Private Dog Mushing Tour
Embark on an unforgettable journey on our exclusive and intimate dog sledding adventure on the historic Yukon Quest 1,000-Mile trail, located outside the city of Fairbanks. Witness the exhilaration and enchantment of dog sledding firsthand, accompanied by our professional and friendly guides. Find yourself immersed in the rich tapestry of Alaska's culture and heritage, while forging meaningful connections with our affectionate Alaskan Huskies.
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Step into the Last Frontier and embark on an extraordinary journey of a life time! Immerse yourself in the essence of Alaskan life as you partake in the time-honored tradition of mushing along the legendary Yukon Quest 1,000-mile race trail!
Our artisan mushing experience is designed for people who seek a slow paced, yet action packed tour, privately guided by our knowledgeable and friendly guides.
Take time to meet each of the affectionate canine athletes on your team and get your husky selfie before being seated in your enclosed and cushioned sled, blanketed by quilts of warm fur.Sit back in your dog sled chariot as the team enthusiastically whisks you away down our majestic snow-capped black spruce trail. Get ready to have your breath taken away as we glide over frozen ponds and streams with vibrant sunrises and sunsets hitting our frosted cheeks and lashes.
At the midway point of our expedition, we pause on a serene frozen pond to allow our four-legged companions a roll in the powdery snow. This is the perfect opportunity for our two-legged adventurers to stretch your legs and capture breathtaking snapshots of the stunning arctic scenery with your frosted husky team.
Once we return from the trail, we invite our chilly travellers inside to warm up in our authentic Mongolian Yurt next to the fire. The wood heat provides the perfect dry warmth needed to thaw your toes and warm your soul after a epic cold day on the trail! -
SEASON: December 1st 2022 - March 31st 2023
CAPACITY/SLED: 400 pounds
CAPCITY/TOUR: 6 people (please call for larger groups)* For the well-being of the dogs, all guests will be weighed to calculate total sled weight.
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TOUR DURATION: 1.5 hours
TRAIL MILEAGE: 7 - 8 miles
TRAIL TIME: 45 - 55 minutes
TIME SLOTS:
December - February 10:00 AM | 12:00 PM | 2:00 PM
March 11:00 AM | 1:00 PM | 3:00 PM -
Adult: $165
Child: $135; Ages 3-8
Lap Child: Free; Ages 0-2 -
1. How many people per sled? The number of people per sled is based on comfort and weight. The most we seat are two adults and one child, but sometimes it’s more comfortable to just sit one. If the weight of two adults is over 400lbs, then each adult will need to purchase their own sled ($300/sled).
2. We’re from a warm climate, will we be cold on this tour? Not only do we provide our guests with cold weather gear, but our sleds are enclosed in a zippered sled bag to block the wind, with reindeer hides and blankets for added warmth.
3. Do we join other guests? Our tours are private. The maximum amount of travelers we host during each given time slot is 6, yet each reservation operates independently of each other. Additionally each sled of two is assigned their own personal knowledgeable guide. Tours are conducted at a leisurely pace, without the added burden of lines nor the nuisance of waiting.
4. How many dogs will be on our team? The size of the team is at the guides discrepancy and is based on current trail conditions. A slower softer trail might entice the guide to hook-up 10 huskies, where as a fast hard packed trail might require the guide to reduce the dog power to 8 huskies.
5. What kind of sled dogs do we work with? Our guides have all chosen to work with the Alaskan Husky. You will most definitely hear all about this phenomenal breed during your tour, but to soothe your curiosity at the moment—The Alaskan Husky is the most modern form of sled dog. They stem from the traditional sled dogs (i.e.malamutes & Siberian huskies) and crossed into other working class dogs with a focus on speed and endurance.
6. Do we get to drive? Though our skilled guides might make mushing look easy, it is in fact a very difficult task to guide a team of 8-10 sled dogs while keeping the in sled up right position and away from trees. For the safety of both our guests and our dogs, we do not offer mushing lessons.
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A full refund will be issued if the cancellation is received before 7 days of the tour. A 20% cancellation fee will be charged to cancellations inside 7 days. No refunds will be issued if the cancellation is less than 24 hours prior to the tour. Day of booking cancellations will not be refunded. No shows will be charged in full.
Covid Cancellations: A positive covid test result with the date is required to issue a full refund. If no contact is made prior to the tour start time, no refunds will be issued.
Emergency Cancellations: If guests have an emergent case, please notify us immediately to explain the situation. Proof may be requested to receive a full refund.
Overdue Arrivals: Guests arriving 15-29 minutes late are subject to an altered tour to ensure guides remain on the schedule (this could result in a shorter trail time or less interaction with the dogs). Guests arriving in excess of 30 minutes late for a day tour will forfeit their tour and be charged in full. Guests arriving late for an aurora tour will still adhere to the time allotment of the original tour schedule and will not exceed the tour conclusion of midnight.
WHAT TO EXPECT
INTERACTIVE: Immerse yourself in the one-of-a-kind experience of getting to know each and every member of your extraordinary canine team, as you delve into their fascinating and distinct personalities that set them apart from one another.
PHOTO OP’S: Each individual tour operates autonomously, providing abundant opportunities to pause and savor the scent of the snouts. Remember to bring your camera, and here's a handy tip: don't forget to pack some hand warmers to keep your camera batteries nice and toasty!
TRAIL: Mush your way through the renowned, internationally acclaimed 1,000-Mile Yukon Quest Trail, a truly iconic and awe-inspiring experience.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
WINTER GEAR: We provide parkas, boots, bibs & hats. Please read our page on how to dress to ensure you are comfortable throughout your entire experience.
WARMING HUT: Recharge your spirits after an invigorating dogsled adventure in our authentic Mongolian yurt, where the temperature inside reaches a delightful 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Feel the gentle touch of frost on your cheeks transform into a blissful sensation of comfort and relaxation.
GIFT SHOP: Discover a captivating assortment of unique Alaskan souvenirs, exclusively curated and showcased within the welcoming confines of our esteemed Alaska Made gift shop.
Not included
TRANSPORTATION: Guests are required to make arrangements for their own personal means of transportation. Transportation not provided.
BOTTLED WATER: We take care of your hot beverage needs during your visit, however, we kindly request that you bring your own thermos of water as we do not provide bottled water.
FACE PROTECTION: We do not provide neck warmers or scarves. Face protection is an essential item that you must procure yourself to protect your nose and cheeks from frostbite. If you wear glasses, we highly recommend bringing goggles or wearing contacts.
Ready for an adventure?! Let’s GO!
Travel + Leisure discovers Last Frontier Mushing Co-op
Double Feature in December & January 2021 T+L Editions…
“AS SOON AS I arrived in Two Rivers, a wilderness area outside of Fairbanks, Alaska, I was enveloped by yelps and howls echoing through the crisp spring air. The sled dogs twirled in excitement as I stopped to greet each one. For them, a visitor means only one thing a mushing adventure is about to begin.
I opened the door to the yurt--slightly bigger than the average bedroom, with a central wood burning stove to make the frigid winter months tolerable--and was immediately charmed by a small Caucasian-shepherd puppy that lay curled beneath a wooden sign that read, ‘Last Frontier Mushing Co-op’.
-- Maggy Lehmicke, Travel + Leisure
Photo Gallery by Whitney McLaren
Dog Mushing in Fairbanks Alaska with Sherry Ott at the Last Frontier Mushing Co-op.
“The land had been on the market for a couple of years. But no one wanted it because there was no power to it, and there was no road. This young group of Alaskans didn’t see that as an issue. “We were like – yeah – we don’t need electricity – that’s fine,” Amanda speaking as a true Alaskan…”