Join the Wild Women’s
Mushing Retreat
March 23-29, 2025
Join Iditarod and Yukon Quest mushers Ryne Olson of Paige Drobny of Squid Acres Kennel on a 7-day extensive learning trip just for gals! This trip will take mushers from Cantwell to Susitna Adventure Lodge on the famed Denali Highway.
In 2024, this trip was so popular, we offered two trips. We like to keep the groups small, so we have maximum of 6 mushers per trip. Learn how to mush your own team and meet some of the 1000-mile canine athletes. No prior mushing experience is necessary but you must be active and relatively fit.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Ride the Squid Acres shuttle from Fairbanks to Cantwell (approx 3 hours). Check in to Backwoods Lodge for the night and then head to Squid Acres, Cantwell and meet your dogs and a little Mushing 101.
Day 2: Hit the trail for a 25-30 mile day. Camp in plush, heated Arctic Oven tents.
Day 3: Mush 25 miles to the Susitna Adventure Lodge.
Day 4: Day trip from the Lodge and return back for the evening. This could also be used as a rest day if anyone wanted a day to relax and read on a couch.
Day 5: Mush back to our winter camp.
Day 6: Mush to Cantwell and spend another night at the Backwoods Lodge sharing photos and stories.
Day 7: Ride the Squid Acres shuttle back to Fairbanks.
The trip includes:
Forty Professional Alaskan Huskies
Mush your own team of professional (and very affectionate) Alaskan Huskies of Squid Acres Kennel and Ryno Kennel. These athletes are not your average canine. Many of the huskies have competed in mid-distance and long distance dog sled races like the Iditarod and Yukon Quest, but most importantly, the huskies are cuddly, friendly, and the best canine coaches for new mushers.
Expert Human Guides
Learn to mush and travel through the remote Alaska Range led by exceptionally accomplished, professional, and experienced guides. Safety and fun are the top priorities with a ratio of FOUR guides to six guests.
Paige Drobny– From Cantwell, Alaska, Paige is a top-10 Iditarod and Yukon Quest musher as well as a recipient of the Yukon Quest Vet’s Choice Award. Paige has completed many Iditarod, Yukon Quest, and mid-distance races throughout Alaska and Canada. She has TWO masters degrees- one in fisheries and one in business administration- making her one of the most educated poop-scoopers in the sport of mushing. Paige and her husband Cody built and own the Susitna Adventure Lodge. Paige has her Wilderness First Responder Certification.
Ryne Olson– From Two Rivers, Alaska, Ryne is a multiple-time Iditarod and Yukon Quest finisher as well as the Copper Basin 300 Champion and recipient of the Vet’s Choice Award. Ryne has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and is the owner of Chena Outdoor Collective LLC. Ryne co-owns a herd of reindeer for tourism, education, and packing. When not exploring remote corners of Alaska by dog team or with reindeer, Ryne is also a private pilot and escapes to the wilderness by air. She has her Wilderness First Responder Certification.
May Rose Huntley– From Denali, Alaska, May Rose is a professional yoga instructor for over eight years with a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. May Rose is the founder and owner of Yoga Untamed, offering yoga retreats all across the United States. She’s a “Jill of all trades” with experiences in mushing, cross-country cycling, hunting, and the culinary arts. She facilities daily yoga whether it be on the sled, at camp in the snow, or snuggled at Susitna Adventure Lodge. May Rose has her Wilderness First Responder Certification.
Guide 4: To be Announced
Unique, Comfortable Lodging
Nights 1 & 6: Backwoods Lodge in Cantwell, Alaska is located directly next door to Squid Acres Kennel. Two comfortable and spacious rooms will be shared between six guests. Meals will be held at Squid Acres Kennel next door.
Nights 2 & 5: Enjoy sleeping at our private, remote Arctic Oven tent camp off the Denali Highway! This “glamping” (or glamour camping) experience includes cots, pads, wood stoves, high-ceilinged Arctic Oven tents, and a rustic latrine with one of the prettiest groover views possible.
Nights 3 & 4: Relax and revitalize at the private and luxurious Susitna Adventure Lodge! With vaulted ceilings, large windows, massage chair, and a spacious living area, the Susitna Adventure Lodge is a perfect place to relax, do yoga, and recharge. Best of all, it’s private so just our group can enjoy the space and spectacular wilderness views surrounding the lodge. It also is a perfect location to access remote mushing trails!
Delicious, Nutritious Food
Each meal is handcrafted with love and filled with nutritious energy. Just because we’re traveling in a remote area doesn’t mean we can’t eat high-quality, healthy food. Meals can be prepared to accommodate vegetarian options as well as food allergies by request.
Also included:
- Transportation from Fairbanks to Cantwell and back to Fairbanks
- Extra outerwear like parkas, bibs, beaver mitts, snowboots, or hats upon request
- Snowmachine support for wildlife protection, carrying extra gear, and safety
Price:
$6,600 USD
What’s Not Included
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Trip Insurance
- Under-layers, Personal Items, Hand & Toe Warmers
CANCELLATION POLICY
To reserve a spot on the adventure, we ask for a 50% non refundable deposit. The remaining 50% will be due on January 1st of the year the trip. No reimbursement is provided for trips cancelled or shortened due to weather or Covid-19. For this reason, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND travel insurance.
Contact us for more information or to reserve your spot now!
