Fur Rondy

Only in Anchorage, Alaska, can competitors square off in outhouse races, craft massive yet intricate snow sculptures, and participate in a Pamplona-style dash to keep clear of reindeer.

Alaska’s largest and oldest winter festival, Anchorage Fur Rendezvous, is slated for Feb. 20 to March 2, 2025. Enjoy 25 official Fur Rendezvous events and 50 Rondy Around Town community events.

Rondy Origins

Known locally as Fur Rondy, the event has been going strong since before statehood. The event started in 1936 as a three-day sporting event timed to coincide with the return of miners and trappers loaded with the fruits of a winter of work. The original event featured skiing, hockey, basketball, boxing, and a children's sled dog race down Fourth Avenue.

Rondy Events

Sports are still a big part of Anchorage Fur Rendezvous, but sprinting before reindeer or steering the fastest outhouse on skis put Rondy in a league of its own for competitive spirit. Fan favorites like the Outhouse Races and Running of the Reindeer, a mad dash down the streets of Anchorage with caribou at the racers’ heels, always draw a crowd. In the Open World Championship Sled Dog Races, dog teams and their mushers complete a high-speed loop daily for three days, with the fastest time the winner. The competition began in 1946 and is considered the grandfather of all Alaska races. The sled dog races traditionally begin on Fourth Avenue at D Street and run out to Far North Bicentennial Park and back.

Despite many modern diversions, many traditional Fur Rendezvous events have withstood the test of time – several of which showcase Alaska's rich and varied Native cultures. 

Fur Rondy's Blanket Toss refers to an ancient Alaska Native tradition in two ways: a walrus skin is used, and everyone can have a turn to either jump or grip the blanket's edge while tossing others as high as 20 feet into the air. What a view!

Arts and crafts are a significant part of Alaska Native culture. Fur Rondy incorporates displays of intricately crafted works, from beautifully decorated showpieces to art that evokes traditional ways of life. Find creations from all over the state at The Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market.

The festival connects up to 45 different nonprofit organizations, making it an event for the community and by the community. There is something for everyone.

For more information, including the full schedule of events and People Mover bus schedule visit the official Fur Rendezvous website.