Featured in the NEW YORK TIMES

The Iditarod Trail  - the iconic winter trail through the remote Alaskan backcountry beckons many with the call of winter wanderlust, personal challenge and self sufficiency. The world’s most intrepid athletes have an opportunity to satiate their desire to experience the depths of an Alaskan winter, as well as to push the limits of solo human performance. The Iditarod Trail Invitational (ITI) harnesses that desire for personal challenge throughout the race, however the athlete must be prepared for literally any situation that may arise. Athletes must be highly proficient at a variety of skills specific to their discipline, as well as broad base skills for survival during extreme winter, human powered travel. Also, many tasks may need to be performed in a high pressure and time critical environment where effective decision making is crucial to minimizing risk. Often, you are your only chance of survival. 

It’s important to be ready and that is what this camp is all about. You can be a part of a supportive crew of athletes, preparing together for likely the biggest challenge you’ll ever face alone.

Training topics include:

• Gear choice (camping gear, stoves, bikes, sleds, skis, etc.)

• Proper clothing & layering

• Protecting face, hands, and feet in the cold

• Moisture management in the cold

• Hydration & nutrition in cold weather conditions

• How to avoid hypothermia and other cold weather injuries such as frostbite, trench foot, etc.

• Navigation, self rescue, check-points, drop bags, etc.

• Bike set up and maintenance

• Sled set up and harness for runners and skiers

• Proper tire pressure for varying riding conditions on snow

• Packing the bike/sled

• Setting up a bivouac site

• Use of stove and making water efficiently

Completing the winter training camp in Alaska will pre-qualify participants to enter the 350 mile race the following year.

The ITI has offered training camps to prepare winter athletes for the Iditarod Trail Invitational since 2000. The camp is specifically designed to prepare you for your experience on the Iditarod Trail, enhance your skill set and give you confidence to extend your winter performance boundaries. The camp is also used for the ITI to assess your competencies and pre-qualification for entering the 350 mile distance the following year. Offering a chance to prove to the instructors that you have the right attitude, values and abilities to complete the distance. The camp is a very supportive learning environment rich with answers to your questions from highly experienced and motivated instructors ready to impart their knowledge and personal experiences. 

Camp is held at a private facility on the Iditarod Trail with a heavy emphasis on outdoor experiential instruction by a cadre of experienced instructors. The camp is backed up by the ITI logistics crew, which provides an array of support via snowmachine and satellite communication.

Participants will learn the finer points of efficient travel (regardless of discipline) on winter trails, sleeping outside comfortably, melting snow for water efficiently, navigating, first aid and many other skills. Camp participants will also learn appropriate bivy set up and can expect to sleep outside every night during the camp to gain comfort and competency in doing so. Camp participants also become acquainted with the first several miles of the Iditarod Trail Invitational race course.

Included

• Ground transportation to/from the trailhead and Anchorage of bike/sled/gear, to include a small extra gear bag for each athlete.

• Professional instruction from experts in winter survival, winter ultra racing and the Iditarod Trail.

• 4 hearty evening meals, cooked and served indoors by the ITI logistics crew, along with good conversation with fellow campers and instructors.

• Tea/coffee/hot chocolate.

• Snowmachine support throughout the camp from the ITI logistics crew, for mechanical backup or emergency purposes. 

• An unforgettable camp experience that will further your winter expedition experience and confidence, and start you on a journey on the iconic Iditarod Trail. 

Not included

• Bikes, sleds, skis, winter and athletic gear, breakfast, lunch and snacks.

Recommended Gear

• Upon registration, each participant will receive a recommended gear list. 

• Further details regarding logistics and schedule will be provided once camp registration is completed.