Price- $6600
2026 Women’s Mushing Retreat
Trip #1: March 29- April 4, 2026 FULL
Trip #2: April 5th- April 11th, 2026 FULL
NEW* Paige & Ryne's Birthday Bash and Yukon Quest Weekend
February 6-12, 2026 FULL
Future 2027 Retreats
Trip #1: March 28th- April 3rd, 2027
Trip #2: April 4th- April 10th, 2027
Women’s Retreat 2.0 (ONLY FOR ALUMS)
“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 seven 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.
Unique, Comfortable Lodging
Four out of six nights: 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!
Two out of six nights: 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.
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 on the Alaska Railroad
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
Possible Itinerary
Day 1: Take the Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks to Cantwell (approx 3.5 hours). Hop into the Suburban with tracks and travel 50 miles down the unmaintained Denali Highway to Susitna Adventure Lodge.
Day 2: Meet your canine team and learn the ins and outs of driving your very own 5-dog team on a sled. Practice day from the Lodge.
Day 3: Level up and mush a little farther in more challenging terrain. Return to Susitna Adventure Lodge.
Day 4: Mush out to our remote spike camp. “Glamp” for the night in toasty warm Arctic Oven tents with raised cots. Enjoy the beautiful night sky deep in the Alaska Range.
Day 5: Day mush from spike camp. This is weather dependent as to the specific destination. Return to spike camp for the night.
Day 6: Mush to Susitna Adventure Lodge. Take a hot shower, eat tasty meals, and relive experiences from the glamping trip, sharing photos, and prepping yourself for a return to civilization.
Day 7: Leave in the morning and take the suburban on tracks and then the Alaska Railroad back to Fairbanks.
Send us an email at chenaoutdoorco@gmail.com with questions or to sign up!
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, 2024. No reimbursement is provided for trips cancelled or shortened due to weather or Covid-19. For this reason, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND travel insurance.
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.