February in Alaska: daylight has made herself scarce, the snowpack is mythological and your buns are freezing off. So what better time to throw a middle finger to the bitter weather? What better time for a festival that says we will have fun, you raw arctic winter? Enter the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous (known as “the Rondy” for short), 12 days of celebrating and competing in all things Alaska. Held in downtown Anchorage, this winter carnival includes some well-known events, like the World Open Championship Sled Dog Races as well as the Rondy Curling Bonspiel, a tournament for that mysterious air hockey-like sport you may have seen during the winter Olympics. In recent years, the Rondy has also coincided with the beginning of the Iditarod, the legendary 1,000-mile dog sled race across Alaska.
The story of the Fur Rondy — Alaska’s oldest winter festival — begins in 1936, when some Anchorage locals decided to put on a winter sports tournament for the miners and trappers that showed up in town to sell their goods. Since then, it’s grown to include some very one-of-a-kind events. At the Blanket Toss, an Alaska Native tradition, participants are launched into the air from a trampoline-like stretched out blanket (every 9-year-old’s dream). And during the Outhouse Race, teams pull homemade sled toilets in a race toward the finish-line … in order to avoid being number two. There’s also the Snowshoe Softball tournament, which is, you guessed it, softball with tennis-racquet-like apparati strapped to your feet.
Many events at the Fur Rondy are free and open to the public. However, ticketed events include the Fur Rondy Melodrama (a play), the Miners and Trappers Country Jam (musical performance), horse-drawn carriage rides, the Annual Chili Bowl (food competition), and the Fireworks Party.
The Specs
- At least 100,000 humans attend each year — plus a few hundred sled dogs.
- The festival is free and open to the public. A few events require tickets, which can be purchased at the door.
- Be on the lookout for the 2024 Official Rondy Guide (you can find the 2023 version here.)
- Check out Fifty Grande’s Alaska guide, and our list of Best Things to Do in Anchorage.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to the 2024 Anchorage Fur Rendezvous?
Fly into the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC, 6 miles, 12 minutes driving to downtown), then grab a rideshare.
Where exactly will the Fur Rendezvous festival take place?
The Rondy HQ is located at 400 D Street, Suite 110 , anchorage, ak 99501, United States, though the programming and events scheduled will happen in various places around Anchorage.
How far is Fairbanks from Anchorage?
The two cities are 360 miles apart.
What are activities that will happen during the festival?
Some of the events include Rondy Carnival, snow sculptures, the World Championship Sled Dog Race, an outhouse race, Running of the Reindeer, a fur auction, snowshoe softball, a children’s sled dog race, a blanket toss, and more.
What should I bring to the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous?
February means winter in Alaska — think below freezing temperatures during the day, plus only eight hours of light. Pack your ankle-length parka (or fur coat), or plan to get one as soon as you arrive. Long-johns, fleece-lined leggings, down mittens, fleece-lined hats, and insulated snow boots should also all be on your packing list. Oh, and sunglasses — snow glare is real.
When is the Fur Rondy Grand Parade?
Saturday, February 24 at 10:30. It will happen at 5th & 6th Ave between C & K Streets.
When is the Open World Championship Sled Dog Races?
February 23 to 25 at noon. It will begin at the corner of Fourth Avenue and D Street in downtown Anchorage.
What’s the deal with the pins?
Each year, the Fur Rendezvous sells a new, commemorative pin for purchase as a souvenir. These pins typically showcase a locally-made design, and include elements like Alaskan wildlife, winter themes, or scenes from the Rondy.
What is the Iditarod?
The Iditarod is a long-distance sled dog race from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska that happens annually. The race officially begins in the town of Willow, though the ceremonial start is held in downtown Anchorage, the day before the race starts. You can watch the mushers start the festivities on 4th Avenue.