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Fun reasons to brave the Alaskan winter

Mike Coppock
Specia
It's winter, which means that many people in the midst of planning trips probably have white-sand Caribbean beaches on the brain – not so much Alaskan tundra. But as travel writer Mike Coppock points out, there are plenty of reasons to brave Alaska in the winter. Click forward to see what's in store if you go.
It's winter, which means that many people in the midst of planning trips probably have white-sand Caribbean beaches on the brain – not so much Alaskan tundra. But as travel writer Mike Coppock points out, there are plenty of reasons to brave Alaska in the winter. Click forward to see what's in store if you go.
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In addition to the hosting start of the famous Iditarod sled-dog race on March 7, Anchorage also hosts sprint races where other, less purpose-bred hounds can be the stars.
In addition to the hosting start of the famous Iditarod sled-dog race on March 7, Anchorage also hosts sprint races where other, less purpose-bred hounds can be the stars.
Visit Anchorage
The Iditarod sled dog race starts in Anchorage commemorating the 1925 race by Alaska mushers to get a supply of life-saving serum to Nome, which was in the grips of a diphtheria epidemic. The race covers 1,049 miles of wilderness ending in Nome.
The Iditarod sled dog race starts in Anchorage commemorating the 1925 race by Alaska mushers to get a supply of life-saving serum to Nome, which was in the grips of a diphtheria epidemic. The race covers 1,049 miles of wilderness ending in Nome.
Visit Anchorage
This will be the 13th year for the Running of the Reindeer in downtown Anchorage. Reindeer are domesticated caribou and are raised for meat in Alaska.
This will be the 13th year for the Running of the Reindeer in downtown Anchorage. Reindeer are domesticated caribou and are raised for meat in Alaska.
Visit Anchorage
This year marks the 85th Fur Rendezvous celebration in Anchorage. Over the years, it's come to be known as the Rondy.
This year marks the 85th Fur Rendezvous celebration in Anchorage. Over the years, it's come to be known as the Rondy.
Visit Anchorage
Today, there are rides and fireworks, but the event's original purpose lives on, too. At the same time, mountain men and trappers will bring their pelts to small isolated Alaskan villages to trade for supplies in the 21st century.
Today, there are rides and fireworks, but the event's original purpose lives on, too. At the same time, mountain men and trappers will bring their pelts to small isolated Alaskan villages to trade for supplies in the 21st century.
Visit Anchorage
Outhouse Races at the Rondy date back to 1935 and underscore Alaska's quirky side. Visitors to Alaska will find outhouses at the end of piers, on top of mountains, on the side of cliffs and behind mansions – all still in use.
Outhouse Races at the Rondy date back to 1935 and underscore Alaska's quirky side. Visitors to Alaska will find outhouses at the end of piers, on top of mountains, on the side of cliffs and behind mansions – all still in use.
Visit Anchorage
The Rondy also features fat tire – aka mountain bike – races. Such competitions are nothing new for Alaska. In 1900, 19-year-old Max Hirschberg rode his bike down the frozen Yukon River from Dawson to the Bering Sea, a distance of 1200 miles!
The Rondy also features fat tire – aka mountain bike – races. Such competitions are nothing new for Alaska. In 1900, 19-year-old Max Hirschberg rode his bike down the frozen Yukon River from Dawson to the Bering Sea, a distance of 1200 miles!
Visit Anchorage
The Rondy will all feature ice and snow sculpting contests. with so much snow, it is bound to attract Alaskan artists. Valdez, Alaska, averages 300 inches a year while Fairbanks' Ice Museum stays open for most of the summer.
The Rondy will all feature ice and snow sculpting contests. with so much snow, it is bound to attract Alaskan artists. Valdez, Alaska, averages 300 inches a year while Fairbanks' Ice Museum stays open for most of the summer.
Visit Anchorage
Whether you head for Anchorage, Girdwood, Denali or even Fairbanks, another reason for an Alaskan winter visit are the spectacular Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis with their moving, dancing hues of greens, blues, reds and whites.
Whether you head for Anchorage, Girdwood, Denali or even Fairbanks, another reason for an Alaskan winter visit are the spectacular Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis with their moving, dancing hues of greens, blues, reds and whites.
CNaene, Getty Images/iStockphoto
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