Experience the magic of the Arctic in April, with long days, lingering sunsets, snow capped mountains, hidden mammoth tusks, migrating caribou, and shimmering spring aurora on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Head north for a 5 day dog sledding retreat based in the heart of the world's highest mountain range above the Arctic Circle: the Brooks Range. Our destination is an off grid boutique wilderness retreat center situated between the dramatic mountains of Gates of the Arctic National Park and the banks of the Koyukuk River in the historic gold rush community of Wiseman, Alaska. Here, in this spectacular location, is where we will base the next few days of dog sledding. This trip is limited to 6 participants.
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. The walk from Wiseman to the Retreat Center is 20 minutes and includes a steep uphill. This five 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:
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.
Arctic Hive offers three beautiful hand built cabins with mountain views in every direction, and plenty of windows to see the wild landscape and the northern lights! Each cabin will be home to two retreat attendees in twin or double beds (depending on the cabin). All cabins are off-grid, heated with Swedish Nordic oil stoves that keep the space warm and cozy.
The cabins have a limited amount of solar/battery-power, for lights and for charging small devices. There is no internet or cell phone reception from the cabins (or in all of Wiseman!) — although we do have access to service for emergencies, and for those who may need to check in with home once in a while. Depending on the amount of sunlight, you'll have the opportunity to charge small devices via generator or solar power (such as your phone if you use it as a camera). It wouldn't be wise to bring larger electronics like computers, as they draw too much power from the small battery banks.
The cabins are located just a short walk up the hill from the Igloo, which is our central lodge and gathering space for meals and community. The Igloo has a large glass ceiling for taking in the mighty views and northern lights.
The Arctic Hive property also features a large geodesic dome known as "The Hive." Mollie, Arctic Hive co-founder, will lead us in a group yoga stretching session on one of our days. We usually have yoga after the first full day of mushing :)
Bathroom facilities include a composting outhouse that's cleaned and attended to daily — along with a few designated "facili-trees" in the woods. If you're inexperienced with either of these methods, our team will assure you're up to speed upon arrival!
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.
We will pick you up at your hotel in Fairbanks around 8am to begin our journey North. Our destination for the day is Wisemen, a charming little Gold Rush town in the heart of the Brooks Range, 290 miles north. Drive north over the beautiful rolling hills of Interior Alaska to the immersive serpentine curves of the mighty Yukon River. After crossing the Yukon, the terrain alternates between wide open tundra, sometimes dotted with towering granite monoliths called tors, and thickly forested river valleys. Soon after crossing the Arctic Circle into the Land of the Midnight Sun, we will see our first striking views of the Brooks Range. Once we reach Wiseman, we will walk 20 minutes through the tundra to our accommodations for the week: an off grid wilderness retreat set in the hillside above Wiseman. Bags will be delivered by dog team or snowmachine. After we get settled in our cabins, we will meet together in the main Igloo Lodge for a family-style dinner with lodge owners Mollie & Sean.
After breakfast, we will go over gear and then head outside for our first mushing lesson. Meet your dog team and learn how to harness and hook up the dogs. After a brief orientation we will take off for a day trip along one of the historic mountain or river trails that surround Wiseman. The next few days are devoted solely to dog sledding. From 10am to 5pm, 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 desires! If we are lucky, the sun will shine bright late into the evening, inviting long lunches with warm afternoon naps on soft tundra peaks. 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 tracks of large predators that may follow them (bear, wolf). Each night we will gather together in the main Igloo for a family style dinner.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before walking down to the village for a private tour of Wiseman hosted by Jack Reakoff, an Alaskan legend who lives a subsistence lifestyle in Wiseman, Alaska. After Jack's tour we will drive 30 minutes to the community of Coldfoot, home of Gates of the Arctic National Park Visitor Center. Collect your Arctic Circle certificate before heading to the small plane airport, where you will board a scenic flight tour back to Fairbanks.
Check-in by 1:30pm for your flight seeing trip to Fairbanks which departs Coldfoot at 3:30 PM and arrives in Fairbanks at 4:30 PM.
Meals: Breakfast at Camp. Bagged Lunch at Coldfoot. You will need to arrange your own dinner.
Accommodations: You will need to find your own accommodations for this night.
Transportation: You will need to find your own transportation from the Fairbanks airport to your accommodations (Uber, Taxi).
Mileage: 275 miles by air.
Wiseman, AK, USA 
