Alaska’s Wilderness Woman Contest

There’s nothing quite like small-town America.

And there’s nowhere in America quite like Alaska. 

Rural communities in the United States often have a unique, quirky charm that perfectly represents stereotypical Americana and in the many small towns that make up the Last Frontier, the weird and wonderful gets dialed up to 10. 

Enter Talkeetna, Alaska.

Nagley’s General Store in Talkeetna, Alaska

Talkeetna is a small town 2 hours north of Anchorage that presents views of Denali National Park by day and a chance to see the spectacular northern lights by night. It’s an eclectic town full of outcasts and hippies where traffic jams are caused by moose and their official mayor is a cat. Its unique charm, quintessential Alaskan look, and proximity to Anchorage make it a popular pit stop for tourists making their way to Denali in the spring and summer months. But in the infamously harsh winters of Alaska, the climate takes a brutal and unforgiving turn as visitors to this small town of 1,000 people all but disappear.

And that’s when Talkeenta truly shines. 

As the cold settles in, the days grow shorter and temperatures often plunge into the negatives, creating an environment that many would prefer to avoid. With most tourists having departed, Talkeetna's authentic spirit emerges, and the few outsiders who do find themselves in Talkeetna during the winter months are provided a rare glimpse into true Alaskan life.  Gift shops close, streets fill with ice and snow, and locals find ways to endure the season while doing their best to keep themselves entertained. The town's dive bars come alive with the chatter of residents and town-wide celebrations become frequent,  almost as if the residents have been eagerly anticipating the winter months. There’s no better representation of Talkeetna embracing Alaska's harsh winter than the annual Wilderness Woman Contest.

The woodcutting portion of the Wilderness Woman Contest

The Wilderness Woman Contest is a uniquely Alaskan event. Part of Talkeenta’s annual Winterfest, it celebrates the spirit and resilience of the women who brave the rugged terrain of the last frontier in a way only Alaska can. The town’s women participate in a series of challenges that incorporate stereotypical Alaskan activities while playfully poking fun at traditional gender roles. Contestants face off in a number of different events, including chopping and hauling firewood, snowshoe racing, catching "fish," and even hunting a man dressed as a moose. Winners of these challenges can find themselves in possession of priceless prizes such as a Davey Crockett-style fur hat or a 6 pack of Alaska’s finest beer.  The fan favorite event of the contest, however, is the sandwich-making event. In this timed competition, women must perfectly craft a sandwich and deliver it, along with a cold beer, to a man comfortably sitting on a couch wearing a trash bag poncho. Why the trash bag? Let’s just say a part of the fun is that the women participating like to make their deliveries as aggressively as possible. 

A man eagerly awaits the delivery of his sandwich

The most amazing part of this absolutely ridiculous (in the best way possible) celebration is that the entire town comes out to participate. Men, Women, and children of all ages fill the streets to watch these events and huddle around the communal bonfire to talk, laugh, and enjoy the show. Music blares from the loudspeaker while the MC narrates the unfolding hilarity. And like any good small-town celebration, there’s drinking. Lots of drinking. 

A communal Bonfire in Talkeetna

And the men get in on the fun, too. As night falls in Talkeetna, they become bachelors for sale and are auctioned off to the participants of the Wilderness Women’s Contest to help raise money for charity.

Talkeenta’s Winterfest and the Wilderness Woman Contest have taken place in December ever since 1986. If you find yourself braving Alaska and visiting Anchorage during the winter months, a trip to Talkeetna to see this unforgettable Alaskan tradition is a must. Talkeetna by itself is a charming town that’s worth a visit during any time of year but seeing it during this annual celebration is a festive and lively showcase of Alaska's unique personality and spirit that you won’t find anywhere else.