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Frozen Experiences of a Lifetime: Learn to Mush (Yukon)

The ultimate North American winter bucket list

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Do you dream of gliding through the snowbound wilderness behind your very own dog team, but don’t know your tug line from your snow hook, or your wheel dog from your lead dog? Not to worry: There’s a mushing school for that.

Just outside Whitehorse, in the Yukon Territory, Yukon Quest veteran and former champion Frank Turner runs Muktuk Adventures. Like many mushers, he offers the usual selection of half-day and full-day guided tours, but Muktuk also offers a six- or nine-day “Rookie Ranch,” where you learn to drive your own team. Spend your days outdoors on the frozen Takhini River, and your evenings in the lodge, cozying up to the fireplace with a collection of Turner’s canine retirees. Packages start at $1,800 for the six-day option, and include lodging, meals, gear, and an airport pickup. Higher-end packages include an overnight camping trip with your team—your own mini-Iditarod.

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