HALF-DAY DOG SLEDDING TOURS
Fairbanks, Alaska
BOOK ONLINE
Not everyone in your party interested in driving their own dog team? Unfortunately, we do not have a waiting room. Leave your less adventurous friends at your accommodations, or drop them off at one of Fairbanks' great museums.
TOUR SUMMARY
This 3 hour dog sled adventure is designed for those eager to experience an authentic Alaskan mushing experience -- driving your own dog team!
This is the real deal, which means you are not just along for a ride -- you are an active participant in this adventure and will get to drive your own small dog team of 4-6 dogs.
Before departure, your guide will introduce you to your team and give you a lesson on how to drive the sled.
You will learn:
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How to slow down and stop your team.
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How to steer your team.
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How to help your team up a hill.
After completing orientation and training, your guide will lead you on a six-mile journey through stunning old-growth boreal forest to the summit of a ridge. Here, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the White Mountains and the Chatanika River Valley. Along the route, we will have plenty of opportunities to pause and capture the beauty of this incredible experience.
During this tour, your guide will lead the way, monitoring the dogs and the trail, ensuring you feel confident and supported as you learn this new sport.
Arctic Dog Adventure Co. is located 30 minutes from downtown Fairbanks. Transportation is not included. Click here for transport options.
WHY THIS TOUR IS UNIQUE
✔ This is NOT a sled ride.
✔ You drive your own dog sled the entire tour, from start to finish.
✔ You do not share the dog sled with a guide or another person.
✔ You do not have a guide attached to you by a "tag sled."
✔ Our dogs are Siberian Huskies, one of the original Arctic sled dog breeds.
✔ Our teams are trained by 3x Iditarod finisher Lisbet Norris.
✔ All Lead Guides are Certified Wilderness First Responders -- safety is our priority and risk management our speciality.
WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED
Not sure what to wear? No worries! We provide all cold weather outerwear and boots. Check out our Day Trip Packing List for tips on what to wear to be warm and cozy visiting Fairbanks in winter
WILL I DRIVE MY OWN
DOG TEAM?
Yes. You will drive your own team of 4-6 dogs.
What to Expect:
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One Person Per Sled: You’ll have your own sled and team, so there are no passengers in the basket.
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Expert Guidance: A professional dog sledding guide will be with you every step of the way. They’ll drive their own team just ahead, keeping an eye on the trail, your dogs, and your progress. This lets you focus on enjoying the ride while ensuring safety and support.
Skills You’ll Learn: Before heading out, your guide will give you a hands-on lesson to get you ready:
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Meet Your Team: You’ll be introduced to your sled dogs, getting to know the amazing athletes who will be your partners for the day.
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Harnessing a Sled Dog: Learn the proper techniques for harnessing your dogs—an essential skill for any musher.
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Sled Control: You’ll be taught how to safely drive your sled, including how to slow down, stop, and manage your team on the trail.
Not a Tag Sled Tour: Unlike tag sledding, where the guide controls everything, here you are in charge. While this experience involves more work and responsibility, the reward is greater, as you feel the power and partnership of working with your own team of dogs.
Alternative Options: If you do not wish to drive your own team, please contact us directly to discuss a private tour with ride options (minimum 4 person or equivalent).
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
TRY BEFORE BOOKING. You will not be allowed to participate and will not be eligible for a refund if you cannot pass this Pre-Adventure Fitness Check:
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Balance – Stand on each foot, one at a time, for 5 seconds.
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Coordination – Cross-body movement: touch right hand to left foot, then left hand to right foot.
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Coordination – Perform five (5) jumping jacks. (Feet must move apart and together with control.)
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Mobility – Bend down and touch your toes (bending knees is acceptable).
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Mobility – From lying flat on the stomach on the ground, return to a standing position within 10 seconds.
No previous mushing experience is required.
We will teach you everything you need to know to feel comfortable and well-equipped for your time on the trail. 99% of our clients have never stepped foot on a dog sled before! You are accompanied at all times by a professional dog sledding guide who oversees the whole experience, allowing you to relax and enjoy the thrill of driving your own dog team. The tour is about 50% uphill, meaning it will be necessary to help your dogs uphill, which requires some balance and cardio output.
Read more about the fitness required for dog sledding here.
WEIGHT LIMIT & EQUIPMENT CAPACITY
Overall fitness and mobility are more important than weight alone. However, our sleds and equipment have a maximum safe working load.
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Maximum guest weight: 300 lbs (136 kg).
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This limit applies regardless of fitness level and includes all clothing and gear worn during the tour.
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Guests near this limit must be highly mobile, coordinated, and able to meet all fitness requirements above.
Please be honest about your weight when registering so we can:
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Match you with the appropriate dog team and equipment
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Ensure the safety of our dogs, guides, and guests
We reserve the right to deny participation if a guest exceeds equipment limits or cannot safely meet the physical demands of the tour.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Dog sledding offers an incredible hands-on adventure that families can enjoy together. It's not just the thrill of flying over snow behind a team of happy dogs that makes it special; it's also about bonding with the sled dogs and learning about their care, which instills a sense of responsibility and teamwork in children.
Age Requirements:
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People younger than 18 are welcome but require a private group booking.
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Children 12+ can typically drive their own team. Pending guide approval.
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Children 11 and under will ride in the Guide’s sled.
These requirements are for safety reasons. Having younger participants takes a very high level of awareness, risk management, and experience to monitor kids AND high-energy sled dogs. For this reason, kids are still full price.
