It is the longest snowmobile race in the world.

The race, which began in 1984, was initially 1,000 miles from Big Lake to Nome, but expanded at the 1994 competition and is now more than double the original distance. Riders, who compete in pairs, start out on the 1,000-plus mile historic Iditarod Trail toward Nome. Following a mandated layover, they pick back up, riding some 800 miles on the frozen Yukon River to the finish in Fairbanks.

Cory Davis and Ryan Simons (Team 41) were first to cross the finish line in downtown Fairbanks at 40 hours, 58 minutes and one second to win the 2017 race. Davis is the second second-generation competitor to win Iron Dog, following Scott Faeo’s victory in 2015. Davis’ father, Scott, is a seven-time winner of the event and is in the Iron Dog Hall of Fame (coincidentally along with Faeo’s father, John, who is also a seven-time winner).

First, second, and third-place finishers following the 2017 Iron Dog

Riders wear padded waterproof gloves that can handle the seemingly endless pressures of constantly hanging on at speeds of 80-90 mph for 2,000 miles as well as keeping the hands from getting wet or going numb. Layering pants, hats, shirts, and jackets is commonplace. Competitors keep their feet warm and dry with “Bunny Boots“, and their water from freezing by wearing it on their backs underneath their insulating layer and/or relying on a small tank that utilizes the heat from the snowmobile’s exhaust to keep the water in liquid form. Racers also put Duct tape or surgical tape on their faces to protect exposed skin not covered by goggles or helmet because frostbite will damage any unprotected skin almost instantly.

Riders put tape on their face not protected by goggles or helmet to avoid frostbite

According to the race’s website: “Racers are required to pack a tent or a Bivy sack, 5lbs of tools, a First Aid kit, and must also have studded tracks and an extreme cold rated sleeping bag.” You can check out a sample checklist of all the survival gear needed for the race.

Riding through such hostile conditions can lead to a bevy of injuries and ailments including broken ribs, frostbite and dehydration, but thankfully no deaths have been directly related to the race.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

View Offers