Arctic Basecamp I

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 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. 

Our Arctic Basecamp is located on the shores of Galbraith Lake – a remnant of a large glacial lake that once occupied the entire Atigun Valley –between Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve to the West and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to the East. For this trip, we truck our sled dogs 12 hours up the remote and wild Dalton Highway.

The Dalton is the only travel artery connecting Interior Alaska to the Arctic Ocean, and though beautiful, the road is rugged and seldom traveled in winter, frequented only by truckers hauling supplies to the oil fields, wolves, moose, caribou, ptarmigan and the odd intrepid tourist. The route to basecamp cuts through the rolling hills of the Yukon River Valley, crosses the Arctic Circle into the Land of the Midnight Sun, and traverses wild ancient plains dotted with granite tors before approaching the striking silhouette of the Brooks Range.

In the heart of the mountains is Coldfoot, where your flight comes in. North of Coldfoot is stunning Sukakpak Mountain, as well as the steep grades of Atigun Pass, the highest mountain pass in the state. Coming down from Atigun Pass, Gates of the Arctic National Park stretches out to the West, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge dominates the skyline to the East, and vast treeless tundra stretches unbidden to the North.

Your accommodation for this trip is a heated Alaskan tent called an "Arctic Oven." This is Alaskan "glamping" -- a truly comfortable winter camping experience. With two twin beds, the Arctic Ovens can accommodate two people per tent. The beds are equipped with winter rated sleeping bags and sleeping bags. The Arctic Oven is heated by a small stove, lit with twinkle lights, and has room for gear storage at the end of the bed. With 9x9x7 foot dimensions, you can even stand up inside! 

Review our Fairbanks Trip Planning Guide to help you with all your trip planning! 

Fairbanks is known as the "Golden Heart City," and for good reason. It's located in the heart of beautiful Alaska, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife. From dog sledding to northern lights viewing, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city. Download our PDF to learn more about how to get here, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more!