Women’s Mushing Retreat

with Ryne Olson of Ryno Kennel,

Paige Drobny of Squid Acres Kennel

& May Rose Huntley of Yoga Untamed

$6600/person
Maximum of 6 mushers

Trip #1: March 24- March 30, 2024

Trip #2: March 31- April 6, 2024

“This is hands down the most empowering experience I’ve ever had. If you love dogs, are curious about mushing, and want to spend a week with the most bad a** group of women I’ve ever had the pleasure to know, then this trip is for you! No mushing experience needed! Plus, you’ll see some of the most beautiful scenery Alaska has to offer. Don’t think; just do. you will not regret it!”

- Deborah Colby alumna 2023

What’s Included

Forty-Two 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.

Four 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 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 Bachelors 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.

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 facilitates 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.

Fourth Guide- TBD

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.

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

What’s Not Included

Alcoholic Beverages

Trip Insurance

Under-layers, Personal Items, Hand/Toe Warmers

Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Fairbanks to Cantwell (approx 3.5 hours). Visit Squid Acres Kennel, meet the crew, get an overview of mushing. Stay the night at Backwoods Lodge in Cantwell.
Day 2: Mush 25-30 miles to our remote camp for a warm night in Arctic Oven tents.
Day 3: Mush 25 miles to the private Susitna Adventure Lodge. Stay the night at Susitna Adventure Lodge.
Day 4: Free Day! Mush for a day trip or relax reading your favorite book. This day is up to you!
Day 5: Mush back to our winter camp. 
Day 6: Mush to Cantwell. Stay the night at Backwoods Lodge, reliving experiences from the trip, sharing photos, and prepping yourself for a return to civilization.
Day 7: Leave in the morning for the 3.5 hour drive back to Fairbanks.

Send us an email at chenaoutdoorco@gmail.com with questions or to sign up!

TRAVEL INSURANCE
 We highly recommend Travel Insurance for your Mushing Excursion. This will ensure that weather or emergencies won't cost you your vacation.  

Alaska is at the mercy of Mother Nature & she doesn't always cooperate.  Tours (specifically expeditions) can be postponed or cancelled due to inclement weather and unsafe conditions.  We apologize if this happens to your highly anticipated mushing vacation, but we want to make sure you get properly reimbursed for your inconvenience and receive a refund to re-book your tour! Travel insurance will provide that reimbursement.