Not an Alaskan now, but
I have an older pair of Thermawool from Terramar, purchased from CampMor I believe. Not sure how their newer stuff stacks up. Mine is 100% merino or close to it. One of their newer products is 70% polyester fleece with merino.
Their website shows merino long bottoms for $35:
http://terramarsports.com/catalog/mens/m-bottomsMine have held up for over a decade, numerous hunts down into single digit territory. I have no problem with itching, they work for me as I sweat with synthetics next to my skin.
Good luck,
Geno
PS, keep us informed if you find something nice at a decent price.