Imagine...
You’ve just taken the deepest breath of fresh air you’ve had in a long time.
You smile as you look around — you’re surrounded by wilderness, on a vast, frozen river, surrounded by the ancient, towering mountains of Alaska’s Brooks Range.
You chuckle as you feel a bead of sweat trickle down your back... how in the hell you’re sweating in below-freezing weather, you’ll never understand... but this you know for sure: All your effort has been worth it. You’ve learned to drive your own dogsled with a team of Alaska Huskies in the arctic.
You’ve journeyed to the far north to be a dog musher + experience the thrill of living off-grid in one of the most remote places in the world.
Your friends thought you were crazy wanting to “get pulled around by dogs” for a week, but you knew better. You’ve always dreamed of mushing your own dog team, and you expected it'd be hard work. But something you didn’t expect?
This experience may have changed your outlook on life itself.
Arctic Awakening is truly a one-of-a-kind retreat. You’re fully immersed in the dogsledding lifestyle with us — your guides, Sean and Mollie Busby. We live and breathe this arctic lifestyle, as this is also our home.
You’ve just taken the deepest breath of fresh air you’ve had in a long time.
You smile as you look around — you’re surrounded by wilderness, on a vast, frozen river, surrounded by the ancient, towering mountains of Alaska’s Brooks Range.
You chuckle as you feel a bead of sweat trickle down your back... how in the hell you’re sweating in below-freezing weather, you’ll never understand... but this you know for sure: All your effort has been worth it. You’ve learned to drive your own dogsled with a team of Alaska Huskies in the arctic.
You’ve journeyed to the far north to be a dog musher + experience the thrill of living off-grid in one of the most remote places in the world.
Your friends thought you were crazy wanting to “get pulled around by dogs” for a week, but you knew better. You’ve always dreamed of mushing your own dog team, and you expected it'd be hard work. But something you didn’t expect?
This experience may have changed your outlook on life itself.
Arctic Awakening is truly a one-of-a-kind retreat. You’re fully immersed in the dogsledding lifestyle with us — your guides, Sean and Mollie Busby. We live and breathe this arctic lifestyle, as this is also our home.
We hand-built Arctic Hive Wilderness Lodge on 15 acres of boreal forest with sweeping views of the Brooks Range in all directions. The property backs up to hundreds of miles of public lands.
Our retreat facility is a 1 mile hike outside the historic mining village of Wiseman, population 12 — which includes us! When it comes to the dogsled trails in the area, you’re getting an authentic bush experience on trails that aren’t made by machines; they’re made by dogs and the humans that love them.
For 4 nights at Arctic Hive, and 3 full days on the trail, you become one of us.
Our retreat facility is a 1 mile hike outside the historic mining village of Wiseman, population 12 — which includes us! When it comes to the dogsled trails in the area, you’re getting an authentic bush experience on trails that aren’t made by machines; they’re made by dogs and the humans that love them.
For 4 nights at Arctic Hive, and 3 full days on the trail, you become one of us.
This is
arctic hive...
Photo credit: Alec Sills-Trausch
On the Agenda
DAY 1: Getting to Arctic Hive
The charter van arrives to the Fairbanks hotel of your choice at 8am sharp! It's then you get to meet the other retreat-goers, who you'll be spending the next 5 days with. Many of our guests come on these trips solo, so rest assured you'll be in good company if that's the case.
The van drivers are trained guides with extensive experience driving the Dalton Highway (famed from the show "Ice Road Truckers"), and possessing a wealth of knowledge and facts to tell you along the way. After a quick stop at a Fairbanks supermarket where you can pick up lunch provisions for that day, extra snacks and any drinks you want for your trip, you'll buckle up for the approximately 7 hour drive to Arctic Hive. We provide all meals, fresh water and snacks you could ever need once you arrive — but you may want to grab beer/wine for evenings at the Hive, and other snacks for the drive.
And let's talk about the drive...
This isn't like any drive across Iowa or Nebraska... this is a right of passage into the majestic Brooks Mountain Range... and although it's a long one, it's a journey you'll never forget. The rolling hills take you out of Fairbanks on the Elliot Highway, and eventually onto the Dalton Highway, which takes you due north. You'll see the enchanted forest, cross the mighty Yukon River, dine on local fare from the historic Yukon River Camp, cross the Arctic Circle — of course have your photo taken! — and see the most gorgeous, dynamic landscapes featuring arctic tundra, Black Spruce forests, and (possible!) wildlife... until the massive Brooks Range comes into view.
The experience driving the "Haul Road," as it's affectionately called, is one few people have ever experienced and is sure to delight and thrill, and you might be lucky enough to see wildlife along the way!
The charter van arrives to the Fairbanks hotel of your choice at 8am sharp! It's then you get to meet the other retreat-goers, who you'll be spending the next 5 days with. Many of our guests come on these trips solo, so rest assured you'll be in good company if that's the case.
The van drivers are trained guides with extensive experience driving the Dalton Highway (famed from the show "Ice Road Truckers"), and possessing a wealth of knowledge and facts to tell you along the way. After a quick stop at a Fairbanks supermarket where you can pick up lunch provisions for that day, extra snacks and any drinks you want for your trip, you'll buckle up for the approximately 7 hour drive to Arctic Hive. We provide all meals, fresh water and snacks you could ever need once you arrive — but you may want to grab beer/wine for evenings at the Hive, and other snacks for the drive.
And let's talk about the drive...
This isn't like any drive across Iowa or Nebraska... this is a right of passage into the majestic Brooks Mountain Range... and although it's a long one, it's a journey you'll never forget. The rolling hills take you out of Fairbanks on the Elliot Highway, and eventually onto the Dalton Highway, which takes you due north. You'll see the enchanted forest, cross the mighty Yukon River, dine on local fare from the historic Yukon River Camp, cross the Arctic Circle — of course have your photo taken! — and see the most gorgeous, dynamic landscapes featuring arctic tundra, Black Spruce forests, and (possible!) wildlife... until the massive Brooks Range comes into view.
The experience driving the "Haul Road," as it's affectionately called, is one few people have ever experienced and is sure to delight and thrill, and you might be lucky enough to see wildlife along the way!
Photo credit: DJ Pierce
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Photo credit: Sean Busby
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Your van will weave through our tiny village of Wiseman (population ~12), and at the edge of town, you'll be greeted by your friendly guides and hosts... us! Mollie and Sean Busby. (And probably a huskie or two!)
Sean will transport all luggage to Arctic Hive for you, and Mollie will lead the group to Arctic Hive on foot. It's about a mile hike in — mostly flat, with hill climbing at the end.
Sean will transport all luggage to Arctic Hive for you, and Mollie will lead the group to Arctic Hive on foot. It's about a mile hike in — mostly flat, with hill climbing at the end.
Photo credit: Alec Sills-Trausch
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Photo credit: Alec Sills-Trausch
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Days 2-4: On the trail with your team!
Days begin with optional mindfulness and stretching in the Yoga Hive Geodesic dome, followed by organic coffee and a nourishing breakfast in the Igloo while we look over maps and confirm our plan for the day.
Throughout the days with the dogs, you learn how to harness your team, feed them two meals a day, and you learn to watch them as they run, anticipating their moods and their needs before they have to glance back.
You may jog up hills behind the sled to assist your 4-legged teammates, and your ride down hills, managing your weight on the brake system to keep the line taught. The only sounds out there are the whoosh of your runners underfoot and the pitter patter of paws on the snow-covered tundra.
You learn to lean this way and that, call out commands, and steer your sled through miles-upon-miles of Black Spruce fores. You journey along frozen rivers and creeks, climb mountains, and if conditions allow, you get to mush into one of the most remote and least-visited National Parks in the country: Gates of the Arctic National Park*.
The whole time, you never forget rule #1: Never let go!
Each time we stop for a rest, you praise your team for their prowess and return countless slobbery kisses with belly rubs. You even choose to be initiated into the sacred art of scooping dog shit in the dog yard, morning and night. (This is what authenticity actually looks like!)
Most of all, you become part of a team.
Photo credit: Sean Busby
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Photo credit: Sean Busby
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Photo credit: Alec Sills-Trausch
Whenever you and your fellow mushers stop for a break, the dogs roll around in the snow to cool off, tails wagging and tongues lolling — the picture of pure joy. Sure, this joy is contagious... but you don’t need any help mustering joy this week.
You’re absolutely bursting with it. Looking around at your small group of fellow retreat-goers, you know without a doubt that they, too, are having the best day ever.
The steep learning curve you’ve endured has taught you well -- and the sweat equity you’ve invested has come back tenfold in the serenity you feel.
Evenings are spent enjoying hearty home-cooked meals, laughing and sharing stories and photos from the trail. We prepare for the next day of mushing, play a card game or two before folks head off to bed.
You end the day, snuggled up in a comfortable bed in your toasty warm cabin — and stay up to watch the aurora borealis dance in the polar sky out your cabin window.
This is just a snapshot of a typical day at Arctic Hive's signature Arctic Awakening Learn-to-Mush Retreat. Every day, we adapt to changing conditions with the group, the dogs and Mother Nature. As you will see right away, this is the way of things in the far north!
Photo credit: Alec Sills-Trausch
At this retreat, you’ll experience a full immersion into the life of an arctic off-grid dog musher. The group size is intentionally small — a maximum of 4 guests — to keep the experience intimate and organized. This is our home and our backyard and we are excited to share it with you in a sustainable way.
You’ll participate in the day-to-day care of working dogs and experience some of our daily activities such as gathering water from the river — learning the true meaning of “working as a team” on and off the trail.
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And there’s no better way to take care of a team than taking care of yourself — first and foremost. You’ll have ample time to relax, a healthy dose of outdoor mushing adventures, cultural immersions in the village, and daily mindfulness + yoga designed to meet you where you're at.
No experience with any of these things is necessary to attend except a good attitude, willingness to learn, be physically and mentally fit, and a strong sense of adventure. You're provided an extensive packing list and one-on-one guidance from us to assure you have the outdoor gear you need, and you’re prepared each day for the activities that await.
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Day 5:
You'll pack up and depart Arctic Hive mid-morning, and make the same trek back to Fairbanks — experiencing new stops along the way depending on weather.
Photo credit: Alec Sills-Trausch
The Details
Accommodations:
Here at Arctic Hive, we have three 12x12 cabins to keep you cozy warm during your stay with us — there are mountain views in every direction, and plenty of windows to see the wild landscape and the northern lights! Each cabin will be home to two retreat attendees in their own twin or double beds (depending on the cabin).
All cabins are off-grid, heated with Swedish Nordic oil stoves that keep the space warm and cozy, with solar/battery powered lighting with inverter batteries for charging small devices. There is no cell phone reception from the cabins — although we do have access to service for emergencies, and for those who may need to check in with home once and a while.
Here at Arctic Hive, we have three 12x12 cabins to keep you cozy warm during your stay with us — there are mountain views in every direction, and plenty of windows to see the wild landscape and the northern lights! Each cabin will be home to two retreat attendees in their own twin or double beds (depending on the cabin).
All cabins are off-grid, heated with Swedish Nordic oil stoves that keep the space warm and cozy, with solar/battery powered lighting with inverter batteries for charging small devices. There is no cell phone reception from the cabins — although we do have access to service for emergencies, and for those who may need to check in with home once and a while.
Photo credit: DJ Pierce
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Depending on the amount of sunlight, you'll have the opportunity to charge small devices via generator or solar power (such as your phone if you use it as a camera). It wouldn't be wise to bring larger electronics like computers, as they draw so much power from the small battery banks.
The cabins are located just a short walk up the hill from the Igloo. There is one composting outhouse that's cleaned and attended to daily — along with a few designated "facility trees" in the woods. If you're inexperienced with either of these methods, our team will assure you're up to speed upon arrival!
Dates to choose from:
Flights:
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- March 18 - 22, 2025 (2 spots left as of 11/7/24)
- April 1 - 5, 2025 (SOLD OUT)
Flights:
- The charter van leaves Fairbanks at 8am on the first day of the retreat. You arrive back in the early evening of the final day of the retreat, depending on weather.
- To be absolutely sure you're on time, we recommend arriving into Fairbanks Airport (FAI) the day before the retreat, and flying out on a red eye flight in the early morning the day after the final date of the retreat listed above. Most people take red-eye flights back to the lower 48.
- If you arrive the night before the retreat, you will be responsible for your own lodging in Fairbanks for that night. The Charter Van can pick you up at any hotel of your choosing.
- Once you've paid your deposit, just make sure to coordinate with Mollie on booking your flights. Travel to and from (and within) Alaska is a tricky business, and we're happy to glance at your bookings just to make sure everything is in line for a smooth arrival/departure. We'll help you every step of the way to assure you have exactly what you need.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Transport from Fairbanks to Wiseman
- Transport back from Wiseman to Fairbanks
- Lodging for 4 nights from the retreat start date
- Dinner on the first day of the retreat, and breakfast and lunch on the last day of the retreat — and three delicious meals a day in between, light refreshments and all the clean mountain water you could ever want, including coffee/tea/snacks throughout the weekend. (Dietary needs can be accommodated!)
- 5 days of dynamic programming, including but not limited to three full days of dog mushing, the tour up and back including crossing the Arctic Circle and the mighty Yukon River, optional hikes/snowshoeing, northern lights (hopefully!), mingling with Wiseman village folk, stretching + mindfulness, and more!
- All linens, duvet, a hand towel — freshly washed and ready for you!
- Body wipes and dry shampoo!
- Yoga mats and props
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Round trip flight to Fairbanks (FAI)
- Lodging in Fairbanks before and after the retreat, if applicable
- Breakfast and lunch on day 1 — your charter van will be stopping at a grocery store that morning so you can grab whatever you'd like to eat.
- Showers (You won't need one, we promise!)
- Alcohol— but you are welcome to grab what you want at the grocery store before leaving Fairbanks. The grocery store beer/wine/liquor department opens at 8am.
- Dinner in Fairbanks after drop off
- Travel Insurance, should your trip be interrupted for reasons beyond your control... we HIGHLY recommend getting some insurance.
Investment: $5,499
Either pay in full, or choose to make your $1,000 nonrefundable deposit + 4 monthly payments of $1,000/month.
*If you do have a group of 3 traveling together willing to share 1 cabin, we will offer a 10% discount for each of the three attendees, on a space available basis.*
Either pay in full, or choose to make your $1,000 nonrefundable deposit + 4 monthly payments of $1,000/month.
*If you do have a group of 3 traveling together willing to share 1 cabin, we will offer a 10% discount for each of the three attendees, on a space available basis.*
- Your nonrefundable $1,000 deposit is applied toward your total investment.
- Regardless of the payment plan you select, note that all tuition must be paid in full 90 days prior to the retreat start date. Cancellations prior to that date are eligible for a refund, minus the $1,000 nonrefundable deposit.
- Cancellations within 60-90 days of the retreat are 50% refundable.
- Cancellations within 60 days of your retreat start date are 25% refundable.
- Cancellations within 30 days of your retreat start date are 0% refundable.
Ready to book?
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We'd be honored to host you. Click the button below and if you have any trouble with the process, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Looking forward to meeting you, Mollie & Sean Busby |
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