Kennel Manager, Jeff Martin

Starting Mushing in 1996

I worked two years full time at Krabloonik, then did some fill-in work and musher training for two more years. I've been driving sleds here since November of 2000.

Where are you from?

I usually say Indiana. A more complete answer is: born in Ohio, moved to Florida, then to Indiana, college in California, worked in Michigan, then moved to Colorado.

Favorite trip Conditions:

First trip of the day and three "No's":
NO clouds
NO wind
NO degrees
One inch of new snow on top of hard packed trail is a bonus. I also love the last trip of the week. The dogs work so hard all week long, that it is an emotional time for me when I hug them for the last time and take them back to their houses for a well deserved rest.

Favorite dog: I love all the ones that work hard.

Favorite thing to see on trail: Other teams.

It is cool to see a moose from a safe distance, but one of my favorite things to see is another dog team from a distance. A long team going across a field with mountains in the background, trotting comfortably is a really pretty sight.

What do you do when you are not driving sleds?

Driving sleds six days a week and taking care of the dogs on day seven really is tiring. My day seven routine usually involves taking the girls to school, pumping iron and sitting in the sauna at the rec center, followed by tacos or a steak and some ice cream on the couch. In the evenings, a nice warm fire with a movie and my three girls on the couch is a pretty awesome way to spend my downtime. Other than that, I like to write software, ride my bike, chop firewood, and hike in the mountains.

What is your favorite part of the trail?

I almost like every part of the trail, and depending on the conditions, my favorite part will change. I really like the first mile (The Miracle Mile) when it is banked correctly with no ruts. It feels like a bobsled run. The Overlook is great when it is cold, clear and windless. Serenity Basin is fun when fresh snow is hanging in the little green trees. Overall though, my favorite part of the trail is Dawson. It is a one way trail that is narrow and winds through little green trees that are so close that they reach out and touch the guests. The turns are so tight and the trees so dense that for much of the trail you can only see half of the team in front of you.

What is your favorite restaurant in town?

If I want pizza in a restaurant, then it is Hernando's. Take out pizza is usually Elevation. Pizza and a movie is the Foundry. I try to get a burrito from Azteca once or twice a month, and breakfast out in the summer would have to be the Carvers breakfast burrito.

What other jobs have you had?

USA Today Delivery Boy - Fired for not delivering papers everyday.
Software Company Office Boy
Waiter - Fired for showing up late consistently.
Associate Developer (Programmer)
Real Estate Investor
Golf Course Cashier
Pet Supply Store Owner
Real Estate Agent
Software Engineer
Musher

Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park Career

2018-2019, 0 adventure trips and counting.
2017-2018, 418 adventure trips.
2016-2017, 443 adventure trips.
2015-2016, 557 adventure trips.
2014-2015, 423 adventure trips.
2013-2014, 393 adventure trips.
2012-2013, 378 adventure trips, 36 cart trips, 414 total trips.
2011-2012, 334 adventure trips, 9 short trips, 35 cart trips, 380 total trips.
2010-2011, 354 adventure trips, 20 cart trips, 374 total trips.
2009-2010, 318 adventure trips, 37.5 cart trips, 355.5 total trips.
2008-2009, 308 adventure trips, 11 cart trips, 319 total trips.
2007-2008, 344 meadow trips.
2006-2007, 328 meadow trips.
2005-2006, 28 long trips, 183 medium trips, 174 short trips, 385 total trips.
2004-2005, 101 long trips, 112 medium trips, 87 short trips, 300 total trips.
2003-2004, 92 long trips, 73 medium trips, 74 short trips, 239 total trips.
2002-2003, 252 long trips
2001-2002, 188 long trips
2000-2001, 197 long trips

Kennel Manager, Jeff Martin

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