Departures 7 & 11 February 2009
Spend 8 days driving your own team of dogs on a mushing journey through the spectacular winter scenery of Canada’s Yukon Territory.
You will travel for part of your journey in the style of those who take part in the famous Yukon Quest dog sledding race. Accommodation is at Sky High Valley Ranch or comfortable cabins or tents. You will attend the “meet and mushers” evening and the “Start Banquet” then have the opportunity to be a volunteer at the start of the 2009 Yukon Quest, the toughest sled dog race in the world.
Participants on both trips will have the opportunity to volunteer at the start line of the Yukon Quest.
| Day 1 | You will be picked up at 10am in the hotel lobby and drive to the Sky High Wilderness Ranch, 20km South of Whitehorse where you will be fitted with your expedition clothing. Enjoy a hot lunch and then you will be introduced to your 4 legged companions for the week. You will learn the basics of caring for the dogs and how the sled operates. You will then go out on your very first run. After taking care of the dogs you will enjoy a sauna, have a hot dinner and cozy up by the fire. (Participants arriving on the 11th February will have the opportunity to meet and talk with the 2009 Veteran and Rookie mushers.) |
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| Day 2 | After breakfast you will plan your day. Today you will cover approx 35km in distance driving towards secluded Jackson Lake. The only sound will be the runners in the snow, the working dogs, and your words of encouragement. In the evening relax in the sod roof sauna before retiring for the night. Overnight at Sky High Wilderness Ranch. (Participants starting on the 11th February will head into town for the Yukon Quest Start Banquet. Enjoy the food and the company of the Yukon Quest mushers and many Quest enthusiasts. Return to Sky High and have a well deserved rest.) |
| Day 3 | Head out into the untouched wilderness for 3 days of winter camping at the wall tent camp at Dry Creek. You will travel further into the amazing landscape surrounding the Fish Lake Area. The trail on this day follows the shores of Fish Lake, climbs and heads into the coastal mountain range to the south. Curl up at night by the woodstove for a cosy sleep in your tent. |
| Day 4 | At dawn enjoy a hearty camp breakfast in a wall tent kitchen. If the weather allows you will make a run to the top of the mountain above the tree line to Ptarmigan Flats. Head out again along the trail. Overnight in a wall tent camp. (11th February start date - after feeding the dogs and breakfast you will head into town to the Yukon Quest office with your guide to watch and participate as a volunteer in the start of the 2009 Yukon Quest. Return to Sky High late afternoon or evening.) |
| Day 5 | The trail on this day follows the shores of Fish Lake, climbs and heads into the coastal mountain range to the south. (For those who arrived on the 7th February - arrive back at Sky High, take care of the dogs and head into Whitehorse to meet the mushers! Join in the excitement of the Yukon Quest by meeting and talking with the 2009 Veteran and Rookie mushers. Return to Sky High and retire for the night.) |
| Day 6 | Today your team will pull you east of the ranch. As you climb in elevation you are hearing onto an old abandoned mining road on McIntyre Mountain. Enjoy the pristine landscape of the coastal mountains nestling Fish Lake in its valley. Keep an eye out for wildlife – you never know what you might see. Return to Sky High. Take care of the dogs. (Participants starting on the 7th February will head into town for the Yukon Quest Start Banquet. Enjoy the food and the company of the Yukon Quest mushers and many Quest enthusiasts. Return to Sky High and have a well deserved rest.) |
| Day 7 | This day takes you towards beautiful Bonneville Lakes, west of the ranch.
The trails are narrower here with some challenging ups and downs.
The scenery is breathtaking and the coastal mountains are always in view to the south and west.
Part of the trip you will be above tree line and you will easily cover 20-30km.
After a heartfelt goodbye to your dogs and guide you will head into town for your last night in the Best Western Gold Rush Inn. After breakfast you will get ready for your return home. (7th February start date after feeding the dogs and breakfast you will head into town to the Yukon Quest office with your guide to watch and participate as a volunteer in the start of the 2009 Yukon Quest. |
| Departure Date | Price |
|---|---|
| 7 February
09 11 February 09 |
£2200 |
| Price Includes: |
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| Return International flights on Air Canada, transfer to and from Whitehorse and all extra transportation to Quest activities. Accommodation in Whitehorse 1 night beginning, 1 night end. All accommodation in cabins or wood heated tents. All meals including non-alcoholic beverages. Banquet tickets and inclusion in Yukon Quest Start Banquet. Inclusion in “Meet the Mushers” evening. Use of personal sled and 3 to 6 Huskies. Musher Diploma & Shuttle Pass. Winter boots. |
| Price Excludes: |
| Alcoholic beverages, rental of warm winter clothing. Meals in restaurants. Transfers to and from Whitehorse airport. Gratuities and items of a personal nature. |
