By T. Foster Jones
t ravel
connection
The scenery below tours. Go to costco.com and click on “Travel” or call Costco
consists of twisted spires, Travel toll-free at 1-877-849-2730.
Helicopters and
dog sledding bring
wilderness up close
WITH ITS TOWERING mountain ranges
and vast landscapes, Alaska sometimes seems
incomprehensibly huge. In all its majesty, it
can be a bit intimidating, and engaging it on
a personal level seems difficult to imagine. Panoramic aerial views and the unique
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TEMSCO
A number of cruise lines are working to experience of dog sledding are just two
change that, offering land tours that take of the tour amenities available in Alaska.
travelers off the ship and put them in the
midst of that vastness. The tours feature deep blue crevasses and carved peaks. In
everything from train trips, sport fishing and Juneau, the Mendenhall Towers—jagged
bear-watching excursions to panning for rock sentinels that climb more than 7,000
gold and old-fashioned lumberjack shows. feet—and the icefalls that overflow to form
Two of the most popular excursions are the Mendenhall Glacier create a spectacular
helicopter glacier tours and dog sledding, scene. In Skagway, the awe-inspiring beauty
according to Wade Polk of Costco Travel, of the remote Valley of the Glaciers, the his-who says the two activities are often com- toric gold-rush towns of Skagway and Dyea,
binedinasingleouting. and the rugged expanse of backcountry
“Nothing compares to flying above wet- unfold beneath you.
land habitat, alpine ridges and lush rain A glacier tour involves setting down on
forests,” says Wade. “You gain a new appreci- these historic ice fields and taking a guided
ation for the ruggedness of the land.” walk across a constantly moving, ancient
And pairing helicopter sightseeing with landscape, learning how glaciers form and
Alaska’s favorite sport—dog sledding—is a how they move.
thrill not to be missed, he says, and one that If you take a dog sledding tour, you’ll land
won’t be forgotten. at a dog camp, where experienced guides will
Tim McDonnell ( www.temscoair.com), a introduce you to the world of mushing and
Costcomember whohas operated helicopter the art of dog sledding. “These men and
glacier tours and worked with professional women are professional mushers,” says
mushers in Juneau and Skagway for more McDonnell.“They are Iditarod competitors.”
than a decade, says that flying over a glacier, The sleds are set up to let you relax in the
walking on a glacier and riding on a dog sled sled or operate the brake from the back at the
creates an impact on travelers he never tires musher’s command.
of seeing. “The power of the dogs is simply amaz-
“People know that they’ve experienced ing,” says McDonnell. “When the musher
something special—walking on water, viewing releases that brake, hold on!”
ancient sights, havingtouched nature’s beauty Afterwards, you will have time to talk
in a way few ever will,” says McDonnell. “And with the mushers or take pictures with the
the attachments they make to the mushers and dogs before your helicopter takes you back to
to the dogs are very powerful.” civilization.
A typical tour involves meeting the local “This is the real Alaska in its natural
staff, getting fitted for special “glacier-walk” state,” says McDonnell. “It is a once-in-a-life-boots and receiving a comprehensive safety time experience.” C
briefing before boarding
a modern, five- to six-passenger turbine heli- The Costco Connection
copter for takeoff. Costco Travel offers a variety of Alaska cruises and cruise
Space is limited. Receive the
following exclusive items valued
at up to $400 per stateroom:
• $50 per person shipboard credit
• Cocktail party with appetizers
• Dinner at Trattoria Sabatini aboard ship
• Dinner at Mt. McKinley Princess
Wilderness Lodge
• Dinner at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
• Farewell reception in Fairbanks
Sail from Vancouver to Anchorage (Whittier)
aboard Coral Princess.®
Seven-night cruise itinerary:
Cruise the Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Juneau,
Skagway, cruise Glacier Bay National Park and
cruise College Fjord.
Five-night land tour highlights:
Explore Alaska’s interior, including two nights
at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge,
a natural-history tour and overnight at Denali
Princess Wilderness Lodge and two nights in
Fairbanks, including a stern-wheeler riverboat
cruise and tour of the El Dorado Gold Mine.
Executive Members receive a
champagne balcony breakfast for
two-including a four-course
gourmet breakfast and a half
bottle of French champagne.
From $2,478 From $2,568
per person* per person*
Balcony Stateroom Mini Suite
Valid on 7/31/06 sailing.
Visit costco.com or call
Costco Travel toll free
at 1-877-849-2730.
*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy in U.S. dollars, is capacity
controlled, is valid for select stateroom categories only and is true and accurate at
time of printing. Price does not include government taxes/fees of $69 and
gratuities. Restrictions and blackout dates may apply. All offers are subject to
availability, may change or be terminated without notice and are valid for new
bookings only. Unless otherwise noted, offers are not combinable with select rate
codes, coupons or other offers. Executive Member offer is valid for primary
cardholder only. Travel purchases are not included in Executive Membership 2%
Reward program. Offer shown is cruise-only and valid on select dates. Cancellation
and change fees may apply. Please refer to the appropriate Princess Cruises
brochure for terms, conditions and definitions, which will apply to all bookings.
Costco Travel disclaims liability for any inaccuracies or typographical errors. Ship's
registry: Bermuda.
Costco Travel is a registered seller of travel and travel agency in the following
states: Washington (WST 602042600); Ohio (8789302), Florida (Fla. Seller of Travel
Reg. No. ST32555) and California (CST 2054248-50). Registration as a seller of
travel does not constitute approval by the state of California. 06 TR0402 2/06
