Instead of planning another ho-hum ski trip this winter, why not go on a totally memorable adventure trip (albeit in great style) by exploring one of the most stunning locations on earth, the Alaskan countryside?
Put yourself in the capable hands of the Carl and Kirsten Dixon, who have called Alaska home for over 30 years and own the Winterlake Lodge, which Forbes classifies as one of the worlds most remote hotels. Outside Magazine hails Carl as one of the 5 Best Adventure Guides, which is something I appreciate in a leader when undertaking cross country skiing, sled dog tours, heli-skiing, or snowshoeing down the Iditarod Trail. If youre in the mood for a real challenge, join Carl and Kirsten for an exhilarating 4-day dog mushing program where youll learn how to drive your own dog team.
Equally important is the fact that the food is inspired by his wife, Chef Kirsten Dixon, a graduate from the Cordon Bleu. You can pick up some great tips for preparing authentic Alaskan regional cuisine at the daily cooking class.
Winterlake Lodge is located at 61 59′ N 152 04′ W which is 198 miles northwest of Anchorage, Alaska, along the historic Iditarod Trail. The lodge is situated on 15 acres, overlooking a finger-shaped 2-mile lake where youll land by ski plane.
The property offers rustic/chic hand built, knotty pine guest cabins, a main lodge with large bar where youll gather for wine tastings and evening appetizers, gardens, sled dog lot, and a sauna house.
Other amenities includea Wellness room, where our wellness instructor offers twice daily yoga, meditation and stretching classes; complimentary massages by the resident therapist; a game area with ping-pong and darts; anda hot tub on the deck providing a perfect spot for viewing the Northern Lights.
Sideline adrenaline junkies should note that Winterlake Lodge is a checkpoint for several adventure races, including the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the Northern Lights 300 (a dog-mushing qualifier), and the Iditarod Trail Invitational Ultrasport Race so you might want to time your stay accordingly.
If youre more a summer time outdoorsy type, the Dixons also own another upscale property, Tutka Bay Lodge, located in a remote and rugged fjord across the bay from Homer, Alaska. Adventures here include sea kayaking, fishing for halibut and salmon, bear viewing on Katmai and hiking in the surrounding trails of Kachemak Bay State Park.
