Experience the thrill of dog sledding through the breathtaking landscapes of Girdwood, where glaciers and wilderness come alive. This unique adventure takes you on a journey through the stunning scenery of Alaska's rugged terrain.
You'll have the opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of glaciers, such as the nearby Portage Glacier, which is a popular destination for dog sledding tours. These glaciers are a testament to the region's incredible natural wonder.
Girdwood's dog sledding tours often take place in the surrounding wilderness areas, where you can see the snow-covered peaks and valleys stretching as far as the eye can see. The serene atmosphere and stunning vistas make for an unforgettable experience.
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Tours and Experiences
If you're looking for a unique dog sledding experience in Girdwood, you've got several options to choose from. The most popular one is the Glacier Dog Sledding Day Tour from Girdwood, which takes you on a scenic 10-minute round-trip helicopter flight.
You can also consider the Helicopter Dog Sledding tour, which offers a 20-minute helicopter ride to the top of the mountain. The tour includes a 1.5-hour dog sledding experience and a chance to pet young dogs learning the skill of mushing.
Some other companies that offer Glacier Dogsledding Tours in Alaska include Alaska Helicopter Tours, Alpine Air Alaska, Seward Helicopters, Temsco Helicopter, and Coastal Helicopter. Here are the details of some of these tours:
Meet the Mushers
Ryan Redington is a champion dog musher who proudly carries on the family legacy of running dogs, racing, and raising awareness for the sport of dog sledding.
He won the 2023 Iditarod Race and is also the 2019 and 2021 champion of the Kobuk 440 in Kotzebue, Alaska.
Robert Redington is a third-generation dog musher and the grandson of Joe Redington Sr., the founder of the Iditarod.
Born and raised in Alaska, Robert grew up around sled dogs and has been competing in the Iditarod Race since 2016.
You'll get to meet these experienced mushers and hear their adventure stories while on the trail, learning about their passion for dog sledding.
Mushing Experience
Dog sledding is an unforgettable experience that offers a unique perspective on Alaska's winter landscape.
You can choose from various types of tours, including Dryland Dog Sled, Helicopter Dog Sledding, and Dog Mushing, which typically occurs between November – March, depending on the snow condition.
For Dog Mushing, you'll be allowed to ride in the sled or take your turn behind the sled and mush through the winter wonderland.
Some tours involve a scenic helicopter ride to the top of the mountain, where you'll hop onto a sled for approximately 1.5 hours as the dogs head for the trail.
On the glacier, you'll see dog igloo houses, each harnessed with an excited barking dog nearby, waiting patiently for their run.
You can also choose to take a scenic 10-minute round-trip helicopter flight from Girdwood to the glacier.
There are several companies that offer Glacier Dogsledding Tours in Alaska, including Alaska Helicopter Tours, Alpine Air Alaska, Seward Helicopters, Temsco Helicopter, and Coastal Helicopter.
Here are some of the companies that offer Glacier Dogsledding Tours in Alaska:
- Alaska Helicopter Tours starting from Palmer
- Alpine Air Alaska starting from Girdwood
- Seward Helicopters starting from Seward
- Temsco Helicopter and Coastal Helicopter starting from Juneau
Tour Options
If you're looking for a thrilling dog sledding experience in Girdwood, you'll want to consider the following tour options.
There's the Wilderness Dog Sled Tour, which takes you on a 1.5-hour ride through the Alaskan wilderness, departing from Seward. You can choose from multiple start times, including 9:00am, 11:45am, 1:30pm, 3:15pm, and 6:30pm.
The prices vary depending on your age, with adults paying $99, children (2-12) paying $49.5, and infants under 2 getting in for free. The tour is available from May 9 to mid-September.
For a more unique experience, consider the Helicopter Dog Sledding tour, which takes you on a scenic 20-minute helicopter ride to the top of the mountain. You'll then hop onto a sled for approximately 1.5 hours, surrounded by barking dogs and breathtaking views.
If you're visiting during the winter months (November to March), you can opt for the Dog Mushing tour, where you'll ride in a sled or take your turn behind the sled and mush through the winter wonderland.
Here are the details of the tour options:
Wilderness Tour
If you're looking for a unique wilderness experience, consider a dog sled tour. These tours offer a thrilling way to explore Alaska's breathtaking landscapes.
The Wilderness Dog Sled Tour is a great option, departing from the Seavey Family Homestead in Seward, Alaska. You can choose from multiple departure times, including 9:00am, 11:45am, 1:30pm, 3:15pm, and 6:30pm.
The tour lasts 1.5 hours and is suitable for adults 13 and above, with a discounted rate for children aged 2-12. Infants under 2 years old can join for free.
Here's a breakdown of the tour prices:
The tour is available from May 9 to mid-September, giving you plenty of time to plan your trip.
Girdwood Helicopter Glacier Tour
If you're looking for an unforgettable experience in Girdwood, consider taking a helicopter glacier tour. You'll fly over stunning Alaskan landscapes on a scenic 10-minute round-trip helicopter flight from Girdwood to a snow-covered cirque glacier.
Some popular options for helicopter glacier tours include flying with sled dogs training for the Iditarod. You can expect a two-hour adventure out of Girdwood with companies like Alpine Air Alaska or Seward Helicopters.
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For a truly unique experience, try dog sledding on a glacier. This extraordinary Alaskan experience can be found with companies like Salmon Berry Tours or Alaska Helicopter Tours.
Here are some companies that offer helicopter glacier dog sledding tours in Alaska:
- Alaska Helicopter Tours starting from Palmer
- Alpine Air Alaska starting from Girdwood
- Seward Helicopters starting from Seward
- Temsco Helicopter and Coastal Helicopter starting from Juneau
Types of Tours
If you're looking to experience dog sledding, there are several tour options to choose from.
The Dryland Dog Sled tour is a great choice, lasting approximately 40 minutes, where you'll ride on a wheeled car used for dog training and even get to cuddle with some adorable puppies.
On the Helicopter Dog Sledding tour, you'll embark on a scenic 20-minute helicopter ride to the top of the mountain, where you'll learn about the importance of each dog's attitude in creating a team.
You'll then hop onto a sled for approximately 1.5 hours, mushing through the mountain trails with the help of the trained dogs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do you tip for dog sledding?
Tipping is expected for dog sledding experiences. Consider showing appreciation for your musher's hard work and the care of the sled dogs.
What is the famous dog sled in Alaska?
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is Alaska's iconic winter event, starting in Anchorage each March. It's a thrilling dog sled competition that showcases the state's rich winter heritage.
What months can you dog sled in Alaska?
In Alaska, the best months for dog sledding are late November to early April, with the peak season being December to March. This period offers consistent snow conditions and an authentic winter experience.
Sources
- https://ididaride.com/tours/girdwood-glacier-dog-sledding-tour/
- https://www.visitgirdwood.com/explore/girdwood-mushing-company
- https://travelinglensphotography.com/dog-sledding-in-alaska/
- https://alaskatours.com/outdoor-adventures/alaska-dog-sledding/
- https://www.alaskatravel.com/things-to-do/dog-sled-tours/
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