Why choose Sheldon Air Service to fly along the Iditarod dog sled race?
At Sheldon Air Service, our connection to Alaska runs far deeper than the skies. Our crew lives the grit, spirit, and community that define this state, with years of personal involvement in the legendary Iditarod. Udo has flown with the Iditarod Air Force since 2012, Tonya has served as a trail veterinarian since 2015, and Ben, our Director of Maintenance and pilot, even ran the race himself as a Rookie Musher in 2015.
This firsthand experience with the trail, its people, and its rhythm gives us a perspective few can offer. When your clients fly with us, they aren’t just seeing Alaska from the air—they’re experiencing it through a team that has lived, worked, and raced alongside its most iconic traditions. That authenticity, combined with our personal touch, makes every journey unforgettable.
How can I best see the Iditarod?Iditarod flight tours are the best way to see this great race. Sheldon Air Service offers personalized trips for small groups full following the race from the air, from the ceremonial start in Anchorage, the race restart in Willow to the first checkpoints at Yentna station, Finger and Puntilla Lake, and beyond all the way to Nome.
CHOOSE AN ADVENTURE
Iditarod Willow Restart / Yentna Station flight – Sunday March 8, 2026
Watch the mushers restart at Willow lake. Then fly along the trail and see the dog teams from the air. We will land at Yentna station, the first checkpoint on the race, where you will witness the first teams come through. This trip departs from Talkeetna at 1PM, returning around 8PM. Cost per person $850
Iditarod Puntilla Lake flight – Monday March 9, 2026
Enjoy a day at Puntilla Lake, the third checkpoint in the race, in the foothills of the Alaska range. By this time the race is full on. On the flight over your experienced Iditarod pilot will follow part of the trail to see the dog teams in their element. This trip departs from Talkeetna at 10AM, returning around 5PM. Cost per person $950
Iditarod Exclusive private day flights – Sunday March 8 and Monday March 9, 2026
You have the airplane! Yourself and five of your favorite friends or family spend the whole day along the trail! We will tailor the trip to your desire, fly and land along the trail, watch the teams go by, and explore the Alaska range. Cost $10,350 per day + fuel surcharge.
Iditarod Exclusive private race adventure charter
This unique air service is for the adventurous traveler who wants to follow the Iditarod mushers all the way to Nome. This charter trip gives you the opportunity to personally talk to the Iditarod mushers, personally see and experience nearly 1000 miles of the Iditarod Trail across the Last Frontier. As well as visit various Native Alaskan villages and cultures along the way.
The following agenda is suggested; we can customize this together with you.
- March 8 – Restart at Willow, Day trip along the trail and the Yentna Station checkpoint.
- March 9 – Puntilla Lake/Rohn
- March TBD – McGrath. Day trips along the trail and checkpoints in Nikolai, Takotna, Ophir and Cripple
- March TBD – Galena. Day trips along the trail and checkpoints in Ruby, Nulato and Kaltag
- March TBD – Unalakleet. Day trips along the trail and checkpoints in Shaktoolik, Koyuk and Elim
- March TBD Nome. Our plane will return to Talkeetna. You can stay in Nome to see the mushers finish their race.
Please contact us for pricing (907) 733-2321
Excludes accommodations, commercial flight Nome – Anchorage, winter gear.
Things to note:
- Day trip pricing is based on a minimum of three people. Individuals/pairs can be combined to meet the minimum requirements
- Dress in layers with warm boots, gloves and a hat. You will be spending majority of the day outdoors. The Sheldon team can help you to select the appropriate gear to stay warm on the trail
- Fuel surcharge is based on price difference between fuel at remote airport purchased and price at the Talkeetna airport.
- The Sheldon team can help you with accommodation in Talkeetna, or on the trail.
Why is it called “Iditarod”?
The name Iditarod comes from the Athabascan word meaning “a distant place.” It was first given to the river that winds through western Alaska and later to a gold-rush town that flourished along its banks. When mushers began running mail and supplies across this vast terrain, the same name came to define their trail—a route that demanded endurance, courage, and an unbreakable bond between humans, animals, and the land. Today, the Iditarod stands as one of Alaska’s most powerful symbols of grit and perseverance, honoring those who faced the impossible and kept moving forward.
Who competes in the Iditarod?
The Iditarod draws mushers from across Alaska and around the world—men and women who share a deep respect for the land, their dogs, and the challenge itself. Competing in the race requires extraordinary endurance, skill, and mental toughness. Mushers must care for their dogs as teammates, navigate blinding storms, and make crucial decisions in extreme isolation. A winning musher isn’t defined by speed alone, but by instinct, patience, and the strength of the bond with their team. Success comes from trust—the quiet understanding between human and dog that keeps them moving forward, mile after mile, no matter how cold or dark the trail becomes.
Famous names include Dallas Seavey, Brent Sass, and DeeDee Jonrowe.
How many dogs are on each team?
Each Iditarod team begins the race with up to 12-16 dogs, often Alaskan huskies. These dogs aren’t ordinary pets—they’re true athletes, bred for endurance, intelligence, and heart. Every dog has a role: the lead dogs set the pace and respond to voice commands; the swing dogs help guide turns; the team dogs provide strength and rhythm; and the wheel dogs, closest to the sled, carry much of the pulling power.
The Alaskan husky was chosen for its perfect balance of strength, stamina, and spirit. Bred from generations of working dogs adapted to the Arctic, they thrive in the cold and love to run. Their relationship with the musher is one of pure teamwork—built on trust, care, and mutual respect. Without the dogs’ devotion and instinct, there would be no race at all.
How do people get to the Iditarod trail?
Most checkpoints, including Iditarod itself, are not accessible by road. Visitors and media often fly in using bush planes or charter flights. Anchorage and Nome are more accessible via commercial airlines.
What are checkpoints?
Checkpoints are stopping points along the trail where mushers rest, resupply, and care for their dogs. There are over 20 checkpoints including:
- Willow (Restart)
- McGrath
- Iditarod
- Shaktoolik
- Nome (Finish line)
How long does the race take?
It usually takes 8 to 15 days for teams to reach Nome, depending on weather and trail conditions.
Can tourists watch the race?
Yes! Many visitors watch the ceremonial start in Anchorage or the restart in Willow. Adventurous travelers can also fly into remote checkpoints for a front-row seat to the action.
What should I pack if I’m flying to Iditarod?
Expect extreme cold and snow. Bring:
- Arctic-rated winter gear
- Waterproof boots
- Thermal layers
- Camera with weather protection
- Snacks and water
(We can help you prepare—contact us for travel support!)
Want to learn more?
Visit the official Iditarod website by clicking HERE.