FULL DAY DRIVE YOUR OWN DOG SLED TOUR
Fairbanks, Alaska
DRIVE YOUR OWN DOG TEAM
This full-day expedition is perfect for adventurers seeking a true Alaskan dog sledding experience, driving their own team of Siberian Huskies!
Before departure, your guide will supplement your gear with our own expedition-level parkas, boots, and mitts and share a safety briefing. Then, we 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 harness a sled dog
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How to slow down and stop your team
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How to steer your team
When everything is ready, the dogs will be eager to go - hang on to the handlebar! We will release the sleds and whoosh! — sudden silence, accentuated by the sound of runners whisking over the snow and the quiet pitter-patter of dog paws.
Your guide will lead you through the snowy landscape, covering 10-14 miles, depending on trail conditions.
When we reach our halfway point, we will stop to enjoy a warm drink and a hot campfire lunch. Make sure to give your happy dogs a pat & tell them what a good job they are doing.
Fortified by a hot meal, you will then hop back on the runners for the second part of your dog sled excursion through the boreal forest of Fairbanks.
Upon returning, we'll unharness the dogs, thank them for the trip, and head inside to remove our frost-covered outerwear before saying goodbye.
Dog Sledding in Fairbanks, Alaska with Siberian Huskies | Arctic Dog Adventure Co.
This is a 6-7 tour hour from arrival to departure, with a minimum of 4 hours on the dog sled. Sometimes we spend extra time teaching, talking, petting dogs, hanging around the campfire and/or taking pictures on the trail.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
✔ Drive your own dog team of 4-6 Siberian Huskies
✔ Warm clothing (parkas, boots, mittens)
✔ 4+ hours of dog sledding
✔ 10+ miles of trail
✔ Scenic mountain vistas
✔ Snacks, lunch, hot drinks
✔ Professional and experienced guides
✔ Dog mushing lessons
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
X Base layers or hat (See: What to Wear Dogsledding)
X Transportation to/from the kennel (How to Get to the Kennel)
X Insulated water bottle
KIDS UNDER 12?
ARE YOU READY TO GO DOG SLEDDING IN FAIRBANKS?
TOUR SUMMARY
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Price: $699 per person
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Duration: ~6 hours from arrival to departure.
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Season: December- April
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Group Size: No minimum. 4 person maximum. *Larger groups please inquire directly.
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Transportation: We do not offer a shuttle service. We recommend having a rental car. Click here for recommended transport options
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Age: 12+
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Booking: Online or by phone. For same day bookings, call/text (907) 841-4694.
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.
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
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. Here are some guidelines to discuss to see if this tour is the right fit for you.
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Are you in good cardiovascular health? You will need to actively help and run up the hill behind your dogs for periods of 30 seconds up to a minute.
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Can you bend down to tie your own shoes, pick items up off the ground ?
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Can you comfortably hike 2-3 miles at a time ?
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If you are lying flat on the ground, can you get yourself to your feet in under 10 seconds?
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Can you balance on each leg for 5-10 seconds?
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Can you grip the handlebar with both hands?
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Are you pregnant past the second trimester? If yes, dog sledding is not for you at this time.
Read more about the fitness required for dog sledding here.
FITNESS CHECK
You will not be allowed to participate 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. (Participants should note which leg feels stronger, as this side may feel more natural when pedaling.)
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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.
WEIGHT LIMIT
Overall fitness and mobility is more important than weight. Be sure you can comply with the fitness requirements listed above. Be honest about your weight when registering so we can be sure to match you with the right dogs.
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.
✔ These 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.
GALLERY
DAY TOUR BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY
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Payment is due in full at time of booking.
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A full refund will be issued for cancellations received more than 30 days from trip date. No refund for cancellations received less than 30 days prior to trip date, but payment will be considered credit. Credit is good for one calendar year from time of booking.
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Credit can be transferred. If you do not make your tour on time, we will not refund payment, but we will reschedule your tour at no extra cost.
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No reimbursement is provided for trips shortened due to inclement weather.
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Arctic Dog Adventure Co. reserves the right to cancel a tour for any reason. If Arctic Dog Adventure Co. cancels a day tour, we will refund you in full or reschedule for no extra charge.
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Please see Booking Terms & Conditions for more details.