Salmon are so important to Alaskans it is almost a cliche at this point. Their brief returns each year ensure households around the world are stocked with some of the healthiest proteins on the planet.

The Ceremonial start of the Iditarod is a time of celebration for Anchorage’s Residents. An annual party on the cities local trails known as “Trail Gate” brings out all manner of oddities such this mobile couch fitted with skis!

Mushers navigate Anchorages local trails during the ceremonial start of the Iditarod. The actual race travels through extremely remote areas and is not accessible to most spectators. The ceremonial start gives the residents of Alaska’s most populous city the chance to get up close and personal to the dogs and mushers.

Iditarod - Anchorage