Mark Schurke plays with Cowboy and Georgia at Base Camp Bigfork on Jan. 26. - Kalispell, Montana 
Sled Dog Adventures at Base Camp Bigfork a Howling Good Time
Over a river and through the woods where the Mission and Swan mountains meet, a team of powder hounds harnesses the Montana winter for one wild ride.
Base Camp Bigfork holds a reputation for providing a “bucket list experience” with its unique dog sledding tours, but behind the scenes, the family running the show works hard to make every day worth remembering.
Mark and Samantha Schurke have run their dog-sledding outfit in Bigfork for the last nine years.
Their 8-acre property is home to their two sons, Otto, 8, and Dietrich, 6, and 18 Inuit sled dogs along with one brave tabby cat.
Almost every morning, from the first of December until the snow melts, Mark grooms the network of trails snaking through their property in preparation for the day’s run.
Upon arrival, clients receive a hands-on experience unique to his business. Customers meet their teams and help harness them up before learning the basics of mushing.
Once the dogs are strapped in, they bounce and yap in anticipation, pulling at their harnesses as Mark yells for them to “get ready dogs!”
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