After careful consultation with our dedicated Trail Breakers and thorough review of current trail conditions, the Iditarod Trail Committee has made the difficult but necessary decision to move the Official Restart of the 2025 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race to Fairbanks, Alaska. Previous flyovers and information collected at the end of January proved for a safe, very passable trail on the Southern Route for all areas except this stretch which was still questionable. Unfortunately, due to the absence of snowfall since the January 31st decision to take the Southern Route, the on-the-ground data that our Trail Breakers provided today after their assessment has deemed this portion of trail unpassable.
“Our Trail Breaker crew has just spent over a week prepping the trail from Skwentna through to Rohn, historically the most challenging terrain of the race. After a heavy discussion with our lead Trail Breaker and other friends of the race including local knowledge, and with no new snow on the horizon, there is simply no way we can allow the teams to progress through that 20-mile stretch just before the Salmon River, 20 miles from Nikolai. It is a shame because the remainder of the trail is in great shape all the way to Nome,” says Race Marshal, Warren Palfrey.
The safety of all participants – including the dogs, mushers, and volunteers – remains our top priority. The Anchorage Ceremonial Start will still take place as scheduled at 10:00 am in Downtown Anchorage on Saturday, March 1, 2025, and we look forward to celebrating this iconic event with the public.
The Official Restart will now occur at 11:00 am on Monday, March 3, 2025, in Fairbanks. The 2025 route will run as follows: Fairbanks, Nenana, Manley, Tanana, Ruby, Galena, Nulato, Kaltag 1, Eagle Island 1, Grayling 1, Anvik, Shageluk, then looping back up river to Grayling 2, Eagle Island 2, Kaltag 2, then to Unalakleet then continuing onto Nome using the traditional Checkpoints between Unalakleet and Nome.
While this change will be a logistical feat for many, it is a necessary adjustment to ensure that the race can proceed safely and fairly. The Iditarod remains committed to upholding its legacy as the most challenging and exciting sled dog race in the world, and we appreciate the understanding and support of the community, mushers, and fans.
Further updates will be made available on our website and through official race channels.
