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Iditarod Flight Tours - Follow the Action

Fly with a team that's raced, flown and vetted the trail.

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.

2026 IDITAROD RACE FOLLOWING & DAYTRIPS


Why choose Sheldon Air Service to experience 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.

OUR OFFERINGS

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.

 

Please give us a call, or email to book or ask any additional questions about your Iditarod adventure!

(907) 733-2321

a group of people cross country skiing in the snow
Iditarod Sled Dog Team
Best Flight Tour to Iditarod Sled Dog Race
a pack of dogs on a leash in Iditarod
a dog wearing a costume
Iditarod Dog Race Team
Iditarod Vet and Pilot
a group of people smiling at the camera
Sled Dog Team during Iditarod
Two sled teams with dogs racing on a snowy terrain, forest in the background.
Dog sled team traverses snowy landscape with forest background and sunlight filtering through trees.
Sled dog team on snowy landscape during sunset with orange sky and distant trees.

Why is it called “Iditarod”?

“Iditarod” refers to:

  1. The historic trail used during Alaska’s gold rush and for mail delivery.
  2. The ghost town of Iditarod, which is a checkpoint on the race route.

Who competes in the Iditarod?

Mushers from all over the world compete—men, women, rookies, and seasoned veterans. Famous names include Dallas Seavey, Brent Sass, and DeeDee Jonrowe.

How many dogs are on each team?

Each team starts with 12 to 16 sled dogs, trained for stamina, teamwork, and extreme cold. The dogs are the real stars of the race!

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.

(<<CALL TO ACTION – LINK TO BOOK>>)

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!) <<LINK FOR CALL NOW>>

Want to learn more?

Link to official Iditarod website
Check our bush flights and packages | Plan your Iditarod adventure with us

Puntilla Lake Day Trip

The 2026 Puntilla Lake Day trip is scheduled for Monday, March 9th, 2026. By then, early race leaders will have arrived at the Iditarod’s Puntilla Lake checkpoint and the trail will be full of the pack chasing them from Willow.

You will be able to watch a steady stream of Iditarod mushers come into the Puntilla Lake checkpoint. Lunch is available for purchase at Rainy Pass Lodge or you may pack your own. Pack warm gear, sunglasses, a snack, and of course; bring your camera!

After departure from Talkeetna at 11 a.m. we fly you towards Rainy Pass, through the Alaska Range where you will have a great chance to view mushers on the trail and see moose, remote trapper cabins, expansive rivers, frozen lakes and the grandeur of the Alaska Range.

The flight returns to Talkeetna by 3 p.m.- 4 p.m.

Reserve your spot Today!

$950.00 per person

Call our office to reserve your seat as this flight offering is on a space-available basis.

Specialized flights are available from Anchorage. Call for details and pricing.