Winter 2017-2018

WINTER TDD/Hearing Impaired: 907.265.2620 |LEPAssistance Available SCHEDULES |FARES |PACKAGES ALASKARAILROAD.COM |800.544.0552 2017-2018

R WINTER ADVENTURE Christie Wyzykowski Christie © Route Map i Aurora Winter Train Schedules & Fares 1 Hurricane Turn Train Schedules & Fares 3 PACKAGES: Talkeetna Getaway 5 Talkeetna Pie-Making 7 Winter Escape 9 Denali in a Day 11 The Aurora 13 Arctic Circle Adventure 15 World Ice Art Championships 17 Iditarod Race & Rondy Tour 19 Terms and Conditions 21 470 FAIRBANKS WINTER ROUTES ALASKA RAILROAD FLAGSTOP SERVICE

Tanana River

The Alaska Railroad’s Aurora Winter Train travels

HEALY from Anchorage through the Mat-Su Valley, stopping 348 I in the charming town of Talkeetna, and continues AL K N PAR DE L onward to the wilderness of Denali National Park NA IO E AT LI G before reaching its terminus in the Interior city of N NA N E A 304 D R Fairbanks. Travelers on this journey traverse the A K Alaska Range and enjoy stunning views of panoramic S A 284 vistas, wildlife, river valleys, and rocky gorges. On L HURRICANE A clear days, travelers may even see an incredible view 279 of Denali, North America’s tallest peak.

226 TALKEETNA Travelers may also choose to ride the Hurricane Turn Train the first Thursday of each month. The Hurricane Turn travels north from Anchorage past Talkeetna, to the backcountry where passengers may access hunting, skiing and remote cabins – or stay onboard

ST to enjoy the views. Both trains provide flagstop RE FO L Susitna River WASILLA A service along the 55-mile stretch north of Talkeetna N IO T A to Hurricane. N H C A Knik Arm G U H ANCHORAGE C POINTS OF INTEREST: O K I N C O L E T MILEPOST 226 | TALKEETNA – Gateway to Denali MILEPOST 279 | DENALI – Photo opportunity MILEPOST 284 | HURRICANE GULCH – The longest

Kenai River bridge on the Alaska Railroad at 918 feet, and the turnaround point for the Hurricane Turn Train Kenai Lake Skilak Lake MILEPOST 304 | BROAD PASS – The lowest pass across the Alaska Range – 2,300 feet

MILEPOST 348 | DENALI NATIONAL PARK S RD O K J AR I F P A L MILEPOST 470 | FAIRBANKS – Alaska’s Golden Heart City N A E N C K IO SURRE TION T RE A N BAY

i ii AURORA WINTER TRAIN FARES AURORA WINTER TRAIN SCHEDULE One way Adult Senior, Disabled NORTHBOUND, Saturdays | SOUTHBOUND, Sundays & Children Sept. 23, 2017 - May 13, 2018 (Round trip is double) (12-64) (65+)/(2-11) NORTHBOUND, Tuesdays | SOUTHBOUND, Wednesdays Anchorage – Wasilla $63 $32 Dec. 26, 2017 - Jan. 3, 2018 & Feb. 20 - March 27, 2018 Anchorage – Talkeetna $75 $38 NORTHBOUND, Thursdays | SOUTHBOUND, Fridays Anchorage – Healy $137 $69 Dec. 28 - 29, 2017 & March 8 - 16, 2018 NORTHBOUND, Tuesdays | SOUTHBOUND, Wednesdays: Anchorage – Fairbanks $195 $98 Dec. 26, 2017 - Jan. 3, 2018 & Feb. 20 - March 27, 2018 NORTHBOUND SOUTHBOUND Wasilla – Anchorage $63 $32 READ DOWN MILE STOPS READ UP Wasilla – Talkeetna $63 $32 NORTHBOUND, Thursdays | SOUTHBOUND, Fridays: 8:30 AM 114.3 Anchorage 8:00 PM Dec. 28 - 29, 2017 & March 8 - 16, 2018 9:50 AM 159.8 Wasilla 6:25 PM Wasilla – Healy $124 $62 11:25 AM 226.7 Talkeetna 4:50 PM Wasilla – Fairbanks $180 $90 11:50 AM 236.2 Chase 4:35 PM Talkeetna – Anchorage $75 $38 12:10 PM 248.5 Curry 4:15 PM Talkeetna – Wasilla $63 $32 12:23 PM 248.7 Deadhorse 4:03 PM Talkeetna – Healy $98 $49 12:30 PM 257.7 Sherman 3:55 PM 12:40 PM 263.2 Gold Creek 3:45 PM Talkeetna – Fairbanks $124 $62 1:05 PM 268.4 Canyon 3:20 PM Healy – Anchorage $137 $69 1:14 PM 270 Twin Bridges 3:13 PM Healy – Wasilla $124 $62 1:20 PM 273.8 Chulitna 3:05 PM Healy – Talkeetna $98 $49 1:40 PM 284 Hurricane 2:55 PM Healy – Fairbanks $58 $29 3:55 PM 347.9 Denali 12:30 PM 4:40 PM 358.7 Healy 11:45 AM Fairbanks – Anchorage $195 $98 5:55 PM 411.7 Nenana 10:20 AM Fairbanks – Wasilla $180 $90 8:00 PM 470.3 Fairbanks 8:30 AM Fairbanks – Talkeetna $124 $62 Fairbanks – Healy $58 $29 Onboard service: dining car and non-smoking cars. Baggage service Fairbanks – Denali $74 $37 provided in Anchorage and Fairbanks only. Wheelchair access provided in Anchorage, Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali, Nenana, Healy and Fairbanks. Due Denali - Fairbanks $74 $37 to the nature of flagstop service, times may vary. For more information visit AlaskaRailroad.com/winter. The Alaska Railroad Corportation offers a Half Fare program for seniors Aurora Winter Train runs on weekends, northbound on Saturdays, (65+) and individuals with certain disabilities, allowing them to travel southbound on Sundays, September 23, 2017 through May 13, 2018 for half fare during the winter season. For more information about this and select midweek dates (see above). program, please visit AlaskaRailroad.com/HalfFares. © Mike Criss © Mike Dave Blazejewski Dave ©

1 2 separate child,military, orseniorfare maybepurchased instead. Hurricane. Adult coupons maybeusedfor child,military, orsenior fares; or, a for discounted adultfares onlyandmaybeusedfor pointsand betweenTalkeetna one coupon isvalid for uptomilesofcoupons; 20 travel. Couponarebooks valid Hurricane Turn coupon books are available for $100. Each bookcontains 10 Talkeetna. No diningservice onboard; pleasebringfood withyou. in Anchorage only. Wheelchairaccess provided inAnchorage, Wasilla and Due to thenature of flagstop service, timesmay vary. Baggage service provided NORTHBOUND READ DOWN 8:30 AM 8:30 9:50 AM 11:25 AM 1:40 PM HURRICANE TURNTRAIN SCHEDULE October 5, 2017 -May 4,2018 •First Thursday Anchorage Talkeetna Hurricane STOPS Wasilla 3 MILE 226.7 159.8 114.3 284 SOUTHBOUND 8:00 PM 4:50 PM4:50 2:45 PM2:45 6:25 PM READ UP RT= Round Trip Anchorage/Wasilla -Hurricane (RT) Talkeetna -Hurricane (RT) Hurricane –Anchorage Anchorage –Hurricane Talkeetna –Anchorage Anchorage –Talkeetna Hurricane –Talkeetna Talkeetna –Hurricane (Round tripisdouble) HURRICANE TURNTRAIN FARES Wasilla –Anchorage Anchorage –Wasilla Hurricane –Wasilla Wasilla –Hurricane Talkeetna –Wasilla Wasilla –Talkeetna One way 4 (12-64) $122 $80 Adult $49 $86 $86 $49 $86 $86 $63 $63 $63 $63 $75 $75 Disabled & Disabled & (65+)/(2-11) Children Senior, $40 $43 $43 $43 $43 $38 $38 $32 $32 $32 $32 $25 $25 $61

1 night retreat – Talkeetna Weekends, late September 2017 – mid-May 2018 Select midweek dates available.

SATURDAY – Take the Aurora Winter Train to the INCLUDES: Round-trip rail Anchorage to Talkeetna quaint town of Talkeetna and enjoy a relaxing and one-night stay at the Talkeetna Cabins. overnight retreat at the Talkeetna Cabins. Winter activities abound: opt to take a breathtaking Denali flightseeing tour, or watch for the shimmering colors of the aurora borealis. Bring your snowshoes or cross- For tour price and booking details, visit: country skis to explore Talkeetna’s winter trails. AlaskaRailroad.com/WinterTours SUNDAY – Spend a leisurely day in Talkeetna before returning to Anchorage on the southbound Aurora Winter Train.

5 6 TALKEETNA PIE-MAKING

1 night retreat – Talkeetna Weekends, early October 2017 – late May 2018 Select midweek dates available.

SATURDAY – Board the Aurora Winter Train for a SUNDAY – The morning is at your leisure; you will breathtaking trip through boreal forest and open have plenty of time to enjoy exploring Talkeetna marsh to Talkeetna, Alaska. Keep your eye out for before you climb aboard the Aurora Winter moose which are frequently seen in the winter. Train for your scenic and relaxing ride back to Anchorage. Upon arrival in Talkeetna you’ll be met by a representative from Talkeetna Roadhouse, your INCLUDES: Round-trip rail from Anchorage to home for the weekend. The Roadhouse is full of Talkeetna on the Aurora Winter Train, an overnight character, warm hospitality, and the delicious stay at the Talkeetna Roadhouse, and registration smells and flavors of freshly baked goods. for the pie-making class, including one pie to take home. Enjoy a pie-making class with Trisha, the proprietress of the Talkeetna Roadhouse, who has been making Does not include meals or optional activities. pies for 20-some years. Learn the secret of pie crust as she walks you through her technique. Each participant will take home a world-famous For tour price and booking details, visit: Talkeetna Roadhouse pie. After finishing your class, AlaskaRailroad.com/WinterTours choose dinner at one of the local establishments in Talkeetna.

7 8 with anovernight inAnchorage. Fairbanks mayalsoplanaweekend rail-fly itinerary the rail journey for Sunday. Travelers originatingin Or, reverse theitinerary: flyonSaturday, andsave return to Anchorage. Museum of theNorth. flight Ashort provides your Alaska’s largest city. Opt to visitthe excellent SUNDAY for dazzlingdisplays of theaurora borealis. America’s tallest Overnight peak. inFairbanks, known on aclearday, anincredible view of Denali –North and untouched wilderness.Watch for wildlife and, journey across thislandof vast mountain ranges Anchorage to Fairbanks for anunforgettable SATURDAY –Take theAurora Winter Train from Weekends, late September 2017 –mid-May 2018 WINTER ESCAPE – Spend thedayexploring Interior 1 night retreat –Interior Alaska Select midweek datesavailable. 9

stay, andtransfers. Flight operated by Ravn Alaska. between Anchorage andFairbanks, aone-night INCLUDES: One-way rail ticket andone-way flight guided winter journey across theArctic Circle. Ask aboutextending your timeinFairbanks to adda For tour price andbookingdetails, visit: AlaskaRailroad.com/WinterTours 10

Saturdays, late September 2017 – mid-May 2018 Select midweek dates available.

SATURDAY – Mid-morning, meet your guide in After a full day of exploring Alaska’s most iconic Fairbanks and begin the drive south along the Parks National Park, climb aboard the Aurora Winter Train Highway, visiting the river community of Nenana en for a relaxing rail journey back to Fairbanks. route to Denali National Park. At Denali, experience the park’s six million acres of wilderness as few ever INCLUDES: Guided drive from Fairbanks to Denali, have the chance to see it, savoring the quiet beauty visit to Murie Science and Learning Center, visit to and solitude of a winter landscape blanketed in snow. Denali National Park sled dog yard, guided nature Explore the Murie Science and Learning Center walk or snowshoe, rail from Denali to Fairbanks. and learn about the rugged landscape – including Denali’s namesake peak, the tallest mountain in North Does not include meals. America – and famed wildlife such as bears, moose, caribou, and more. Visit the Denali National Park sled dog yard, home to the last working dog sled team in For tour price and booking details, visit: the National Park Service. AlaskaRailroad.com/WinterTours

11 12 THE AURORA

3 nights – Interior Alaska Late September 2017 – late April 2018 Friday through Monday

FRIDAY – Spend the night in Anchorage and opt to MONDAY – Fly to Anchorage or choose to spend visit the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, an extra day in Fairbanks exploring the world-class the Alaska Aviation Museum or explore downtown Museum of the North, featuring exhibits on Alaska’s shops and galleries. Excellent local dining options are wildlife and contemporary Native art. plentiful. INCLUDES: One-way rail Anchorage to Fairbanks, SATURDAY – Travel to Fairbanks by train. Enjoy the one night hotel in Anchorage, two nights hotel in serene winter landscapes and watch for wildlife and Fairbanks, Arctic Circle flightseeing, all transfers the northern lights as you travel north. Overnight in and return flight on Ravn Alaska from Fairbanks to Fairbanks. Anchorage.

SUNDAY – Discover Alaska’s Arctic with Northern Alaska Tour Company. Fly over the Yukon River Valley, the Arctic Circle and beyond, outside of the Gates of For tour price and booking details, visit: the Arctic National Park. Participate in a ceremonial AlaskaRailroad.com/WinterTours Arctic Circle crossing. Learn about the Brooks Range and see the Trans Alaska pipeline. Return to Fairbanks and overnight.

13 14 ARCTIC CIRCLE ADVENTURE

5 nights – Interior Alaska Late September 2017 – late April 2018 Friday through Wednesday

FRIDAY – Arrive in Anchorage. Opt to go flightseeing TUESDAY – Return to Fairbanks on a scenic flight, over the Chugach Range, visit the Anchorage Museum crossing the Arctic Circle once more as you travel at Rasmuson Center, go cross-country skiing, or south. See the vast arctic tundra landscape from the enjoy fine dining, shopping and numerous galleries. skies. Arrive in Fairbanks and overnight. Overnight in Anchorage. WEDNESDAY – Return to Anchorage by air. SATURDAY – Travel to Fairbanks via the Aurora Winter Train. Watch for the northern lights. Stay the INCLUDES: One-way rail Anchorage to Fairbanks, night in Fairbanks. one night hotel in Anchorage, two nights hotel in Fairbanks, two nights hotel in Coldfoot, van transfers, SUNDAY / MONDAY – Depart on the Arctic Arctic Circle flightseeing and return flight on Ravn Circle Aurora Adventure with Northern Alaska Tour Alaska from Fairbanks to Anchorage. Company. Cross the Yukon River and head deep into the Arctic. Spend two nights in the Brooks Range, known for phenomenal northern lights viewing. Ask For tour price and booking details, visit: about optional tours, including a dogsled ride. AlaskaRailroad.com/WinterTours

15 16 WORLD ICE ART CHAMPIONSHIPS

1 night retreat – Fairbanks Weekends, March 2018 Select midweek dates available. Sherman Hogue / Explore Fairbanks / Explore Sherman Hogue ©

SATURDAY – Depart Anchorage on the Aurora Winter (Note: travelers may opt to add an additional night and Train for a serene journey through Alaska’s snow- day to explore Fairbanks. Alternatively, travelers may blanketed Interior. Overnight in Fairbanks. choose to fly from Anchorage to Fairbanks and then return to Anchorage via train.) SUNDAY – Spend the day visiting the 28th annual World Ice Art Championships. Fairbanks hosts the INCLUDES: One-way rail Anchorage to Fairbanks or world’s largest ice art competition and exhibition, the reverse, an overnight in Fairbanks, entrance to the with over 70 teams from all over the world. The World Ice Art Championships and one-way flight on competition and the Kids’ Ice Art Park attract more Ravn Alaska. than 100 ice artists and approximately 45,000 visitors from Alaska and all over the world. Return to For tour price and booking details, visit: Anchorage Sunday night via air. AlaskaRailroad.com/WinterTours

17 18 IDITAROD RACE & RONDY TOUR

4 nights – Interior Alaska February 28, 2018 – March 3, 2018*

The world-famous Iditarod Sled Dog Race starts in trappers wanted to blow off a little mid-winter steam. Anchorage on Saturday, March 3. Fans call it the Now it’s a full-blown winter celebration. Last Great Race on Earth. The route covers 1,000 Overnight in Anchorage. miles of the world’s most extreme and beautiful terrain – across mountain ranges, frozen rivers, dense SATURDAY – The Iditarod Sled Dog Race starts forests, wind-swept tundra and arctic coastline. within walking distance of your hotel. After the last musher leaves the chute, enjoy time to explore WEDNESDAY – Arrive in Anchorage February 28. downtown Anchorage. Next day, fly home or opt for Overnight. more activities in the Anchorage area. THURSDAY – Board the Alaska Railroad Hurricane *This package has one start date of February 28, 2018. Turn Train, one of America’s last flagstop services, for a trip into Alaska’s Interior. The round-trip journey INCLUDES: Four nights accommodations plus travels north from Anchorage to Hurricane Gulch, round-trip rail on the Hurricane Turn Train. along the Susitna River and through the Indian River Valley. Overnight back in Anchorage. For tour price and booking details, visit: FRIDAY – Head to the Fur Rondy, an Anchorage AlaskaRailroad.com/WinterTours festival tradition dating back to the days when fur

19 20 TERMS AND CONDITIONS

PAYMENT: Full payment is required within 72 hours of booking. Passengers may transport five liters or less of white gas per We accept VISA, MC, Discover and American Express cards. container in the baggage car. Federal Railroad Administration regulations prohibit the transport of all other types of camping LATE BOOKINGS: Package bookings that are made within 35 stove fuels and/or motor fuels on passenger trains. Non-service days of departure require a minimum of 24 hours to confirm animals must be transported in kennels in the baggage car; a availability. Full payment is required at the time of booking. special handling fee of $20 applies. For more information, visit AlaskaRailroad.com/baggage. REFUNDS: All winter vacations that are canceled 36 or more days before travel will be refunded 90% of the booking value. No SCHEDULES AND FARES: Delays can occur with rail service; the refunds will be issued 35 or less days before travel. No refunds Alaska Railroad recommends a minimum of six hours between will be issued for unused services. scheduled rail arrival time and an air departure. The Alaska Railroad will not be responsible for missed connections. Schedules Rail-only bookings that are canceled one (1) or more days before and prices are subject to change without notice. travel will be refunded 90% of the booking value. No refunds will be issued the day of travel. The Alaska Railroad Corporation offers a Half Fare Program for seniors (65+) and individuals with certain disabilities, allowing them CHANGE FEES: All paid bookings are subject to a 10% change to travel for half fare during the Alaska Railroad’s winter service fee. Changes are allowed on packages up to 36 days before schedule. For more information about this program, please visit travel and on rail-only bookings up to one day prior to travel. A www.AlaskaRailroad.com/HalfFares. “package” is any rail booking that includes a non-rail component. Change fees apply only to the changed value of the booking. ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION: The Alaska Railroad will No change fees apply when the change increases the cost of provide the best alternate service available in the event of the booking. Changes to packages that include flights may incur unforeseen circumstances that may require any part of our additional fees. Any charges incurred by the Alaska Railroad service to be altered. as a result of changes made by the customer will be applied to the booking in addition to the change fee. All changes or ACCESSIBILITY: We are pleased to provide wheelchair lifts at all cancellations must be made during business hours through stations. Accessibility on other connecting modes of transport can the Alaska Railroad Reservations Office at 800.544.0552 or vary, so please check with an agent for details. Alaska Railroad’s 907.265.2494. passenger trains are wheelchair accessible and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Service animals are welcome aboard. TRAVEL INSURANCE: We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance so you can plan your travel with GROUPS: A group is 15+ paying adult passengers traveling on complete peace of mind. Ask your Alaska Railroad reservations the same route and on the same day. For more information, call agent for a travel insurance quote and about available plans. 907.265.2240, or e-mail [email protected].

CHECK-IN: Please check in one hour prior to the scheduled CHARTERS: Private cars may be chartered on regular service departure time. Reservations and seat assignments may be trains or an entire train may be chartered for special group altered or reassigned if passenger(s) and baggage are not functions, based on seasonal availability. For more information, checked in 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure. The e-mail us at [email protected]. Transportation Security Administration requires that any Alaska Railroad passenger 18 years of age or older present a LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: The Alaska Railroad Corporation government issued photo ID, or two other forms of ID, one of acts only as an agent for its clients in securing reservations which must be issued by a government authority. Children ages from the various non-affiliated hotels, transportation companies, 2-15 may only travel in the company of an adult 18 years or older. sightseeing operators and other third parties and is in no way to be considered as the principal or operator of the services. BAGGAGE: Alaska Railroad passengers are allowed four pieces The Alaska Railroad Corporation shall have no liability for loss of checked baggage and one carry-on. No single piece may or damage to baggage or property, or for loss or additional weigh over 50 lbs. A special handling fee of $20 per bag applies expenses or inconvenience from delay due to acts or omissions to oversized bags, bicycles, and other recreational equipment. of any third party carrier, hotel operator, restaurant or another Firearms may be transported only as checked baggage and must supplier of services or facilities. The Alaska Railroad Corporation be either disassembled (slide or bolt removed) or have a lock reserves the right to cancel, substitute transportation, or alter for (trigger or cable type) installed to prevent operation, and must be any reason, any rail trip or tour itinerary as current conditions, in in a locked case. Concealed weapons are not permitted onboard. the Alaska Railroad’s sole opinion, may require.