YOUR GUIDES TO THE WILD
LISBET NORRIS
OWNER & LEAD GUIDE
Originally from Willow, Alaska, Lisbet grew up in a dog-mushing family. She is a three-time finisher of the Iditarod, the longest sled dog race in the world. Lisbet has a strong love for the North. She feels at home in the boreal forest of Interior Alaska and loves sharing the northern landscape with others.
Prior to starting Arctic Dog Adventure Co. in 2016, Lisbet worked as a musher and expedition guide for outfitters in Alaska and Arctic Norway and has nearly two decades of experience guiding dog sled tours and expeditions. Lisbet is known for her leadership qualities under adverse circumstances and through sound preparation and experience, she makes the most unique and challenging adventures possible for her clients! Lisbet is a certified Wilderness First Responder and holds a BA degree in Northern Studies and History from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Lisbet met Nils while on a mushing training trip in Fairbanks. In July of 2016, they bought the Hattie Creek Homestead with the intention of pursuing a nature-based, off-grid, sustainable lifestyle with their sled dogs and Karelian Bear Dogs.
NILS PEDERSEN
OWNER & GUIDE
Nils Pedersen was born and raised with sled dogs in the Murphy Dome region of Fairbanks, Alaska. After finishing an undergraduate degree in Biology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Nils began training and working with Karelian Bear Dogs as a bear-human conflict specialist across western North America and the Arctic for the Wind River Bear Institute; an outfit he now heads as Director.
Nils completed an M.S.c. Degree in Wildlife Biology and Conservation from UAF in 2019. His research focuses on grizzly and polar bear conservation in the Arctic. An avid hunter, skier, dog driver, and outdoorsman, Nils is known for his friendly, easy-going disposition, complimented by his meticulous attention to detail and safety in the planning and operation of his programs.
When Nils is not guiding, he is working in his role as Director of the Wind River Bear Institute, a group dedicated to reducing human-caused bear mortality worldwide. When visiting us, you may have the opportunity to meet the members of Nil's bear conflict team: Wind River Soledad, Erauspojan's Rio, and Wind River Mardy (Rio x Soledad), Nils' trio of Karelian Bear Dogs. For more info on the Wind River Bear Institute and its work in the field of bear conservation, please visit www.beardogs.org.
NICOLE SIMAS
ASSISTANT GUIDE
After growing up in the suburbs of Providence, RI, Nicole became involved with sled dogs while studying animal science at the University of Vermont. As dog mushing combined her interests in dog training and behavior with her love for the winter season, Nicole was immediately hooked.
After graduating from UVM in 2023, Nicole left New England to chase new dog mushing ventures (and soon made it to Alaska!) Nicole is certified in Wilderness First Aid.
Outside of guiding, Nicole also enjoys yoga, spending time with her two travel companions (her rabbit and chinchilla), and becoming more acquainted with the Fairbanks area.
RYAN ROSS
ASSISTANT GUIDE
Raised in the conifers of Colorado, Ryan has a deeply rooted appreciation for nature with its boundless surprises, gifts, and teaching moments. Originally flowing through the traditional engineering education, Ryan found a stick in his spokes after attending a National Outdoor Leadership Semester and learning the positive impacts of sharing and learning in wild experiences through outdoor guiding. He then started a new journey of education working seasonally in Alaska, Norway, and Utah, guiding various recreations from zip lining to sea kayaking to primitive survival guiding.
Then he rode with a pack of sled dogs. The contagious energy and work ethic displayed through these authentic bundles of joy, no matter the weather or task at paw, was an inspiration. Ryan now works as a handler and guide with sled dogs during the winters in beautiful Alaska and as a field guide in Utah during the summers guiding groups of adults into the remote wilderness for extended stays. Ryan is always ready to learn and grow through sharing experiences with all walks of life be it two legs or four.
KATIE BROADHURST
& WILL BENNETT
Peak Flow OBM has been supporting the backend of ADAC for 3+ years. Katie & Will bring a combined 20+ years of backend business experience, adventure guiding, B&B accommodation management and operations management experience to the team.
Peak Flow helps adventure travel and tourism businesses with software and process improvements as well as digital marketing so owners can reclaim their work/life balance.
They hold certifications in areas like online business management, SEO and automation (as well as as WFR, AVI 1 and mountaineering), and bring a holistic, modern approach to operating a travel or tour business.
THE DOGS
ANADYR SIBERIAN HUSKIES
Lisbet & Nils operate the Fairbanks branch of the oldest Siberian Husky kennel in the world— Alaskan Kennels — home of the Anadyr Siberian Husky. The heart of our operation, our beautiful sled dogs, are all AKC registered Siberians.
Siberian Huskies are ideally suited for the harsh subarctic environment of Interior Alaska. They have thick coats, tough feet, incredibly efficient metabolisms, and an indomitable desire to run. Each dog has its own unique and individual personality -- come meet them all!
The dogs are the heart and soul of our business & lifestyle and deservedly have their own page.
