Ely, MN: Dogsled Yurt Adventure

Ely, MN: Weather

What is a yurt? A yurt is an insulated tent of Mongolian origin which, when heated, offers the warmth and comfort of a cabin in the midst of the wilderness. Spend your days dogsledding the trails and remote lakes of northern Minnesota. Two nights at cozy northwoods lodges and two nights in isolated yurts supply the perfect balance of civilized comfort and wilderness adventure. Daily Itinerary

- Activities: Dogsledding
- Accommodations: Yurts, 2 nights in lodges
- Van Supported: No
- From: Ely, MN
- 2008 Price: $1,195

Fact Sheet - Itinerary - Questions - Top of Page

Day 1: After arriving at our lodge we'll get a chance to know each other over a delicious dinner. After dinner we'll learn about the history of dogsledding and spend some time talking about the upcoming adventure.

Days 2-4: After a hearty breakfast we'll head out to the trailhead for a lesson in harnessing and hitching our dogs. That evening we will spend another night in the lodge. The following morning we will load our sleds and spend time throughout the day going over the techniques of mushing. We'll spend the day mushing through the forests and stop for lunch around a warm fire. We'll stop for the evening at a remote yurt, settle in and enjoy a filling dinner and conversation around a campfire. The following day we will enjoy a variety of winter activities snowshoeing, dogsledding in the winter wilderness.

Day 5: We make our farewells over a sumptuous breakfast.

In order to provide the finest and most complete wilderness experience we strongly encourage and expect participation in all camp activities, including cooking, washing dishes and setting up and breaking camp while on the trail.

**This Itinerary is subject to change.

Fact Sheet - Itinerary - Questions - Top of Page

What should I pack for my trip?
Use the equipment list that The Northwest Passage sends out to help you determine what you need to pack. You'll need wind-resistant shells and warm layers while on the trail, and comfortable casual clothes for the lodges. We want you to be warm and comfortable, so if you have any questions at all regarding your gear please call us. Because we will be lodge-based, weight is not a big issue. If you are not sure whether to bring an item or not, better to bring it just in case (if you don't use it you can just keep it at the lodge). A good rule of thumb is to pack only items that you are willing to lose. This way if something does get lost en route, it does not ruin your whole trip!

How do I get there?
The Northwest Passage will provide a map to our first night's lodge for those who would like to drive. Ely, MN is about 11 hours from Chicago, 5-6 hours from Minneapolis/St.Paul. For those who choose to fly, the closest major airport is Duluth, MN. The drive up to Ely is about three hours from Duluth.

How can people reach me on the trip? Can I call home?
We'll provide you the phone numbers of the lodges we'll be staying at. You should also give family and friends the NWP office number in case of an emergency. Most lodges have phones that you will be able to use, but conversations should be kept short, as the phone is often the lodge's only official business line. While we are "on the trail" we will be unable to make contact with outside parties except in the event of an emergency.

What will a typical day be like?
Typically we will eat around 8AM and aim to be mushing by 10:00AM. We'll eat lunch out on the trail and generally get out to the yurt or back to the lodge between 4-5PM. Once we leave the lodge in the morning we won't be back until late afternoon. For this reason we need to be prepared for all weather and have enough water (and snacks) to last us the day. You should bring a backpack into which you can put extra layers and be prepared to pack your gear out to the yurts (duffles are better than suitcases!)
We'll settle into our yurt and prepare a hearty dinner in our evenings on the trail. On the first and last evenings at the lodge, a hot tub or sauna awaits, and there's always the option to relax with a book in front of the fire. A little night skiing is also an option for those who just can't get enough.

What's the weather like?
Temperatures can vary between 30 F and -20 F; winds can be strong or non-existent - you'll need to plan layers for a variety of weather. You can find out what the weather is like in Northern Minnesota through the weather links with the trip descriptions on our website.

Will I be driving my own dogteam?
Yes. You may also be riding. Typically we will have one sled and one team of dogs for every two people. You and your partner will switch off driving and riding. We will rotate groups so everyone gets to try out different sleds and dogteams. We'll also get a chance to ride/drive with different people.

Will there be any instruction?
Yes. We will give you instruction in the basics of handling your sled, using the brake and communicating with your dogs. Don't expect this to be too lengthy -there is only so much you can say before experience becomes the best teacher. We are always happy to answer any of your questions regarding the art of dogsledding so make sure to ask us! If you are ever uncomfortable with an activity, do not hesitate to let us know so we can correct the situation.

How strenuous is this trip?
Dogsledding is much more than riding on the sled runners and calling out to the dogs. The musher (someone who dogsleds) is constantly shifting their weight from one side of the sled to the other, helping the dogs on hills by getting off and walking or running, stepping on the brake (sometimes vigorously) and in general being fairly active. There may also be a possibility that you will be skiing. This is a very cardiovascular activity and you should be in good shape. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions regarding your physical condition.

What are the bathroom facilities like on this trip?
During the day while we're out, bathroom facilities will be au-natural (i.e., behind the trees). At night we will have full bathrooms with showers. There will be occasions when we have to share bathrooms/showers, so if you have a favorite robe, you may want to bring it along. If you have a favorite towel, you may want to consider packing that as well.

Should I bring extra money?
Yes, you will need extra money if you plan to have any alcoholic beverages with your meals (such as wine, beer etc.). You will also want some to purchase souvenirs, maps or books in town.

Is it customary to tip the guides?
Tipping the guides is completely optional. If you had an exceptional experience and would like to tip the musher or other guides, you may consider giving between $10-$50.

Where can I find good maps of the area that we'll be in?
The W.A. Fisher company makes detailed maps of the Boundary Waters in which we will be traveling. Their maps can be ordered by mail. You will probably want to wait to purchase any maps until we complete the dogsledding as there are many many maps and we will only be traveling over a small handful. Once you know what route we have used you'll be able to order the maps by name. The address is W.A. Fisher Company-Map Division 123 Chestnut Street PO Box 1107 Virginia, MN 55792

Fact Sheet - Itinerary - Questions - Top of Page

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