Winterlake Lodge Pre-Voyage Extension

The perfect mix of adventure and tranquility

The Alaska Range and nearby lake provide a perfect backdrop for adventures that make the most of this lodge’s remote location. You’ll have direct access to wildlife like moose, black bears, and Dall sheep, as well as to the surrounding glaciers, river valleys, and old-growth forests—with options to explore it all on hikes or by helicopter.

Day 1 - Arrive in Anchorage/Overnight in Anchorage

Arrive to Anchorage at any time today. Spend the afternoon and evening at your leisure before overnighting at the Hilton Downtown Anchorage.

Day 2 - Anchorage to Winterlake

7:15AM: Meet your complimentary transfer street side with bags ready for a quick ride to Lake Hood, the world’s largest float plane base and your departure point for Winterlake lodge.

8:00AM: Depart by float plane and, as you ascend notice three distinct mountain ranges. The flight takes you one-hour northwest of Anchorage. The lodge managers will greet you dockside and invite you to the main lodge for a brief orientation over coffee/tea and fresh pastry.

Settle in and start your stay with a morning walk on the resort’s trail system with a stop to meet the sled dogs and learn about the National Historic Iditarod Trail that runs through property.

1:00PM: Luncheon is served in the main lodge. Winterlake’s chefs craft each dish to articulate local wild flavors and inspire continued exploration of Winterlake Lodge.

After lunch, explore around the lodge. Enjoy a three-hour saddle hike, take in the views of the Tordrillo Mountains and the Skwentna River Valley beyond.

Back at the lodge, join a stretch/yoga class as you settle into the serenity of your surroundings.

6:30PM: Appetizers are served in the main lodge followed by a three-course dinner served table d’hôte style. After dinner, gather around the table for games, drinks, and conversation. Finish the evening paddling on Winter Lake; look for loons, swans, and shoreside wildlife.

Day 3 - Winterlake Heli-Day

7:00AM: Morning yoga (optional).

8:00AM: Breakfast is served in the main lodge. After breakfast, join your guide for a helicopter supported adventure. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

Options Include:

Heli-hiking: Board a Robinson R-44 helicopter with your guide to the summit of Wolverine Ridge or the surrounding area mountains in the Tordrillo Range. Spend the day hiking along the ridge or explore the tundra ecosystem; watch for caribou, brown bears and moose. Other favorite spots include Lupine Falls and Glacier Ridge for views of Tremble Glacier and illustrious patches of blueberries and wild flowers.

Glacier Trekking: Explore the features and ancient beauty of Winterlake Lodge’s precious glacial surroundings. During the flight spot for moulins, glacial pools, animals traversing the moraine, and dramatic crevasses, then land on the ice to explore. Glacier experience is not needed for this opportunity. Try sledding or snowshoeing in the summertime!

Happy River Float: Fly from the lodge to meet your river guide the Happy River. Meander along this rarely visited glacier fed class III river looking for bears, eagles, Dall sheep, or salmon. This is one of our favorite spots; the deep gorge and surrounding mountains offer outstanding views and serenity.

Fly-Fishing: Set out to one of the many secluded rivers – all gear included. Throughout the summer, guides scout to find top-secret spots to fish for salmon, rainbow trout, or Dolly Varden. Either float or walk and wade down a quiet Alaskan river in this pristine region.

6:30PM: Join the lodge managers for a wine and cheese tasting, appetizers, local Alaskan brews and gourmet sodas. Following dinner at 7:00PM, relax in the hot tub or enjoy the wood fired sauna.

Day 4 - Red Lake

7:00AM: Morning yoga (optional).

8:00AM: Breakfast is served in the main lodge.

Today hike down an old trap line trail to explore Red Lake; spot for moose, black bears, swans and loons. Canoe the lake with your guide and paddle to the Iditarod trail. Along the way, fish for grayling in the lake. The way back will loop you back to the lodge through an old growth boreal forest filled with wild berries. Forage as you explore!

Head out for a big adventure challenge to summit Wolverine Ridge (full day adventure).

1:00PM: Return to the lodge for lunch. After lunch, enjoy complimentary massage and join the afternoon stretch class. Grab a stand-up paddle board with your guide to explore the lake or read a book on the deck rocking chairs.

4:00PM: Meet back in the kitchen to learn a new recipe with Alaskan ingredients.

6:30 PM: Join fellow travelers over appetizers and wine to share stories of the day’s adventures. Dinner is served at 7:00PM. After dinner, practice your fly fishing cast on the lake in the Minn Kota.

Day 5 - Departure Day

7:00AM: Morning yoga (optional).

8:00AM: Breakfast is served in the main lodge. After breakfast, enjoy one last walk through the sled dog yard and bid your farewells to fellow travelers and favorite lodge employees.

9:00AM: Meet your floatplane at the dock for your return flight to Anchorage. Once you land, a complimentary ground transfer is available to the Hilton Downtown Anchorage.

Costs & What's Included

Occupancy

Double Occupancy

Single Occupancy

Cost Includes:

Hotel accommodations as indicated, including accommodations in a private cabin at Winterlake Lodge, all meals, snacks, coffee, tea & house wines, transfers as indicated, 1-day helicopter-assisted excursion, one 50-minute massage per guest, twice-daily yoga classes, daily cooking classes, wireless internet in the Main Lodge, all lodge guided activities, use of adventure gear, Mat-Su Borough tax