Glacier Dog Sledding in Alaska: Cost, Tour & What to Expect

Glacier dog sledding in Alaska combines a helicopter flight, glacier landing and dog-sled ride into one experience. We flew from Girdwood to Punchbowl Glacier with our 4-year-old, met the dogs and puppies, and got to drive the sled ourselves.

It was one of the highlights of our Alaska trip. It was also one of the more expensive activities we booked — and worth every penny. You’re not just paying for a dog sled ride; you’re paying for a helicopter charter, a glacier landing few tour operators can offer, and an experience that can’t be replicated at lower altitude or lower cost. Some things in Alaska are worth splurging on once, and this was ours, and one of the more expensive activities we booked.

If you’re trying to decide whether glacier dog sledding is worth the cost, here’s what actually happens, what it was like with a young child in tow, and what I’d know before booking. No fluff, just the real breakdown so you can decide for yourself.

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What Is Glacier Dog Sledding in Alaska Like?

Glacier dog sledding is different from a regular dog-sled ride because you first have to reach the dog camp by helicopter.

We drove about an hour south of Anchorage to Girdwood, where our glacier dog-sledding tour departed from the Alpine Air hangar. From there, we flew by helicopter to a remote dog camp on Punchbowl Glacier. After landing, we met the dogs, spent time around the camp, and eventually headed out across the snow behind a dog team.

This also makes glacier dog sledding possible during times of year when there isn’t enough snow at lower elevations.

What Happened on Our Glacier Dog Sledding Tour?

We started at the Alpine Air hangar in Girdwood.

After checking in and going through the safety briefing, we got ready for the helicopter flight. We were told not to bring our backpacks, so we went up without our usual day bags.

Helicopter to Punchbowl Glacier

The helicopter flight took roughly 15 minutes.

For me, this was part of what made the excursion worth paying for. We weren’t simply being transported to a dog-sled ride—we were flying over Alaska’s mountains and snowfields before landing at a remote glacier camp.

Once we landed, we had time before our turn with the sled.

Meeting the Dogs and Puppies

While another group went first, we could meet the dogs, spend time with the puppies, take photos and look around the glacier.

There was even a glacier hill where people could slide while waiting.

Our daughter loved this part. At 4, she didn’t need the experience to move constantly from one scheduled activity to another. The dogs, puppies and snow gave her plenty to do while we waited.

One thing that stood out was how the dogs behaved when it was time to run. They were noticeably excited beforehand, but once the sled started moving, the team became much quieter and focused on running.

Driving the Dog Sled

We got to drive the sled ourselves rather than just sit and watch.

Our actual sled ride lasted around 15 minutes.

That sounds short, but the sled ride is only one part of the excursion. The helicopter flights, glacier landing, dog camp and time with the dogs are part of the same experience.

That’s an important distinction when deciding whether the tour makes sense to you.

https://youtu.be/CGWjV2rUtF8?si=JV8JSUKm1cvxaxA_

Can Young Kids Go Glacier Dog Sledding?

Our 4-year-old did the glacier dog-sledding tour with us, and it worked well for our family.

I wouldn’t use our daughter’s age alone to decide whether another child can do it, though.

This experience involves getting into and out of a helicopter, walking on snow and uneven terrain, being around working sled dogs and riding on a moving sled. A child’s mobility and comfort with those things matter.

The operator also has current physical and weight requirements, so check those for everyone in your group before booking.

For us, taking our daughter didn’t prevent us from doing the experience. She got the helicopter flight, glacier, dogs, puppies and sledding experience right along with us.

That was a big part of its value for our family.

How Much Does Glacier Dog Sledding in Alaska Cost?

Glacier dog sledding is a premium Alaska excursion.

Glacier dog sledding runs seasonally, from mid-May through the end of August. Prices change by date and traveler, so check the current rate for your travel dates.

The price makes more sense when you look at what you’re actually paying for.

The appeal is the combination: the helicopter flight, the glacier landing, the dog camp, and the sled ride, all in one outing.

It’s an unusual combination of experiences, and a big part of why we chose it over other options.

If your main goal is simply to meet sled dogs, there are less expensive ways to do that in Alaska. But if you want the helicopter + glacier + dog sledding combo, that’s what you’re paying for.

What to Know Before You Book

A few practical details matter more than a long packing list.

Arrive early. There’s a check-in and safety process before you get into the helicopter.

Dress for the glacier. Conditions where you land can be very different from conditions in Girdwood. Alpine Air currently provides glacier overboots, windproof pants and a jacket for dogsledding guests and recommends closed-toe shoes and a light jacket underneath.

Don’t assume you can bring your backpack. We were told not to bring ours because of the helicopter restrictions. Check the current baggage rules before you arrive.

Check the current physical and weight requirements. Helicopter tours have restrictions that can affect individual travelers and families.

Leave room for weather. Reaching the camp depends on helicopter conditions. Alpine Air says weather cancellations can be rebooked for another available time or day or refunded, and the company recommends scheduling earlier in your trip when possible.

If glacier dog sledding is one of your highest-priority Alaska experiences, I wouldn’t intentionally leave it until your last available day.

The Exact Glacier Dog Sledding Tour We Took

The tour we took is still bookable.

It’s the Alpine Air glacier dog-sledding experience departing from Girdwood. That’s the actual tour behind the experience and photos in this article.

The current listing still includes the helicopter flight to the glacier, time with the sled dogs and an opportunity to drive the sled. Because this particular glacier tour is seasonal, check the current operating dates and availability for your trip.

Check Availability of the Tour We Took →

Prices, availability and operating requirements can change, so check the current listing for your dates before booking.

Is Glacier Dog Sledding in Alaska Worth It?

For us, yes. I’d spend the money on it again.

What made it worth it wasn’t simply riding behind sled dogs for about 15 minutes.

In one excursion, we flew by helicopter into the mountains, landed on a glacier, met the sled dogs and puppies, spent time at a remote dog camp, and actually drove the dog sled. And we were able to do all of it with our 4-year-old.

Real dogs, real snow, zero engine noise — just paws on ice and your own breath in the cold, on a glacier most people only see in photos.

If you’re looking for the combination of a helicopter flight, glacier landing, and dog sledding, this is one Alaska experience we’d choose again. There’s nothing quite like lifting off by helicopter and touching down on a glacier most people only ever see from a distance — then swapping the chopper blades for a team of huskies and a sled. It’s the rare trip that layers three bucket-list moments into one afternoon. Book it if you want a story to tell, not just a photo to post.

Check Availability of the Tour We Took →