Dog sledding is one of the best ways to see Alaska. It is fun, wild, and full of adventure. But not every dog sled tour is the same. Some are short and calm. Others are long and full of action. Some tours are good for families. Others are made for people who love speed. This guide will help you pick the best dog sled tour for your style and comfort.
Next, let’s look at what makes sled dog tours so special.
Why Try a Sled Dog Tour?
Dog sledding is not just a ride. It is a whole experience. You get to meet happy, strong dogs. You ride through places cars cannot reach. You feel the cold wind and fresh snow under your sled. You hear the dogs bark with excitement. Because of this, you feel close to nature.
Ride Through Real Alaska
When you join a sled dog tour, you travel through forests, frozen rivers, snowy fields, or mountain trails. This means you see wild Alaska in a way most people never do. In winter, you ride on sled runners that slide over snow and ice. In summer, mushers — the guides who drive the sleds — use carts with wheels so the dogs can run even when the snow melts.
For example, on a winter sled ride, you may see tall pine trees, frozen lakes, and even moose tracks in the snow. In summer, you might ride through green trails with wildflowers and mountain views.
Meet the Huskies
One of the best parts of any sled dog tour is meeting the huskies. These dogs love to run. They are friendly, smart, and well-trained. Many tours let you visit the kennel where the dogs live. You can pet the dogs, take pictures, and learn about how they work together.
Each dog has a job. The lead dog runs at the front. This dog listens to the musher’s commands and keeps the team moving in the right direction. Swing dogs run behind the lead dog. They help turn the team left or right. Wheel dogs run at the back. They help pull the sled over rough spots.
Meeting the dogs shows you how mushers care for them. You learn about feeding, training, and how the dogs stay happy and healthy all year.
Learn to Mush
Some tours let you do more than just sit and ride. If you want to try driving the sled, you can! This is called mushing. The musher teaches you how to stand, balance, and give simple commands like “Gee” for right or “Haw” for left. You stand behind the sled and hold onto the handle. The dogs listen to your voice and follow your lead. This means you get to feel like a real musher on the trail.
Ready to try standing on the sled yourself? Drive a Dog Sled in Alaska for the full musher experience
Different Kinds of Sled Dog Tours
Not every dog sled ride is the same. Some tours last an hour. Others last a whole day or even a few nights. Some tours are slow and gentle. Others feel fast, like a mini race. Let’s break down the main kinds so you can see which one fits you best.
1. Winter Sled Tours
Winter is the classic time for dog sledding. From November through April, there is snow on the ground. The dogs pull a real wooden sled over frozen trails. You sit on soft blankets or stand on the runners behind the sled.
A winter sled ride takes you deep into snowy forests. You might cross frozen rivers or ride up hills for great views. Some winter tours stay near the kennel. Others go deep into the backcountry.
These tours are perfect if you love snow and cold weather. Make sure you wear warm clothes — boots, gloves, hats, and layers help keep you warm during the ride.
2. Summer Cart Rides
Did you know you can try dog sledding even in summer? From May through September, there is not much snow on the lower trails. But the dogs still need to run and train. So mushers use dryland carts. These are small carts with wheels that work like sleds on dirt trails.
Summer cart rides are fun for people who want to see the dogs run without snow. You ride along forest trails. You see green trees, mountain views, and maybe even wildlife. It feels fast and fresh, just like a sled ride in winter.
3. Racing Experience
If you want extra excitement, try a racing experience. This type of tour lets you learn how to drive a racing sled. You stand on the sled, hold the handle, and steer the dogs with the help of your musher guide.
You learn real mushing commands like “Gee” for right and “Haw” for left. You feel the thrill of speed as the dogs pull you along twisty trails. This tour is best for people who want to feel like they are part of the Iditarod — a famous long sled dog race in Alaska.
4. Overnight Adventures
If you want a real Alaskan adventure, book an overnight mushing trip. This tour takes you deep into the wild. You ride during the day and sleep in a warm cabin or tent at night. You might see stars, the northern lights, or hear wolves howling far away.
In the morning, you help feed the dogs and get back on the trail. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for people who want to unplug and feel close to nature.
How to Pick the Right Tour for You
Choosing the right sled dog tour is not hard, but you should think about a few things first. This helps you enjoy your ride and feel ready for the adventure.
How Long Do You Want to Ride?
Some people just want a short ride to see what mushing feels like. A short tour may last 30 minutes to two hours. You ride near the kennel and see the dogs run on easy trails.
Other people want more time in the wild. These longer tours can last half a day, a full day, or even overnight. On long tours, you ride deeper into the backcountry. You may see wide open land, frozen lakes, or high mountain views. You stop for lunch or snacks along the way. Some tours include a warm meal at a cabin.
Tip: If you want to try driving the sled, pick a longer tour. This gives you enough time to learn, practice, and get comfortable.
How Active Do You Want to Be?
Think about how much action you want. Do you want to sit and relax? Or stand up and help drive the sled?
- Sit and Ride: This is calm and safe for all ages. You sit under warm blankets while the musher drives. You enjoy the views and watch the dogs work.
- Stand and Drive: This is more hands-on. You stand behind the musher or steer your own small team. You feel the cold air on your face and guide the dogs with commands.
Some tours let you do both. This means you can ride and drive on the same trip.
Do You Want Family-Friendly or Extreme?
Sled dog tours are great for families. Kids love meeting the dogs, feeling the sled slide over the snow, and helping put harnesses on the dogs. Many tours are slow and safe for kids and older adults.
But some people want more thrill. A racing tour or steep backcountry trail is more wild. These tours feel faster and take you over hills, sharp turns, and tight trails. This is best for teens and adults who want more action.
Compare Your Options
Here is a simple chart to help you pick:
| Type of Tour | Best For | What You Do | Season |
| Winter Sled Ride | Snow lovers | Sit or drive on snow | Nov–April |
| Summer Cart Ride | Warm months | Ride wheeled cart | May–Sept |
| Racing Experience | Thrill seekers | Drive fast sled | Winter |
| Overnight Adventure | Big explorers | Ride and camp | Winter |
This table shows you which tour matches your style. If you love snow, go in winter. If you visit in warm weather, try summer carts. If you love thrills, try racing. If you want to see wild Alaska overnight, camp under the stars.
What to Bring
You don’t need fancy gear for a sled dog ride, but you do need to dress smart.
For Winter Tours:
- Warm boots (waterproof is best)
- Thick socks
- Warm pants and layers
- Gloves or mittens
- Warm hat
- Scarf or face cover
- Sunglasses (snow can be very bright)
- Camera
For Summer Cart Tours:
- Light jacket or fleece
- Comfy pants or shorts
- Good shoes (no open sandals)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Bug spray (summer forests can have mosquitoes)
- Camera
Some companies give you extra gear like blankets or snow boots. Always ask when you book.
When the snow melts, our Summer Cart Tours let you roll through green forest trails with your husky team.
Safety First
Good dog sled companies always keep safety first. Guides watch the weather and trails every day. If the snow is too deep or the trail is icy, they may change the route. This keeps you and the dogs safe.
Before you start, the guide will teach you:
- How to sit or stand on the sled
- How to balance your weight
- How to listen to simple commands
- How to treat the dogs with care
The dogs also wear booties on their feet. This protects them from sharp ice or cold snow. Healthy dogs mean happy rides.
Always listen to your guide. If you are not sure about something, ask questions. Good mushers are happy to teach you. They love sharing their love for the dogs and the trails.
Real Guest Stories
Hearing real stories can help you see what to expect. Here are a few fun ones:
A Family’s First Snow Ride
One family from Texas came to Alaska for winter break. They wanted to try something new. They booked a short tour with young kids. The kids helped brush the dogs and put on harnesses. When the dogs started barking and jumping, the kids laughed and cheered. The parents said riding through the quiet forest with the dogs was the best part of their trip.
Mia’s Racing Adventure
Mia is a teenager who wanted more than a simple ride. She booked the racing experience. The guide showed her how to stand on the runners, bend her knees, and give commands. She learned “Gee” means turn right, “Haw” means turn left. When the dogs took off, she felt the wind in her hair and snow fly under the sled. She told her friends it felt like flying through a winter wonderland.
A Couple’s Night in the Wild
One couple wanted to do something special for their anniversary. They booked an overnight tour. They rode deep into the backcountry with their musher and a small team of huskies. That night, they stayed in a warm cabin and watched the northern lights dance across the sky. In the morning, they helped feed the dogs and rode back as the sun rose. They said it was the best way to unplug and feel close to nature.
See the Dogs Up Close
Before or after your ride, many tours let you visit the kennel. This is where the dogs live. You can meet the whole team, learn their names, and see how they are cared for. Mushers love to share stories about each dog’s job and funny habits.
For example, you may meet the lead dog who always wants to run at the front. Or the wheel dog who pulls extra hard up hills. Some kennels have retired sled dogs too. These older dogs often become pets or helpers for new pups.
How to Pick a Good Sled Dog Company
A good company cares for the dogs like family. They have trained mushers who know the trails and weather. They answer your questions fast and make you feel safe.
Tips:
- Read reviews online. Look for happy guests and well-treated dogs.
- Ask how they care for their dogs in winter and summer.
- Check if mushers have raced in big events like the Iditarod. The Iditarod is a famous long sled dog race in Alaska.
A good company will gladly show you their dogs, gear, and trails.
Not sure what to pack? Use our Sledding Gear Checklist for a quick guide.
Plan Ahead
Good sled dog tours book fast, especially in winter. Many rides are small to keep the experience safe and quiet. If you want a winter tour, book months early. If you plan for summer, book a few weeks ahead.
Always ask about cancel rules. Alaska weather can change quickly. Good companies help you pick new dates if the weather does not fit.