FAQ, updated 10/5/2026

* How do I reserve a spot?  We may hold one based on e-mail but need entry form and deposit soon.  Even if 30% says "tba" send a form!

* How are starting numbers assigned?  In general, early entries get better numbers.  Past winners start first, past entrants before novices, and exceptions may be made for press.  Final numbers will be assigned a few weeks ahead, but web list is roughly in start order. 

* What are the risks?  We haven't had an injury accident in 40 years of winter events, but a few cars have been badly damaged.  40 entries means 200,000 vehicle miles in serious conditions, so safe & sensible driving is expected.

* How much help can I expect?  Our first concern is everyone's personal safety, equipment is secondary. In practice this means radios, planning, a "buddy system", prepared teams, and experienced staff make fast response the rule, but we may not have enough resources at any time and place to spend hours helping a broken or badly "stuffed" vehicle.  At a minimum you should expect transport to the nearest warm place where commercial help is available.  We do our best to help with vehicle repair or extraction, but not if this would create additional hazard or limit resources needed for safety of others.

* Can you carry gear if we have 3 people in an Impreza? Yes. Officials won't carry your tires or safety equipment, but will transport one 40# bag per "small" vehicle (avoid essential overnight gear as officials could be hours behind).

* What vehicle do you recommend?  You might have more fun in an Audi or Subaru, but a full size 4x4 truck or SUV has more reserve capability.  We love big trucks for sweep but some personal favorites are Dodge D50 diesel (30 mpg), Audi 5000 Quattro (20+ MPG), Ford Excursion (13-14 mpg with 44 gallon tank), Audi Q5 (27 mpg) and Audi Q7 TDI (28 mpg).  We also like Subaru Foresters but range is less. 

* What vehicle if we're really serious about winning?  Few win ice slaloms in a truck, so maybe a solid SUV.  These offer space, ground clearance and reasonable handling, plus extra capability if weather turns ugly.  An AWD sedan is also nice, but haven't proven faster.  Some small SUV's are great and others not, but try for 300+ mile driving range (in 2004 BMW X3's had a 230 mile range under load, while a gas Excursion at 1 mpg less did 500+ miles).

* What do you NOT recommend?  Avoid 2wd unless you want a challenge.  Same story for a short-wheelbase SUV or truck: a long wheelbase is more stable, short is nimble but demands skill and attention.  Do NOT add a lift, and be wary of automatic 4x4 hubs: No Ford Ranger or Explorer has finished a winter Alcan with 4wd still functioning. Examples include:
  1) Paris-Dakar veteran Siegfried Lucka bought a new Ranger for 1990 Alcan but 4WD quickly failed, he "would have brought his wife's Caravan" if he planned 2WD.
  2) The '95 Ranger I bought for '96 Alcan Winter broke a front hub on day 3 and spent 3000 miles in 2WD.

* How about winter tires?  Canada requires "3 Peak" rated winter tires, and narrow is much better.  Also see discussion at https://www.alcan5000.com/Fouse.htm

* What's a "rallycross"?  Basically an autocross on ice or snow, run 1 car at a time. Venues have included 1/4 mile oval tracks, snowmobile courses on frozen lakes & rivers, and Anchorage Sports Car Club course on Big Lake. 

* When is the next Alcan event?  The next Alcan Winter Rally is 2028, next summer is September 2030. 

* Why is your web site so basic?  To make information quickly & easily available (we hate frames & WordPress).

Best Regards,
Jerry