What do I need to bring?
There isn’t much you should need when coming on an adventure with us. We have all of the outer gear you need no matter the season. In the summer we have rain gear *up to 3X, mud boots *up to size 15, helmet, goggles, and gloves. In the winter we have bibs *up to 3X, jacket *up to 3X, boots *up to size 13, helmet, balaclava, mittens, and goggles. The gear is included with the tour. Our number one recommendation would be to bring a phone or camera to take pictures with. We will have water and snacks for you on the ride and if you are doing the full day tour we will have lunch for you as well. If you are like me and tend to over pack or are extra prepared you are welcome to bring a small bag or backpack along with you. You can wear it or we can put it in a dry bag (provided) and strap it to your machine.
What should I wear?
Layers layers layers. It is better to have it and not need it than to wish you had it, with that said in the summer we recommend long pants (jeans or something else that is comfortable), a short sleeve t-shirt, a light fleece jacket or sweater. We provide outer wear gear but if you’d prefer to wear your own, light rain gear is great as well as mud/waterproof boots. Plan on getting dirty.
In the winter the right clothing is the key to staying warm. Your base layer should be something synthetic (poly-pro) or wool and a pair of wool socks. Then a pair of “swishy pants” or joggers is good for your second layer on bottom and then a long sleeve fleece is a great second layer for your top. We have the outer wear for winter and in fact will most likely recommend that you wear our stuff instead of your own. We know our gear will keep you warm but if you are partial to wearing the gear you have we can check it when you arrive to make sure it will keep you warm.
When should I arrive?
Your tour start time is also the arrival time. You can show up early but if there are others on your tour with you we wont be able to take off until everyone is there and geared up. If you do show up early we will do our best to entertain you while you wait. If you are lucky you may just get the official tour of the property by our younger staff members(our kids).
What’s for lunch?
In the summer on our full day tours we provide a hot lunch at the Knik Glacier. We make what we call a “tin foil” lunch. It is potatoes, green beans, gravy, and Alaskan Reindeer sausage. We have dairy free, gluten free, and vegetarian options as well. Just let us know at the time of booking which meal options you need.
In the winter we provide a meal after the tour at one of the lodges after the full day tour. We provide snacks and hot cocoa at the glacier and then we provide an early dinner at either Eureka Lodge or Long Rifle Lodge up by the Matanuska Glacier which means you will choose what you eat.
What kind of machines do you have?
We provide NEW machines each year. We have top of the line CanAm, Suzuki, and Kawasaki machines. We have side by sides that seat 2 and side by sides that seat 4.
Our snowmobiles are top of the line SkiDoo machines.
Can I ride in a side by side alone?
You can and in order to do so you must have at least 1 passenger or at least pay for 1 passenger.
It costs $638 (full) and $398 (half) to be in a side by side alone
How old do I have to be in order to drive my own machine?
You have to be 16 years old or older to drive your own machine. You don’t have to have a driver’s license but you do need to show some form of ID if you are under 18 and driving your own machine to confirm your age.
Can we rotate who is driving?
We definitely let those driving/riding in a side by side take turns driving but we like to keep ATV and Side by side drivers on the same machine all day. The learning curve is such that we like to keep you on the same machine you began with.
How many people will be on the tour with us?
We like to keep the group to about 6 machines per guide. We like to keep the groups a little smaller to keep them more personal but if your group is larger than that we will keep you together in one big group with more than one guide based on your group size.
Where are you located?
We are located just minutes from the trail head at the base of Pioneer Peak in Palmer. We are a short 45 minute drive from Anchorage. Our address is 3901 S Lindsey Circle, Palmer, AK 99645.
In the summer after taking care of paperwork and getting you geared up we will give a short safety briefing and then you will leave from our place on the ATVs/UTVs.
In the winter time after taking care of paperwork and getting you geared up we will either trailer to the trail head or take off on the snowmobiles to the trail head depending on the weather and trail conditions.
Do I tip my guide?
Our guides work really hard to give you the very best experience they can. The guides do not depend on tips but it is very much appreciated. Any amount is appreciated but in general people tip 5-10%.
Is there a private tour option available?
We do offer private tours. On top of our normal rate the private tour costs an additional $100 for a 3 hour tour and $200 for a full day tour. These prices are based on a group of up to 6.
Are there bathrooms on the trail?
There are NOT bathrooms on the trail but you are able to use the restroom behind any bush you feel comfortable. We provide the supplies and we encourage you to stay hydrated even if using the restroom in the woods makes you nervous. We have also been told that for women the Shewee is an awesome resource which can be ordered online. If you decide to order it I would recommend practicing with it before you actually have to use it. We DO have restroom facilities here at our shop before you go and after you get back.
Do you have transportation?
We do offer transportation from Anchorage at price $100/per person. Call for details.
