Lodge-Based Dogsled Vacations

3 Night Trips

Enjoy 2 days of dogsled fun

These shorter 3-night "Extended Weekend" trips which, like our 4-night "GOOD" trips, typically include 8 guests in lodges with 4-6 bedrooms and 2 or 3 baths. Depending upon the guest configuration (singles, pairs, 3-somes, etc.) this may involve some use of shared bathrooms. Open to singles, pairs, or groups. No experience needed! (NOTE: In comparison, our 4-night "BETTER" trips accommodate 6 guests with private bathrooms for each pair, our 4-night "BEST" trips include up to 4 guests.)

Each trip includes about 8 guests, plus at least 2 guides
Indoor lunch 1st day; trailside lunch on 2nd day plus snack breaks
Great dinners prepared by our chef, served family-style

Not the trip you are looking for? Try one of these options.

4 Night (Better)

4 Night (Best)

Questions? Call us anytime (218) 349-6128

Click below for Dates, Rates & Openings:

Dates & Rates

Clothing Options

Lodging

Some of these trips are based at Wintergreen. Others are based at Timber Trail Lodge (generally in the White Pine group cabin). Some of these trips are "3-night/4-night combos" meaning that some guests book them as a 4-night itinerary (see our 4-night Standard Trips) and stay on for an extra day. Lodge dress is very casual (loafers & a sweatsuit are just fine!)

Meals

Dinners are prepared by Wintergreen's chef and served at your cabin. Guest are welcome to bring their own wine as they choose. We are more than happy to accommodate any dietary requests. The itinerary often includes a special indoor lunch at Wintergreen where you'll arrive by dogteam and enjoy a kennel tour. Breakfasts are specially prepared in your cabin by your guide to your taste.

Guest Profile

These trips often overlap with our 4-night standard trips and thus have a similarly diverse social mix, with about 50% of guests as family groups, 25% as couples, 15% as pairs or groups of friends and 10% as singles. Our 3-night trips have our highest percentage of youth, with about 20% of guests 16 or younger. Last year's ages ranged 6-78. If you're considering this as a family vacation option, chances are there'll be other kids on board for yours to connect with.

Sample Itinerary (may vary with trip dates)

DAY 1: Arrive in Ely early afternoon by car or airport taxi shuttle. Visit Ely rental store for any rental clothing needs, continue to lodge (Wintergreen or Timber Trail) for check-in and site tour. Meet your guides & dogs. Welcoming dinner at 6 pm followed by trip orientation session and clothing check. Optional night visit to the kennel (a chance to 'howl' with your dogs at the moon and watch for northern lights!)

DAY 2: Sunrise kennel care (optional) followed by breakfast and "Dogsledding 101" training. The big moment arrives as your guides help you launch your team and accompany you on a dogsled training trip. Return to lodge midday for lunch, skills review and rest break. Depart on afternoon dogsled trip. Return to lodge 4-5 pm. Treat & water your dogs. R&R. Dinner. Optional socializing with guests & guides around the fireplace.

DAY 3: Kennel care & breakfast followed by full day of mushing with trailside campfire lunch and rest stops at scenic sites. Wintergreen guides accompany your group on skis, providing tune-up tips on your mushing skills and sharing natural history info along the route. Arrive at lodge late afternoon. Treat & water your dogs. Optional skiing/snowshoeing or R&R. 6 pm dinner. Optional evening activates include Finnish-style sauna, campfire gathering, fireplace stories, and/or 'film fest' to view the National Geographic documentaries on Wintergreen adventures.

DAY 4: Kennel care, goodbye breakfast, kennel visit to bid your dogs adieu, check-out mid to late morning (or earlier if your travel plans require). If you weren't able to visit Ely's International Wolf Center (www.wolf.org) or North American Bear Center (www.bear.org) during their winter hours (Fri/Sat 10-5) before your dogsled trip, we can sometimes arrange a special visit to the wolf viewing area or bear exhibits on your check-out day.