Alpine Air Alaska - Girdwood Glacier Dogsledding

To ratchet up the adventure factor, try your hand at dogsledding on a glacier! Operated alongside Seavey’s Ididaride Sled Dog Tours, this trip departs from Girdwood and takes you over the majestic Chugach Mountains and onto the giant snowfield Punch Bowl Glacier. If you're staying in Anchorage you can book a shuttle ride along with your excursion.

Fly to a remote glacier camp where you'll mush across the snow, and meet sled dogs in training!

Fly to a remote glacier camp where you'll mush across the snow, and meet sled dogs in training!

Lift off for the helicopter ride to the glacier. And when the chopper lands, the sled dogs know exactly what that means—it’s time to run!

You’ll feel their excitement as they start jumping and barking. You’ll meet the dog team, learn how they’re trained, and then stand on the sled runners and "drive" the dogs yourself. Or simply sit in the sled and check out the amazing hanging glaciers that surround you. Everyone who wants will have the opportunity to drive. You’ll travel in a 2- to 3-kilometer loop, either at a gentle trot or a healthy clip, depending on snow conditions and the kind of experience you want.

It can be cool up on the glacier, so dress in layers (if you need some extra clothing, Alpine Air can provide it). Tours are suitable for all ages and all travelers—they’re even handicap-accessible. And they go in all conditions, even rain. Also, don’t forget your camera or GoPro!

About Alpine Air Alaska

Alpine Air, started in Girdwood by Keith Essex in 1991, has been offering helicopter flight-seeing longer than anyone in Southcentral Alaska. The company started with fixed-wing airplanes flying Alaskans to the backcountry; but helicopters offered more flexibility with weather so they made the switch. They still drop off visitors into the backcountry, but their main focus is on scenic flightseeing and glacier dog sledding.

What to Bring

  • Dress in layers. On the glacier, temperatures range from chilly to sweltering.
  • Sunglasses and camera.
  • You'll be provided with a windbreaker and wind pants, along with warm overboots for your shoes and even sunglasses if you forget yours.

Getting There

599 Mount Hood Drive
Girdwood, AK 99587

Winter Shuttle from Anchorage: Available November - March on Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays. Book at check-out.
Summer Shuttle from Anchorage: Available daily April - October.
Driving From Anchorage: Head south out of Anchorage on the Seward Highway. Turn left onto Alyeska Highway and follow it into Girdwood to Donner Road, which is about 2.3 miles from the turnoff with the Seward Highway. Follow the signs for the airport (left on Davos and right on Mt. Hood). Alpine Air is the last hangar on the airport road.

Driving Directions

Prices & Dates

Season May 15 - Aug 31
Duration 2 hrs
Rates Glacier Dog Sledding // $579 adult, $529 children under 12 | 8:30am, 10:15am, 12:00pm, 1:45pm, 3:30pm, 5:15pm

Alpine Air Alaska - Girdwood Glacier Dogsledding