ALASKA THIS MONTH By Mari Gallion
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© Jon Nierenberg, Courtesy of EarthSong Lodge
EarthSong Lodge
Dog Sledding in Denali National Park with guides from EarthSong Lodge.
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ost Alaskans are aware that Denali Village, commonly known as “Glitter Gulch,” is boarded up for the winter season. However, those seeking a truly unique Denali experience can find it year-round at EarthSong Lodge in Healy, which focuses on Denali National Park dog sledding tours in the wintertime. Prior to opening EarthSong Lodge in 1997, owner Jon Nierenberg worked as a park ranger in Denali from 1982 to 1995. “We do everything from day trips to multi-day trips,” day trips that go from 1 to 4 hours, and multi-day trips and expeditions that go up to ten days. And we have the exclusive permit to do dogsled guiding in the park. We’ve been doing that since 1985.” EarthSong Lodge caters to the independent traveler who wishes to more fully experience the nature and traditional activities of Denali. “People like to stay with us because they get a lot more personal attention,” Nierenberg says, adding that they can customize their tours to match their guests’ skills, preparedness, and experience levels.” One of the tours offered highlights a trip along the Stampede Trail to the bus that was written about in John Krakauer’s “Into the Wild.” Traveling by dog sled in winter, according to Nierenberg, offers easier access to the bus than hiking in the summer, when travelers need to mitigate mosquitoes and watch for bears, and are at the mercy of the surrounding water level. Dogsledding to the bus takes only four hours (as opposed to a potential twoday hike in summer), and most every overnight trip includes a stop at the bus. Those who would like to experience dogsledding but are afraid of getting too cold or overspending on gear they will never use again can rest easy: EarthSong Lodge provides the specialized cold weather outer layer of clothing, including cold weather pac boots rated to -80F, cold weather dog mushing oversuit, and overmitts. Expedition guests stay in Arctic Oven tents or cabins along the route. earthsonglodge.com www.akbizmag.com
Join Alaskan Industry Professionals for the 33rd Annual Alaska Governor’s Safety & Health Conference (GSHC)
“Choosing to Make a Difference” March 4 - 6, 2014 Dena’ina Center Downtown Anchorage
The GSHC is Alaska’s only statewide Safety and Health Conference focused on meeting the frontline safety and health needs of the industries in Alaska. Come network with your peers, see the latest innovations in products and services in an expanded exhibit hall; attend any one of 5 concurrent sessions running; and an amazing lineup scheduled for our 3 General Sessions! We applaud our Alaskan industry leaders and frontline workers choosing to make a difference every day.
For more information visit www.2014gshc.com January 2014 | Alaska Business Monthly
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