Winterlake Lodge is expanding its winter adventures when it opens for the season January 2014.
Guests typically take advantage of the roadless backcountry for guided dog mushing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing excursions.
This winter, a new overnight snowmobile excursion will follow the Iditarod National Historic Trail from the lodge down the trail through Rainy Pass. Guests will stay overnight in a rustic cabin, where they will be served hot meals before returning to Winterlake Lodge the following day. Snowmobile training is provided, allowing guests with no prior experience to participate. While this activity is not offered in early March when Iditarod mushers are on the trail, it is available to guests at other times from January through April.
Carl Dixon, co-owner of Within the Wild Adventure Company, will finish building a remote upscale cabin about eight miles from Winterlake Lodge in early 2014, opening up another guided overnight adventure for guests. Given the option of traveling by dog sled, snowmobile, cross-country skis or snowshoes, adventurers will spend the day trekking to the cabin. Guides offer training to all guests before departing Winterlake Lodge to ensure they have proper skill levels.
Cross-country skiers can also jump into Winterlake Lodge’s helicopter this season for guided day trips to nearby Wolverine Mountain, where guests have access to trails with varying degrees of difficulty. Trips vary in length depending on the group’s experience and skill level.
The Winterlake Lodge kitchen supplies all meals for guests on these extended excursions, which is run by lodge co-owner and Chef Kirsten Dixon and Pastry Chef Mandy Dixon.
Lodge chefs offer cooking classes or serve up hot cocoa and cookies for guests who want to stay indoors. Complimentary yoga classes, massage therapy, an outdoor hot tub and a wood-burning sauna are also available to guests.
Visit www.withinthewild.com