I have visited Toursavers' site, which suggests buying coupons in advance. But I would rather buy them in Alaska, in case of last minute hitches(due to illhealth) and not being able to go. Is this possible?Where?

We would probably do more and spend more money with the coupons, but we'd have a good time without them too. We would use them only for tours, and entrance fees, I think, not for accommodation, which is already booked for the most part.
I don't want to book tours ahead, as we prefer to do what the spirit moves us to, and when the weather is nice.
I would like to hear your experiences with the coupons, please.
We are travelling from Australia in September. Thanks in advance.

To answer my own question, Toursaver coupons, they say, are available at Carrs, Safeways and Eagle Grocery. Is this correct?

Yes the books are available in Carrs Safeway. But depending on when you are going in Sept will matter greatly- anything much past the first two weeks will have many closures for the season- Denali Park shuttles end about 9-12? I believe. I would definately go early Sept for best weather and opportunites. As mentioned- some coupons will be useless with a closed tour.

Thank you, Budget Queen - we are arriving Sept.3.Hopefully, we'll be able to inspect the coupons before we buy? I definitely want to do a ship tour from Whittier or Valdez, and maybe with coupons, we could do both for the same price?
On another matter, the lottery to drive into Denali at the end of the season. Do you know the dates this year? Shall post another question on this, perhaps, if you dont. I know I'll have to get in quick, with the post from Australia taking a week or two, and I think it closes at the end of July. The NPS/gov/dena site is down at the moment.

IN SEPTEMBER

When do the 400 lottery winners get to drive the park road? They each get one day during mid-September, from Friday through Monday. In 2003, the dates are Sept. 12-15.

How do you apply? Only one entry per person is accepted. There is no limit on the number of entries per family and no age limit. Applications are accepted from July 1 through July 31. Winners are drawn in early August. To enter, send a self-addressed, stamped, business-sized envelope (4.25 inches x 9.5 inches size) to:

Road Lottery
Denali National Park
P.O. Box 9
Denali Park, AK 99755

The self-addressed, stamped envelope serves as the entry. Include your first and last name and a complete mailing address on the envelope. List the choice of dates, in order of preference, on the front of the envelope in the lower right-hand corner.

Do not include a letter. Only one entry per person will be accepted. Postcards and duplicate entries will not be accepted. Lottery winners will receive a letter confirming which day they have won, with additional information on how to obtain the permit.

Any restrictions on vehicles? Yes, to protect the road and for safety reasons, vehicles may not be longer than 22 feet, no more than eight feet wide and no more than 12 feet high. Larger vehicles may only drive to Teklanika campground (mile 29) to camp. Owners must have a lottery permit and a smaller vehicle to travel farther.

Can you drive a vehicle into the park other times? Visitors may drive all summer as far as Savage River (mile 15). After the road lottery, cars may drive as far as Teklanika (mile 30) until weather closes the road. The road is also open to Teklanika from late April or early May until Memorial Day weekend, weather permitting.

A question on toursaver coupons - I know some of the coupons expire in August and September and I was wondering if they ever sell the Great Alaskan Toursaver at a discount sometime after mid-August. We are going to Alaska around this time and I was just wondering. I realize you can find this on Ebay, too. We are mostly interested in the tours and admissions and not hotels, so I feel comfortable waiting to buy this until mid-August.
Thank you.

Nena, I would be happy to send my used book to you for free if you're going after Aug. 16-only ask you cover postage. If you would like it just post your email here.

Nidwandler_Chris - THANK YOU SO MUCH!

I will be happy to pay for postage. Please email me at [email protected] for your preferred arrangements.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

Nena

Thanks again, BudgetQueen - have sent my application, and got my fingers crossed.I hopefully enclosed an International Reply Paid Coupon.
In any case, going to Teklanika after the lottery should be possible for us. We have already been that far by bus, and it was great.