Plan Your Trip to the World Ice Art Championships

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While many places slump in winter, Alaska booms and blossoms. It’s one of those times of year that we really shine as a unique force in these 50 states. One festival of which we are extremely proud is the Ice Art Championship held in Fairbanks, Alaska. You’ll certainly want to bring your Fairbanks car rentals to catch this spectacle.

The Ice Park

The Ice Art Championship takes place in the Ice Park of Fairbanks. This park is open throughout the season with sculptures for viewing. You can buy a season pass or simply a day pass if you’re interested in seeing these gorgeous pieces of art.

Day passes are $15 per adult, and $8 per youth. A full list of admission prices can be found here. Group tours are available for booking if you’re traveling in a party of 10 or more.

Events at the Park

The big competitions that you’ll want to take your Fairbanks car rentals to check out begin in February.

The Single Block Competition runs from February 27 until March 1. The Awards and Lighting Ceremony will take place on March 2 at 7:00 pm. Throughout that time, you will be able to wander the grounds to view the sculptures. The exhibits will be formally and officially judged on the evening of March 1 after 9:30 p.m.

The Multi Block Competition is next, running from March 4 to March 9. Judging takes place on the evening of the 9 after 10:00 p.m. Until that time, you can examine the sculptures for yourself. Why not have fun with it? Judge for yourself and bet in your group who you think should win. Though you may have a tough time! These sculptures are always breathtaking.

The Annual Kids Ice Park will also be open during these periods. It runs from February 20 until March 26. The Kid’s Park is open from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. every day.

Ice sculpting classes at the Park

Have you ever wondered how the ice sculptors create their masterpieces? Now you can learn. The Ice Park offers ice-sculpting classes. The classes provide an opportunity to learn the techniques involved in sculpting in a safe environment with the guidance of an expert. They will provide the equipment and the space. You’ll want to dress warmly, with hat, gloves, and warm coat. They’ll provide the hot drinks, and full day classes will provide lunch.

Classes offered are the introductory and beginners’ courses for $80 and $140, respectively. Once you’ve completed the beginners’ course, you are eligible to register for the “Amateur Open” or “Youth Classic” competitions that take place during the World Ice Art Championship season.

Full information on the classes can be found here.

Dog sled rides

The Ice Park is a never-ending stream of winter thrill. Once you’ve seen the sculptures, head on out for one of their dog sledding rides. Rides range from 1 to 2 miles. They take you over the dog-mushing trail beside the Ice Park. If you’ve never been dog-mushing then this is the perfect time to try! You aren’t trapped into a long ride and can get a taste of it – perfect for helping you decide if you want a longer trip at a dog-sledding company.

You’ll likely find yourself bringing your Fairbanks car rentals back for more than just a day here! There’s so much to do and see that a few hours is not enough.

Reserve your Fairbanks car rentals from Avis today to guarantee a vehicle for the Ice Art Championships 2017.

Alaska’s Iron Dog Race: The World’s Longest Snowmobile Race

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Snowmobiling has always been one of Alaska’s most popular sports. We love it here, and the minute snow hits we get out on our snow machines to tear up the trails. That’s why we’re so excited for the Iron Dog Snowmobile race to arrive. You’ll want to take your Alaska winter car rentals out to see this one, that’s for sure.

Have you heard of the Iron Dog? If not, but you like snowmobiling, you’ll definitely want to read on. It may be worth a trip in your Alaska winter car rentals to catch a glimpse of the winners.

What is the Iron Dog Race?

The Iron Dog Race is the world’s longest snowmobiling race. It stretches across 2,031 miles of Alaskan terrain, making it both intensive and scenic. Rookies and pros alike race across the Alaskan white plains.

As the Iron Dog website outlines, the intent of the race is “to provide reliable, consistent, safe and honorable cross-country snowmobile racing and recreational riding” (2017). It’s about education on safe winter sport, while also recognizing and celebrating the endurance of humans and machines alike. This is particularly true of the Pro Race Class who will face difficult terrains in subzero temperatures, strained visibility, heavy snow and potentially ice, and a confrontation with their own endurance.

Cash prizes range for teams ranging from a whopping $15,000 to $102 for a total of $112,496 total contingency prizes for 2017.

Rookies play in the Recreational Class, which is not a race. The Recreational Class rides for 5 days for a total of 1,098 miles. Teams in the Recreational Class include two or more people, each of whom has their own snowmobile.

Pro teams are engaged in a race, after which the top 5 teams must attend the Sponsors’ Reception for prizes. All rookies (first time pro racers) must attend the Rookie Workshop. Teams must include two or more snowmobilers, each on their own machine to complete the 2,031-mile race.

For both the Recreational Class course and the Pro Race Class, checkpoints will be provided throughout for rest and refueling.

The basics

The race kicks off with its first pre-race event on February 14 at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage for the Racer Drawing & Hall of Fame Banquet. Next is the Donlin Gold Safety Expo at Cabela’s in Anchorage on February 15. Two days later on February 17, take your Alaska winter car rentals on down to Anchorage’s Downtown center for the Flying Iron Freestyle Show. This is sure to knock your socks off! You won’t want to miss it.

The next day is race day. February 18 begins the official start of the Iron Dog, while there’s a race day kick-off Flying Iron Freestyle Show in Anchorage Downtown.

Halfway Ceremonies will take place in Nome on February 22. Finally, the race officially ends on February 25 in Fairbanks.

Taking your Alaska winter car rentals from Anchorage to Fairbanks

If you plan on attending any of the events for the Iron Dog Snowmobile Race, you’ll want to book your accommodations soon if you haven’t already. If you already have, great! If not, you may want to book your rooms for the few days leading up to the pre-race events in order to ensure a room, and also to allow yourself relaxation before the fun begins!

Keep in mind also that if you’re going from the opening ceremonies to the closing ceremonies in Fairbanks, you may want to give yourself a few days. The journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks in your Alaska winter car rentals is 360 miles, which is roughly 6 hours of driving.

However, you need to accommodate for adverse weather. If you plan on attending the Halfway Ceremonies in Nome, it may be wise to arrive a day or two early in case the weather takes a turn for a worse. The same rule applies for making it up to Anchorage. This has the added benefit of letting you rest between drives, and hopefully ensuring you a room.

Don’t miss out on your opportunity to have Alaska winter car rentals for the Iron Dog race this February. Reserve your vehicle from Avis today!

Celebrate Super Bowl Sunday in Alaska

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On Sunday, February 5 millions of Americans will congregate to celebrate one of their favorite past times – the Super Bowl! Super Bowl Sunday is one of the best days of the year. It’s filled with food, friends, family, and of course, football. If you’re in Alaska for this Super Bowl Sunday, there are plenty of ways to get out and socialize in your Alaska car rentals or stay in and celebrate.

The Best Sports Bars in Anchorage

If you’re just visiting for business or otherwise, and don’t have a place to go outside your hotel, then you’ll be looking for a good sports bar to watch the Super Bowl. Anchorage is full of them. Please make sure to leave the Alaska car rentals at home and walk or take a cab for these celebrations!

One of the best sports bars in Anchorage is Crossroads Lounge. This place is exactly what you want from a pub! Food including hot dogs and chili (great for Super Bowl Sunday!) and a range of beers on tap you can settle in to watch the Super Bowl on one of their numerous TVs surrounding the bar. Bored at a commercial? Strike up a game of pool on one of their tables.

Chances are, Crossroads Lounge may be a little full. Why not try Steve’s Spenard Sports Pub? Steve’s is reasonably priced with affordable pub food to keep you nourished throughout the Super Bowl. You definitely won’t have trouble finding a good viewing spot in this pub – TVs surround the main seating area so you won’t miss the winning touch down.

Finally, we’d recommend Bootleggers, particularly if you’re traveling with someone who may not be as interested in the Super Bowl as you. On top of having TVs for sports, there is a dartboard, shuffle board, and pinball machine to keep other patrons occupied. The bar shares a menu with the restaurant Flattop, and therefore offers delicious pub and late night food. They also offer craft beer, canned and bottled beer, wine, and a range of tasty cocktails so you have plenty to choose from.

Super Bowl Party Recipes

Are you hosting the Super Bowl party this year? Driving around in your Alaska car rentals, trying to buy groceries but not sure what you want to make? No one wants to go through huge amounts of work on Super Bowl Sunday. You want to be able to settle in, watch the game, and enjoy. Here are a few ideas that will help you make great food without going through the hassle.

Have you been out hunting in your Alaska car rentals this year and looking for a way to use up some of that store of meat? What about slow cooker venison chili! This delicious dish is perfect for Super Bowl Sunday and is easy as pie to make. Hint: Buy some jumbo dogs and American cheese for chili cheese dogs! For an example recipe of slow cooker venison chili go here.

Who doesn’t love nachos and some chicken on game day? What about a combination of the two of them! The Buffalo Chicken Nacho Bowl is easy to whip up. On top of that, your guests will love you! Buffalo sauce, chicken, black beans, jalapeno peppers, two types of cheese – what’s not to love?

Speaking of chicken, wings are a must have at Super Bowl Sunday. Why not make your own? Chicken wings are quite easy to make and once you’ve got the hang of it, you can produce a variety of flavors to suit the whole house. Food and Wine reveals how to make 37 different types of wings quickly, easily, and with a satisfactory dish at the end.

You’re almost there. All you need now is some good Alaskan craft beer to wash the meal down. Take your Alaska car rentals out before the big game to grab some brews from Arkose Brewery, Alaskan Brewing Co., Anchorage Brewing Co., Baranof Island Brewing Co., Denali Brewing Co., Haines Brewing Co., Midnight Sun Brewing Company, Odd Man Rush Brewing, or Hoodoo Brewing Co. for a classic Alaskan experience.

Reserve your Alaska car rentals from Avis today to make sure you’re celebrating Super Bowl Sunday in style!

New Year’s Resolutions to Enjoy Alaska

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New year, new resolutions! The typical resolutions involve working out, eating healthier, and experiencing life to the fullest. Fortunately, Alaska is the perfect place to fulfill these activities in an enjoyable manner. Our Alaska winter car rentals have the cargo space and offer the freedom to let you experience all of Alaska and we’ve outlined ways to maximize your resolutions with the sources of the state.

Exercise more

This is probably the most common and typical New Year’s resolution. If you don’t like exercise, though, it can be tough to keep this resolution. With Alaska’s wilderness, you can use the landscape as a natural gymnasium.

The mountains offer prime ground for hiking and climbing, offering a workout for your legs and a cardio activity. Skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing are other great activities for getting your workout while having fun.

Spend more time outdoors

The activities mentioned above take care of this resolution, as well as exercising. Two birds with one stone, you could say. This is also the perfect way to spend more time with your family. Group hiking trips are not only fun, but will make sure the whole family remains active. Who knows? You may even see a moose or other wildlife while out and about.

Ice fishing, while a more sedentary activity, will get you out of the house in a relaxing setting. Take your Alaska winter car rentals out on the lake for some good ol’ fashion RnR with your fishing rod.

Try new things

Alaska is filled with activities that will keep you busy and interested in any season. Have you ever been ice climbing? What about glacier trekking? Dog-sledding? Well, in Alaska, you can try all three.

Our blog outlines the way you can begin ice climbing in Alaska. We’ve listed the equipment, and other tips you’ll need to know before you set out. We also explore dog-sledding in Alaska. Both are easy to get into with the right guides and companies. Most equipment is rentable so you won’t need to buy anything, or pack your Alaska winter car rentals to the brim.

Eat healthier

Since you’ve been fishing, you have already begun to fulfill this resolution. Fish is a healthy source of protein and fats to get you through the cold winter. Add more fish to your diet to improve your lifestyle, and cut down on red meat.

The activity itself will also help reduce your blood pressure, which fish in your diet will help to keep it down. Fill that Alaska winter car rentals with fish for your winter dinners.

Relax more

In North America, we tend to overwork ourselves. It’s time to relax a bit, and let yourself have some fun. The activities and sports mentioned above can help you relax, but the Chena Hot Springs are particularly perfect for RnR. Never been in a hot spring? Then this knocks both resolutions off your list.

The hot springs offer a nice escape from the chilly winter days. These are not only a great way to relax, but also good for fending off any flus or colds that may be on their way. The hot springs are only open to those 18+. The resort offers a variety of activities, massages, pools, the Aurora Ice Museum, and a number of other winter activities to enjoy. The smell found in the hot springs is from the minerals found in the water, but don’t let that dissuade you. Those same minerals are said to have healing properties.

Reserve your Alaska winter car rentals today to begin the fulfillment of your New Year’s Resolutions.

SUV vs. Sedan: Which is Best for Winter?

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The number one question that drivers ask themselves over the winter season is whether or not to go with an SUV or sedan. The Alaskan winter is rough on drivers. The roads are slick, and vision is reduced by snow and sleet. What you need to get through it is the right car, but how do you know which winter Alaska car rental is right for you?

Furthermore, is AWD/4WD necessarily better than 2WD car? The Avis fleet has it all. What winter Alaska car rental should you get?

AWD vs. 2WD

One of the benefits of AWD and 4WD is an added sense of security and safety. AWD/4WD provide better traction control and quicker acceleration. In the winter months, these are major added benefits that can’t be ignored in the tough inclement weather. You’ll still need to leave plenty of space behind vehicles to stop, but you’re less likely to slide on the slick roads. 2WD doesn’t offer the same traction that 4WD/AWD do.

Improved traction means increased towing capacity. If you’re planning on taking trips around the states for winter sports, improved towing is a definite benefit.

However, the downside of 4WD/AWD is its heaviness, and therefore decreased fuel efficiency. This is only worsened in tough weather. You’ll be spending more money on fuel than you would with 2WD. On top of this, the added sense of security can cause collisions. When you feel too safe you may not leave enough space while stopping, or take risky moves that can end in an accident.

That being said, we would recommend the AWD/4WD option for your winter Alaska car rental. Keep in mind the continued danger of winter driving, and you’ll avoid the risk that comes with overconfidence.

SUV or Sedan?

While choosing between an SUV or sedan, there are a number of factors to consider. If you’re planning on engaging in winter sports around Alaska, then you’ll probably want to go with the larger vehicle for the cargo space. Otherwise, you may be better off with a midsized vehicle.

SUVs will keep you safe in collisions, but the added weight increases your stopping time. Even with a AWD and 4WD winter Alaska car rental that has improved traction, you’ll want to leave more space behind vehicles, know your route in advance to avoid surprises, and reduce your speed.

The weight of SUVs reduces fuel efficiency, as well. With a 4WD/AWD SUV, your fuel costs are going to be quite expensive. With small cargo and only two passengers, you may be better off with a sedan to prevent exorbitant costs.

If you’re traveling with children, keep an SUV as an option to ensure their safety. Sedans won’t protect them in a collision to the same degree. Crossovers may also be a smart choice to increase the comfort of you and your family.

So which is the right choice?

Again, the answer to this question depends on what it is you’re looking for in a vehicle. While an AWD SUV winter Alaska car rental is safer, you’ll be paying for the reduced fuel economy and need to watch longer stop times.

Sedans or midsized are right for adult passengers who do not have large cargo to haul. Our sedans are large enough to fit basic gear for a variety of winter sports in the trunk as well as any luggage you may have. They’re comfortable, and will give you the flexibility you need for traveling the state.

Stay safe this winter with the right winter Alaska car rental. Reserve your vehicle from Avis today to begin on your safe, secure, and fun winter adventure.

Take Your Alaska Winter Rental Car Ice Climbing

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Our favorite season is finally here and it’s time to enjoy some of our favorite sports. That means that ice climbing is back in Alaska. Take your Alaska winter rental car out for a spin to go ice climbing. You’ll want one of our SUVs or trucks to carry all the equipment you’ll need for ice climbing around the state.

If you’re new to Alaska or to ice climbing, we’ll outline the ins and outs of ice climbing for you. It can be a dangerous activity if you don’t know what you’re doing. We’d recommend getting a guide before starting, and making sure that you have or rent the proper safety equipment in your Alaska winter rental car.

Equipment list for ice climbing

As we said, you’ll need the proper equipment for ice climbing to make sure you stay safe and warm. The clothing list is long, but it’s to make sure you stay toasty warm in the cold Alaskan winter.

  • Wool underwear, and long underwear tops and pants
  • Wool socks, and a replacement pair
  • Quick-drying t-shirt and lightweight fleece shirt
  • Softshell and shell pants and jackets
  • Insulated coat for negative temperatures with a helmet-compatible hood
  • Lightweight and mediumweight gloves
  • Heavyweight waterproof gloves and hat
  • Balaclava for wind protection
  • Ski goggles
  • Waterproof, insulated, full-shank mountaineering boots and gaiters

For mountain and ice climbing, you’ll need a wide variety of equipment for rent or buying. We’d advise you rent the equipment for your first few times to make sure you like ice climbing before spending the money.

  • Ice Axe, 50-65 cm
  • Climbing helmet
  • Climbing harness
  • Crampons
  • Carabiners, 2 locking and 1-non-locking
  • Climbing pack
  • 48” sewn sling rappel extension
  • Belay Device
  • Spinner leashes
  • Trekking poles with snow baskets
  • Technical ice tools

As you can see, our SUV Alaska winter rental car are probably your best choice. In your pack, you’ll also want to bring a headlamp in case of dark. You’ll be in the direct glare of the sun on the mountain, so bring SPF 30 or higher sun block, sun or glacier glasses, and SPF 15 lip balm. Pack yourself water bottles, high-energy foods, and biodegradable toilet paper. Finally, bring along a first aid kit in case of emergency. Your kit should include moleskin, aspirin, antacids, bandages, any proscriptions you may have, antibacterial cleaning wipes, and ibuprofen.

Check weather conditions

As with any outdoor sport, you need to check the conditions before setting out in your Alaska winter rental car. Knowing the ice conditions will help you decide where to climb. You’ll also want to check temperatures to bring the appropriate clothing, and to make sure the ice will be sturdy enough.

The Alaska Ice Climbing Conditions Forum will help you plan your trip. Here, other ice climbers write reviews of nearby climbing regions. Most recent reviews explore the regions that can be climbed and where to avoid.

There are more than hundred climbs across the state. With your Alaska winter rental car you have the freedom to drive to any of the mountains with all of your equipment, and find one with guides or group climbs. Go to the online index of climbs to choose the mountain nearest you.

You’ll need a car with plenty of cargo, so choose one of our SUVs, like our Toyota Rav 4 or Ford Expedition. Begin the greatest hiking trip of your life when you reserve your Alaska winter rental car from Avis today