Dog sledding in Alaska is not just a ride — it’s an adventure across frozen rivers, deep woods, and snowy hills. Every trail is different. The snow can be soft or packed down like ice. The weather can change in minutes. Because of this, safety is the most important thing we plan for every day.
When you ride with us, you trust us with your fun and your safety. You also trust us to protect our dogs. Our dogs are part of our family. We care for them before, during, and after every run. On this page, you will learn how we make sure you and our huskies are safe — step by step.
If you want to see the dogs behind the sleds, meet our superstar team. You’ll see their happy faces, fun facts, and what makes them strong.
First Step: Checks Before We Hit the Trail
Before we leave the kennel, our team does what we call a Safety Circle. This is a checklist mushers and handlers do together. Everyone has a job.
The Safety Circle has three parts:
- The trail
- The weather
- The dogs and gear
First, the trail: Our lead musher looks at a trail map. They see if any parts have hazards like new tree branches or thin ice over rivers. Early in winter, some parts have ice that is not strong yet. We also check for animal signs. Sometimes moose or wolves cross parts of our path. If so, we mark it and choose if we need to change the route.
Next, the weather: Alaska’s weather can change fast. A sunny day can turn into a snowstorm in an hour. So our team checks satellite pictures and talks to local weather stations. We even talk to other mushers to see what they see on nearby trails. We write it all down and tell the mushers. If a big storm is coming, we wait. No ride is worth risking people or dogs.
Third, the dogs and gear:
Each dog lines up for a short health check. We look at their paws for cuts or ice. We rub our hands along their legs to feel for any sore spots. We watch how they walk. If a dog limps, we let them rest. Dogs are like human athletes — they need rest days too. We also check the sled’s brakes, ropes, and cargo bags. Small breaks can become big problems on a long trail.
The Musher’s Trail Plan
Once the Safety Circle is done, mushers meet for a short class. This is called a trail briefing. Here, they learn:
- The full path they will follow
- Places to stop and rest
- Danger spots like steep hills or icy lakes
- How to use the gear if something goes wrong
Each musher carries a map with special marks for safe zones. They also learn hand signs. Sometimes radios don’t work when wind and snow blow hard. So hand signs help mushers talk to each other when they can’t hear voices.
Our mushers train all year to handle big surprises. They know how to fix a broken sled. They know how to set up camp in the snow if they must stop overnight. And they know how to help a dog if it gets sick or tired.
Our Dogs Are Like Champions
Our sled dogs are strong, but they need care like any champion runner or skier. Every dog has its own job in the sled team. Some dogs run in front. These are called lead dogs. They listen to the musher’s voice for turns. Some dogs run near the sled. These dogs help pull most of the weight.
Before every ride, we feed our dogs warm food to give them good energy. We mix in extra fat so they stay warm in cold air. We pack water with special powder so they don’t get too thirsty. We check their harnesses to make sure they fit just right — not too loose, not too tight.
On the trail, mushers watch the dogs carefully. A good musher knows each dog’s normal trot. If a dog starts to slow down or looks back too much, that means something might be wrong. Right away, the musher will stop and check paws, shoulders, and ears.
If a dog needs a break, the musher helps it into a special sled bag. Inside, the dog stays warm with soft blankets. The other dogs help pull extra weight so the tired dog can rest. Once back at camp, a vet can check that dog to make sure it heals well.
To learn more about what gear goes on each dog, you can visit our Meet the Dogs page and read their profiles.
Sleds and Gear Made for Cold Trails
Not all sleds are the same. Our sleds are built for Alaska’s hardest weather. They bend and bounce to handle bumps and hills. They have special parts that spread the weight evenly so the dogs don’t feel sudden pulls.
Each sled has:
- Strong brakes to stop on ice
- Tie-downs for extra food and safety tools
- A soft area for tired dogs to ride safely
Dogs wear:
- Booties — These are small snow boots that protect paws from sharp ice and frozen snow.
- Warm coats — Some dogs have extra coats for windy days or when they take breaks.
- Special harnesses — These harnesses spread the pulling force so the dog’s neck and back stay strong.
Mushers wear:
- Jackets that block cold wind and keep heat inside
- Gloves with small pockets for tools or maps
- First aid kits in easy-reach spots
This gear means mushers and dogs stay warm, dry, and safe even when the weather drops below zero.
Smart Tools for Emergencies
Sometimes the wild throws surprises. A sudden snowstorm. A broken sled runner. A moose on the trail. That’s why we always carry emergency tools:
- GPS devices show our exact spot on the map.
- Radios let us talk with base camp or other mushers.
- Emergency beacons send help signals if something goes very wrong.
Every musher knows how to use these tools. If a sled tips over or a dog gets hurt, they press a button to send a signal. This tells our home base where they are and what help they need.
We check weather changes all day. We link our forecasts with NOAA Alaska so no storm sneaks up on us.
How We Watch the Weather While You Ride
In Alaska, the weather is like a moving puzzle. Some days, the sky is clear and bright. Other days, big clouds come fast. Snow can fall heavily without warning. We never guess about the weather. We watch it every minute.
How do we do this?
- Our base camp has weather tools on tall poles. They measure wind speed and air pressure. If air pressure drops quickly, it means a storm could come.
- Our mushers carry pocket weather radios. These tiny radios give fresh updates every hour. They beep if a weather warning pops up.
- We talk to other mushers on the trail. They share what they see: dark clouds, blowing snow, or icy rivers.
- We follow NOAA Alaska, the top weather experts for our state.
Next, if the weather turns wild, mushers use smart plans. They slow the team down so dogs don’t get too tired. They may stop in a safe spot like a tree grove that blocks wind. Sometimes, they turn back if it’s safer than pushing forward.
This means no one gets stuck far from help.
Real-Time Trail Checks: Eyes on the Snow
Trails change every day. A frozen creek might crack open. Heavy snow can hide deep holes. Our mushers don’t just steer — they study the snow as they ride.
How do they do it?
- The lead dog feels ice with its paws. A good lead dog senses weak ice and changes the path a bit.
- Mushers watch for tiny cracks in frozen lakes. They look for signs like water seeping through snow.
- Tracks tell a story too. Big round tracks can mean a moose walked by. Smaller paw prints might be wild fox or lynx. If we see fresh animal tracks, mushers stay alert for surprises.
A real story:
Last winter, one of our mushers saw moose tracks crossing the trail. He slowed down and kept the dogs calm. When they rounded a bend, a big bull moose stood right in the trail. Because the musher knew what to look for, he avoided a close run-in. The team waited quietly until the moose wandered off. Then they kept going — safe and calm.
Smart Tools to Keep Trail Checks Working
Some sleds have tiny GPS trackers. These trackers “ping” our base camp every 30 minutes. If a sled stops moving for too long, our team calls on the radio. If there’s no answer, we send a helper by snowmobile.
This way, even deep in the woods, no one is ever alone.
Curious about our trails? Check out Top Winter Trails. You can see where mushers ride and how we map every turn.
How Dogs Recharge at Rest Stops
Long rides mean hard work for sled dogs. Dogs pull for miles through soft snow and windy plains. To stay strong, they need breaks — lots of them.
How do we choose rest stops?
Mushers plan them before leaving. Good spots are flat, quiet, and away from blowing snow. Some mushers build small snow walls called berms. These block cold wind and make a cozy break space.
When we stop:
- Dogs get warm food. High-fat meat stew keeps them warm from the inside.
- Mushers pour warm water so dogs stay hydrated.
- Paw checks happen while dogs snack. Any ice balls between toes are picked out.
- We rub their legs to keep muscles soft.
- If it’s extra cold, dogs wear fleece blankets or thicker coats.
One fun fact: Some mushers carry dog “sleeping bags” — tiny padded wraps that cover dogs while they nap.
How Mushers Stay Warm at Stops
Mushers use this time to rest too. They sip warm tea or soup from a thermos. They check sled parts, tighten ropes, and plan the next miles. A musher’s break is short but important — warm hands steer better, and clear eyes see trail danger faster.
If you wonder what to pack to stay warm too, peek at our sledding gear checklist. It helps you gear up like a pro.
How We Watch Dog Health on the Trail
Our dogs are our partners. We know each bark, wag, and run. Mushers watch for tiny signs: a dog slowing down, tugging the line too soft, or looking back with worried eyes.
Each musher carries a trail vet kit:
- Small thermometer to check warmth if a dog shivers too much.
- Paw wrap if a sharp branch cuts a pad.
- Wound wash to clean scrapes.
- Tasty treats with extra fat to boost tired dogs.
If a dog needs more care, mushers don’t wait. The dog rests in the sled, wrapped in blankets. The other dogs help by pulling extra. It’s teamwork.
Trail Vets and Big Help
Some long trails have vets waiting at checkpoints. These animal doctors check every dog’s paws, fur, and energy. They listen to the dogs breathe and check for soreness.
If a dog is too tired or sore, it stays with the vet. The rest of the team keeps going safe and strong.
If it’s a big worry — like a sprained leg — we call for snowmobile or helicopter help. We follow rules from ISDVMA, the best sled dog vet group.
Smart Ways to Talk on the Trail
Alaska’s wild trails don’t always have phone signals. So we use many ways to talk:
- Radios that reach our base.
- Hand signs when snow blocks sound.
- Bright flags on the sleds for other mushers to see far ahead.
What if radios break?
If all else fails, mushers follow special travel signs. For example, they lay colored flags in the snow. A red flag means stop and wait. A yellow flag means danger ahead, slow down.
Each musher knows emergency rules too. If someone misses a check-in, help goes out fast.
Guests Learn Safety Too
When you join us, you’re part of the team. Before the sled moves, we teach every guest:
- How to dress warm.
- How to sit in the sled.
- When to lean left or right on turns.
- How to watch for trail signs.
This keeps you safe and helps the musher focus on the dogs.
Extra Safety Tools in the Sled
Mushers also carry small tools for surprises:
- Fold-up shovels to dig out stuck sleds.
- Pop-up tents for quick shelter.
- Extra food and treats for people and dogs.
One little tool can save big trouble on a cold night.
We Learn Something New Every Run
No two trips are the same. After every ride, mushers write trail logs. They note how dogs felt, where snow was soft or icy, and what weather popped up.
This makes every next ride safer and smoother. It’s our promise to you — and to our dogs.
Staying Safe at Overnight Camps
Some sled dog adventures are short — just an hour or two through snowy woods. Others are longer and take you deep into the backcountry. On these trips, we don’t ride all day without stopping. We rest, we eat, and we sleep together in warm camp spots.
When night comes, safety does not stop. It becomes even more important. Cold nights can drop to -30°F or colder. Winds can blow strong. Because of this, mushers plan every camp with care.
What makes a safe overnight camp?
- We pick flat ground so sleds don’t roll and sleeping bags stay level.
- We find natural wind blocks — trees, hills, or snow banks.
- We pack down the snow to make a strong base.
- If needed, we build snow walls or small ice berms. These block wind and help hold heat close.
Mushers always check for animal signs too. We don’t want to camp near moose trails or spots where wolves roam.
How Dogs Sleep Warm at Camp
When the sled stops, the real rest begins for our hard-working huskies.
Dogs need good sleep to heal muscles and build strength for the next day. A tired dog is more likely to trip or pull unevenly, which can hurt the team.
At camp, each dog gets:
- An insulated sleeping pad. This is like a soft mat that stops body heat from sinking into the snow.
- A recovery blanket. These warm layers trap heat so the dog stays cozy, even if the wind picks up.
- Warm water or broth. This helps dogs stay hydrated and makes them feel good inside.
- Extra high-fat snacks. These give dogs slow-burning fuel to stay warm while they sleep.
Mushers brush the dogs down to get rid of ice clumps. They check paws again, rub sore legs, and sometimes put paw balm on dry spots.
Some mushers even read or hum to the dogs while they settle in. A calm dog sleeps better — and wakes up happy to run again.
How Mushers Rest at Camp
Mushers work hard too. They guide the sled, watch the weather, and care for each dog. When night comes, they need strong sleep to stay sharp for tomorrow.
Mushers set up sturdy tents or snow shelters. Inside, they use thick sleeping bags that trap heat. They wear warm hats, socks, and gloves even while sleeping.
Before closing their eyes, mushers:
- Double-check every dog line is secure.
- Count each dog to make sure no one slips loose.
- Write notes about how each dog ran that day — strong, tired, or needing more rest.
These notes help plan the next day’s run.
Many mushers sleep in short bursts, setting alarms to peek outside and check the dogs. Safety never sleeps on the trail.
Cooking and Eating at Camp
Mushers carry small stoves to melt snow into water and cook warm meals. A cup of soup or a big spoon of stew helps keep their own body warm. Mushers share food stories around the fire, plan the next trail, and check weather radios for the next day’s forecast.
Some guests like to help too! Stirring soup, pouring warm water for the dogs — small acts that make camp feel like family.
Training: How Dogs and Mushers Get Ready
Before any long trip, there is a lot of training behind the scenes. Our dogs don’t just wake up ready to run 50 miles through snow. They train all year — even when there’s no snow at all.
Dryland training: When trails are dirt or grass, we hitch dogs to wheeled carts. They practice pulling and listening to commands. This builds muscle, trust, and good teamwork.
Learning commands: Dogs learn words like:
- “Gee” — turn right.
- “Haw” — turn left.
- “Whoa” — stop right away.
- “Line out” — stand still in the harness.
Older dogs help teach younger dogs. Puppies learn by watching and copying. Some dogs even become teachers for life, showing new pups the right way to run.
Musher School: Safety Never Stops
Mushers must train too. They study maps, weather signs, animal behavior, and first aid.
Before they lead a guest ride, they must:
- Pass wilderness safety classes.
- Practice building snow shelters.
- Learn how to signal for help in whiteouts.
- Know when to rest a tired dog or fix a sled in the field.
This is not just about reading books. Mushers spend weeks practicing on test trails with senior trainers. This makes sure every musher is ready for sudden snow, storms, or surprises in the wild.
How We Adjust for Alaska’s Seasons
Alaska is wild. It changes every month.
In early winter, trails may have thin snow. Rocks or roots can poke through soft snow, which can hurt paws. So we check each trail daily.
In the deep winter, we see stronger ice but colder air. Mushers pack extra coats for older dogs. They bring thicker gloves and mitts for frozen fingers.
In late winter and early spring, snow softens in the sun. Trails can get slushy. We watch river ice closely. If it melts too thin, we pick new routes. Safety always comes before speed or distance.
Even in summer, when we switch to dryland cart rides, dogs wear boots to protect paws from warm gravel. Want to see how we handle warm months?
Want to see how we handle warm months? Check out our Dryland Dog Cart Ride Guide to learn about off-season training and warm-weather gear strategies.
Who Checks the Trails?
No one guesses when a trail is safe. We send scouts ahead of every new season. These scouts ride snowmobiles or ski trails. They write down fresh animal signs, fallen trees, or new ice cracks.
We share these notes with every musher before every run. This means no surprise is left unseen.
Building for the Future
We never stop trying to make the trail safer. Some new ideas we test:
- Tiny sensors on harnesses to check a dog’s heartbeat and steps.
- Small drones that fly ahead and send video back to the musher.
- Sled radios that send voice messages with one button — so mushers keep both hands on the sled.
But the most important tool is still the musher’s eyes, ears, and heart. Tools help — the human makes the call.
Keeping the Land Wild and Clean
Safety is also about respect. We teach every guest and musher:
- Pack out all the trash.
- Leave camp spots better than we found them.
- Keep dogs healthy so they love what they do.
Want to learn how we prepare you for the trail? Visit our Plan Your Visit page for packing tips and readiness resources.