If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure, Alaska's beautiful wilderness is the perfect place to experience dog sledding tours. Alaska has a vast and untouched landscape, making it an ideal destination for dog sledding.
The state's rugged terrain and cold climate create the perfect conditions for dog sledding, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and snow-covered trails waiting to be explored.
In Alaska, dog sledding tours typically last between 6 to 12 hours, allowing you to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the wilderness. Many tour operators offer customized itineraries to suit your needs and preferences.
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Dog Sledding Tours
You can expect to pay $170-$199 per person for a dog sled ride, depending on the time of year.
For those interested in visiting the kennel but not participating in the ride, there's a $20 entry fee.
The dog sled ride itself lasts about an hour, and you can choose from four start times daily: 11am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm.
You'll need to plan your own transportation to and from the kennel, as they don't provide it.
Dress warmly for your tour, as you'll be outside in unpredictable weather. Required gear includes a warm jacket, hat, scarf, mittens, snow pants (if you have them), and warm footwear.
Here are the start times and duration for your reference:
- 11am: 1 hour
- 12pm: 1 hour
- 1:30pm: 1 hour
- 2:30pm: 1 hour
Keep in mind that tours will be canceled if the temperature is -25 degrees or colder, and children under 10 years old will not be allowed to participate in such conditions.
Tour Operators
If you're looking for a dog sledding tour operator, you've got options. Snowhook Adventure Guides of Alaska offers dog sled tours that let you run Iditarod sled dogs, either as a passenger or even as the driver yourself.
Snowhook's tours are available year-round, making it a great choice for those who want to experience dog sledding in the winter or summer. Nature's Kennel Sled Dog Adventures, on the other hand, is only open for dog sledding between mid-December and March.
Nature's Kennel is a highly-respected tour operator with a team of sled dogs that have excellent race histories and outstanding personalities.
Salmon Berry Tours
Salmon Berry Tours is a great option for dog sledding enthusiasts. They offer a gear demonstration, allowing you to see the equipment up close.
You'll meet the Iditarod Champion Dallas Seavey's sled dogs and even get to ride on a sled behind them.
In the summer and winter, you can take a multi-day adventure for Iditarod enthusiasts, which is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the world of dog mushing.
Salmon Berry Tours provides a unique opportunity to interact with sled dogs and learn about the Iditarod.
Alpine Air Alaska - Girdwood
Alpine Air Alaska - Girdwood is a unique dog sledding experience that combines adventure and breathtaking scenery. They fly to a dog camp run by the oldest established dog-sled tour business in Alaska.
You'll travel by helicopter from Girdwood's green forests up over a small saddle to land on a glacier. The shuttle option is available from Anchorage, making it accessible to visitors from the city.
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The dog camp is located in a stunning glaciated area, surrounded by hanging glaciers that will leave you in awe. You'll have the chance to "drive" the dogs yourself or sit in the sled and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Alpine Air Alaska's Girdwood Glacier Dogsledding tour is a thrilling experience that's perfect for dog lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Dog Breeds
The Alaskan Malamute is a popular breed for dog sledding due to its strength and endurance.
Malamutes are known for their thick coats, which help them withstand cold temperatures.
They are also highly energetic, requiring regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
The Siberian Husky is another breed well-suited for dog sledding, with its thick coat and powerful build.
Huskies are highly social and thrive on interaction with their human team members.
In fact, they are often used as therapy dogs due to their friendly and outgoing nature.
The Alaskan Husky is a breed that's specifically designed for dog sledding, with its athletic build and high energy level.
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It's not uncommon to see Alaskan Huskies pulling sleds at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour.
Their intelligence and trainability make them a popular choice for dog sledding tours.
The Samoyed is a smaller breed that's still well-suited for dog sledding, with its fluffy coat and friendly demeanor.
They are highly social and love to be part of a team, making them a great addition to any dog sledding tour.
Tour Details
The cost of a dog sled ride varies, ranging from $170 to $199 per person, depending on the season and holiday pricing.
You'll need to plan your transportation, as most dog sledding tours don't provide it. For example, Trail Breaker Kennel recommends arriving 5 minutes before your tour start time and having a 4-wheel drive vehicle in case the roads are snowy.
Here are some key details to keep in mind:
- Duration: 1-hour
- Age Restriction: Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate
- Capacity: 2-4 sled riders per tour
- Start Times: Varying times daily, from December – March
Tour Details
The cost of a dog sled ride varies depending on the tour operator, but it's generally around $170-$199 per person for a standard ride.
You'll need to arrive at least 5 minutes before your scheduled tour time, and plan to spend about an hour on the tour itself.
The dog sled ride is typically 1 hour long, but it can vary depending on the conditions and the energy of the dogs.
You'll need to dress warmly for the tour, as you'll be outside in unpredictable weather. Required gear includes a warm jacket, hat, scarf, mittens, snow pants (if you have them), and warm footwear.
Here's a breakdown of the typical itinerary for a dog sled tour:
- Arrival and gear check
- Education on the history of dog mushing and the Alaskan husky
- Meeting the huskies, petting and harnessing the sled dogs, and learning about the equipment and training required for modern dog mushing
- The dog sled ride itself, which typically takes you through wooded areas and onto frozen rivers
- After the ride, you'll have a chance to thank your team and take photos with the dogs
Some tours also offer a "companion tour" option, where you can join your friends for the tour but not participate in the dog sled ride.
What to Bring
When dressing for our tour, wear ski gear to stay warm. You'll be glad you did, trust me!
You'll want to bring ski goggles or sunglasses to protect your eyes from snow kicked up by the dogs. It's a good idea to wear them, especially if you're sensitive to snow blindness.
Don't forget your camera to capture memories with your favorite dogs. You'll have plenty of opportunities to take photos and make lifelong memories.
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Trip Cost
When planning a dog sledding trip, one of the biggest factors to consider is the cost. The cost of a dog sledding trip can vary depending on the options you choose.
An Hour Dogsled Ride costs $450 per sled for both adults and children. This is a great option for those who want to experience the thrill of dog sledding without committing to a full day.
A Split Dogsled Ride is another option that costs $530 per sled for both adults and children. This option is perfect for those who want to split the cost with friends or family members.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time of year is best for dog sledding?
Best time for dog sledding: mid-November to early April, when snow conditions are ideal. Plan your trip during this period for a true dog sledding experience
Why is dog sledding so expensive?
Dog sledding is expensive because the dogs are high-performance athletes that require specialized care and nutrition. This high level of care is reflected in the prices of dog sledding experiences.
What state has the best dog sledding?
There isn't a single "best" state for dog sledding, as each location offers a unique experience. However, Minnesota, Maine, Michigan, Colorado, and New York are top destinations for dog sledding in the U.S.
Sources
- Anchorage Dog Sledding Tours | Learn to Mush Like an… (alaska.org)
- Alaskan Dog Sledding | Fairbanks, Alaska (trailbreakerkennel.com)
- The Iditarod Official Site (iditarod.com)
- Bureau of Land Management – Alaska (blm.gov)
- Dog Sledding (allseasonsadventures.com)
- Michigan's Best Dog Sledding (uptravel.com)
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