At 12:00pm the first team is out of the chute, racing towards Alaska and the so far finish line, with the musher stoically on his brakes, to control his hysterically wild huskies and the sled he is standing on. In a flash of snow and ice is he passed us and we feel the excitement and eagerness of man and beast to be at the one thing they are best at: running.

Minutes later the next team. Howling dogs, men bracing to hold back the sled, a last check up and the signal! He is loose, too. Another white cloud of wild dogs and a thickly bundled up musher. The crowd goes crazy. Until the last team is on its way through wind and wilderness.

We now drive to a location way down the trail where we can see the teams reappear. One by one, mildly settled and focused they cruise over the frozen Takhini River, a rhythm of knowledge has calmed the dogs and sets a constant pace.

A long distance ahead of them, with whatever comes their way. Their race has begun.

For us it is time to head to the nearby Takini Hot Springs, where we spend a couple of hours relaxing in the natural spring waters, before driving back to our hotel in Whitehorse.

Possible Upgrades: (not included in package price)

In the afternoon either an informative City Tour or and exciting visit to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve can be booked. At 10.00pm a chance opens to go our for night of Aurora Hunting. At an out of town viewing site we are far away from all city light pollution. A heated wall tent with hot drinks and snacks help us pass the time until nature’s greatest display will dance for us. Camera gear and good warm clothing recommended.

The Yukon Quest strongly acts with a high moral compass in regards to animal care and welfare.

A mandatory layover for each team can be taken either here in Braeburn or later in Carmacks, so we have a good chance to see mushers stop and stay, taking care of the dogs and maybe coming in to the the restaurant to answer a few of our questions. In the afternoon we will also check out Carmacks, the next check point an hour down the highway. Whoever chose this place for its layover will have bedded his dogs down on straw behind the community building to rest and sleep. Our own way leads us back to Whitehorse and the hotel.

Aurora Upgrade: (not included in package price)

At 10.00pm we can go out Aurora Hunting again. Another night under Northern Skies that hopefully will ignite with the amazing Northern Lights.

By now the musher and his team are well into the race. Dogs can only be taken out of the race at specific check points and no other dogs can be accepted into the team. By now the first drops have been made and dog teams become smaller.

Eventually we roll onto the front street of historic Dawson City, once Yukon’s capital. At the heydays of the famous Klondike Gold Rush over 40.000 people lived here. Today’s population of 1.300 men and women has created a lively, tightly knit little community. Crumbling houses and renovated buildings alike line the unpaved streets with wooden boardwalks and false fronts just as if it was a 100 years ago.

Our hotel features a rustic theme lounge with the possibility to become a member of the so famous “Sourtoe Club“. Only if you do NOT swallow the human toe (mixed in a cocktail of any kind) you will become a certified Sourtoe Member!!!

Our first night in Dawson City.

Additional Activities: (included in package price)

• Drive up to the Dome with its unparalleled view of the town beside its frozen brother the Yukon River.
• Visit of thee nearby Gold Fields where at Rabbit Creek it all began and where the last big Dredge is still remains.

Aurora Upgrade: (not included in package price)

Whoever had booked beforehand will have the chance to see the haunting displays of the Aurora tonight.

A final night in our hotel will let us dream of all impressions of the last days.