Booking a summer dog sled tour in Alaska offers a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of dog sledding in a season you might not initially associate with the sport. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your summer dog sled tour in Alaska:
1. Research Summer Dog Sled Tours
Look for reputable dog sled tour operators with positive reviews and a commitment to animal welfare. Check online reviews and ask for recommendations from travel forums or social media groups focused on Alaska travel.
2. Book Your Summer Dog Sled Tour in Advance
Summer is a peak tourist season in Alaska, making it a popular time for dog sledding tours. To ensure you don’t miss out on the experience, it’s wise to book your tour well in advance. This not only guarantees your spot but also gives you ample time to prepare and plan for your adventure, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable trip.
3. Understand the Summer Dog Sledding Experience You Are Booking
There are several different types of summer dog sled tours available, so it’s important to know exactly what you’re signing up for. The four main types are: sled dog demonstrations, wheeled dog sled rides, glacier dog sledding, and husky hikes.
Sled dog demonstrations usually involve visiting a kennel and watching a team of dogs get hooked up to a sled to run, but you don’t go dog sledding yourself. Wheeled dog sled rides take place on custom-built carts, where a musher takes you on a short ride through the woods. Glacier dog sledding involves a helicopter flight to a glacier, allowing you to experience dog sledding on snow, even in the summer—though it’s a pricier option. Husky hikes let you help exercise the sled dogs on trail walks, with the dogs often running loose and not attached to a sled. This is a more active, hands-on tour.
There is no “best” option, as each type of tour offers its own unique experience with different pros and cons. In general, sled dog demonstrations and husky hikes are more commonly found in areas where it can get too hot for the dogs to consistently run in a team. These tours allow you to experience the dogs in a different way, whether it’s through a demonstration or by joining in on a fun, active trail walk. Each option caters to different interests, so choosing the right one depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
Be sure to understand the logistics, physical requirements, and what’s included in the tour you’re booking to ensure you have the best experience possible.
4. Ask About the Sled Dogs
What makes a dog sledding tour special? The dogs, of course. These incredible canines are the heart and soul of the experience, and many kennels have teams that have competed in prestigious races. If you book your tour in advance, you can often learn if the dogs you’ll be mushing have raced before or are currently competing in races like Iditarod. This adds an exciting layer to your adventure, as you can follow along with “your team” during the racing season, watching their progress and cheering them on. It’s a fun way to feel connected to the dogs before your actual tour and gives you a sense of anticipation. As you count down the days until your summer trip, following the team’s races and updates can help build the excitement, making your dog sledding experience even more memorable when you finally meet the dogs in person.
5. Check for Age and Weight Restrictions
Some tours have age and weight restrictions for safety reasons, especially for helicopter rides to the glacier. Verify this information beforehand to avoid any surprises. If you are going on a helicopter ride, you will be weighed on arrival.
6. Ask About Their Weather Policy
It’s important to be prepared for potential schedule adjustments. For example, wheeled cart rides may need to be altered if temperatures rise too high, husky hikes could be canceled in the rain, and helicopter glacier dog sledding can be cancelled if visibility is poor.
To ensure you’re fully prepared, make sure you understand how the dog sled tour company handles these weather-related situations. Knowing their policies on rescheduling or cancellations can help you stay flexible and make the most of your Alaskan adventure, no matter what the weather brings. For glacier dog sledding tours, it’s often advisable to have a back up day built into your travel arrangements.
7. Ask About Transportation to Your Dog Sled Tour
If your tour is located outside the city you’re staying in, consider how you’ll get there. Some operators offer transportation from major hotels or central locations, so ask about this when booking. It’s not uncommon for operators to charge a reasonable, per person shuttle fee.
8. Check for Cancellation Policies
Understand the tour operator’s cancellation policy, including any fees and deadlines, in case your plans change.
By following these tips, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable summer dog sledding experience in Alaska, all while respecting the local environment and the incredible dogs that make the adventure possible.
9. Book Your Dog Sled Tour Over the Phone
Many tour companies use booking platforms that charge a percentage-based booking fee, often as much as 6% per person. These fees can quickly add up. To avoid extra costs, consider booking directly over the phone. Not only will this help you skip the booking fees, but you’ll also have the opportunity to learn more about the local area from the reservationist, who can offer insider tips and recommendations for your trip.
We Would Love to Take You on a Summer Dog Sled Tour
At Turning Heads Kennel, we’re passionate about our happy, healthy dogs. We’d love to share the thrill of dog sledding with you. Our summer dog sled tours offer an exciting chance to mush a team of enthusiastic huskies across stunning landscapes. Whether you’re soaring to a glacier by helicopter or exploring the wooded trails near our kennel, our dogs are ready to show you the best of Alaska. Book with us for a memorable, tail-wagging adventure!
