• Experiencing the exhilaration of mushing a team of sled dogs through pristine winter wilderness
• Learning how to care for and harness the dogs and drive (mush) a dog sled 
• Getting to know the quirky and charming personalities of the dogs on your team
• Sleeping one night in a yurt, which is much warmer than winter camping and yet still provides the solitude and beauty of camping in wilderness
• Enjoying hearty meals and relaxing in cozy, well-heated lodging
• Soothing your tired muscles in the sauna

Traveling through winter wilderness on the back of a sled pulled by dogs who love what they are doing is one of the most exhilarating things you'll ever try. The silence of the snow-filled ancient boreal forest is broken only by the steady trotting of the dogs and the sound of the sled runners. Immerse yourself in this sport for three days, as you learn how to care for and harness the dogs, and drive (mush) a dog sled. At the end of an active day, enjoy a hearty meal and reading and relaxing in cozy, well-heated lodging. Do you worry that the dogs don't like it? You won't after your first run with them.

This trip is for any woman who wants to learn to dog sled. Mushing is more active than you may think (contrary to popular notions you do not just stand on the end of the sled and yell "Mush!"). Fortunately, though, you'll be sharing a sled with someone and you can switch between the very vigorous activity of driving the sled and a more relaxing time of sitting cozily bundled in the sled and watching the spectacular winter scenery go by. No experience in any of this is needed; we teach you everything you need to know for a safe and fun time.  Rating: 1  [2]  3  4  5

• Three nights at the Silver Rapids Lodge, about 4 miles outside of Ely. We stay will stay in the Fisherman and Paradise cabins, both are 3 BR with 1 1/2 baths and a fireplace where a blazing fire will keep us toasty.  Although not fancy, the cabins are spacious and provide room for both hanging out with the group and having space for yourself.
  
• On our third night we will stay in a yurt, an insulated Mongolian tent-like shelter with a wooden frame and a canvas skin. A yurt, with its indoor heater and cots with warm sleeping bags for the night, is a big step above winter camping, yet still provides solitude and beauty.

• guide services and instruction
• four nights lodging (single rooms will be assigned on a lottery basis)
  
• meals from dinner on Saturday thru breakfast on Wednesday
• three full days of dog sledding
• entry to the International Wolf Center
• Transport from Duluth to Ely and during the trip is available on a cost-share basis or you can provide your own. If you choose to provide your own, you will also need to use your vehicle for your transport during the trip.

at 11:30 am in Duluth, Minnesota (DLH) or at 3 pm at our lodging on March 20

anytime the morning of March 24 or at 2:00 pm at the airport in Duluth

you can download the complete trip information here

March 20: The trip begins at 3 p.m. at our lodge in Ely, Minnesota. If you're flying in, we provide transportation on a cost-share basis or you can rent a car. If you choose the first option, we'll meet you at 11:30 am at the airport in Duluth, Minnesota. After driving to Ely, we'll settle into our cabin and then go into town. Ely, although a small town, has many interesting shops and is a fun place to wander around for a bit before visiting the International Wolf Center. Saturday evening is feeding time and there is no better place to learn all about wolves.

March 21: Today is our "training" day. We'll learn how to hook dogs up to the sled, drive the sled across lakes and through the woods, and learn how to assist the dogs by "poling." We will experiment with shifting our weight on the runners to help the sled turn and jump on and off the runners when we're going up hill. After an active morning we'll all need a break, so we'll stop for a hot lunch, either making a fire or sipping hot soup from a thermos. During our first day we learn the names the dogs on our team, become acquainted with their quirky personalities and their likes and dislikes, and start building the bond with them that enriches the experience in an unexpected way. We'll return to our cozy lodging for the evening where, after a hearty and replenishing dinner, we might choose to take a sauna, go for a walk in the quiet snow-filled woods, or just read and relax in the living room.

March 22: Today we'll drive our sleds to a yurt on a secluded lake in the National Forest. Our yurt is so remote that we are almost certain to be the only people enjoying this quiet and beautiful place. This is the perfect spot for snowshoeing, stargazing, or just contemplating the beauty of winter wilderness. The stars in the winter sky are likely brighter than any we've ever seen and the silence more profound. We also have the opportunity to learn how to care for our dogs on an expedition, including feeding them and staking them out. Some of us may choose to sleep outside, while others will appreciate the heater that keeps the yurt comfortable.  

March 23: Today we mush back to civilization and bid farewell to our furry, funny companions that have served us so well. At the Lodge we can enjoy the sauna and luxuriate in a hot shower. We share our final farewell dinner, go for a last quiet walk through the woods, and drink in the peace and beauty of the Northwoods.

March 24: You are free to leave anytime after breakfast. We highly suggest another visit to Ely to get those last minute souvenirs and buy the fur-fringed parka or the mukluks that you have probably decided you need. If you are taking advantage of the shared transportation, you will leave Ely about 11 a.m. and can plan to be back in Duluth not later than 2:00 pm.