Alaska is a place full of snow, mountains, and big wide skies. Many people dream of coming here to see its wild beauty. But how should you explore it? Two of the best ways are glacier dog sledding and winter backcountry trekking. Both adventures are exciting but feel very different.
Glacier dog sledding is like flying into a snow kingdom. You ride with friendly dogs and mushers on a safe path over ice. Winter backcountry trekking is when you walk or ski deep into the wild. You carry what you need and trust your legs and your guide.
This guide will help you choose which one fits you. It explains what to expect, how much work each takes, what you see, and how to plan. You can also check our Winter Tours for more about trips on snow.
What Is Glacier Dog Sledding?
Glacier dog sledding is one of the top ways to see snow even in summer. A glacier is a huge frozen river of ice that moves very slowly downhill. Because it stays cold, snow sticks on top even when towns below feel warm.
Your adventure starts with a short helicopter ride. You fly high above green trees, rocky cliffs, and rivers. The helicopter lands on the glacier where snow covers everything.
A musher (a person who drives the sled) and a team of trained sled dogs wait for you there. These dogs love to run. They are strong, smart, and friendly. They pull the sled while you ride and watch the white world around you.
Most tours last one to three hours. Guides give you warm boots, snow suits, and gloves. You can stand behind the sled to feel what mushing is like. Or you can sit and relax while the dogs do the work.
Next, your guide will share stories about the dogs. You can pet them and take photos. Many mushers care for their dogs like family. If you want to know how we care for ours, visit Meet the Dogs.
What Is Winter Backcountry Trekking?
Now, what about the backcountry? The backcountry is wild land far from towns and roads. In winter, it turns into deep snow, frozen rivers, and silent forests. Backcountry trekking means you move through this land on foot, snowshoes, or skis.
Unlike glacier tours, you do not fly there. You drive to a trailhead or take a snowmobile to reach the starting point. From there, you follow trails through woods, over hills, and across valleys. Sometimes you sleep in tents under the stars. Some people do a short day hike. Others stay out for days.
Backcountry trips are not guided by mushers and dogs. You use your own strength to go forward. This makes it feel wild and real. Many people do these trips with guides who know the land and can help in bad weather.
How Glacier Sledding Feels vs. Backcountry Trekking
Next, let’s look at how each feels. Glacier sledding is smooth and quick. You do not have to hike. You feel wind on your face as the sled glides. The dogs bark and run ahead, and the musher steers. The sound of the sled on fresh snow is soft and calming.
Backcountry trekking is slower and harder. You feel the weight of your bag and gear. Your feet crunch through snow. The cold can bite your nose and fingers. But you also feel strong and free. You make your own path with help from your guide.
Both ways let you see Alaska’s wild side. But they fit different people. Families with kids or older travelers often pick sledding. Hikers who want adventure and challenge pick the backcountry.
Key Differences: Place and Time
So what are the main differences? Here is an easy breakdown:
Glacier Dog Sledding
- Place: High glaciers, far from towns.
- How you get there: Helicopter.
- Season: Summer (May–September) when the ice is safe.
- Time: Short trips (1–3 hours).
- Effort: Easy, the dogs do the work.
- Wildlife: Only sled dogs and birds in the sky.
- Best for: Photos, families, cruise travelers.
Winter Backcountry
- Place: Snowy woods, valleys, ridges.
- How you get there: Drive or snowmobile.
- Season: Winter (December–March) when snow is deep.
- Time: Short day trips or multi-day treks.
- Effort: Harder. You hike, ski, or snowshoe.
- Wildlife: Possible to see moose, foxes, hares.
- Best for: Adventure seekers, hikers, wildlife lovers.
Safety and Guides
Safety is very important. Glacier sledding is one of the safest tours in Alaska. Guides check the weather. Helicopters do not fly if it is stormy. Mushers know the glacier well. They care for the dogs, the sled, and you.
Backcountry trekking has more risks. Snow can hide holes or rivers. Avalanches (big slides of snow) can happen in steep places. The cold can freeze your skin if you do not wear good layers.
This means you should never trek alone. Good guides help you plan safe routes. They bring maps, radios, and first aid kits. Always pick trained guides with backcountry safety skills.If you want, we can help you plan or connect you with trusted guides — just visit Plan Your Visit.r Visit.
Gear You Will Need
Next, think about what to pack. For glacier sledding, you only need warm base layers and a camera. The tour team gives you snow boots, wind jackets, and gloves.
For backcountry trekking, you pack:
- Warm, layered clothes.
- Extra socks and gloves.
- Food and snacks.
- Hot drinks in a thermos.
- Tents and sleeping bags for overnight trips.
- Safety gear like maps, radios, or beacons.
Good boots and snowshoes or skis help you move in deep snow. If you want help packing, use our sledding gear checklist.
Let’s Compare the Costs
How much do these adventures cost? Glacier sledding costs more because of the helicopter. It usually costs about $500 to $650 per person. But you get a short, amazing ride and friendly dogs.
Backcountry trekking costs depend on what you do. A short hike may cost little if you have your own gear. A guided multi-day trek can cost $800 to $2,000 per person. This covers food, guide help, and transport. Many people think it is worth it for a longer adventure.
Animals You Might See
One big question many travelers have is: Will I see animals?
Glacier dog sledding is more about the dogs and ice. Glaciers sit high above the forests. Most animals do not live there. It is too cold and has no plants for food. So, you will not see moose, bears, or other big animals on the glacier.
But you will see the sled dogs! These dogs are the real stars. They love to run and pull the sled. You can pet them, take photos, and watch how they work together. Our mushers love sharing stories about each dog. You can meet our real sled team on our Meet the Dogs page.
Winter backcountry trekking is very different. The snowy woods and valleys are home to many animals. You might see moose walking through trees. Snowshoe hares hop over fresh snow. You may hear birds like ravens and owls.
Wildlife is not guaranteed. These animals hide well. But the chance to spot them makes each trek special.
How the Scenery Changes
Next, let’s look at the views.
Glacier sledding is like stepping onto a giant white field. Everywhere you look is snow and ice. You can see bright blue cracks in the glacier called crevasses. Sometimes the sun makes rainbows in the ice. It feels like standing on another planet!
But the view stays the same during your ride. The glacier does not change much. You get sweeping views, but only ice and sky.
Backcountry trekking changes all the time. You may start in a forest. Then you cross a frozen creek. Next, you reach an open ridge and see far-off mountains. Snow-covered trees sparkle in the sun. Every turn shows something new.
If you love taking many kinds of photos, the backcountry is the winner.
Do You Want Company or Quiet?
How social do you want your adventure to be?
Glacier sledding is friendly and social. You ride with other guests. The musher talks to you and shares facts. Kids ask questions and laugh. Many people come with family or friends.
Backcountry trekking is the opposite. You may see no one but your guide and your group. Some hikers like to be alone. They enjoy the silence. They listen to snow falling off trees. For many people, this quiet is the best part.
What Season Should You Go?
Both trips happen in very different seasons.
Glacier dog sledding happens in summer. This may sound funny because it is snow! But Alaska’s glaciers stay frozen even when towns are warm. The best time is late May to early September. Helicopters fly when the weather is clear. Book early if you come on a cruise — these tours fill up fast!
Backcountry trekking happens in true winter. December to March is best. Snow is deep and trails are firm. Some people like late winter best. In February and March, the days get longer but the snow stays good.
Cost vs. What You Get
Let’s talk about value.
Glacier sledding is a short but big memory. The helicopter ride, the dogs, and the ice fields make it feel like a dream. Many families see it as a “bucket list” treat.
Backcountry trekking can last days. For the same price, you may spend 2–5 days outside. Many say it gives them more stories to tell. If you already own gear, your cost drops a lot. You pay for food, gas, and maybe a guide.
How Each Fits the Earth
Some people ask, “Which is better for nature?”
Glacier sledding needs helicopters. Flying burns fuel. Many tour groups use rules to protect the glacier and take care of the dogs. Good companies follow safe landing rules and care for the dogs year-round.
Backcountry trekking uses no fuel for the trail. You walk or ski. You pack out what you pack in. Many hikers follow Leave No Trace rules. This means no trash left behind. No harm to plants or animals.
So, if you want the lightest footprint, the backcountry is better.
Who Should Pick Which?
Still not sure? Here are quick match-ups:
- Best for families: Glacier sledding. Kids love meeting the dogs.
- Best for wildlife lovers: Backcountry. More chance to see animals.
- Best for photos: Glacier sledding for ice shots, backcountry for many views.
- Best for thrill: Glacier sledding has the helicopter ride.
- Best for deep adventure: Backcountry. Long days, quiet, wild.
- Best for short time: Glacier sledding. Fits in half a day.
- Best for eco-friendly: Backcountry trekking.
Easy Side-by-Side Comparison
To help you pick fast, here is a simple table:
| Feature | Glacier Dog Sledding | Winter Backcountry Trek |
| Season | May – September | December – March |
| How Long | 1–3 hours | Half-day to 5+ days |
| How You Get There | Helicopter | Drive, snowmobile, ski in |
| Fitness Needed | Very low | Medium to high |
| Wildlife | Sled dogs only | Moose, hares, maybe foxes |
| Views | Ice fields, open sky | Woods, rivers, ridges |
| Social Feel | Group ride, guide talk | Quiet, small group or solo |
| Cost | $500–$650 per person | $100–$2,000 per person |
| Impact on Nature | Higher, due to fuel | Lower, mostly human-powered |
| Family Friendly | Very high | Medium, older kids best |
| Best For | Cruise guests, photos | Hikers, wildlife fans, solo time |
Real Stories: Which Fits You?
Who picks glacier sledding?
Emma is a teacher from Texas. She visited Alaska on a cruise with her parents and kids. They only had five hours in Juneau. They booked a glacier dog sled ride. They loved the helicopter view. Her kids hugged the sled dogs. They still have the photos on their fridge!
Who picks the backcountry?
Jamal is a college student who loves hiking. He saved up for a winter break trek. He booked a three-day guided backcountry trip near Denali. He saw a moose, learned how to use snowshoes, and camped under the northern lights. He says it was the hardest but best thing he ever did.
Tips for Picking
- Short trip? Pick glacier sledding. It fits cruise stops or tight plans.
- Family with small kids? Pick sledding. Safe, short, very fun.
- Want nature and no crowds? Pick backcountry.
- Want both? Some travelers do both! Fly to a glacier one day, hike a forest the next.
How to Get Ready
If you choose glacier sledding:
- Book early. Many dates fill fast.
- Dress in layers. The company gives you boots and warm suits.
- Bring a camera. The views are worth it.
- Read about our Sled Dog Racing Experience if you want to try driving a sled yourself!
If you choose backcountry:
- Get warm, good gear. Use our Packing List.
- Train your body. Try hiking with a backpack before you come.
- Pick a good guide. We can help you plan — check Plan Your Visit.
- Learn Leave No Trace rules. Nature thanks you.
Final Thoughts
Alaska has space for both the dreamer and the doer. Glacier dog sledding is short, sweet, and full of wow moments. Backcountry trekking is deep, wild, and makes you feel part of the land.
One gives you photos and the feel of flying over ice. The other gives you quiet time and real tracks in deep snow.
Whatever you choose, you will come back with stories. You will feel the cold on your face and the thrill in your heart. That’s the magic of Alaska.