Glacier Dog Sledding
If you think winter is the only time you can go dog sledding on snow in Alaska, think again. One of the 49th state’s most memorable activities is dog sledding, and it’s something anyone can do all summer long on Alaska’s glaciers.
You can also go dogsledding at lower elevations in summer. Of course, down there, there’s no snow, so dogs pull passengers in wheeled carts through the forest. It’s still an exciting experience, but let’s face it—mushing through snow, Iditarod-style, is what most people think of when they think of dogsledding.
Fortunately, several companies can take you up in a helicopter (so you’ll also get a mini-flightseeing tour) and land on a glacier, where you’ll find a camp set up, complete with dogs, ready for your adventure. The dogs know what the helicopter’s arrival means—it’s time to run!—and they’ll start jumping and barking, excited to get going. You’ll then take off on an expedition across the glacier, going at a healthy clip. Anyone who wants will have the opportunity to drive the sled, or you can just sit back and take in the gorgeous surrounding scenery, including dramatic hanging glaciers.
It’s a trip suitable for all ages and fitness levels—some tours are even handicap-accessible. Temperatures may be chilly (always dress in layers) but are usually comfortable, and most companies will have clothes you can borrow to stay warm. Just don’t forget your camera—you won’t want to miss documenting this adventure!
Jump to Town: Girdwood | Anchorage | Juneau | Seward | Skagway
Girdwood
Alpine Air Alaska - Girdwood Glacier Dogsledding
Ratchet up the adventure factor and try your hand at dogsledding. Alpine Air Alaska flies to a dog camp run by the oldest established dog-sled tour business in Alaska. You’ll travel by helicopter from Girdwood’s green forests up over a small saddle to land on a glacier and be introduced to the dog team. You'll get to stand on the sled runners and "drive" the dogs yourself, or sit in the sled and survey the hanging glaciers that surround you.
Anchorage
Glacier Dog Sledding with Anchorage Helicopter Tours
Stunning scenery, a thrilling ride and happy puppies: this tour out of the Anchorage area offers an unbeatable combination of classic Alaska experiences that will delight families or—really, anybody. Taking a total of about 90 minutes, and running from mid-May to early September, this tour includes a Flightseeing round trip, a small friendly group environment, and plenty of one-on-one time with the dogs and their mushers.
Alpine Air Alaska - Girdwood Glacier Dogsledding
Ratchet up the adventure factor and try your hand at dogsledding. Alpine Air Alaska flies to a dog camp run by the oldest established dog-sled tour business in Alaska. You’ll travel by helicopter from Girdwood’s green forests up over a small saddle to land on a glacier and be introduced to the dog team. You'll get to stand on the sled runners and "drive" the dogs yourself, or sit in the sled and survey the hanging glaciers that surround you.
Salmon Berry Tours Dog Sledding
Winter Tours: November - April. Summer Tours: May - August.
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.
Juneau
NorthStar Trekking Glacier Dog Sled Adventure
Get great views with some hands-on fun—combine a scenic flightseeing helicopter tour with the exhilaration of dog mushing on a glacier with a team of huskies! It’s easy to do—just go with NorthStar Trekking on their Juneau Glacier Dog Sled Adventure. You’ll fly over the Juneau Icefield for about 35 minutes and land in a sled camp on the snow-covered middle branch of the Norris Glacier
TEMSCO Mendenhall Dog Sledding
Hop on a TEMSCO helicopter for an Alaskan adventure combining aviation, sled dogs and massive glaciers. Get an amazing view of the gorgeous landscape surrounding Juneau, and then ride along as an energetic team of huskies tours you around the ancient, snow-packed Mendenhall glacier.
Seward
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Turning Heads Kennel
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. Winter brings its own variety of tours, which range from an hour long to multi-day expeditions near Willow, Alaska.
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Alpine Air Alaska – Seward Glacier Dog Sledding
Mid-May to August 31
Experience the unique thrill of summer dog sledding on a glacier! Lift off in a helicopter and enjoy incredible views on your way to this amazing adventure. Want more time in the air? Add a flightseeing excursion before or after your dog sledding experience!
Seward Helicopter Tours
May - Mid September
The port city of Seward is a classic stop on any Alaska itinerary, thanks to its proximity to Chugach National Forest and Kenai Fjords National Park. But it’s also one of the more diverse places to fly. This tour operator offers stunning birds-eye views of the area’s alpine meadows, glaciers and fjords, as well as the chance to touch down, explore the terrain and even meet sled dogs.
Skagway
TEMSCO Skagway Dog Sledding and Glacier Flightseeing by Helicopter
Dog sledding on a glacier is the ultimate blend of Alaskan adventure, as you also get there by helicopter! Board a TEMSCO flight that whisks you thousands of feet above sea level to the Denver glacier and a dog mushing camp hidden away on a snow field, where Alaskan sled dogs will greet you energetically, ready to take you on the ride of your life.
