Experience Authentic Alaskan Dog Mushing and Winter Camping Near Fairbanks
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
3–5 days
Fitness Level
Participants should have good overall fitness and endurance to handle cold weather, mushing, and camping tasks.
Overview
Discover the thrill of dog mushing combined with winter camping in Interior Alaska. Led by expert mushers near Fairbanks, this multi-day adventure immerses you in pristine Arctic wilderness and ancient traditions.
Dog Mushing / Camping multi-day trip
Dog sledding and winter camping in Interior Alaska with Dew Claw Kennel
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable dog mushing adventure in Interior Alaska! Experience winter camping under the stars, enjoy fire-cooked meals, and explore scenic trails with a small group. Led by expert guides with Iditarod experience, you'll bond with the dogs while learning to mush in a breathtaking, remote setting.
About:
Join us for a unique hands-on dog mushing trip. We offer extended dog mushing winter camping experiences for adventure seekers. This trip is a chance to try: winter camping in Interior Alaska, fire cooked meals, watching the night sky in an area free from light pollution. And the highlight, you spend days exploring area trails by dog team.
These are small group trips, limited to 4 persons to ensure guests have maximum interaction with the dogs, plenty of instruction and support from your guides, and lots of opportunity to participate in dog care while you learn to mush.
Your guides, Dan Kaduce and Jodi Bailey have decades of experience training, traveling & camping with, and racing long distance sled dogs. In addition both have raced in the Yukon Quest and Iditarod. They look forward to sharing their experience and love of dogs with you.
If you have a special request please "Contact Us".
Duration:
Approximate time of 72 hours, but allow 4 days for the experience.
Start Monday 10 am, gear up orientation and run dog teams to camp. Spend the next 2 days exploring area trails by dog team, and camping in heated tents. There will be time for enjoying photography, snowshoeing, exploring, journaling/sketching or just relaxing at camp. On the fourth day pack up and run the dog teams back. Return time approximately noon.
Rates:
Price is per person and includes dog team, sled, heated tents, and gear needed for activity.
- Meals drinks and snacks.
- Does not include transportation to/from Dew Claw Kennel.
- Personal gear and clothing.
Adventure Tips
Dress in Layers for Changing Weather
Temperatures can plummet quickly; insulating layers keep you warm and dry on the trail.
Stay Hydrated Despite the Cold
Cold weather can disguise dehydration—drink water regularly even if you don't feel thirsty.
Follow Guide Instructions Closely
Handling sled dogs requires attention to safety; always listen carefully to your guide.
Protect Your Eyes from Snow Glare
Wear UV-blocking goggles or sunglasses to prevent snow blindness during daylight hours.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Moose wandering near riverbanks at dawn.
- Snowshoe hares blending into the winter landscape.
History
Dog mushing is a vital Alaskan tradition dating back centuries, central to native cultures and the famed Iditarod race inaugurated in 1973.
Conservation
Operators prioritize minimum environmental impact by using established trails, practicing Leave No Trace, and educating guests on Arctic ecosystem sensitivity.
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Adventure Hotspots in Fairbanks
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Insulated Waterproof Gloves
Keeps hands warm and dry while handling sled lines and camping in snow.
winter specific
Thermal Base Layers
Traps body heat and wicks moisture, essential for cold-weather exertions.
winter specific
Sturdy Winter Boots
Protects feet from snow, ice, and cold during trail travel and camp.
winter specific
Sleep System Rated for Below Freezing
Ensures restful sleep in subzero temperatures while camping outdoors.
winter specific