Mushing at Bearskin
Dog sled trips available at Bearskin on 6 special dates! Bearskin guests are not required to make a trip deposit. Off-site guests will need to pay a deposit. Cancellations, minus a $30 processing fee, will be taken up to 5 days before the trip; after that there is a no cancellation, no refund policy unless the trip can easily be rebooked. (You can probably guess by these requirements what has happened in the past with many off-site visitors — it isn’t fair to Erin and Matt to commit to trips here and then end up dealing with unpaid “no shows.”)
Mush with an Iditarod competitor this winter
Experience a memorable dog sled adventure during your visit to beautiful Bearskin. The Sawtooth Racing team of Erin Altemus and Matt Schmidt will be offering one-hour rides at Bearskin for on a few special dates this winter.
Erin ran her team in the Iditarod as a rookie last winter. Their team of dogs won the Gunflint Mail Run in 2023, with Matt driving the team, and they have been top contenders in numerous races around the country. Sawtooth Racing will be running numerous races this winter, but will be offering trips at Bearskin on specific weekends that fit their race schedule.
Dates & Details
Dates: Trips will be available at Bearskin on December 27th, December 28th, December 31st and January 1st during the post-Christmas week. Also, Sunday, January 19th during MLK, and Saturday, February 1st. (DATE CHANGE! Originally February 8, but the Mail Run race was moved to that date and Matt & Erin will be running that race.)
Times: Trips will start at 11 AM, 12 PM, 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM. Two sleds will go out in each time slot. Additional dates may be available later in the season.
Capacity: Sled #1 can take 1 adult and 1 child or 2 children or 2 very small adults). Sled #2 can take 1 adult and 1 child or 2 children.
Cost: Adult (13+): $150, Children $95. We are supporters of Sawtooth Racing, so all funds go to the mushers.
Ice Precautions: The dogs need snow on top of the ice in order to run across the lakes — early in the season most of the snow blew off the lakes in our area. (This is one of the reasons dog sled races are being postponed this year.) Erin & Matt will judge whether there is adequate snow on the lake for the trips to go out and if conditions are not safe, trips will be cancelled and your deposit will be refunded.)
Number of riders per trip: Our mushers have two sleds. Both sleds will go out during each time slot. Your group can book one or both sleds, depending on group size. Sled #1 can take 1 adult and 1 child or 2 children or 2 very small adults. Erin says 2 adults on one sled are quite cramped). Sled #2 can take 1 adult and 1 child or 2 children. 300 lb total weight of riders per sled. Maximum two sleds at a time.
Trip details: Each mushing trip will be an approximately 30-minute ride (depending on trail conditions) with extra time to meet the dogs and learn about mushing. Expect to be outside for a minimum of 45 minutes. Dress for cold, wear boots so that you can walk a distance in snow to get to the start of the trip.
Weather info: Our mushers will determine if conditions are unsafe and will contact you if there will need to be a change. They are parents, so they are very cautious. Please be sure that you provide us with contact info that will work while you are up here.
Cancellation policy: Only book this trip if you truly intend to come. The dog sled trips are not Bearskin’s business, but rather the mushing business is owned by a young couple who are our friends; they receive all the funds. If you do not show up, you deprive them of income for that time slot. Cabin guests do not need a deposit, but if you fail to show up for your ride then we will charge you for it when you check-out. (This never happens, but it could.) Off-site guests will need to pay a deposit at the time of reservation. Cancellations, minus a $30 processing fee, will be taken up to 5 days before the trip; after that there is a no cancellation, no refund policy unless the trip can easily be rebooked. Bottom line: do not reserve one of our limited number of trips unless you really plan to come.
Arrival time: Plan to be at the Main Lodge Front Desk at least 20 minutes before your trip begins. There is paperwork and a payment process. Allow time for signing waivers, restroom trips, and a 5-10 minute walk to the starting point of your trip. If you arrive on time, you will get the most for your money. The trip will not be extended for guests who show up late.
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