Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sledding Adventure Experience

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Posted Oct 19, 2024

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Mendenhall Lake in Juneau, Alaska, United States
Credit: pexels.com, Mendenhall Lake in Juneau, Alaska, United States

The Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sledding Adventure Experience is a thrilling way to explore Juneau's stunning natural beauty. You'll have the chance to mush through the glacier's icy terrain, taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and frozen lake.

The tour typically lasts around 2-3 hours, giving you ample time to soak in the scenery and get a feel for dog sledding. You'll be mushing with a team of happy huskies, who are bred for their endurance and love of the sport.

As you glide across the glacier, you'll have the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of dog sledding in Alaska. Your experienced guide will share stories and insights about the sport, its importance to the region, and the unique challenges of mushing in this beautiful but unforgiving environment.

The Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sledding Adventure Experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with nature and experience the thrill of dog sledding in a truly unforgettable setting.

Planning and Booking

Credit: youtube.com, Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sledding & Helicopter Tour - Juneau, Alaska

Booking your dog sledding adventure on the Mendenhall Glacier early is crucial, as excursions routinely sell out well before the cruise.

This means you should book your dog sledding experience immediately when your excursion window opens for the best chance of securing a spot.

You don't pay for this pricey excursion ahead of time; it's added on to your Disney Cruise Line folio and billed during the cruise.

If weather or other unforeseen circumstances cause your dog sled tour to be cancelled, you won't be charged.

Preparation and Gear

To prepare for dog sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier, you'll want to pack layers, as conditions can change quickly.

Bring sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun's glare on the snow.

Pack gloves to keep your hands warm, and a hat to shield your head from the cold.

Waterproof pants that go over your jeans are a must-have for dog sledding on the glacier.

Waterproof boots are also essential to keep your feet dry and warm.

In July, the glacier temperatures were surprisingly comfortable, so dress in layers to avoid overheating.

Experience and Adventure

Credit: youtube.com, Thrilling Adventure: Helicopter Ride & Dog Sledding

You'll have the chance to mush through the stunning Mendenhall Glacier landscape with a team of professional dog mushers. The experience begins with a helicopter ride that drops you off in a snowy paradise.

The sound of excited barking dogs and the beat of the helicopter blades create an exhilarating atmosphere. You'll be assigned to a professional dog musher who will guide you through the tour.

The dog sled tour involves two sleds that make a train, with a team of huskies attached to the front sleigh. Each seat location on the sled makes a significant difference in the mushing experience, with the front seat offering incredible views and the standing position at the back providing a surprisingly exhilarating experience.

Morning of Our Excursion

The morning of our excursion was a nail-biter, with thick cloud cover over the mountain peaks. We woke to a thick cloud cover over the mountain peaks, but during breakfast the sun started peeking through.

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High Angle View of a Glacier Ice Tongue
Credit: pexels.com, High Angle View of a Glacier Ice Tongue

Safety is the top priority, so we kept our fingers crossed that the weather would cooperate. Watching the Juneau weather as our excursion approached was nerve wracking.

The sun's appearance gave us a glimmer of hope that our dog sledding adventure might actually happen. Dog sledding seemed like it might actually happen.

We took a 20-minute bus ride through downtown Juneau to the airfield, where we'd start our adventure.

Alaskan Adventure

The Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sledding Experience is a thrilling adventure that lets you walk on glaciers and enjoy unparalleled access to pristine environments. You'll arrive at the glacier via helicopter, where the sound of excited barking dogs mixes with the steady beat of the helicopter blades.

The helicopter ride offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, but be prepared for the possibility of last-minute cancellations due to Juneau's notoriously rainy and cloudy weather. Safety is a top priority, and staff will brief you on the day's activities before boarding the sleighs.

Credit: youtube.com, 6 Week Alaskan Adventure! Fishing Camping Hiking & Exploring Alaska with Family

You'll be assigned to professional dog mushers, who will introduce you to the day's activities and get you settled into the sleighs. Two sleds make a train, with a team of huskies attached to the front sleigh. The forward sled has two seats, while the second sled has one seat and a standing platform.

Each seat location makes a significant difference in your mushing experience, with the front seat offering incredible views of the dogs jumping into action. The standing position at the back is a surprisingly exhilarating experience that you won't want to miss.

The loop around the glacier, including photo stops, takes about 25 minutes to complete. Afterward, you'll arrive back at the dog sled camp, where you can snuggle and pet the adorable sled dog puppies before it's time to leave.

Cost and Value

The cost of Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sledding is a significant aspect to consider. Budget $859 per person for Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sledding during the 2024 Disney Alaska cruise season.

All guests aged two years and older pay the same fee for Dog Sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier, making it a straightforward expense to plan for.

Cost

the Snow Covered Tapper Creek in Alaska During Winter
Credit: pexels.com, the Snow Covered Tapper Creek in Alaska During Winter

The cost of dog sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier can vary depending on the time of year and the type of experience you're looking for.

The budget for Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sledding during the 2024 Disney Alaska cruise season is $859 per person.

All guests aged two years and older pay the same fee, so you don't have to worry about different prices for kids and adults.

The cost for Dog Sledding on Mendenhall Glacier is $659 per person, and for Dog Sledding Summer Camp it's $159 per person.

If you weigh 250 pounds or more, you'll need to pay an additional $150 to reserve a spot on the helicopter, as it's necessary for your safety and comfort.

Here's a breakdown of the costs:

Worth It?

The cost and value of an experience can be a tough decision to make. A scenic helicopter ride over the Juneau icefield can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The price of such an excursion can be steep, but it's worth considering the memories made. Dog Sledding on Mendenhall Glacier was worth it for the incredible memories made.

Mountains in Snow in Winter Landscape
Credit: pexels.com, Mountains in Snow in Winter Landscape

The cost of Dog Sledding Summer Camp, a less expensive option, is a significant factor in the decision-making process. This camp lets you ride a summer sled and play with husky puppies in a forest setting.

Packing sunscreen and bug spray is essential for a successful Dog Sledding Summer Camp experience. The value of this excursion lies in the unique experience and interaction with sled dogs.

Getting lucky and not having an excursion canceled can also impact the overall value of the experience.

Tips and Advice

As you prepare for your Mendenhall Glacier dog sledding adventure, keep in mind that the dogs will be working hard to pull you through the snow, so dress warmly in layers.

The Mendenhall Glacier is a 13-mile-long river of ice that is up to 1 mile wide, making it a breathtaking backdrop for your dog sledding experience.

Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the trip, as the cold air can be dehydrating.

Credit: youtube.com, Dogsledding on Mendenhall Glacier via Helicopter | Shore Excursion | NCL

The dog sled teams are typically made up of 8-12 dogs, each with their own unique personality and role in the team.

Be prepared to get hands-on and help with the dog sledding process, including feeding, grooming, and loading the sleds.

The Mendenhall Glacier is a fragile and protected environment, so be sure to follow all instructions and guidelines provided by your guides to minimize your impact on the glacier.

Helicopter and Transportation

The helicopter ride to Mendenhall Glacier was a thrilling experience, but it's essential to know what to expect.

Groups are determined by weight, which is a safety precaution to ensure the helicopter is properly balanced.

Before boarding, staff explains the seating arrangement and boarding order, which helps to minimize confusion and ensure a smooth takeoff.

The helicopter ride can be bumpy, and air currents may cause unexpected movements, which can be scary for some people.

But don't worry, the pilot is extremely reassuring and will point out breathtaking views of the ice fields to distract you from any nervousness.

It's also worth noting that helicopters arrive and depart from a specific location, and a light rain may start during your excursion, but it won't affect your flight back to Juneau.

Broaden your view: Boarding an Anxious Dog

Lorraine Stehr

Writer

Lorraine Stehr is a seasoned writer with a passion for storytelling. She has honed her craft through years of writing engaging articles that transport readers to new and exciting worlds. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for weaving words into compelling narratives, Lorraine has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.