Experience Mush Dog Sledding with Reputable Tour Operators

Experience mush dog sledding with reputable tour operators who have been in the business for over 20 years, like those found in Alaska's interior. They have the expertise to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Dog sledding is a physically demanding activity, requiring a good level of fitness, and tour operators often provide guidance on what to wear and how to prepare. This includes dressing in layers, wearing warm socks, and bringing a hat and gloves.

For those who are new to dog sledding, many tour operators offer introductory lessons or beginner-friendly tours that cater to all skill levels. These lessons can range from a few hours to a full-day experience, depending on the operator and the individual's needs.

Reputable tour operators often have a team of experienced mushers who have spent years honing their skills and learning about the behavior and needs of the dogs.

Morrison Racing Kennel in Paradise Valley offers guided dog sled trips from December to March, weather permitting. They explore the Mill Creek Trail System and can be booked directly or through Chico Hot Springs and Sage Lodge.

Spirit of the North Dogsled Adventures operates tours from Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, exploring areas beyond Lone Mountain. Jessie Royer, a skilled musher who finished third in the Iditarod Sled Dog Race in Alaska in 2019 and 2020, leads trips in West Yellowstone from December 18-31.

If you're planning a trip to the Upper Valley, you'll want to consider the expertise of local tour operators who offer mushing experiences. They'll teach you the basics of sled dog commands, which are essential for navigating the trails.

The command "Hike!" is used to get moving, whether you're starting a team or increasing speed. I've seen teams take off with a burst of energy when this command is given.

To turn to the right, the command "Gee!" is used, while "Haw!" is used to turn to the left. These commands are crucial for navigating tight turns on the trail.

If you need to slow down, "Easy!" is the command to use. This is especially important when approaching intersections or navigating through dense forest.

Here are some common sled dog commands to remember:

Happy Trails Kennel Sled Tours is a must-visit destination for dog sledding enthusiasts. Located in Big Lake, it's operated by four-time Iditarod champion Martin Buser, a member of the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame.

You can visit year-round, but winter is the best time to experience the thrill of dog sledding yourself on a dog sled ride. This is an opportunity to get an insider's look at the iconic Alaskan sport of dog mushing.

The kennel offers a unique chance to meet the sled dogs and hear first-hand what it's like to run the Iditarod.

Salmon Berry Tours offers a unique dog sledding experience year-round. You'll visit the kennel of Iditarod Champion Dallas Seavey.

In summer and winter, you'll get to see a gear demonstration and meet the dogs. This is a great opportunity to learn about the equipment and the dogs themselves.

The tour also includes a ride on the sled behind the dogs. This is a thrilling experience that's sure to leave you with lifelong memories.

If you're an Iditarod enthusiast, Salmon Berry Tours also offers a multi-day adventure. This is a great option if you want to immerse yourself in the world of dog sledding and learn more about the history and culture of the Iditarod.

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Alpine Air Alaska - Girdwood is a tour operator that offers an exhilarating dogsledding experience. They fly to a dog camp run by the oldest established dog-sled tour business in Alaska.

Their dogsledding tour starts with a helicopter ride from Girdwood's green forests up over a small saddle to land on a glacier. You'll be introduced to the dog team and have the option to "drive" the dogs yourself or sit in the sled and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers.

This tour is a great way to experience the thrill of dogsledding while taking in the stunning scenery of Alaska. With a shuttle option available from Anchorage, you can easily get to the tour departure point.

The tour duration is about 90 minutes, and it's available from mid-May to early September. This makes it a great option for families or anyone looking for an unforgettable Alaskan adventure.

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Adventure Packages offer a unique experience for those looking to get up close and personal with mush dogs. You can visit a family-run champion kennel and meet the friendly dogs and an experienced musher.

Ride along private trails with breathtaking views of Denali, a thrilling experience that's available both in summer and winter.

If you're looking for an authentic Alaskan adventure, consider visiting a family-run champion kennel where you can meet friendly dogs and an experienced musher for a ride along private trails with views of Denali.

You can ride in the sled or even mush your own team, and for a truly immersive experience, go on a training run for the Iditarod!

Large groups and special events are welcome, but be sure to organize in advance to ensure a smooth experience.

In the summer or winter, you can experience the thrill of dog sledding with companies like Snowhook Adventure Guides of Alaska, where you can run Iditarod sled dogs and even get to drive!

You'll get to meet the sled dogs and hear firsthand what it's like to run the Iditarod, a truly unique experience.

For a more in-depth look at the mushing lifestyle, head to the Alaska Mushing School, just 75 minutes from Anchorage, where you can ride behind a team of energetic sled dogs on trails connected to the famous Iditarod route.

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You can bundle up and ride in comfort, or brave the cold and drive the team yourself – the choice is yours!

If you're looking for a more scenic experience, consider Glacier Dog Sledding with Alaska Helicopter Tours, which offers a stunning combination of flightseeing, dog sledding, and happy puppies.

This tour is perfect for families or anyone looking for a unique Alaskan experience, and it's available from mid-May to early September.

You can visit and snuggle real Iditarod sled dogs with their musher on a unique summer-time tour. Snug up with the dogs and learn about their fascinating lives.

The tour takes you to the kennel, where you'll get to see the dogs up close and learn about their daily routine. You'll even get to harness up and explore trails along Girdwood's mountains, taking in the spectacular views.

Ratchet up the adventure factor and try your hand at dogsledding with Alpine Air Alaska. They'll fly you to a dog camp run by the oldest established dog-sled tour business in Alaska.

You can "drive" the dogs yourself, or sit in the sled and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of hanging glaciers surrounding you. A shuttle option is available from Anchorage, making it easy to get to the dog camp.

The tour offers a unique combination of dog sledding and glacier exploration, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

A winter visit to Alaska isn't complete without seeing a sled dog team in action. This tour takes you even further, introducing you to this essential Alaskan activity and letting you mush your own team.

You'll start with a hotel pickup in Anchorage and a two-hour drive to Talkeetna, where you'll enjoy narration by your local driver/guide and photo stops to catch a glimpse of Denali, North America's highest peak.

Lunch in town follows before you head to the kennel of Dallas Seavey, one of the legends of the mushing world.