Do you want to do something amazing this winter? Try driving your own dog sled through Alaska’s wild land. You will not just sit and ride. You will stand on the sled, hold on tight, and guide strong huskies across snow and forest. This adventure is called mushing, which means you are the driver for a team of sled dogs.
Many visitors watch dog sled teams from far away. But here, you are the musher. You learn the skill. You become part of the team. You feel the snow under your feet and the cold air on your face. This is what makes Alaska special for dog sledding.
Next, let’s see why so many people love to mush here.
Why Our Sled Tours Are Different
Some tours only let you sit in the sled while a guide does the work. We do things differently. You get real training. You do the driving. You earn the skill. This means you feel proud when you finish.
Here is what you learn:
- Dog Commands: Simple words to steer your dogs. For example, “Gee!” means turn right. “Haw!” means turn left.
- How to Balance: Stand steady on snow curves and hills.
- How to Stop: Use a snow brake if needed.
- Dog Roles: You meet the pack. Learn the job of the lead dog, who listens to you. The swing dogs, who help turn. The team dogs, who run in the middle. The wheel dogs, who pull near the sled.
Before your ride, you spend time with the dogs. You pet them and learn their names. These dogs are not pets. They are real working dogs — strong, smart, and born to run.
Also, every guest gets a hands-on lesson near our base. This makes you ready to control the sled when you go on the real trail.
Why Alaska Is Perfect for Dog Sledding
Alaska is known around the world for dog sledding. The famous Iditarod is a long dog sled race that happens here every winter. The race goes across rough, snowy land for many days. Because of this history, Alaska has the best trails and strong mushing culture.
Also, you get to see amazing sights. For example:
- Fairbanks: Great for night rides with the Northern Lights. This means green and purple lights dancing in the sky.
- Anchorage: Easy trails for beginners. Good if this is your first time.
- Nome: This is where the Iditarod race ends. You can ride on parts of that trail.
When you mush here, you do what old mushers did long ago — but with modern safety and gear.
Want to know more about this tradition? Read our history of Dog Mushing in Alaska to see how it all started.
Need a full gear list? Use our Sledding Gear Checklist to stay warm, protected, and trail-ready, and don’t forget to review the Winter Ride Packing List for a complete breakdown of what to bring for cold-weather adventures.
Who Can Join a Dog Sled Tour?
You do not need to be an expert or athlete. If you can balance and listen to simple commands, you can drive a sled.
These tours are perfect for:
- First-timers who want to try something new.
- Families with teens who love winter.
- Couples who want an exciting date.
- Solo travelers who want to learn a real skill.
- Older guests who like soft adventure.
Before the ride, every guest gets a safety talk. We check that your clothes are warm enough. If you do not have warm clothes, we lend you sled suits, boots, and gloves.
Some tours are short — about 2 hours. Some tours last all day or even many days if you want to sleep in a cozy cabin.
Step-by-Step Training to Feel Ready
No one jumps on a sled without training. Before you touch real trails, you practice near our camp. This makes you calm and ready.
What you practice:
- How to put the harness on the dogs so they feel safe.
- How to check the sled. Look at the brake, footboards, and frame.
- How to balance on turns.
- How to use voice commands so your dogs follow you.
Your guide stays with you. You do a test run on a small practice trail. This means you know what to do when you go into deep snow.
Also, for longer tours, we teach you:
- How to feed your dogs at night.
- How to read snow signs and landmarks.
- How to be polite when you see other mushers.
This training helps you feel like a real musher.
Meet and Bond with Your Sled Dogs
One of the best parts of dog sledding is meeting the dogs. These are not just pets. They are trained athletes. They love to run. They love to work with you. When you mush, you and your dogs become a team.
First, you spend time with the dogs. You learn each dog’s name. You see who is the lead dog and who is the wheel dog. The lead dog listens to your voice and leads the pack. The wheel dogs are at the back near the sled. They help pull the weight.
Next, you learn how to talk to the dogs. Clear words help the dogs know what to do. Because of this, you feel safe and the dogs feel happy. Good teamwork makes a smooth ride across the snow.
We also share fun stories about each dog’s personality. Some dogs are shy. Some dogs are super friendly. When the dogs trust you, they follow you better on the trail.
Want to know our pack better? Visit our Meet the Dogs page to explore their names and stories.
What Gear Do You Need for Dog Sledding?
Alaska is cold in winter. We want you warm and safe. So, we give you the right gear.
You get:
- Warm Boots: Waterproof and thick.
- Sled Suit: A warm suit that blocks wind and snow.
- Gloves and Hats: Keep hands and head warm.
- Goggles: Protect your eyes from snow and sun glare.
- Neck Gaiters: Cover your neck from wind.
- Hand Warmers: Small packs that warm your hands in gloves.
Each sled has an emergency kit too. This kit has:
- Snacks and water.
- A first aid kit.
- Spare dog booties (small boots for dogs).
- A radio or satellite phone for help.
Our guides carry backup tools and snowmobiles. This means help is ready if you need it.
For more tips on staying warm outdoors, see trusted gear reviews like Outdoor Gear Lab.Need a full gear list? Use our Sledding Gear Checklist to stay warm and trail-ready.
Trail Briefing: Know Before You Go
Before you ride, your guide talks about the trail. You learn:
- What the snow was like that day.
- Where the trail goes.
- How to turn around if needed.
- What to do in bad weather.
Alaska’s weather can change fast. We plan safe routes. If a storm comes, we change paths or bring you back with a snowmobile.
All our guides are trained in Wilderness First Aid. This means you are always in good hands.
Different Trails for Every Skill Level
We have many trails. Some are easy for first-timers. Some are hard for mushers who want a challenge. Here are a few:
Denali Loop Trail
This trail goes through thick forest. It has small hills. It is flat enough for beginners. You see snow-covered trees and quiet places. Many people love this for their first ride.
Yukon River Trail
This trail is harder. It crosses frozen rivers and has wide turns. Long ago, people used this trail during the gold rush. You feel like an explorer from the past.
Northern Lights Ridgeway
This trail runs at night. You can see the Aurora Borealis, also called the Northern Lights. It is short but very pretty.
Nome Heritage Expedition
This trail is for skilled mushers. It follows part of the Iditarod trail. You see wide tundra and deep snow drifts. You also stop at old musher checkpoints.
Trails Change With the Season
Trails in Alaska change with the weather. Here is what you can expect:
- Early Winter (October–December)
- Thin snow. Good for first rides.
- Dogs are fresh and full of energy.
- Thin snow. Good for first rides.
- Peak Season (January–March)
- Deep snow and cold air.
- Long runs. Best time to see the Northern Lights.
- Dogs are at their strongest.
- Deep snow and cold air.
- Spring Melt (April–May)
- Snow gets soft. Days are warmer.
- Trails are shorter for safety.
- You may see rivers starting to open.
- Snow gets soft. Days are warmer.
Amazing Views Along the Trail
When you drive a dog sled, you do not just ride — you see amazing Alaska sights. This is more than snow. You pass rivers, forests, and big open land.
On the trail, you may see:
- Frozen Rivers: These are glacier-fed rivers covered in snow and ice.
- Snowy Pines: Trees glitter in the sun, especially at sunset.
- Wildlife: You might see moose, foxes, or birds called ptarmigan.
- Open Tundra: Wide land with snow as far as you can see.
- Northern Lights: At night, green and purple lights dance in the sky.
We pick trails with the best photo spots. You can bring a camera or action video. Also, our guides help you take pictures so you can remember your ride.
When you rest at trail huts, you can warm up, drink hot cocoa, and enjoy the quiet views. It is peaceful and wild at the same time.
Who Loves This Adventure?
Dog sledding sounds big and bold. But it is safe and fun for many people. We see all kinds of guests.
We welcome:
- Couples: They want a special memory together.
- Families: Teens love teamwork with the dogs.
- Solo Travelers: Learn new skills alone but with support.
- Older Adults: If you can balance and stand, you can mush.
- Groups: Some companies book tours for team building.
You do not need to be a super athlete. You just need warm clothes, a good spirit, and the wish to try something new. Every guest fills out a safety form. We pick the best trail for your skills.
New to all this? Read our First-Timer’s Guide for tips and common questions
Make Your Tour Extra Special
Some guests want to add something unique. We can help with that.
Here are some ways you can make your adventure extra special:
- Private Sled: Get your own sled and guide.
- Night Rides: Mush under stars with special headlamps.
- Long Tours: Sleep overnight in warm cabins.
- Photo Add-Ons: Get pro pictures of your trip.
- Wildlife Trails: Pick routes where animals often come out.
- Skill Class: Learn more advanced mushing over a few days.
We suggest booking extra options at least 3 weeks ahead, especially in peak season when many people come to see the Aurora Borealis.
Want to plan a private or custom trip? Visit our Contact page to talk with our team and build your plan.
We Support All Guests
Dog sledding should be for everyone. We know some guests need extra help. That is why we have special gear and spaces.
We offer:
- Sit-Down Sleds: These sleds have seats and seatbelts.
- Side-by-Side Sleds: Ride next to your guide.
- Smooth Ramps: Easy to get into the warming huts.
- Warm Waiting Rooms: Heated spots to rest before the ride.
- Voice Radios: Easy to talk to your guide if you need help.
- Quiet Hours: Trails with low noise for guests who prefer calm.
If you use a wheelchair or have sensory needs, tell us early. We do our best to make you comfortable and safe.