On a recent episode of the Burled Arch podcast, we profiled veteran Iditarod musher, Paige Drobny.
Photo credit: Richard Arlin Walker
In the wilderness of Alaska, where caribou roam free and mountains kiss the sky, a Virginia Tech alumna has found her true calling. Paige Drobny, journeyed to this remote paradise as a fisheries biologist, but her heart was captured by the thrill of competitive dog sledding and the enchantment of the snow-draped landscape.
The Alaskan wilderness, characterized by its awe-inspiring beauty and profound silence, has a unique way of enveloping its inhabitants. For Drobny, the isolation and grandeur of her surroundings resonate deeply. Despite enduring frigid temperatures that grip the land for half the year and the arduous 54-mile trek via dog sled to the nearest town of Cantwell—further necessitating a three-hour drive for essential groceries—she remains unyielding in her passion for her new life.
“There is just so much open space and so few people,” she remarked, her voice echoing the sentiments of many drawn to this remarkable terrain. “I just love being out in nature, so close and accessible, with not many people around to enjoy it.”
Drobny’s adventures took a serendipitous turn when, in 2004, she crossed paths with Cody Strathe in Seward, Alaska. Their shared love for exploring the great outdoors and caring for animals blossomed into a loving partnership. After graduating with a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry, Drobny and Strathe pursued master’s degrees at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and it was during their time there that they adopted Alaskan huskies from a local shelter, fitting companions for their exploratory spirit.
As their team of dogs grew, they began to consider a new pursuit: competitive dog sled racing. With a few promising huskies, a friend’s encouragement led Drobny to the daunting Yukon Quest 300, a challenging 300-mile race that tested both the participants and their canine companions. In 2010, she and Strathe assembled their dog team and set off into the icy Alaskan wilderness. Despite the perils of temperatures plunging to 40 degrees below zero and navigating treacherous terrain, Drobny crossed the finish line in sixth place. Yet, rather than feeling a sense of closure, she found a longing to continue—an addiction to the exhilarating life of racing had been ignited.
In the years that followed, Drobny and Strathe became fixtures on the dog sledding circuit, racing and training through the unforgiving Alaskan winter. Drobny’s dedication led her to compete in the esteemed Iditarod, a grueling 1,000-mile journey across the tundra. By early March of this year, she completed her ninth Iditarod, finishing 20th, but she has previously ranked as high as seventh. While prize money exceeding $75,000 was gratifying, Drobny candidly acknowledged that it barely offsets the costs of caring for their beloved dogs.
The couple’s passion for dog sledding is matched only by their commitment to the well-being of their dogs. They dedicated 15 years to life on a spacious 20-acre property in Fairbanks, but as their kennel expanded, the couple sought a place where their canine companions could roam even more freely. They settled in Cantwell, where the natural landscape includes lakes, creeks, and hills—ideal conditions for nurturing and training their 49 dogs at Squid Acres Kennel, aptly named after Drobny’s early scientific pursuits.
The couple’s devotion to the sport extends beyond racing. Both Drobny and Strathe engage in multifaceted ventures, combining their love for nature and the outdoors with entrepreneurial spirit. Drobny operates a fisheries consulting business, while Strathe crafts custom kayaks and dog sleds through DogPaddle Designs. Together, they offer tours of the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness and are on the verge of opening a high-end lodge, the Susitna Adventure Lodge, which promises guests an immersive experience in Alaska’s unspoiled backcountry.
Despite the demands of their business and racing, Drobny sought to enhance her credentials, recently achieving a Master of Business Administration through an online program. “I felt there were gaps in my education,” she reflected, recognizing the need for skills to successfully manage their ventures while remaining true to her love for animals and the wilderness.
As the seasons change from spring to summer, Drobny and Strathe’s attention shifts towards rigorous training for upcoming races, particularly the Iditarod. Their regimen mirrors that of human marathon training, gradually increasing the distances their dogs run, fostering both strength and resilience. With meticulous care, they prepare for the challenges of a 1,000-mile race—organizing food supplies, gear, and travel logistics to ensure their dogs are well cared for every step of the way.
At the heart of their endeavors lies a deep-seated ethos of prioritizing their dogs’ happiness and fulfillment. “Our main goal is to give the dogs the best life that we can,” Drobny said, emphasizing the core philosophy that drives their daily lives. This commitment transcends mere competition; it is about providing their canine companions with the purpose and joy inherent in their nature.
Drobny has not returned to her alma mater since graduation, finding her home in the wild expanses of Alaska where adventure beckons at every turn. When the time comes for a vacation, she and Strathe often opt for yet another expedition within Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes, exploring the uncharted territories that continue to captivate their hearts.
Although they recognize the challenges imposed by such an intense lifestyle, both are resolute in their affection for this rugged frontier. “I can’t imagine living anywhere else,” Drobny reflected, acknowledging the complexity of their existence while accepting that the day may come when they desire a simpler life. But for the present, they revel in the dynamic rhythm of life surrounded by their dogs, the wilderness, and the thrill of competition.
In a world that often questions the ethics of dog sledding, the dedication exhibited by Drobny and Strathe speaks volumes. Their dogs are not merely athletes nor tools for competition; they are cherished family members, understood deeply and cared for with unwavering devotion. Drobny and Strathe embody a lifestyle devoted to nurturing the relationship between human and canine in one of the most stunningly beautiful and challenging environments on Earth.
Through trials and triumphs, their journey reflects the profound connection nurtured between a musher and their team—one forged not just in the realm of racing, but one that reverberates through each breathtaking run across the snow, each howl echoing against the backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness.
Amidst the rigorous training schedules, demanding endurance races, and entrepreneurial pursuits, Paige Drobny’s story is a compelling narrative of passion, resilience, and an unquenchable love for both dogs and nature. As she continues to blaze trails across the frozen landscapes, Drobny exemplifies a spirit of adventure—a spirit that is impossible to extinguish amidst the boundless beauty of Alaska. And so, with each race completed and each new venture embarked upon, she and Strathe remain steadfast in their mission: to celebrate life, love, and the joy of living in harmony with their loyal four-legged companions in the grand tapestry of the last frontier.
We are using a cool card deck that Robert found at an outdoor conference a couple of years ago to help come up with ideas for this story. Check them out here