Alaska Sled dog College

This musher course with Andy Hütten, a native Bavarian, offers you the unforgettable opportunity to learn the skill of mushing an independent husky team. Andy has been working with sled dogs in Alaska for over 20 years. He participated in all the big dog sled races, consistently placing among the top five. Andy will help you develop your skills, take responsibility for the dogs, and do everything a musher does. There is a lot of emphasis on authenticity on this tour, with a chance to get involved in the everyday life of working at the Husky farm. This is a real "hands-on" vacation at the Nenana Sled Dog College in Alaska, where you'll learn from the real professionals.

Alaska Sleddog College: Tour itinerary

Day 1: Arrival
You will be warmly welcomed by Andy at the airport in Fairbanks. During the transfer to the Husky farm, you will get a glimpse of the incredible landscape of the Alaska Range, the well-known mountain range that you and your dog team will explore over the coming days. Arriving at the lodge, you will get to know all participants over a delicious dinner.

Days 2-12: Basic Husky Sled Training
The next day, you will be instructed in the process and organisation of the kennel. You will be involved in all dog-related activities right from the start. You will get to know the dogs and their equipment, receive training in handling the dogs and driving technique, and explore the first few miles of the trail on the dog sled. The Nenana Sleddog College is suitable for all ages and abilities from beginners to advanced. Your sled dog adventure is like an active sports course, which can be designed from easy to challenging, depending on your preferences. Together with your personal husky team of 4-6 dogs, you will explore the spectacular winter landscape of Alaska over the next few days. The trail system leads you over frozen lakes, rivers, through snow-covered forests, past small villages, and through nature reservations.
If you are lucky, you will have the chance to spot elk and wolves in their natural habitat on tours through the subarctic wilderness of Alaska. The wildland of Alaska is an endless expanse and offers unforgettable impressions. If you are interested, there is the opportunity to participate in the training of the young dogs and the racing team. The tours are planned individually in a team under the guidance of experienced mushers. In order to be able to offer our dogs and guests the highest possible level of safety and enjoyment at all times, the current weather and snow conditions as well as the skills and experience of the participants are always included in the tour planning. There will be 2 rest days reserved for each tour.
There are only a few "stops and gos" during the tours. During the long journeys, you will experience the fascination of real mushing. The experienced guides are always available to advise you and accompany you on the wonderful trails north of the Alaska Range. The team consists of state-certified mountain guides and UIMLA mountain hiking guides. These are the world's highest guiding qualifications when it comes to mountaineering, ski touring, and trekking - so you can be sure that you will be well looked after! The rest days are also organised together. You will have the opportunity to get to know the Native Indian villages of Nenana and Fairbanks; visit museums and pubs, or simply relax and cuddle with the dogs (who enjoy affection as much as adventure). Other activities such as snowmobile tours, ice fishing trips, skiing, or visiting a reindeer ranch are also possible to arrange.


Husky tours through Alaska near Fairbanks: The exclusive active vacation for nature lovers and husky friends

Requirements
The husky sled course is suitable for everyone from young to old. No top athletic performance is required, but it is assumed that you will work alongside your guides, hosts, and other tour participants to complete all chores and tasks that are needed. Due to the very small group size (around four people), the individual wishes and questions of the participants can be optimally addressed.

Accommodation in Alaska
During your stay in Alaska, you will either live in a wooden house or in the associated cabin in double or single rooms. In the cosy wilderness lodge, the living room, kitchen, and bathroom/shower with toilet are shared. Running cold and warm water, oil and wood heating, WiFi (limited use), as well as towels and hairdryer, are all available at no extra cost.

Catering
After taking care of the dogs in the morning, the day always begins with a hearty balanced breakfast. During the day, snacks and homemade cakes are available. In the evening, good and healthy food is cooked on site. Individual foods are possible after prior registration. Restaurant visits (approx. 4x during the trip) are not included.

Other optional activities
On the rest days, you can visit Nenana (approx. 16 km away) and Fairbanks (approx. 70 km away), visit museums, stop in pubs, or relax on the husky farm. Perhaps you will decide to go skiing for the day or go on a romantic snowshoe hike in the vicinity of the lodge. Snowmobile tours, ice fishing trips, or a visit to a reindeer ranch are also possible.
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