2024 Arctic Basecamp: 7 Day Itikmalik Valley

Moderate to difficult because of narrow backcountry trails that require some balance and fitness to navigate. Moderate hill climbs where you will need to help the dogs by pushing the sled uphill and demonstrate basic balance in order to manage the sled brake on the descent. This seven day trip traverses unbroken and seldomly traveled Arctic landscapes. 

No previous mushing experience is required. We will teach you everything you need to know to feel comfortable and equipped for your days on the trail. ​That being said, dog mushing is a physical activity...from harnessing dogs to standing on the sled all day, you will need to be reasonably able-bodied in order to fully enjoy this experience. 

In order to safely enjoy this trip you must be able to:

•  Lift 50 lbs.
•  Endure hard falls onto ice or hard-packed snow.
•  Get dragged while holding onto sled handlebars (hard on shoulders).
•  You must be able to squat to go to the bathroom outside. 
•  You must be able to balance on one foot for a minimum of 5-10 seconds.
•  You must be able to climb stairs quickly and easily. 
•  You must be able to jump up from a prone position on the ground and in deep snow off-piste (i.e. a snow burpee)
•  Be capable of walking or hiking on steep and uneven terrain for up to 4 hours.
•  Be prepared to wrangle strong sled dogs (hard on wrists, hands, and shoulders).  
• Be prepared to be exposed to cold, wet, windy and otherwise adverse weather conditions sometimes found in higher latitudes. 

If you are over the age of 65, we require a medical clearance from your doctor. (Click here to see our medical form.)

You do not need previous experience with cold-weather climates, but you will need to equip yourself with a proper set of winter base layers in order to ensure your comfort and safety. Even though it is spring in Alaska, weather and temperatures can still be harsh and unpredictable. We will provide you with a list of suggested & required gear -- your comfort is our utmost concern!  Check out our packing list here.

Yes. You will drive and be responsible for your own small team of 4-6 dogs. Your professional dog sledding guide will introduce you to your team, and give you a lesson on how to drive the sled. You will learn how to harness a sled dog, and how to slow and stop your team. Your guide drives their own team just ahead of you, keeping an eye on the dogs, the trail, and your progress. 

Your dog sledding guide for this trip is Lisbet Norris. Lisbet is the company owner and lead guide at Arctic Dog Adventure Co. Originally from Willow, Alaska, Lisbet grew up in a dog-mushing family. She is a three-time finisher of the Iditarod, the longest sled dog race in the world. Lisbet has two decades of experience guiding dog sled tours and expeditions. She is known for her leadership qualities under adverse circumstances and through sound preparation and experience, she makes the most unique and challenging adventures possible for her clients! Lisbet has a strong love for the North. A self-taught naturalist, she feels at home in the boreal forest of Interior Alaska and loves sharing the northern landscape with others. Lisbet holds a degree in Northern Studies and History from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. 

Check in at the Fairbanks small plane airport for your 1 hour flight seeing tour to Coldfoot, Alaska, 60 miles North of the Arctic Circle. Your guides will meet you at Coldfoot and help you load your gear for the 100 mile drive North to Galbraith Lake, an ancient glacial lake on the North side of the Brooks Range. The drive to Galbraith Lake passes several incredible landmarks such as Sukakpak Mountain, past the furthest North spruce tree, and over the famous Atigun Pass of the Brooks Range. During April, the Central Arctic Caribou Herd is heading from the mountains to their calving grounds near the Arctic Coast. Keep an eye out for migrating caribou herds on the horizon, and the large predators that may follow them. Keep your eyes peeled for musk ox, caribou, dall sheep, wolves or even grizzlies. Arrive at the Galbraith Lake trailhead by late afternoon, where we will be met by teams of sled dogs. After loading gear and a brief mushing lesson, we will head off to camp, a couple miles away. Once the dogs are parked, we will give you a tour of camp and let you settle in a bit before dinner.

Meals: Breakfast in Fairbanks, Lunch at Coldfoot Camp, and Dinner at Camp.  

Accommodations: Arctic Ovens (2 persons per tent)

These days are devoted solely to dog sledding. We will explore the tundra and creek valleys surrounding our camp. We will play in the shadows of the mountains and search for dropped caribou antlers. Where we shall go depends on the weather, snow conditions, and our will! If we are lucky, the sun will shine bright late into the evening,  inviting long lunches with warm afternoon naps on the sleds, and fresh outdoor dinners, sunglasses needed.  

OPTIONAL: Extend your stay in the Arctic by 3 days (select 3 Day Add-On at checkout).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at Camp.  
Accommodations: Arctic Ovens. 

Our last breakfast in the Arctic. By early afternoon we will ferry our gear by dog sled out to the trailhead and transfer you to Coldfoot, where the afternoon flight will take you back to Fairbanks. 

Meals: Breakfast at Camp, Lunch at Coldfoot. You will need to find your own dinner this night.

Accommodations: You will need to find your own accommodations for this night.