If you think Alaska is all about summer adventures, think again. When winter’s in full swing and cabin fever is at an all-time high, Alaskans do what they do best—throw a wild festival in the snow! Welcome to Fur Rondy, Anchorage’s legendary winter carnival that’s been bringing weird, wonderful, and delightfully ridiculous fun since 1935. Whether you’re here for the dog sled races, the Running of the Reindeer, or just an excuse to wear a full-body fur suit in public, Fur Rondy has something for everyone. See the schedule on their website for details.

First up, the Open World Championship Sled Dog Races. Think of it as NASCAR, but instead of cars, you’ve got teams of supercharged huskies tearing through downtown Anchorage at breakneck speeds. These dogs live to run, and watching them fly down Fourth Avenue is enough to make you consider quitting your job and becoming a musher. Insider tip: Get there early for a front-row spot, and if you’re close enough to the starting line, you might get a good dose of pre-race husky howls (and maybe some flying snow).

Then there’s Running of the Reindeer, which is exactly what it sounds like—hundreds of people, many dressed in ridiculous costumes, sprinting down the street while reindeer charge after them. It’s part race, part stampede, and part “I hope I survive to tell this story.” Unlike a certain bull-running event in Spain, our reindeer aren’t out for blood; they’re mostly just confused by the whole thing. Pro tip: If you want to participate, wear something fun (costumes encouraged), and if you want to watch, pick a good vantage point where you can see both the chaos and the glorious wipeouts.

Feeling competitive? Try your luck at the Outhouse Races. This is exactly what it sounds like—teams of racers build creative, fully decorated outhouses on skis and then push them down the street in an all-out sprint. Some teams go for speed, others for style, and all of them remind you that Alaskans really know how to make the most of winter.

For a dose of old-school Alaskan fun, check out the Fur Auction, where you can bid on everything from beaver pelts to full-length fur coats. Even if you’re not in the market for a fox stole, it’s worth watching just to see the excitement when bidding wars break out.

Need to warm up? Head to the Frostbite Footrace & Costume Contest, where runners don everything from superhero outfits to giant moose costumes while braving the chilly temps. Running in subzero temperatures wearing nothing but a tutu? Just another day at Fur Rondy.

The snow sculptures are proof that Alaskans don’t just endure winter—we turn it into art. Wander through Ship Creek to see towering, intricately carved masterpieces created by teams of sculptors who somehow manage to transform blocks of frozen water into everything from mythical creatures to detailed wildlife scenes. The level of detail is mind-blowing, and by the time you’ve marveled at a 10-foot-tall bear or an ice dragon that looks ready to take flight, you’ll wonder why you ever complained about shoveling your driveway. Insider tip: Get there early in the festival when the sculptures are fresh and crisp, before the inevitable battle between art and thaw begins. And whatever you do, resist the urge to touch—no matter how much that snow-carved moose looks like it needs a hug. The photo is a personal favorite from last year, but you might have to be a fish brain like myself to love it.

And of course, no winter festival is complete without fireworks February 22. The Rondy Fireworks Show lights up the downtown skyline in a dazzling display that reflects off the snow and makes you forget, for just a moment, that it’s absolutely freezing outside. Find a good viewing spot near Ship Creek or on one of the downtown rooftops for the best experience.

Fur Rondy is proof that Alaskans don’t just endure winter—we celebrate it in the quirkiest, most over-the-top ways possible. Whether you’re cheering on sled dogs, dodging reindeer, or racing an outhouse, you’re in for a one-of-a-kind experience. And hey, if you want more insider tips as you explore Alaska, don’t forget to download my Audio Tours—because nothing says “prepared traveler” like having a guide who can make you laugh while teaching you something new.