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’ve journeyed to the far north to be a dog musher + experience the thrill of backcountry skiing/riding in one of the most remote places in the world.
Paws to Peaks 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, and we are passionate backcountry ski/snowboard guides — 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’ve journeyed to the far north to be a dog musher + experience the thrill of backcountry skiing/riding in one of the most remote places in the world.
Paws to Peaks 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, and we are passionate backcountry ski/snowboard guides — 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 — with backcountry skiing and riding right out the cabin doors.
Our retreat facility is a 1 mile hike outside the historic mining village of Wiseman. 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 5 nights at Arctic Hive, and 4 full days on the trail + skin track, you become one of us.
Our retreat facility is a 1 mile hike outside the historic mining village of Wiseman. 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 5 nights at Arctic Hive, and 4 full days on the trail + skin track, you become one of us.
|
|
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 north... this is a right of passage into the majestic Brooks Mountain Range. 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!
Your van will weave through our tiny village of Wiseman (population ~11), 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.
Days 2-5: On the trail with your team + skiing/riding the Brooks Range!
Days begin with organic coffee and a nourishing breakfast while we look over maps and confirm our plan for the day.
Throughout the days, you learn how to harness your team 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 forest. 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 day features a new and interesting backcountry ski adventure. Once we arrive at the base of our objective, we put the dogs on a picket line, they settle into their snow nest and we begin the ascent, making a skin track up! There's nothing quite like riding down to a pack of sled dogs after a backcountry tour... especially when there's hot tea, charcuterie, and dog snuggles waiting for us!
The days are long, and so physical and mental endurance are crucial — as is a positive attitude. We never know what snow conditions will be available to us in the Brooks Range (we have some of the most perplexing snow in the world!). On the days when we use the dogs to access terrain, we could be on the the trail + skin track from 10am to 7pm or longer — and there may be days where we opt to ski right out the doors of the Arctic Hive cabins.
Moral of the story: Be ready for anything... and get ready for the most incredible ski adventure of your life!
Days begin with organic coffee and a nourishing breakfast while we look over maps and confirm our plan for the day.
Throughout the days, you learn how to harness your team 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 forest. 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 day features a new and interesting backcountry ski adventure. Once we arrive at the base of our objective, we put the dogs on a picket line, they settle into their snow nest and we begin the ascent, making a skin track up! There's nothing quite like riding down to a pack of sled dogs after a backcountry tour... especially when there's hot tea, charcuterie, and dog snuggles waiting for us!
The days are long, and so physical and mental endurance are crucial — as is a positive attitude. We never know what snow conditions will be available to us in the Brooks Range (we have some of the most perplexing snow in the world!). On the days when we use the dogs to access terrain, we could be on the the trail + skin track from 10am to 7pm or longer — and there may be days where we opt to ski right out the doors of the Arctic Hive cabins.
Moral of the story: Be ready for anything... and get ready for the most incredible ski adventure of your life!
|
|
The Logistics
Accommodations:
Here at Arctic Hive, we have four 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!
Because of the small size of the retreat, each attendee will get their own 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 four 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!
Because of the small size of the retreat, each attendee will get their own 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.
|
|
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!
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:
Flights:
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- March 31 - April 5, 2026
*Prior experience with backcountry touring and/or Avy Level 1 certification are required for this trip. If you have questions about this policy, please reach out!
Flights:
- We will be leaving from Fairbanks no earlier than 8am on the first day of the retreat. We will 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 after we arrive back to Fairbanks — most people leaving FAI take red-eye flights back to the lower 48.
- If you do arrive the night before the retreat, you will be responsible for booking lodging for that night.
- 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 — but we've got your back. We've been doing this for a while! 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 5 nights from the retreat start date
- Lunch and dinner on the first day of the retreat, and breakfast and lunch on the last day of the retreat
- Dynamic programming, including but not limited to the drive tour up and back including crossing the Arctic Circle and the mighty Yukon River, daily dogsledding, daily ski/snowboard touring and more!
- Three delicious meals a day, light refreshments and all the clean mountain water you could ever want, including organic coffee/tea/snacks throughout the weekend. (Dietary needs can be accommodated!)
- All linens, duvet, a hand towel — freshly washed and ready for you!
- Baby wipes and dry shampoo!
- Yoga mats and props
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Flight/Transport to Fairbanks
- Lodging in Fairbanks before and after the retreat, if applicable
- Breakfast on day 1 (we 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 on Wednesday before we leave Fairbanks. The grocery store beer/wine/liquor department opens at 8am.
- Final night dinner in Fairbanks
- Travel Insurance, should your trip be interrupted for reasons beyond your control... we HIGHLY recommend getting some insurance.
Pricing:
Early Bird Pricing: $5,250 (book before Sept. 1, 2025)
Full Price Pricing: $5,950 (book after Sept. 1, 2025)
Either pay in full, or choose to make your $1,000 nonrefundable deposit + monthly payments
Early Bird Pricing: $5,250 (book before Sept. 1, 2025)
Full Price Pricing: $5,950 (book after Sept. 1, 2025)
Either pay in full, or choose to make your $1,000 nonrefundable deposit + monthly payments
- 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?We'd be honored to host you.
Looking forward to meeting you, Mollie & Sean Busby |
|