Glacier Dog Sledding
If you think winter is the only time you can go dog sledding on snow in Alaska, think again. One of the 49th state’s most memorable activities is dog sledding, and it’s something anyone can do all summer long on Alaska’s glaciers.
You can also go dogsledding at lower elevations in summer. Of course, down there, there’s no snow, so dogs pull passengers in wheeled carts through the forest. It’s still an exciting experience, but let’s face it—mushing through snow, Iditarod-style, is what most people think of when they think of dogsledding.
Fortunately, several companies can take you up in a helicopter (so you’ll also get a mini-flightseeing tour) and land on a glacier, where you’ll find a camp set up, complete with dogs, ready for your adventure. The dogs know what the helicopter’s arrival means—it’s time to run!—and they’ll start jumping and barking, excited to get going. You’ll then take off on an expedition across the glacier, going at a healthy clip. Anyone who wants will have the opportunity to drive the sled, or you can just sit back and take in the gorgeous surrounding scenery, including dramatic hanging glaciers.
It’s a trip suitable for all ages and fitness levels—some tours are even handicap-accessible. Temperatures may be chilly (always dress in layers) but are usually comfortable, and most companies will have clothes you can borrow to stay warm. Just don’t forget your camera—you won’t want to miss documenting this adventure!
Girdwood View All
45 Mins South of Anchorage
Ratchet up the adventure factor and try your hand at dogsledding. Alpine Air Alaska flies to a dog camp run by the oldest established dog-sled tour business in Alaska. With a shuttle option available from Anchorage, you’ll travel by helicopter from Girdwood’s green forests up over a small saddle to land on a glacier and be introduced to the dog team. “Drive” the dogs yourself, or sit in the sled and enjoy hanging glaciers that surround you. ...more
Skagway View All
Board a TEMSCO flight that whisks you thousands of feet above sea level to the Denver glacier and a dog mushing camp hidden away on a snow field. Listen to their chorus of energetic barking before taking off with their musher across the glacier. After the demonstration, you will make your way over to cuddle the future Iditarod champions, puppies!
Palmer View All
45 Mins North of Anchorage
Stunning scenery, a thrilling ride and happy puppies: this tour out of the Anchorage area offers an unbeatable combination of classic Alaska experiences that will delight families or — really, anybody. Taking a total of about 90 minutes, and running from mid-May to early September, this tour includes a Flightseeing round trip, a small friendly group environment, and plenty of one-on-one time with the dogs and their mushers.
Embark on a thrilling dog sledding adventure with Snowhook’s team of Alaskan Huskies and experience the excitement of running sled dogs on the scenic Iditarod trail. Owned by seasoned racers, Snowhook offers personalized tours for all ages and activity levels, with the option to combine dog sledding and snowmobiling for a full-day Alaskan adventure.
Juneau View All
Get great views with some hands-on fun — combine a scenic flightseeing helicopter tour with the exhilaration of dog mushing on a glacier with a team of Alaskan Sled dogs!
Hop on a TEMSCO helicopter for an Alaskan adventure combining aviation, sled dogs and massive glaciers. Get an amazing view of the gorgeous landscape surrounding Juneau, and then ride along as an energetic team of huskies tours you around the ancient, snow-packed Mendenhall glacier.
Seward View All
Experience the magic of summer dogsledding by mushing on a glacier surrounded by stunning scenery when you go with Alaska Helicopter Tours out of Seward. You can even add a landing on an iceberg-filled lagoon next to a massive glacier.