Dog Sledding in Alaska: How to Experience mushing in Summer

Glacier Dog sledding in Alaska, even in summer, is a thrilling adventure that offers a glimpse into the state’s rich history and culture. Traditionally used for transportation and hunting by indigenous peoples, dog sledding has evolved into a popular recreational activity. 

In this post we will look at how you can enjoy this unique recreation as we share our first hand experience of glacier dog sledding in Alaska in summer, and we will look into dog sledding culture in Alaska, as well. Perhaps you’re planning on doing this tour soon or in the future, or just reading reviews. We hope this guide is useful and that it helps promote or support this culture, and connect with the state’s unique heritage and stunning natural beauty. 

We understand that these dogs love sledding, are so excited for it (please see our video below), and need the workout for their well-being and training. Dog sledding helps high-energy dogs get sufficient exercise, especially for the Iditarod race. With this in mind, no dogs are harmed during this activity. 

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

Dog sledding likely began thousands of years ago with indigenous peoples in Siberia, who used dogs to pull sleds across frozen landscapes. This practice spread across the Arctic, and eventually reached Alaska. For Alaska’s indigenous communities, dog sledding was essential to navigate the rugged terrain for transportation, hunting, and carrying supplies. The effectiveness of sled dogs for travel in winter conditions quickly established them as a crucial means of transportation.

In the winter, teams of huskies pull sleds across snowy landscapes, providing an exhilarating way to explore the wilderness. 

The famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is an annual long-distance sled dog race held in Alaska. It typically starts in early March and covers approximately 1,000 miles from Anchorage to Nome, following the original mail and supply route, from the dense forests of the Alaska Range to the barren, icy stretches of the Bering Sea coast. Mushers and their teams of 12 to 16 dogs navigate through challenging terrains, including mountains, forests, and frozen rivers, often facing extreme weather conditions – extreme cold, blizzards, and long hours of darkness. The race can take anywhere from 8 to 15 days to complete, depending on conditions and the skill of the team. It is a testament to the endurance and skill of both the dogs and their mushers. 

Overall, dog sledding in Alaska is a blend of tradition and adventure, offering a glimpse into the enduring bond between humans and their canine companions in one of the world’s most rugged environments.

In the mid-20th century, snowmobiles began to replace sled dogs for practical purposes. However, the tradition of dog sledding was revived and preserved through races like the Iditarod. The race was first held in 1973 and was created to preserve the tradition of dog mushing and to commemorate the 1925 serum run to Nome. Since then, the Iditarod has become a highly competitive event that attracts mushers from around the world.

The Serum Run of 1925

One of the most famous events in dog sledding history is the 1925 serum run to Nome. During a diphtheria outbreak, teams of sled dogs relayed life-saving antitoxin across nearly 700 miles of treacherous terrain to Nome. This heroic effort, often referred to as the “Great Race of Mercy,”  is commemorated by the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. If you have not seen them, the movies Togo and The Great Alaskan Race demonstrate this heroic serum run. Who does not get emotional with this?

Glacier Dog Sledding in Alaska and Dog Training

In the summer, some of these sled dogs go into high altitude training. Consistent training and practice runs are essential to maintain the dogs’ skills and fitness. This also helps them stay accustomed to the routine and demands of sledding.

Many kennels offer dog sledding tours along scenic trails alongside the sled dog training. Some tours even include a helicopter ride to a glacier, allowing you to sled on snow despite the warmer weather. These tours often include opportunities to meet the dogs and even cuddle with puppies.  It’s a great way to enjoy the beauty of Alaska and get a taste of its adventurous spirit. Locations like Fairbanks, Seward, and Denali National Park are popular spots for summer dog sledding.

For visitors, glacier dog sledding in Alaska offers a unique way to experience the last frontier’s stunning landscapes. Tours often take place on glaciers or through snow-covered wilderness, providing an immersive adventure in the region’s natural beauty. The experience typically involves learning about the care and training of sled dogs, who are known for their stamina and enthusiasm. 

Short Helicopter Ride from Girdwood to Punchbowl Glacier

We left our boondocking spot (more about our boondocking experience in Alaska soon) and drove to Girdwood for the 15-minute helicopter ride. This trip departs from Girdwood and takes you over the majestic Chugach Mountains and onto the giant snowfield called Punch Bowl Glacier, a sled dog training camp, the summer home of some of Alaska’s cutest endurance athletes. Because of the security briefing, you have to check in early, since they did not want the choppers to wait. 

Everyone at Alpine Air was helpful and accommodating. If you do not have proper gear, they will provide you with one. They provide lightweight rain jackets and pants, fleece gloves, and outer boots that slip over your shoes. They also offer a complimentary round-trip transfer from any hotel or B&B in Girdwood. Below is the tour we used. 

We parked at their hangar. (More on our RV experience in Alaska soon). They do not advise bringing backpacks due to helicopter ride safety and space. So you will fly with only your cell phones and or cameras.

The ride, even though short, was an amazing experience of a lifetime. The beauty of the mountainous and snowy landscape and scenery are so beautifully breathtaking! It was surreal. After the short, scenic flight you would land on a remote camp on Punchbowl Glacier, where the dog guides from Iditarod legend Mich Seavey’s Ididaride Sled Dog Tours introduced you to the lovable dogs. They will teach you about the musher’s lifestyle before your dog sledding adventure. 

The camp is managed by the Seavey family, renowned for raising teams of Iditarod champions. This camp is accessible only by helicopter, and everything in this camp, all the dogs and puppies, was transported by helicopter.

There were two dog sledding groups. The first two groups were ahead in line so we had to wait for our turn. While waiting for your turn, you could pet the dogs, cuddle with the puppies, enjoy and take photos of the 360 degrees stunning views, and or go slide down the glacier hill.

Our Glacier Dog Sledding in Alaska Experience

After the sled ride safety briefing, you are ready for a ride of a lifetime! Since we have a 4 year old with us, they had her sit with me. With the sled ride, you get a chance to drive the sled dog team yourself. This is a unique Alaska experience you’ll always remember. 

Then you take in the amazing scenery and spectacular views of glaciers and peaks as a team of suddenly quiet and focused sled dogs pulls you across an alpine snowfield. 

Please watch our Dog Sledding Experience video here: https://youtu.be/CGWjV2rUtF8?si=JV8JSUKm1cvxaxA_

Meet the friendly Alaskan Huskies

The glacier and sled ride is pretty safe, the sled is designed to be ‘flexible’ with movement, but they require that you must be able to walk unassisted on uneven snow, and hold on to the sled.

This experience was the highlight of our Alaska vacation. We flew in a Helicopter, land and walk on a Glacier, had the chance to mush an Iditarod Champion Dog Team, and cuddle Adorable Husky Puppies, all in one tour that afforded us magnificent beauty of Alaska only seen from Punchbowl Glacier. It was so worth it, and truly an experience we will treasure forever. I highly recommend doing it at least once. See the exact tour we used below.

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