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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!

Glacier Dog Sledding

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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!

Glacier Dog Sledding

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