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Dog Sled Tours Alaska
Photo Credit: ATIA, Matt Hage
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Dog Sledding

Dog Sledding

Alaska reigns supreme in the sport of dog mushing, hosting a wide range of dog sled races from sprint to long-distance, including the world-famous Iditarod and Yukon Quest races. Dog mushing has been vital to Alaska Native cultures for thousands of years, providing essential winter transportation for hunting, trade, and communication. Today, visitors can experience the sport year-round on dog sledding tours operated by dog mushing champions. 

Summer Dog Sled Adventures

Even without snow, summer offers plenty of dog sled tour opportunities. Most mushers’ kennels offer tours and demonstrations where you can learn about the history of the sport, how the dogs are trained, and pet the dogs and puppies. Then, you’ll climb aboard a wheeled cart pulled by the dog team so you can experience the thrill of dog mushing for yourself. If you’re keen to get on the snow, join a helicopter dog sled tour, where you’ll take a helicopter up to a glacier and ride a dog sled on the snow and ice under the endless summer sun.

Dog sledding on a glacier in Alaska
Summer dog sledding on a glacier. Photo Credit: @travel_dreamer
Summer dog sledding in Alaska
Summer dog sledding. Photo Credit: ATIA, Michael DeYoung

Winter Dog Sled Adventures

In winter you can experience dog mushing on a classic dog sled as you glide across the snowy landscape. Winter tours are typically smaller, with just one or two guests per sled, plus the musher. Visit lively dog kennels and learn hands-on mushing techniques. Some backcountry winter lodging options will transport you to their properties via dog sled for a truly unique Alaska experience.

Dog sledding in Fairbanks, Alaska
Dog sledding in winter. Photo Credit: ATIA, Chris McLennan
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