Why Preparation Matters
Racing in Alaska is not like racing anywhere else. The weather is wild. The snow is deep. Trails can freeze or melt overnight. If we do not plan well, we can get lost, stuck, or hurt.
Good preparation keeps our dogs safe and strong. It also makes the ride fun for guests who want to try dog sledding for the first time. If you want to know more about how to start your own adventure, check our First-Timer’s Guide.
Learning the Route
One of the first things we do is study the route. The route is the trail we will follow. We check maps. We look for rivers, forests, and hills. We find good spots to stop for food and rest.
In big races like the Iditarod (a famous long sled dog race in Alaska), mushers — these are the people who drive the sled — spend months looking at maps and weather reports. They look at past storms. They check how much snow is on the ground.
We do this too for our Sled Dog Racing Experience. It helps us know when and where to run the dogs safely.
Watching the Weather
Weather changes fast in Alaska. One day it can be sunny. The next day it can snow so hard you can’t see the trail. We use weather tools from groups like the Alaska Climate Research Center. These tools tell us about wind, snow, and cold.
We plan for bad weather, too. We pack extra gear if a storm is coming. We pick a safer route if ice is thin. This helps us protect our dogs, guests, and mushers.
Scouting the Trail
Scouting means we go out and look at the trail before the big race or tour. We check:
- How deep the snow is.
- Where the trail is icy.
- Where we can stop for food or water.
Scouting helps us fix any problems. For example, if there is a tree in the way, we clear it. If a bridge is broken, we find another path.
Picking the Best Gear
Good gear keeps us warm and safe. It helps our dogs do their best. Here are some things we pack and check:
- Sled: The sled carries people and supplies. We pick sleds with wide runners (the flat parts on the bottom) for soft snow. For hard ice, we use narrow runners for speed.
- Harnesses: These are straps that connect the dogs to the sled. We check for tears. We make sure they fit each dog.
- Booties: Tiny boots protect the dogs’ paws. We carry extras because they can wear out fast.
- Snow hooks: These are metal hooks that keep the sled from moving when we stop.
- Emergency kits: We pack first aid, extra rope, tools, and food.
If you want to know what to bring when you come, read our Packing List.
Testing the Gear
We do not just pack gear. We test it too. We pull on harnesses to see if they break. We check sled runners for cracks. We test snow hooks in deep snow.
For snow machines (if we use them), we check engines and fuel. Cold weather can make fuel freeze. So, we use special fuel that works in low temperatures.
Balancing the Load
Load means everything we carry on the sled — people, food, and gear. If the sled is too heavy, the dogs get tired fast. If it’s too light, we may not have enough supplies.
We balance the load so the sled does not tip. Heavy stuff goes in the middle. Light things go on top. If we go up steep hills, we tie the load tight so nothing falls off.
Training the Dogs
Training our dogs is the most important part. Sled dogs love to run, but they need practice. We train them to:
- Listen to commands.
- Work as a team.
- Pull together without fighting.
We watch each dog’s health. We check their paws, legs, and fur. If a dog looks tired, we rest it. To learn more about how we train, visit Meet the Dogs.
Practicing Commands
Dogs follow special words called commands. Here are some:
- Gee: Turn right.
- Haw: Turn left.
- Whoa: Stop.
- Hike: Start running.
We practice these commands every day. We reward the dogs when they listen. This keeps them happy and excited to work.
Staying Healthy
We keep our dogs healthy with good food, rest, and vet checks. A vet is an animal doctor. Before every race or tour, we check each dog’s weight and energy. We brush their fur and check for cuts.
A healthy dog team is a happy team!
Emergency Plans
Sometimes bad things happen on the trail. A storm can blow in. A sled can break. A dog can get hurt.
That’s why we practice drills. Drills are practice runs for problems. For example:
- We practice setting up a tent in strong wind.
- We teach mushers how to fix broken harnesses fast.
- We practice first aid for dogs and people.
If a radio stops working, we have hand signs. We use flags or lights to talk to each other if it’s dark or snowy.
Teamwork and Safety
Everyone helps on the trail. Mushers drive the sled. Handlers help with dogs. Some people watch the weather. Some fix gear.
Good teamwork means good safety. We teach our team to help each other and stay calm in tough times.
Why It’s All Worth It
Racing and touring with sled dogs is not easy. But when you stand on the sled and feel the wind, it’s all worth it. You see mountains, forests, and fresh snow. The dogs run with joy. They love to pull. You feel part of Alaska.
Early Morning Checks
On race day, we wake up early. We feed the dogs first. They need lots of good food to run long miles in the cold. We check their paws and harnesses. If it’s very cold, we put on new booties.
We also check the sled. Is the load balanced? Are the hooks tight? Are the ropes in good shape? We pack extra food and water. We checked our emergency gear one more time.
Last-Minute Weather Updates
Before we leave, we check the latest weather again. Snow can fall fast in Alaska. Wind can pick up speed. Sometimes we change the route at the last minute if there is a storm.
This is why we always watch the sky and listen to weather radios during the race. Good weather plans keep everyone safe.
Starting the Race
When the dogs see the sled ready, they get so excited! They bark and jump. They can’t wait to run. The musher stands on the sled and calls, “Hike!” That means go.
The dogs pull as a team. They know where to go because they trained for it. The musher gives commands like “Gee” (right) or “Haw” (left).
If you want to see what it feels like to stand on a sled, check out our Drive a Dog Sled Experience.
Watching the Dogs
During the run, the musher watches the dogs closely. Are they tired? Is a paw hurt? Are the lines straight?
If a dog limps, we stop and check its paw. If a harness is loose, we fix it. We never let a small problem become a big one.
Keeping the Dogs Happy
Dogs love to run, but they need breaks too. We stop to rest, feed them snacks, and let them roll in the snow. Happy dogs pull better and run longer.
We also talk to them and cheer them on. Dogs can feel our energy. A happy musher means a happy team.
Communication on the Trail
We don’t just watch the dogs. We talk to our team too. In big races, mushers use radios to talk to other team members or people back at base.
But in Alaska, radio signals can fail. So we use other ways:
- Hand signals.
- Flags.
- Lights or reflectors at night.
Good communication keeps everyone safe if the weather turns bad.
Fixing Problems Fast
Sometimes things break on the trail. A sled runner (the bottom part) might crack. A rope might snap. The snow hook might get stuck in ice.
We carry a repair kit:
- Extra ropes.
- Tape.
- Small tools.
- Extra harnesses and booties.
If we can’t fix something fast, we call for help. Safety always comes first.
Trail Hazards and How We Handle Them
Alaska trails can be tricky. Here are some things we watch for:
1. Thin Ice:
Sometimes lakes or rivers have thin ice. We check ice thickness before crossing. If it cracks, we back up and find another way.
2. Blizzards:
A blizzard is heavy snow and strong wind. If we see one coming, we look for shelter — like trees or small hills. We wait it out if needed.
3. Wild Animals:
Sometimes we see moose or wolves. Moose can block the trail. We never chase them. We stop and wait for them to pass.
Staying Warm
Mushers dress in layers. We wear warm coats, hats, gloves, and boots. If we get wet, we can freeze fast. So, we pack extra dry clothes.
Dogs stay warm by moving. If they rest for a long time, we cover them with blankets or straw beds.
Rest Stops and Checkpoints
On long races, we have planned stops called checkpoints. Here, we:
- Rest the dogs.
- Feed them warm food.
- Check gear.
- Talk to other mushers.
Checkpoints help us track how far we have gone. They also help us decide if we need to change the plan.
Thinking Ahead
A good musher always thinks ahead. Should we go faster or slower? Should we rest now or later? Should we change the route if the trail looks unsafe?
These choices make a big difference. One small smart choice can save hours later.
Working Together
Everyone on the team talks and shares updates. If one person sees a problem — like deep snow ahead — they tell the musher fast. Then we fix it or find another way.
This is why teamwork is so important on the trail.
What Makes It Special
When you stand on the sled, you feel the cold wind and hear the dogs breathing. You see white snow, big trees, and sometimes the northern lights.
It’s a feeling you can’t find anywhere else.
Caring for Our Champions
Our dogs are champions, no matter if they come in first or last. After a race or long tour, we check each dog nose to tail.
Here’s what we do right away:
- Give each dog water and a snack.
- Check paws for cracks or ice stuck in the fur.
- Gently rub their legs and shoulders so muscles relax.
- Take off booties and check for any sore spots.
We do this for every dog, every time.
Feeding Time: Refueling Tired Tummies
Running long trails in cold weather burns lots of energy. Our dogs need good food to stay strong.
We feed them:
- Meat stews: Warm meat gives protein.
- High-fat kibble: More calories for warmth.
- Fish treats: Huskies love fish!
Mushers sometimes cook warm broth. Dogs slurp it up happily. Good food helps their muscles heal and keeps their fur thick and shiny.
Resting Warm and Safe
When feeding is done, we bed down the dogs. Out on the trail, we make straw nests. Back at the kennel, we use dry blankets and dog houses. Each dog has a cozy space out of the wind.
Tired dogs love to curl up tight. They put their tail over their nose to keep warm.
Musher Recovery
Dogs aren’t the only ones who need recovery. Mushers must rest too.
We warm up by the fire, share hot meals, and talk about the trail. We stretch our legs, check for frostbite on fingers and toes, and swap funny trail stories.
Fixing Sleds and Gear
Snow, ice, and long miles can break gear. After the run, we:
- Dry out harnesses and ropes.
- Fix or replace torn lines.
- Sharpen or sand sled runners.
- Check snow hooks and emergency tools.
A sled in top shape means no surprises next time.
Learning Together
Every tour or race teaches us something new. Sometimes we find a better trail. Sometimes we learn a new trick to calm dogs when the wind howls.
We keep notes in a logbook. This helps mushers, dog handlers, and guests know what to expect.
Fun fact: Some of these lessons go back over 100 years! Mushing is an old Alaskan skill that mushers pass down to new generations.
Helping Young Mushers
Many mushers share what they know with kids. We visit schools and camps. We show how harnesses work, teach dog commands, and explain what sled dogs eat.
Kids love to meet our lead dogs. These dogs are smart and gentle leaders who set the pace for the whole team.
Sled Dog Jobs Explained
In every dog team, each dog has a special job:
- Lead Dogs: Run in front. They listen to the musher’s voice and steer the team.
- Swing Dogs: Right behind the lead dogs. They help turn the team.
- Team Dogs: These strong dogs pull in the middle. They add power.
- Wheel Dogs: Closest to the sled. They help steer the sled around tight turns.
Knowing each dog’s best spot helps them do their job well and keeps the whole sled steady.
How We Train Next
After a race, we rest — but not for long! Healthy sled dogs love to move.
Training starts again with short runs. Dogs build muscles, learn new commands, and practice teamwork. In summer, when there’s no snow, we run dogs with carts or ATVs (small four-wheeled vehicles) at safe speeds. Here’s how we prepare for dryland mushing adventures step-by-step.
See how we do it on our Training and Care page.
Tours in Every Season
Did you know you don’t have to wait for snow to meet our dogs? We offer fun Summer Cart Tours too. In summer, our dogs pull guests in special wheeled carts. You get to feel the power of the team while rolling along forest trails.
For winter magic, try our Winter Dog Sled Tours. You’ll hear the sled runners glide over fresh snow — a sound you’ll never forget.