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Winterlake Lodge lies 198 miles northwest of Anchorage along Alaska's historic Iditarod Trail. The lodge stands in 15 acres overlooking Winter Lake, a finger-shaped two-mile lake where landings are by float-plane in the summer and ski-plane in the winter. Winterlake offers seclusion and spectacular scenery views of the Trimble Glacier and the beginnings of the Rainy Pass are visible from the lake.

Behind the lodge, Wolverine Mountain offers intriguing hiking and wildlife viewing and there are many species of Alaskan birds, wildflowers and berries that are difficult to see in other areas. Activities at the lodge include hiking along the Iditarod Trail, swimming in the lake, and kayaking or canoeing. From the lodge activities such as glacier trekking, wildlife viewing, white-river rafting, fishing for salmon and rainbow trout, and exploring for gold are all available — often accessed by helicopter for which there is an additional charge payable locally.

The lodge offers a comfortable main room where you can relax by the fire and view the lake from large picture windows, a cozy dining area, a large meditative yoga room, hot tub on the main deck, and a lakeside wood burning sauna. The rooms are in individual cabins located around the main lodge.

Winterlake is owned by renowned chef, Kirsten Dixon, who offers world-class culinary classes at the lodge with visiting chefs. As you would expect, the meals here are superb and usually feature Alaskan cuisine. All guests are welcome in the kitchen to watch — or assist — if they wish.

OUR RATING: First Class