Keith and Velma Koontz are the owner operators of Chandalar Ranch.

Velma is Yupik Eskimo born on Saint Lawrence Island. Her interests are traditional skin sewing and grand children. She usually has items on hand for sale and also sews to order. Keith has been in Alaska for over 40 years and has lived in both Eskimo and Indian villages. He is a naturalist and a Master Guide and has a Masters degree in Wildlife Management from the University of Alaska in Fairbanks. His interests are hunting, fishing, horses and travel.

Collectively they speak English, Eskimo and a little German. They enjoy meeting people from other areas and cultures.

GENERAL INFORMATION

We specialize in “Bush Style” hospitality. We have hostel beds, bunkhouse rooms and a small rental cabin. We also have a remote cabin at the headwaters of the Little Chena River. We can hike there or go by horse in summer or by snow machine and cross-country skis in winter. We also have tent space for those who wish to camp.

We are located approximately 25 miles from Fairbanks at 5804 Chena Hotsprings Road. The lodge itself sits on top of a hill, which makes it an excellent place to view the aurora (northern lights) in the winter months. We are located next to the Two Rivers Cross Country Ski Area and the Two Rivers Recreation Area.

 

LOCATION

The Geographic Region is Alaska Interior.

Good source for information about Fairbanks and Interior Alaska: www.fairnet.org

The location is rural and mostly forested.

The nearest major airport is Fairbanks International Airport (FAI).