Camping in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness
An exciting husky tour awaits you, amidst the magical landscape of the Brooks Range, above the Arctic Circle. You'll spend the nights in warm, heated tents and get to know winter camping in a very special setting. Experience the beauty of the tundra and watch the dance of the Northern Lights on the starry sky. Your guide will teach you everything you need to know about dog sledding, so you can fully immerse in your adventure in the Alaskan wilderness.
Husky adventure with overnight camping: the itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in the Arctic
On the first day of your trip, you will be picked up at around 11 a.m. in Fairbanks and taken to the small plane airport for a short, one-hour flight to Coldfoot (check-in at 11:30 a.m. for the 1 p.m. flight). Your guide will meet you at Coldfoot and help you load your luggage for the onward journey to Galbraith Lake. During the drive, you will catch glimpses of Alaskan landscapes and, with luck, spot wildlife such as caribou and wolves. Upon arrival at Galbraith Lake trailhead, you will receive your winter gear and a brief introduction to dog sledding. You will then lead your own sled dog team to camp, where you will care for the huskies and settle into your "Arctic Oven." This is a special, heated tent for two people each. At the end of the day, everyone will gather for dinner.
Please note: Coldfoot is just a truck stop with a rustic hotel, the runway and a few other buildings. Sometimes a shuttle across the highway to the truck stop is offered. However, this is extremely unreliable. If the shuttle is there, please take it and text your guide about it.
Meals begin with dinner on Day 1 and end with a packed lunch on Day 5.
All pictures of this partner Days 2 - 4: Daily Husky Tours
These days are dedicated entirely to dog sledding. The majestic landscape of the Arctic region will amaze you. You will ride with your sled dogs daily through the tundra and surrounding valleys, enjoying the pristine nature. Each day, you will harness your dogs and prepare your team for the tours. The routes vary depending on weather conditions and your ability. With a bit of luck, you might even spot tracks of caribou and other native wildlife! After exciting days, you return to camp in the afternoon and can relax after caring for the dogs and completing the daily chores.
Day 5: Farewell to the Far North
Enjoy a final breakfast at camp today before setting off with your dog team for a final drive to the trailhead. Your adventure ends there, and you will be transferred to Coldfoot, from where you will board your return flight to the small plane airport in Fairbanks. Upon arrival, your trip will conclude with many unforgettable memories. Transfer to the city is not included today!
Accommodation:
During your trip, you will stay in heated "Arctic Ovens," each of which can accommodate two people in two twin beds (cots). These tents are equipped with comfortable sleeping mats and sleeping bags and offer a cozy atmosphere, ideal for relaxing after an exciting day in nature. There is a small stove for heating and the light comes from twinkle lights. The equipment can be placed on the drying rack in the evening or be stowed in a storage space at the end of the bed. It is even possible to stand upright inside the tent.
We strongly recommend arriving in Fairbanks a day early and staying an extra day after the tour. This is due to possible flight delays or a possible late return from the husky tour. The transfer is only possible from accommodations in Fairbanks! We would be happy to arrange a hotel in Fairbanks for you. Just contact us if you are interested.
Requirements:
A good level of fitness is required for this tour, as the narrow backcountry trails require some balance and stamina. There are moderate climbs where you will help the dogs push the sled, and on the descent, you will need to demonstrate a certain sense of balance to operate the sled brakes. The tour leads through pristine and rarely traveled Arctic landscapes. Previous experience in driving a dog sled is not necessary. However, physical activity is essential. This begins with harnessing the dogs, continuing to stand on the sled all day, caring for the animals, and performing daily tasks such as fetching water or chopping wood. To safely enjoy this tour, you must:
- Be able to lift 23 kg (50 lbs).
- Withstand hard falls on ice or snow.
- Be able to hold onto the sled handlebars and be dragged along (stressful on the shoulders).
- Squat to use the toilet outdoors (there is a sit-down toilet at camp, but you will need this mobility to use the toilet while on the move).
- Be able to balance on one leg for at least 5-10 seconds.
- Climb stairs quickly and easily.
- Be able to jump up from a prone position from the ground or from deep snow off-piste.
- Walk or hike for up to 4 hours on steep and uneven terrain.
- Be prepared to guide strong sled dogs (stressful on the wrists, hands, and shoulders).
- Be able to operate frozen snaps and clips.
- React quickly to brake at the right moment.
- Be prepared to be outdoors in cold, wet, windy, and other adverse weather conditions.
If you are over 65, we ask for a medical certificate.
We also recommend purchasing travel and health insurance.
Airline regulations for the flight from Fairbanks to Coldfoot:
One piece of personal baggage weighing up to 18 kg (40 lbs) per person is permitted. Carry-on baggage is not permitted on small aircraft, according to regulations. All items must be weighed and marked as checked baggage, including purses, laptops, cameras, small backpacks, etc. Wright Air Service, Inc. offers approved blue bags (approximately the size of a brown lunch bag) for personal items such as wallets and medications. Special permits may be issued to allow passengers to carry items until departure after weight is taken. These must be returned to the agent at time of the flight closeout. Small valuables such as prescription medications or cash should be removed from baggage and carried on your person. Coats, jackets, and similar items may be worn on board. No items may be left on the floor during taxiing, takeoff, or landing.
Additional Information:
The safety of our guests and animals is our top priority on all of our tours. The far north can have fluctuating and unpredictable weather with very strong temperature differences. Whilst we strive to follow the planned trails as closely as possible, we reserve the right to change the order of activities, the route of safaris, and the intensity of the excursions should the needs of our guests or animals necessitate it, or if the weather conditions compromise our pre-planned route. This involves both adjustments due to insufficient snow (meaning we cannot drive the sleds) or too much snow (snowstorms and extreme cold can cause accidents and various other problems). The required adjustments and fallback options in rare cases are based on the day-to-day conditions and can be compensated by shorter or longer daily stages, alternative accommodations, or even single day trips. In extremely rare cases we may organise alternative transport (ie. cars, quad bikes, etc). Feel free to contact us if you would like a more detailed assessment of this tour and travel period.
These videos contain snapshots of our local partners to provide a brilliant first impression. Please note that selected tour may not correspond precisely to these recordings.
These pictures provide a general impression of our local partner and the surrounding area. Please note that selected tour may differ from these pictures.
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Husky adventure with overnight camping
Required and included in the travel price, can be borrowed on site or must be brought along.
Clothing and equipment will be provided on the day of arrival and can be used outside of scheduled activities throughout the entire journey.
All prices per person in double or multi-bed category. Single room surcharges, childrens discounts etc. on request. Fixed travel dates, not extendable.
Good booking opportunities. No real-time updating.
Limited spaces, less than 4 places reported! No real-time updating.
Optional date. Minimum group size required. Exact travel date may vary.
Fully booked.
Particularly favorable in the price, comfortably in the journey with the rare direct flights or only simply extraordinarily beautifully: Our special highlights