Alaska Winter Retreat

When: March 14-20 2027

Where: Hatcher Pass + Girdwood, AK

Cost: $3,050-$3,350

Trip size: 8-10 guests 

$700 non-refundable deposit to book

Trip Activities:

-Dog sledding in the Alaskan wilderness

-Snowmobiling through the backcountry to our lodging

-Ice fishing on a frozen lake

-Trekking on Matanuska Glacier 

-Nordic spa day and massages

-Northern Lights viewing (if conditions allow)

 

 

Our Alaska Winter Retreat kicks off in March 2027! It's similar to the previous Alaska trip that we've done for three years, but this one is for those who do not ski or snowboard, yet still want to see the wild side of AK. On this trip we will be exploring Hatcher Pass with the amazing guides at Snowhook Adventure Guides. For 4 days and 3 nights, we'll explore this area by dogsled, snowmobile and tracked UTVs, snowshoes, and by foot on frozen lakes. After this adventure portion, we make our way down to Girdwood and relax at the base of Alyeska resort with an unforgettable spa experience. We’ve thrown in some planned free time to rest or explore things not in the itinerary, and have a structured format that leaves you stress free with none of the planning to do.

This trip is suited for all levels of explorers and requires no previous experience for any of the activities. No excuses there, so what are you waiting for? Our ideal guest would be friendly and adventurous, ready to get out of their comfort zone, open-minded and willing to partake in group activities and conversation, and ready to share accommodations with up to 10 other women for a week. There is no age restriction, so come as you are and let us share Alaska with you!

 

What’s included:

-Transportation throughout the entire trip

-Shuttle from and to the airport (within time windows)

-Some meals on specified days

-Lodging in private cabins in Hatcher Pass and private hostel in Girdwood

-Full day at the Alyeska Nordic Spa with massages

-All gear for snowmobiling, dog sledding, ice fishing, and glacier hike

-Comprehensive packing list and gear recommendations

-One-on-one pre-trip communication from your guide, Jackie

What is not included:

-Some meals on specified days 

-Souvenirs

-Flights to/from Anchorage

 

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Everyone flies into Anchorage. Airport pickups at pre-determined time (TBD), transport to Willow (about 90 minutes depending on road conditions). Welcome dinner at Snowhook Lodge Hatcher Pass. Time to hang out and get to know everyone!

Day 2: Breakfast is served. Dog sledding adventure! Time to meet and play with the dogs and puppies before hopping on the dog sled with your guide. Lunch is served. Followed up by snowmobiling approximately 26 miles to our private cabin lodging in Hatcher Pass. Home-cooked meal for dinner. Hot tub and sauna available.

Day 3: Breakfast is served. Followed up by late morning ice fishing. Lunch is served. Free time in the afternoon. Snowshoes available for anyone who is interested. Dinner is served. Evening tracked UTV Northern Lights Adventure!

Day 4: Breakfast is served. Snowmobile 26 miles back to our original location. Lunch on the go as we make our way to our 2 hour guided Glacier Trek on Matanuska Glacier. Following the glacier, 2:45 hour drive to Girdwood. Dinner upon arrival (dinner cost not included). Lodging in private hostel.

Day 5: Breakfast at lodging (included). Full day at the Alyeska Nordic Spa. Full access to the hydrotherapy areas including cold-immersion and hot tubs, pools, saunas, steam rooms, and cafe. Massages are included. Lunch cost not included. Group dinner at Jack Sprat after spa (cost included). 

Day 6: Breakfast at lodging (included). Free day to explore the shops, the Alyeska Tram, trails, wildlife center, skiing for those interested, etc. Lunch plan flexible. Group pizza dinner at lodging. 

Day 7: Breakfast at lodging (included). Airport departures. 

Email or text us to book!

 

Maine Summer Hiking Series 2026

Join us for 10 free hikes this summer all around Maine, ranging in length and difficulty. These are guided hikes with a Registered Maine Guide, are donation-based, and each guest will receive a little token of gratitude at the end of each hike for your efforts! Follow on Facebook and Instagram for the most up to date details. Sign up below:

Mt. Megunticook (past)

Sugarloaf Mountain (past)

Mt. Kineo (past)

Mt. Blue (past)

Avery Peak (past)

Gulf Hagas Hike (past)

Tumbledown Hike (past)

Cutler Coast Hike Sign-ups coming soon

Goose Eye Hike Sign-ups coming soon

Old Speck Hike Sign-ups coming soon

Maine Backpacking (TRIP FULL)

When: August 30-September 5, 2026

Cost: $1500

Trip size: 5-7 guests 

$500 non-refundable deposit to book 

Come for a 4 day intermediate-level trek on the Appalachian Trail and experience one of the most talked-about and more difficult sections of the Maine AT. With views into Canada and New Hampshire, mountain top ponds for swimming, rock scrambles to climb, and sunrises and sunsets that inspire, this trek packs a punch. Covering roughly 36 miles and around 5,000 feet of elevation gain, this trek is perfect for intermediate backpackers, and a welcoming challenge for those who have not yet backpacked, but have experience in hiking difficult and rocky terrain and have a high level of fitness. After the hike, cool off by rafting class IV whitewater on the Kennebec River; the perfect level of adrenaline for beginners and fun for seasoned paddlers as well. Lodging includes 1 night in an upscale hiker hostel, 2 nights of tent camping along the trail, 1 night at an AT-famous off grid cabin camp, and 2 nights of full-amenities lodging before and after rafting. This trip includes guest pickup and drop off in Portland, ME and PWM airport, all transportation and lodging within trip dates, some meals including a seaside lobster lunch on day one, and an experienced licensed guide for the full trip. Backpacking gear and trail meals not included.

Trip Itinerary  

Day 1: Guest pickup in Portland, ME and a seaside lobster lunch, afternoon drive to Carrabassett Valley

Day 2: Appalachian Trail backpacking 8.1 miles

Day 3: Appalachian Trail backpacking 10 miles 

Day 4: Appalachian Trail backpacking 15.3 miles

Day 5: Appalachian Trail backpacking 3.2 miles

Day 6: Whitewater rafting on the Kennebec River

Day 7: Guest drop offs in Portland, ME

Mt. Kilimanjaro

When: September 30-October 8, 2027

Cost: $3095-$3395

Trip size: 8-20 guests 

https://trovatrip.com/trip/africa/tanzania/tanzania-with-jackie-lastinger-sep-2027

 

Coastal California Adventure Tour

When: May 2027

Where: Catalina Island

What: Multi-day backpacking

Cost: $2,100

$500 non-refundable deposit to book

Trip Highlights:

-Backpacking the 39.5 mile Trans Catalina Trail

-Viewing wild bison, island foxes, harbor seals, bald eagles, and more

-Camping right on the beach, falling asleep to the waves

Requirements:

-Ability to carry a ~25-30lb pack for 11 miles, with incline/decline, at a 2 mile per hour pace 

-Bring proper gear as outlined by the gear list sent to you

-Must be nice, and friendly! If you don’t like groups and having fun, don’t bring down the vibe :)

-We travel rain or shine. Come prepared to get a little dirty, stink like a hiker, and embrace whatever weather comes our way.

Trip Description

Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker, or this is your first time, you’ll find beauty, fun, and a challenge along each mile of the 39.5 mile Trans Catalina Trail. Crossing the entire length of Catalina Island off the coast of southern California, the trail meanders up and over the highest point of the island, through fields and valleys with sightings of the wild bison which roam the island, and offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean from clifftop hiking. You will get the chance to camp under the stars at four different campsites, two of which sit right on the beach. Test your physical and mental fortitude by carrying everything you need for 5 days on your back over varying terrain and through different weather. Cook dinner by camp stove each evening with your new travel partners, and partake in deep, engaging conversations without the distractions of day-to-day life.

What’s included:

-Transportation throughout the entire trip in a 10-passenger van

-Lodging in LA on the first night

-Welcome dinner on the first night

-Ferry to and from Catalina Island

-4 nights of camping permits on Catalina Island

-Hotel stay the night after the Trans Catalina Trail

-Experienced and knowledgable guide

-Full packing list and gear recommendations, plus food list

-One-on-one pre-trip communication from your guide

What is not included:

BYOG (Bring your own gear) Rental gear is available, ask for details

Souvenirs

Flights 

Trip Itinerary

DAY 1

Our trip begins at 5pm in Los Angeles at the Freehand Hotel. We will be lodging in an 8-bed shared room where each guest will have their own twin bed with the comfort of a storage space, privacy curtain, outlet, and lamp. We’ll enjoy a Welcome Dinner at 6pm to kick off the trip and get to know our travel partners! Feel free to go for a swim in the rooftop pool after dinner, or head to the store for any last minute supplies you may need for the trip. One airport pick up will be provided at 3:30pm. If you are not able to make the timing for the airport pick up, Uber and Lyft are reliable transport options from LAX to The Freehand LA. 

DAY 2

Mileage: 11.7 miles

Elevation gain: ~2,500ft

We will have an early morning departure leaving at 5am to catch our 7am ferry to Catalina Island. Our boat ride is roughly an hour from San Pedro to Avalon, Catalina Island. Once on the island, we’ll begin our first day of the trek to Blackjack Campground for a 11.7 mile day, our longest day! We like to get the hard part done first and out of the way so that the rest is a breeze. We’ll pitch our tents at the base of Mt. Orizaba, Catalina’s highest point. 

DAY 3

Mileage: 9.7 miles

Elevation gain: ~1,000ft

Day 3 will be easier than our fist day, and our destination is Little Harbor. On our hike, we’ll pass by the small island airport where we can stop for cold drinks, snacks and food, and a nice rest in some air conditioning. This rest stop allows us to not have to carry the weight of lunch in our packs for the day. Our campsite for the evening is right by the ocean, so we can enjoy a nice dip in the water if the weather allows, possibly some cliff jumping for the very adventurous, and a relaxing evening with a classic California sunset over the water. 

DAY 4

Mileage: 5.9 miles

Elevation gain: ~1500ft

From Little Harbor, we will be hiking our shortest day to Two Harbors, a small town with a store, restaurant, amenities, and showers! Yes, if you’re dying for a shower by now, today is your chance. We’ll have a slow easy morning since we’ll have a short hiking day. Once on the trail, we may see wild bison as we climb out of Little Harbor. Huge views on clifftops above the Pacific Ocean await us. The climb is definitely worth the views today. In Two Harbors, we’ll set up camp, and hike the short .1 mile down to town for a delicious well-earned dinner! 

DAY 5

Mileage: 7.2 miles

Elevation gain: ~1900ft

From Two Harbors, we’ll be hiking to our last (and most secluded) campsite of the Trans Catalina Trail. Our ~7 mile day leads us to Parsons Landing, a secluded sandy beach campsite with only a handful of other sites besides ours. Fall asleep to the crashing waves and feel the breeze coming off of the Pacific. The hike is a bit of climbing, and a long decent to Parsons, so you’ll definitely want your trekking poles to help out your knees for this day. 

DAY 6

Mileage: 7 miles

Elevation gain: mostly flat!

Our last day of the Trans Catalina Trail! Once you finish this day, you’ll officially be a backpacker, or you’ll have a new trail under your (hip)belt to brag about to your hiking buddies back home. The terrain this day is pretty easy. It’s mostly flat with the exception of some small hills early on. We’ll be hiking back to Two Harbors via a different route from the previous day. We will need to leave a little early to catch our ferry back to the mainland.