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Alaska Backcountry Access offers activities surrounding and during the 2010 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. All adventures are guided and can be customized to suit individuals and small groups.
IDITAROD EXPEDITION – Willow to Skwentna
“The Last Great Race” traverses the beauty that is Alaska. Starting in Willow, teams travel on frozen rivers through the Alaska Range, across barren coastline and finish 1000 miles away in Nome. On the trail the fanfare of the ceremonial start fades and Alaskan Huskies eager for adventure run almost non-stop as the challenges unfold. Snowmobiles allow us practical transportation for viewing the race up close.
Alaska Backcountry Access has been guiding Iditarod Expeditions and snowmobile tours for years. During the 2008 season we guided a filming expedition for Bearded Dog Cinema across the Alaska Range, through Dalzell Gorge, to the village of McGrath. In 2009 we took to the trail offering a three-day two-night inclusive package covering hundreds of miles and the first two checkpoints in a loop including the original overland Iditarod route.
The Ceremonial Start of the Iditarod on Saturday in Anchorage is a great time to get to know the teams before the intensity of competition begins. We schedule a meet and greet, safety meeting, gear check and last minute shopping trip. A good nights rest is useful before the excitement of the next three days running with the Iditarod.
On Sunday morning we grab a hot drink from an Anchorage coffee shop before outfitting our snowmobiles in Wasilla and continuing to our jump off point of Willow. The Iditarod is big, truly Alaskan and for many the highlight of winter. Snowmobile along the race through the Yentna and Skwentna checkpoints before arriving at our lodge for dinner, bonfire and fun late into the night.
Monday takes us back to the Iditarod Trail as teams wake from a short night. The trail turns from wide frozen rivers to vast meadows and dense snow filled forests. In the afternoon, we concentrate on sightseeing, snowmobile riding and visiting additional lodges and roadhouses. The third day takes us back to Willow and Anchorage with more excitement and adventure along the way.
In 2010 we are adding more options including multi day mushing adventures, accessing the costal areas of Alaska by snowmobile and flights to villages like Ruby and Solomon.
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is an ultimate adventure. We are glad to customize with activities like: cross-country ski trekking, sled dog mushing and whale watching for a complete Alaskan experience. Call for details.
Inclusive of guide, transportation, meals, lodging, fuel, host gratuities and snowmobile rental. Bring a sense of adventure.
Saturday March 6th, 2010 · Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race – The Last Great Race – Ceremonial Start · expedition meeting, packing and planning
Sunday March 7th
Monday March 8th
Tuesday March 9th
Inclusive of guide, transportation, meals, lodging, fuel, host gratuities and snowmobile rental. Bring a sense of adventure.
Price: $4450 adult
Deposit and Cancellation Policy for Iditarod Expedition: 50% deposit at the time of booking. Full payment is due 14 days prior to date of service. The deposit is non-refundable.
Disclosure: Alaska Backcountry Access LLC takes no responsibility for the inherent hazards and risks associated with participation in all activities. All participants must sign a release of liability form, and are responsible for applicable snowmobile damage.
Phone: (907) 783-3600 Web: www.akback.com Email: andy@akback.com Toll Free: (800) 783-3005
IDITAROD EXPEDITION – Ruby to Galena The Middle Yukon River comes alive when the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race makes its way through.
Wednesday March 10th, 2010 Fly to the “bush” village of Galena to meet Jon Korta and family at Borealis Adventures. Snowmobile with local guides 75 miles (about 4 hours) on the Yukon River. Along the way we can stop to warm up and pass by native burial grounds, villages and trappers cabins. Our destination is Sam and Tamara Clark’s Yukon River Lodge. Sam and Tamara harvested local timber, milled it onsite and built a super efficient lodge complete with an outdoor eco toilet and sauna.
Thursday March 11th Explore the Yukon River by snowmobile and traditional snowshoe. Learn about trapping, logging, subsistence ice fishing and maybe visit a hot springs. Bush Alaska living is a popular topic of conversation and the unique lifestyle it provides for these modern day pioneers.
Friday March 12th Ride from the Yukon River Lodge to the village of Ruby to watch the first teams come into the Ruby checkpoint. This is the real Iditarod!
Visit
the checkpoint, meet famous mushers, be guests at local
cabins and visit traditional native craftsman. Mu
Saturday March 13th After a hearty breakfast, snowmobile 30 miles to Galena. Assist the race volunteering at the Galena checkpoint, Tanya Korta runs. We are guests at Korta’s Borealis Bed and Breakfast. Local hospitality abounds as we provide hearty meals and local favorites during the entire expedition.
Sunday March 14th Shorter dog mushing trap line loops, volunteering at the checkpoint, short snowmobile rides and relaxing. Galena even has an indoor swimming pool and the Galena Interior Learning Academy.
Monday March 15th
Return
flight to Anchorage or continue on to Nome to watch the
brave teams finish the race under the burled arch.
Monday March 1st 2010 Borealis Kennels Overnight – Iditarod musher Jon Korta Travel to the real Alaska and visit the remote bush village of Galena. Jon and Tanya Korta have carved a unique lifestyle for their family along the Iditarod Trail. Visit Korta’s Borealis Homestead, slow down to the relaxed pace and adventure into the backcountry.
Price: $1950 adult
Monday March 1st Dallas Seavey’s Iditarod Kennel Tour Willow is arguably the sled dog mushing capital of Alaska. Join 22 year old Dallas Seavey and his wife Jen at their kennel. Visit historic Talkeetna and fly to Denali/Mt McKinley “The Great One”.
March 2nd
Price: $1950 adult
Monday March 1st Alaska’s Ridgewood Lodge, Halibut Cove, Kachmak Bay, Homer Want to get away from it all, relax in true Alaskan hospitality? Halibut Cove is the perfect spot tucked remotely away from it all, and where the Sidelingers call home. This handcrafted lodge is their lifelong dream and a work of art. Oyster farming keeps the home fires burning in this scenic corner of Alaska.
March 2nd
Price: $1350 adult
Wednesday March 3rd 2010 SLED DOG MUSHING OVERNIGHT
Learn the sport of sled dog mushing from our world class musher Dario Martinez and his energetic huskies. Drive the team from our double stanchion sleds as we wind through the forests and snowy meadows.
Mountain views surround the area as we set up camp for the night. Camp consists of roomy Mountain Hardwear tents, Thermarest pads and Kelty sleeping bags. The sled dog team returns to their kennel home as we start a fire for our evening meal.
Winter camping has its challenges and rewards. We teach you basic and advanced techniques to build shelters, conserve energy and stay comfortable. You may even decide to sleep in an igloo.
Our long winter nights are great for viewing stars, occasional Northern Lights and snowy silence. The next morning we fuel up with hot drinks, oatmeal and more for the ski trek home. Glide through the meadows on trekking skis, taking in all of your surroundings.
Price: $699 adult
Wednesday March 3rd Prince William Sound Glacier Trekking aboard “Eye of the Storm” There are other early season boat tours but none like this. Captain Dave lives in Whittier and makes the bountiful Montague Island fishery his trade. We swap fishing poles for binoculars on this spectacular trip into Prince William Sound. Alaska Backcountry Access provides shore excursions throughout the day including beach hiking and ski trekking. We will judge the weather and conditions to make the days excursion the best possible adventure.
Price: $899 adult
Glacier Snowmachine Tour Snowmobiles, in Alaska called snowmachines, provide us fast and exciting transportation into the backcountry. Visit the faces of several glaciers and the scenic valleys they carve. Ride your own machine to explore ice caves and scenic wilderness. Other companies put you in a line with 12+ snowmachines, join our exclusive small group tour with guided transportation, gear, lunch, dinner and snowmobile rental included. This snowmobile tour is one of several we provide.
Price: $499 adult
Active Day Treks from Girdwood
Pick and choose day trips offered by Alaska Backcountry Access throughout the winter.
Glacier Valley Trekker Travel through the snowy meadows and silent rainforests of Girdwood's Glacier Valley. Local trails vary from virgin powder to single trek to wide open groomers. Ski trekking is a stable and simple combination of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. We provide high quality backcountry boots, and depending on conditions and requests, select trekking skis, cross-country skis or snowshoes. Professional guides provide instruction and naturalist interpretation along the way. We may visit an igloo too! Price: $79 adult $59 children 8-12 Departs at 10am and 1pm (allow 2 hours)
Travel back in time to Historic Crow Creek Mine and find real gold. We transport you along the Iditarod National Historic Trail to our secret destination deep in the Chugach Mountains. Strap on snowshoes to float over the snow to the creek.
Often miners are plying the gravels with suction dredges in the low water of early spring. We try our luck and pan guaranteed gold. You might find some on your own too. Take in the scenery and tour the historic mine buildings some built as early as 1898. Price: $119 adult $99 children 8-12 Departs at 10am and 1pm (allow 3 hours)
Seaside Trekker Snowshoe or ski trek along a fjord in spectacular Prince William Sound. Our destination is the town of Whittier which we access by van through Portage Valley, via a two mile road/railroad tunnel. World War II installations dot the scenic coastal town.
Dramatic vistas appear in every direction as we traverse a variety of terrain from mellow trails to steep hills with amazing views. Along the way visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to meet bears, moose, musk ox, caribou, fox, bison and more.
Price: $189 adult $159 children 8-12
CHUGACH EXPRESS SLED DOG TOUR
Sled dog mushing is a unique Alaskan way to traverse the snowy landscape. The Huskies of Chugach Express will show you the way in this introduction to the sport. Moose Meadows is the setting for your adventure along the Iditarod National Historic Trail in the Chugach Mountains of Girdwood/Alyeska.
Meet the harnessed team and musher for introductions and photographs. Let the musher know your interests and have your tour tailored to suit. The Iditarod race is a popular topic of conversation as well as information about team commands, running positions and breeding.
Our unique double stanchion sled allows you to drive the team and learn commands like: Gee, Haw and whoa. Take the long way around our Moose Meadows sled dog loop on the way to the kennel. The home of these amazing athletes has everything necessary to run and train in Alaska. Mush some more on the way back around the meadow.
These husky dogs are always ready for adventure; step on the runners for yours! Bring your cameras for lasting memories.
Price: $199 per adult $149 children 12 and under
SOURDOUGH SNOW CIRCUIT
Take a guided ski trek to meet the Chugach Express team for
sled dog mushing. Learn about the Iditarod
Next we pan for gold and visit an igloo as we tour through the snowy meadows, single trek trails and quiet scenery of Girdwood’s Glacier Valley. Price: $299 adult $259 children 8-12 Departs at 9am and 1pm (allow 3 hours)
Ask us about winter: Seward day trips Hot Springs Expedition -- Middle Yukon River Yacht Ski Trekking -- Prince William Sound Dog Mushing Expeditions
Operating tours year-round in Alaska from Girdwood, Glacier Valley, Anchorage, Portage Valley and the Hotel Alyeska Resort. |
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Alaska Backcountry Access operates under US Forest Service, State of Alaska and Municipality of Anchorage special use permits. © Alaska Backcountry Access LLC Modified: 04/19/2010 |
