Summer dog sled tours are a must due if your summer vacation includes a trip to Alaska. Dog sled tours are a great way to experience a unique part of Alaskan culture and Alaskan history. The dogs are fun to meet because they are easily excited, love to run, and their attitude is infectious and impressive to witness in person. These athletes love their job!
But this post isn’t why you should go dog sledding in Alaska — we hope we’ve already convinced you of that — It’s about what you should wear once you decide that dog sledding is something you want to do — specifically while you are visiting during the summer time. How to dress for a summer dog sled tour will generally dictate how involved you can be and how much fun you will have. After all, if you wear your Sunday best to the dog yard, you probably won’t want to go pet the dogs lest they leave you with a signature paw print!
So what should you wear on a dog sled tour? First, it depends what type of tour you will be doing. Kennel tours and dog sled rides are very different than glacier dog sled tours. Location and time of year also play a factor.
What Type of Dog Sled Tour Are You Going On?
There are a few different types of summer dog sled tours available but they broadly break down to those done on dirt and those that involve a helicopter ride up to a glacier. If you are visiting a kennel vs. taking helicopter up to snow, the dressing requirement will be similar but different.
What to Wear On Summer Dog Sled Rides & Kennel Tours
Proper Footwear Is Essential for Your Dog Sled Tour
If you’re planning to visit the kennel, we recommend wearing sneakers or boots for your comfort and safety. Our energetic Alaskan Huskies love to jump and interact with guests, and proper footwear will keep you steady, especially when walking through our graveled dog yard.
A heads-up about our sled dogs: these pups are full of energy and love to meet new people! They’re trained for the Iditarod, a 1,000-mile race across Alaska, and although it’s technically their “off-season” in summer, they don’t know that! They’re always ready to run, and that excitement often translates into lots of jumping and playtime when they see visitors.
Wear Pants To Make The Most of Your Visit
If you’re hoping to pet them (and who wouldn’t?), we suggest wearing pants to protect yourself just in case they get a little too excited. Our dogs have their nails trimmed, but it’s better to be safe, as their sharp little nails might accidentally nick you. Plus, pants will give you some extra comfort when they’re jumping around!
Be Ready for a Little Dirt and Fur
We also recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty. The kennel can get dusty when it’s dry and muddy when it’s wet. We suggest visiting before laundry day, just in case! While we keep things tidy, our huskies shed a lot during the summer months, and the trails we run them on can get pretty muddy. If it’s warm and there’s a puddle, you can bet our dogs will want to roll in it to cool off! Because of this, we suggest packing rain pants—even if the sun’s out.
Come prepared to get a little dirty, enjoy some husky love, and have a blast! We can’t wait to see you!
What to Wear For A Summer Glacier Dog Sledding Tour
Planning for a summer glacier dog sledding tour? We’re excited to take you on an unforgettable adventure, and we want to make sure you’re comfy and prepared for all that fresh Alaskan air and those stunning glacier views! Here’s what you should wear to make the most of your tour:
Layers Are Key to Enjoying Your Glacier Dog Sledding Tour
Even in the summer, the temperatures on the glacier can be chilly, especially with the wind. We recommend dressing in layers so you can adjust as needed. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep you dry. A lightweight fleece or jacket on top will help you stay cozy, and don’t forget a waterproof outer layer just in case it gets a little wet.
Closed-Toe Shoes Are a Must for Glacier Dog Sledding
We recommend wearing closed-toe shoes, preferably sneakers, for comfort and stability. We provide overboots that fit most regular shoe sizes, but if you’re wearing hiking boots with large soles, the overboots might be a bit tricky to get on. If you wear a men’s shoe size 13 or higher, we suggest bringing your own boots, as our overboots don’t fit that size range comfortably.
Sunglasses and Sunscreen are Essential
The sun up here can be bright, especially when reflecting off the snow or ice, so bring a sunglasses to shield your eyes from the glare and make sure to put on sunscreen. Even on overcast days, it can be quite bright and if you have fair skin you are likely to get sunburned.
Gloves
Even if it’s warm when we take off, gloves will come in handy when you’re holding onto the sled or getting up close with the husky pups. You don’t need anything too heavy, just a good pair of lightweight gloves to keep your hands warm and dry.
With the right gear, you’ll be ready for a fun day of glacier dog sledding, getting to know our sled dogs, and making memories that last a lifetime. See you soon!
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!
