A Local's Top Events Not to Miss at Alaska's Furrondy Festival

Each year Anchorage hosts the annual Fur Rondy Festival - an event National Geographic called the "premier winter festival in North America." If you happen to be visiting Anchorage towards the end of February and beginning of March, you might be lucky enough to experience the festival for yourself! Personally, this is one of my favorite winter events in all of Alaska!

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There are a lot of travel companies out there, but some are better than others. These are my favorite websites and resources to help plan an incredible trip to the 49th State.

For flights, I recommend using WayAway or Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to Alaska.

Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars!

I always use AGODA for hotels. They have an easy-to-use platform where you can compare the best rates.

To keep cell phone service if you're traveling internationally, I always use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

For fun things to do, I recommend Viator to find the best tours in the area, otherwise Klook also does the trick.

Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance.
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Lastly, my Alaska packing list for your travels to the Last Frontier.

What is Furrondy?

Fur Rondy initially began in 1935, when the population of Anchorage was just 3,000 people - and started as a 3 day event. The first "fur rendezvous" coincided with a time when fur trappers and miners were visiting town, and gave locals a fun break from the long winters. Now, the main events last 12 days, and include traditional favorites (like blanket tosses and dog sled races) and some new ones too (like the outhouse races and running with the reindeer).

If this is your first time visiting, there's a few things you'll want to know. Like how there is an entire "Fur Rondy Royalty" - including Lady Trappers, Lord Trappers, Princesses, Queen Regents and King Regents - and of course, the Rondy Bear. There's also the Annual Fur Rondy pin, which if you're caught not wearing, you might get taken to the Keystone Jail (seriously - but don't worry, you can easily get out). Don't have a pin? Make sure to stop by the Official Fur Rondy shop downtown to get all your Fur Rondy gear! Lastly, this is the event of the year for local's to sport their fur, fur hats, coats, scarves - you name it they've got it, some even choose to sport their furkinis!

My Favorite Tours from Anchorage : 
- Matanuska Glacier Tour
- Alaska Railroad Roundtrip to Seward

My Favorite Events at Furrondy

1. Blanket Tosses
Although blanket tosses were traditionally used by native Alaskans to get a better vantage point when hunting, they're now primarily used for celebratory and competitive purposes. During Fur Rondy, you can either watch or participate in these blanket tosses usually found near the carnival grounds and fur auction site. For the most part, you'll usually see young children climbing aboard the large hide, and others will hold the skin taught, while pulling it outwards to launch the jumper into the air.

2. Dog Sled Races
Watching at least a few dog sled races during the Fur Rondy events are a must. You can easily find them downtown, with a large section of the road blocked off, and crowds gathered around the starting/finishing line. Depending on how the winter is (and how much snow there is) it will impact the route and length, so you'll have to check the updated route. Although watching from the starting line is an experience by itself, I personally love watching down by Cordova Street so you can see them coming around the corner with the mountains in the back, plus there's no crowds to fight!

If you book a room with The Aviator, you can watch the dog sled races right from your hotel room!

3. The Outhouse Races
One of my favorite and most entertaining events during Fur Rondy. Each year teams put together their own versions of an outhouse before racing them in the snow down main street. With certain rules like how you have to have a toilet seat, toilet paper, and someone sitting on the toilet - all I'll say is it is an absolute blast to watch. That also makes it one of the busiest events, and if you want a good spot to watch I would get there about 45 minutes before start time.

4. Running with the Reindeer
Again, this event is one of my personal favorite events during Fur Rondy. This year, I even convinced my husband to join me as we ran down the main street with hundreds of others while being chased by reindeer. Many people will dress up, and there's plenty of space to watch the hilarious events from.

5. Iditarod Ceremonial Start
Although not technically a Fur Rondy event, the annual Iditarod Ceremonial Start coincides with Fur Rondy and is held downtown at the sled dog start/finish line. You'll get to witness the iconic teams and their dogs begin their journey as they start "The Last Great Race" to Nome. This event can also be quite busy, so I recommend going about 45 minutes ahead if you want a good spot right by the starting line.

6. Grand Parade
Each year one of the first events to kick off Fur Rondy weekend is the Grand Parade, I'll be honest it can get a bit long - but there's plenty of unique floats and groups that participate keeping it interesting. Personally I think it's a great way to get a little glimpse into local life. They also usually hand out some treats and goodies, so if you're able to stand in front I would! If you haven't seen the Rondy Royalty around yet, this is a great place to see them & Miss Alaska!

7. Ice Bowling
Located at the Peanut Farm, this is my husband's favorite event. After paying & signing your waiver, you usually get a small logo'd t-shirt or hat, and then you can head off and try bowling on ice! You have to keep score yourself, and if I'm being honest it's a lot easier to get a strike here vs. an actual bowling alley, but it really is quite fun and definitely a unique experience!

8. Fur Auction
The Fur Auction is one of the more traditional events of Fur Rondy, and was around when Fur Rondy first started. Local trappers will hold live auctions on multiple days where you can bid on furs - whether thats wolverines, badgers, beavers, ermines, really the list goes on. Even if you're not interested in purchasing anything, you can go just to watch.

9. Carnival Rides
I'll be honest I usually skip the carnival rides at any festival, but this year my husband and I finally tried one - the Ferris Wheel. Did it feel a bit wobbly and loose? Yes, BUT the views from the top were absolutely stunning. And on a clear enough day, you could even see Denali!

Watch my Furrondy Adventures here!

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Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in : 
-> 15 Easiest Alaska Glaciers to Visit
-> Where to Rent Bear Spray in Alaska
-> Girdwood's Forest Fair

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