Alaska: Trails of the Iditarod

• Expedition Type [ Arctic Expeditions ]
• Difficulty [ Moderate ]
• Activities [ Camping, Dog Sledding/Mushing, Hiking, Various Active Outdoor Activities ]
• Duration [ 6 Days ]

Expedition Timeline

The Iditarod is one of the most famous tests of endurance in the sporting world, and this expedition gives you a compelling taste of this renowned contest. From Anchorage, drive through stunning landscapes to Big Lake Alaska, home of four-time Iditarod champion Martin Buser. With his experienced guidance, board a sky plane at Lake Hood to transfer to your remote lodge, where you commence your dog-mushing adventure on the Iditarod Trail. Test your wilderness skills during two nights at a remote camp, where you may sleep in a snow cave of your own creation before returning to the lodge for an array of rewarding outdoor activities.

Day 1

Arrive Anchorage, Alaska/Big Lake Alaska

After meeting your expedition team members upon arrival in Anchorage, begin your adventure with a drive to Big Lake Alaska, home to the family-run kennels of four-time Iditarod champion Martin Buser. At Martin’s homestead, pay a private visit to learn about his history of mushing dogs and to meet his 60 canines. Tonight’s welcome dinner is a good opportunity to bond as a team — and to fill up for the exertions ahead.

Hotel Captain Cook [ D ]

Day 2

Iditarod Trail

After breakfast, fly via sky plane from Lake Hood to the Iditarod Trail and remote Winterlake Lodge. Overlooking two-mile-long Finger Lake and the rugged Tordrillo Mountains, the fly-in lodge is situated on the route of the Iditarod dog sled race; the site serves as the Finger Lake checkpoint during the thrilling event. The nearest city is 200 miles away by airplane, and the nearest neighbor is 40 miles to the west, along a steep, treacherous trail. Join Carl and Kirsten Dixon as they share the story of their lives along a path less travelled amid stark wilderness surroundings.

Winterlake Lodge [ B L D ]

Days 3-4

Iditarod Trail

Wake up in the pristine wilderness and prepare for your next two nights of remote wilderness camping. Learn how to run your own dog team, with practical, hands-on instruction from your guide covering everything from the care and feeding of sled dogs to voice commands and the theories of dog team building. Armed with your new skills, set out with your team into the white wilderness. Carl Dixon has spent many years living in the Alaskan backcountry and personally leads this excursion, imparting his mushing expertise, tips for staying warm in cold weather and wilderness survival techniques along the way.

Winterlake Lodge Remote Camp [ B L D ]

Day 5

Iditarod Trail

Depart the remote camp and return to the main lodge, where you may choose to go snowmobiling, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, or you may opt to soak in the hot tub or book a therapeutic massage. Carl delivers an Alaska-focused presentation in the library, followed by a wine and cheese tasting.

Winterlake Lodge [ B L D ]

Days 6-7

Depart Anchorage

Enjoy a day at leisure to indulge in the range of optional activities at the lodge, from yoga to a cooking class on Alaskan cuisine. Return to Lake Hood this afternoon. Depart the next morning.

Hotel Captain Cook [ B L (B only on Day 7) ]

Departure Dates & Pricing

Various Departure Dates can be arranged. Please tell us your preferred travel dates on the reservation form.