When you think of dog sledding, you probably picture snow, cold air, and winter gear. But did you know you can go dog sledding in Alaska in the summer too? This might surprise you, but it is true. Summer sled tours are one of Alaska’s best hidden adventures.
Each year, families, friends, and adventure-seekers fly in from all over the world. They want to feel the rush of riding a sled pulled by happy, strong dogs — all while wearing light jackets or even t-shirts.
Next, let’s see how this amazing summer trip works.
How Snow Stays in Summer
Why Glaciers Make It Possible
In Alaska, huge blocks of ice called glaciers keep snow frozen all year long. A glacier is like a slow-moving frozen river. The ice can be thousands of years old. In summer, the lower parts of Alaska get warm, but high up in the mountains, these glaciers stay cold.
This is how mushers — the dog sled drivers — run glacier sled tours in summer. You may fly up in a helicopter and land right on the ice. Then, you step out and see bright white snow and blue ice all around you. It feels like you are walking on top of the world.
If you want to see how we plan glacier sled tours, check our Summer Cart Rides. We share more about these special trips.
Want to try this fun style of warm-weather mushing? Check out our Summer Cart Tours for routes that run through Alaska’s green forests
What Happens on a Summer Sled Tour
Meeting the Dogs
Before you ride, you get to meet the dogs. These dogs are trained to pull sleds in all seasons. Each one is part of a pack. They live and train together all year.
Many summer sled tours start at a sled dog camp. At the camp, you can:
- See how mushers prepare the sleds.
- Watch the dogs get ready.
- Learn how to help harness the dogs.
This is where the adventure really begins. The dogs bark and jump because they can’t wait to run. They know the trail. They know their job.
Your Ride Begins
Once the dogs are ready, you climb onto the sled. A musher may steer or, if you’re brave, you might help steer for a short time. The sled runners glide over the snow. You hear the soft sound of paws tapping the snow and the sled sliding behind.
Some tours last a few miles, while others go farther. Along the way, you see ice caves, snow fields, and wide mountain views. The sun stays out longer in Alaska’s summer, so you may ride under bright daylight even late at night. This is called the Midnight Sun.
Why Dogs Love It
These sled dogs love to run. They were born to pull. Many of them race in famous events like the Iditarod — which is a 1,000-mile dog sled race across Alaska.
When winter ends, mushers keep the dogs fit with summer sled tours. The dogs stay healthy, happy, and ready for the next race season. Visitors get to help with this training just by riding along.
Learning While You Ride
One cool part of summer sledding is how much you learn. Mushers teach you how they train the dogs, feed them, and care for their health.
You also learn about glaciers. Guides explain how glaciers form and why they stay frozen even when the valleys below are warm. They also share how climate change affects snow and ice.
Next time you see snow in the heat of summer, you will know how nature makes that magic happen.
Fun for Families
Kids Love It Too
Summer sled tours are perfect for families. Kids can help brush the dogs, feed them treats, or even learn simple sled commands. Some tours offer a Junior Musher Program, where young visitors can try steering a small team with help.
Parents love that kids come home with new knowledge. They don’t just ride; they learn about teamwork, nature, and care for animals.
Dryland Mushing: No Snow? No Problem
Not every summer sled tour uses snow. In places where snow melts sooner, mushers run dryland tours. These use a sled on wheels, called a cart. The dogs pull the cart down forest trails. You feel the same pull and rush — just without snow.
Dryland mushing happens on mountain paths. You ride through green forests and see summer wildlife. It’s a great way to enjoy mushing when you can’t reach a glacier.
Flying High for Summer Snow
Many summer sled tours begin with a helicopter ride. This flight takes you high above green valleys and forests. As you rise, you see the trees fall away and snow starts to appear again.
Next, the helicopter lands on a wide, flat snowfield on top of a glacier. When you step out, you feel cold snow under your boots — even though you left warm ground just minutes before.
This part of the trip is called heli-mushing. It means you mix flightseeing with sledding. Heli-mushing is a fun way to see more of Alaska’s wild lands in a short time.
Many people say the helicopter ride is just as exciting as the sled ride. If you’re interested in seeing both, our Summer Tours has details.
To get to know our loyal team before you arrive, visit our Meet the Dogs.
Inside a Summer Sled Dog Camp
Where Dogs and Mushers Live
After your helicopter lands, you visit a sled dog camp. This camp sits right on the glacier or nearby in a high valley.
Here, mushers live with their dog teams for weeks at a time. They train the dogs, feed them, and care for their health every day. The dogs sleep in small houses or in cozy spots dug into the snow.
Visitors get to see how mushers live in cold places for long days. Many mushers share stories about life on the trail. Some talk about the Yukon Quest, which is another big sled dog race.
These true tales help you see that sled dogs are not just pets — they are hard-working animals with big hearts.
Hands-On Learning
When you visit the camp, you can:
- Help feed the dogs.
- Try simple commands like “Hike!” which means “Go!”
- Watch how dogs get checked for health and paw care.
- See what mushers eat and how they stay warm.
This means you don’t just watch — you get involved.
Stories That Stay With You
Meeting the Lead Dog
Every dog team has a lead dog. This dog is smart and listens well. The lead dog runs in front and sets the pace. Many mushers tell stories about their lead dogs — how they learned to guide the team and what makes them special.
For example, you might meet a lead dog who ran the Iditarod. You might hear how this dog helped the team find the trail in a snowstorm. These stories help you feel closer to the dogs and mushers.
Why Mushers Love to Teach
Mushers are not just drivers. They are teachers, too. They love sharing their skills with visitors. Some mushers learned mushing from family members. Others came to Alaska from other states or countries because they love dogs and snow.
They know visitors may never see this world back home. So they share their passion. They talk about teamwork, trust, and what it takes to care for so many dogs.
Why Summer Sledding Helps the Dogs
Health and Fitness
Summer sled tours keep dogs healthy. The dogs stay strong when they pull carts or sleds during warm months. See how winter sledding plays a key role in their training and teamwork.
If they rest too much, they can lose muscle. Running on snow or trails keeps them fit for the next race season.
Puppy Training
Summer is a good time to teach young dogs. Puppies learn to run with older dogs. They get used to harnesses and commands. You might see a puppy’s first sled pull!
You can even help give them treats or watch their lessons. This makes summer sledding special for guests who want to see how a sled dog grows from pup to pro.
Learning About Climate
Many mushers teach guests about climate change. Warmer winters change snow patterns. Glaciers shrink in some places. Some mushers tell how they find new trails or use higher glacier fields to keep summer sledding alive.
By riding with them, you help support this work. Mushers use the money to care for dogs and protect local lands.
Next time you ride, ask your guide about what they see changing. Many guests say this part is eye-opening and makes them respect Alaska’s wild side even more.
When to Visit for Summer Snow
The Best Months
Summer sledding runs mostly from May to August. Early summer has more snow on lower trails. Later months use helicopters to reach higher icefields where snow stays frozen longer.
If you want to plan your trip, read our Planning Guide. It helps you choose the best time and know what to pack.
Glacier vs. Dryland: What’s Right for You?
A Quick Look
| Type of Tour | What You Get | Best For |
| Glacier Mushing | Real snow, high views, helicopter ride | Thrill seekers |
| Dryland Mushing | Wheeled cart on forest trails | Families with young kids |
| Combo Tours | Sledding plus glacier walks | Nature lovers |
How Summer Sled Tours Are Changing
Keeping the Tradition Alive
Alaska’s sled dog culture is old and special. For many years, mushers used dog teams to travel, deliver mail, and explore frozen places. Races like the Iditarod and Yukon Quest keep this tradition alive today.
But warm weather can change trails. Some snow melts faster than it used to. Summer sled tours help mushers keep their dogs working and healthy, even as the climate shifts.
By visiting a summer sled camp, you help mushers care for their dogs and protect this way of life. You become part of the story too.
Behind the Scenes: How We Plan Tours
Safety First
Running tours on snow in summer takes work. Mushers check the snow daily to make sure it is safe. They look at weather reports and watch how snow melts on the glacier.
They also check the dogs every day. If it gets too warm, dogs rest more often. They drink more water and wear special booties to protect their paws.
This care means your ride stays safe for you and the dogs.
Small Groups, Big Stories
Most summer sled tours use small groups. This makes it easier for mushers to care for everyone. Small groups also give you time to ask questions and get closer to the dogs.
Many mushers tell guests they prefer small tours because they feel more like family. You might sit by the campfire and hear stories about late-night races or surprise snowstorms on the trail.
Families planning trips with kids should check out our Family Friendly Adventures guide for extra tips
What Makes Summer Sledding So Memorable
Real Memories, Not Just Photos
People who ride a summer sled tour often say they remember the feeling more than the photos. They remember the crunch of snow under the sled. The happy barks of dogs who can’t wait to run. The cold wind mixed with warm sun on their face.
Some say it feels like living in a storybook for a day. Many families come back again to try a different trail or season.
A Chance to Disconnect
Summer sledding takes you far from busy cities. There is no phone signal on most glaciers. Instead of screens, you see wide skies, snowy hills, and smiling dogs.
Many parents love this part. They say their kids forget about video games for a while and focus on nature.
How to Get Ready
What to Pack
Packing for summer sledding is easy. Bring:
- A light jacket
- Sunglasses
- Gloves (it can still be cold on the glacier)
- Sturdy shoes or boots
- A camera or phone (for photos — but keep it warm!)
For a full list, check our Packing List.
Book Early
Summer is a busy time for Alaska tours. Many spots sell out fast. Booking early helps you pick the best day and time.
Families planning trips with kids should check out our Family Friendly Adventures too — it has tips for choosing the right tour.
Other Things to Do
Mix It Up
Many visitors add other adventures to their sled tour. Some ideas:
- Take a glacier walk after your ride.
- Visit a local town like Talkeetna for food and shopping.
- Try fishing, hiking, or wildlife viewing.
Why Book with Us
When you book with us, you get:
- Small groups for a personal touch.
- Happy, healthy dogs who love to run.
- Guides with years of race and tour experience.
- A real look at life in Alaska’s backcountry.
You help mushers keep this tradition alive for the next generation. You also help care for the dogs who make these adventures possible.
Final Thoughts
A summer sled tour is more than just a ride. It’s a piece of Alaska’s past, present, and future. It’s a thrill that makes you smile every time you remember it. It’s teamwork, trust, and true adventure.
Come meet our dogs. Hear our mushers. Ride with us — and bring home a story that snow, sun, and sled dogs made possible.