Photo courtesy of Dana Rebmann
Journey to the Arctic wilderness
Making your way north takes time, most of which will be spent rolling along the famed Dalton Highway. Built in the 1970s to facilitate the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, the highway passes through some of the most remote stretches of Alaska and is predominantly used by truck drivers carrying supplies to Arctic oil fields.
This isn’t a trip you want to make in a rental car. A majority of companies don’t allow their vehicles on the mostly unpaved gravel road, and there’s no cell phone reception for much of the drive. Arctic Hive arranges shuttle service from the city of Fairbanks for its guests.
Photo courtesy of Dana Rebmann
Cross the Arctic Circle
Crossing the Arctic Circle – it’s a feat even the most seasoned travelers rarely achieve. A favorite photo op along the eight-to-nine-hour road trip is the Arctic Circle sign. It also offers a good spot to stretch your legs and make use of the facilities.
Photo courtesy of Dana Rebmann
You’ve arrived
Arctic Hive is located in the Brooks Range outside the century-old mining town of Wiseman. Less than a dozen folks call it home during the winter; come summer, the population can hit 25 people. It’s about a mile hike from town to Arctic Hive.
Photo courtesy of Dana Rebmann
Off-grid retreat
Arctic Hive offers four cabins, ideal for viewing the northern lights late August through late April. The retreat runs completely off-grid. Due to the permafrost (underground ice), there’s no plumbing. A composting toilet is available.
Photo courtesy of Dana Rebmann
Warm and cozy cabins
Oil drip stoves ensure cabins stay warm even when temperatures drop into negative double digits. Cabins 1 through 3 measure 12×12 feet and feature a twin bed on the main level and a double bed in the loft. Cabin 4, pictured here, is an 8×10-foot cabin with bunk beds. A generator and solar panels provide ample power to charge cell phones and other small electronic devices.
Photo courtesy of Dana Rebmann
Yoga for every level
Days at Arctic Hive typically begin with yoga led by co-owner Mollie Busby. It’s not required, but morning sessions in the toasty Yoga Dome are designed to make all skill levels feel comfortable. The view that comes with practicing your Downward Dog is an incentive to get moving.
Photo courtesy of Dana Rebmann
The sled dogs of Arctic Hive
Arctic Hive has a small mushing team trained to pull a sled across snow and ice. Darla, pictured with Arctic Hive co-owner Sean Busby, is the queen of the pack. When not working, Arctic Hive’s sled dogs often accompany guests on hikes.
Photo courtesy of Dana Rebmann
Long sunny, spring days
There are endless miles of trails to explore just steps outside the doors of the cabins. Arctic Hive has plenty of snowshoes; guests are encouraged to bring alpine touring or cross-country skis. Skijoring belts are also available if you would like to learn how to skijor or ski with one of Arctic Hive’s sled dogs providing some extra oomph.
Photo courtesy of Dana Rebmann
Go mushing
There are more sled dogs than people in the town of Wiseman, Alaska. All Arctic Hive retreats include a scenic mushing tour with Steve Teshima and his friendly pack from Wiseman Kennel. Be on the lookout for moose as you glide across the frozen Koyukuk River and through snow-covered wilderness.
Photo courtesy of Dana Rebmann
How to pack
Temperatures can and often do dip into shockingly large negative numbers in this stretch of Northern Alaska. Layer up. It’s always better to shed a jacket than it is to be cold. Warm, waterproof boots are essential – you’ll wear them to take in every Arctic view.