Mushing Experience - Mushing 101:
This
One (1) Hour adventure - available when the snow flies until April - was designed
for those who may be a little intimidated by driving their own dog sled. We consider
it the "Ultimate Dog Ride" as guests get to experience the thrill of
riding the runners with the security of an experienced musher onboard. Instructions
on driving the sled and harnessing the dogs will be given. In this tour, the guests
will alternate riding the runners of a tandem sled attached to the sled of the
musher/teacher and riding in the basket of the musher/teacher's sled. Arctic outerwear
provided.
2 Person max per musher/teacher.
2-3 musher/teachers available
per session
(For Larger Groups, 24 hours notice is necessary) Large groups
are welcome!
MUSHING SCHOOL - Mushing 102
A 3 to 3.5 hour adventure located at 3-Mile Chena Hot Springs Road on the south side of the road in the large hayfields, just 15 minutes from downtown Fairbanks. This obstacle-free arena provides us with an excellent location for training new dog mushers and provides us with access to the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race Trail. Guests will learn to drive their own 3-4 dog team in a safe and controlled manner.
After
initial instruction and practice in the hayfields, we will take a 8-10 mile Fun
Run on groomed trails in the connecting Spruce forest. There is a great view of
the Alaska Pipeline and you will get to see our sled dogs working their finest.
Ample one-on-one instruction. Each participant will receive a Mushing School
Certificate and PAWS patch. Arctic outerwear provided.
6
Person max per session
3 Hour Mushing School - $250.00
6 Hour Mushing School - $425.00
Link to, print and sign release of liability form
Mushing
301: For the More Adventurous:
The 5 night / 6 day Maclaren Tour is
available from February
to April. Spend a week
in the quiet wilderness traveling trails of the
old trappers and miners. Modern camping
equipment keeps you warm and comfortable
in
some of Alaska's most remote settings.
You
will be given an introduction to dog driving, a packing list and plenty of instructions
along the way. Your expert guide will lead you deep into the Alaska wilderness
on a safe and extraordinary journey. A TRIP OF A LIFETIME!
All arctic
gear and supplies provided, including arctic outerwear, camping equipment and
food. You will be responsible for personal items and mid and inner layers of clothing.
5 Night - 6 Day Tour Price: $2950.00
(Transportation from Fairbanks
Included)
Mushing 201: The Beginner's Tour:
A
suggested tour for those interested in a camp out experience.
Day
One - Mushing School and a brief session on winter survival skills and winter
camping. Stay at a local B&B or a hotel in Fairbanks.
Day Two
- Set out on you mushing adventure and travel 20-30 Miles by Dog Team into your
chosen site ( warm winter camping under the Northern Lights or a cozy cabin with
all the amenities).
Day Three - Return trip by Dog Team. Back
to the B&B, Fairbanks area hotel or Airport after a wonderful trip.
You
might choose to stay in a lodge or bed & breakfast or go for some comfortable
winter camping in our warm wood-heated "Arctic Oven" tents.
All necessary equipment provided, including Arctic outerwear. All overnight adventures
include Mushing School.
Snow
Machine assistance is provided for carrying gear and setting up camp. Guests will
carry personal gear and some lightweight equipment in their sleds. Guests will
be responsible for base and mid-layer clothing. (e.g. arctic weight long underwear,
fleece jackets & pants...) Ask us for a packing list of necessary clothing.
Transportation from the airport or your Fairbanks location is provided.
Prices start at $700.00 pp
(lodge or B&B stays not included)
Dog
Sled Ride / Snowmachine Ride Combo:
(2 Great Alaskan Adventures)
Experience
the past and present Alaskan transportation. Enjoy the quiet beauty of the unobstructed
view of the Alaska Range from a dog sled. Then, take a guided tour by "iron
dog" and experience another great Alaskan adventure. You will drive your
own machine or if you prefer, you can ride on the back of the guide's machine.
Arctic outerwear provided.
1 Hour Snowmachine / 1 Hour Dog Sled Tour Price:
$179.00
See www.irondogadventures.com or send an Email
Dinner
and Aurora Tour
An evening's worth of entertainment beginning
with a pick-up at your Fairbanks' location at 7:30pm. We will transport you to
our favorite local fine dining restaurant. Tea, coffee and sodas are included,
as is a scrumptious dessert.
After
dinner, you will be transported back to our PAWS location to take a night time
dogsled ride in search of the Aurora Borealis. The dogsled ride is approximately
an hour long and you are invited to continue to view the Northern Lights from
the comfort of our Yurt . Guests will be back at their Fairbanks hotel by approximately
2am. (In case of no aurora, Alaskan videos and entertainment will be provided).
Group Limit: 10 People
Larger Groups can be accommodated
with at least 24 hours notice.
Tour Price: $Call for availibility and pricing...
5 nights/ 6 days tour + pre-tour Mushing School included
Pre-tour Mushing School – The day before your tour leaves we will do a 2-3 hour mushing school to show you the basics of dog driving, safe sled handling and practices, winter camping/ dressing for arctic conditions, and finalize and unfinished details for tomorrow’s tour. Mushing School and transportation is included, this nights’ stay at local hotel or B&B is not included and needs to be arranged by you. We can help with suggestions.
Day 1 – Leave for Paxson, AK – our trailhead, a 3 ½ hour drive. Drive dogteams into our Tangle Lake camp (a 20 mile dogsled day).
Day 2- Tour Glacier Lake trail (possibly other trails depends on trail conditions). Return to Tangle Lake camp ( a 20-30 mile dogsled day).
Day 3 – Leave Tangle camp for Maclaren Lodge (a 22 mile dogsled day). Stay at Maclaren Lodge (all the amenities + showers, restaurant, bar).
Day 4 – Tour Maclaren Glacier Trail to base of glacier – a loop trail and return to Maclaren Lodge for a 2nd night there. (a 30 mile dogsled day).
Day 5 – Leave Maclaren Lodge and return to Tangle Camp via Seven Mile Lake trail (gorgeous valley)… (a 25 mile dogsled day).
Day
6 – pack and leave Tangle camp and return to Paxson trailhead, return Fairbanks.
*this
is a tentative itinerary – due to trail conditions and guest preferences
on camping/lodging; 4-6 guests will be accommodated on this trip, 2- 3 guides
accompany
Where do we go?
What do we see?: This tour is on and about the Denali Hwy. in very isolated, pristine
country (situated between Paxson, AK and Cantwell AK – closed to vehicle
traffic in the winter – the only way to get there is by dogsled or snowmachine.
You’ll see beautiful scenery in this wide open valley on the other side of
the mountain from Denali National Park, snowy peaks, big sky, moose and caribou.
The trail climbs for about 7 miles initially (gradually), there are lots hills
and valleys. The trail is wide and usually not too technical, we might encounter
some snow blown areas that can be a little rough. The crew will assist in any
sketchy areas if necessary. You should be in good physical shape and able to tolerate
cold weather. Our dogs are our life and our business, we take respect the awesome
service and companionship they provide and take great care of them by providing
only the best. We do not compromise safety for us or them. While we can not take
inherent dangers out of our adventure, our experience will allow you the security
of a quality and safe adventure in this wild land.
You can visit Maclaren
Lodge’s website at www.maclarenlodge.com.
Virtually everything is included
in the cost of the trip ($2950.00/person) except your night’s stay at the
local hotel after mushing school, your personal gear, alcohol, gratuities….
We provide arctic outerwear and boots – all inner layers of extreme weight
long underwear, mid-layers of fleece, thick wool socks, glove liners, neck gaiter,
etc…should be brought by you. We provide all food and gear for mushing and
camping. If you want particular snacks or drinks, you should bring those along
– we’ll talk with you regarding meals and any dietary concerns before
the trip.
We suggest you plan for 1 more day in Fairbanks after your return as we will return in late evening on the 6th day.