Winter Dog Mushing
Quick: what’s activity screams “Alaska” perhaps more than any other? Dog mushing through the snow, of course! After all, Alaska is home to the world-famous Iditarod, and mushing has a long tradition here. Fortunately, you have lots of options for experiencing dog mushing on snow—as long as, of course, there’s snow (usually mid-October or early November until around mid-April). it’s a lot of fun, and all ages can do it.
So what’s it really like? Well, when you arrive at a kennel, you’ll be greeted by a group of dogs, running around, barking excitedly, and waiting anxiously to do what they love best—run.
You’ll hop on the sled, and very quickly your jaw will drop at how quickly these dogs move and work together, making it look effortless. And even more quickly, you’ll be immersed in the Alaskan winter wilderness—the miles will fly by.
You’ll want to bring your own winter gear on this adventure, though many tour operators will provide warm books and parkas. Just don’t miss an opportunity to go. If you’ve done dog mushing in summer, with a cart on wheels, you need to do it in winter—it’s a very different experience, and one you won’t soon forget. Of course, the mushers know that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many people, and will do their best to make it memorable—but really, it’s the dogs that steal the show!
Anchorage View All
Tours depart from nearby Willow (1.5 hr drive). Several companies provide a shuttle from Anchorage.
Summer or winter, visit a family-run champion kennel, meet friendly dogs and an experienced musher for a ride along private trails with views of Denali. Opt to ride in the sled or mush your own. Or, for a truly authentic adventure, go on a training run for the Iditarod! Large groups and special events welcome when organized in advance.
Go behind the scenes with Iditarod mushers and get your own thrilling ride with the dogs at Turning Heads Kennel. Choose a summer dog demonstration and cart ride, or whisk off by helicopter for glacier dog sledding. In winter ride snow-covered trails or ask about their multi-day expeditions.
Winter or summer, experience the thrill of running Iditarod sled dogs and even have a chance to drive! Meet the sled dogs and hear first-hand just what it’s like to run the Iditarod.
Everybody loves sled dogs, and Salmon Berry Tours offers you the chance to get behind the sled year-round. In summer and winter, you’ll head to the kennel of Iditarod Champion Dallas Seavey, where you’ll see a gear demonstration, meet the dogs, and ride on the sled behind them. They also have a multi-day adventure for Iditarod enthusiasts.
Experience the excitement of racing champion sled dogs at the Alaska Mushing School, just 75 minutes from Anchorage. Get a professional’s insight into the mushing lifestyle as you ride behind a team of energetic sled dogs on trails connected to the famous Iditarod route. Bundle up and ride in comfort, or brave the cold and drive the team yourself!
Talkeetna View All
Ride snowmachines on private trails through forests while keeping an eye out for wildlife on your way to visit sled dogs and mushers and learn what it’s really like to run the Iditarod while mushing your own team.
Denali National Park View All
Experience the thrill of the iconic Alaskan sport of dogsledding from veterans of the Iditarod and Yukon Quest races! Operating in summer and winter from Cantwell, about a 30-minute drive south of Denali National Park, the private tours will be just you and your group, led by expert guides. Winter tours can involve learning to drive your own dog team or riding out to see the northern lights. In summer, the excited dogs pull a side-by-side on ...more
Fairbanks View All
Plenty of people come to Fairbanks to look at the sky — for northern lights, or to bask in the midnight sun. But this dog-mushing experience outside of Fairbanks is proof that there’s plenty more of Fairbanks to be seen at eye — or even paw — level. May through October, take a a trail ride with 16 dogs hitched up to an ATV. November through April, take a mushing tour through the snow!
Take part in the thrill of winter and fall dog sledding out of Fairbanks. You’ll experience the sport with one of Alaska’s longest-running dog tour companies. Go for a ride, attend mushing school, or go on a multi-day adventure to the historic Tolovana Roadhouse.
Visit the world’s oldest Siberian Husky kennel any time of the year with tour options ranging from a couple of hours in the summer to multi-day winter adventures exploring Fairbanks.
Glide over the snow on a sled that’s being pulled by a team of dogs — many of whom have run the Iditarod, Yukon Quest, or other races. Go with Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service and experience the thrill of dog sledding with dogs that love to run and passionate mushers who will offer a deeper understanding of this unique sport.