FULL DAY DRIVE YOUR OWN DOG SLED TOUR
Fairbanks, Alaska
An unparalleled dog sledding experience through the boreal forest and frozen bogs of Interior Alaska.​ This full day expedition is tailor-made for adventurers who yearn for a genuine Alaskan dog sledding experience where you drive their own team of Siberian Huskies!
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Upon arrival, you will be welcomed into our cozy, off-grid cabin where we will supplement your gear with our own expedition-level parkas, boots, and mitts. We want to ensure that you will be warm and comfortable your entire trip! Then, it is time to head outside.
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We will give you a lesson on how to drive the sled and you will assist your guide in harnessing the teams. When everything is ready, the dogs will be barking and hammering on the lines, eager to go. Hang on to the handlebar!
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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.
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We can drop into the river valley, where cold air gathers, covering everything in crystals, and wind through clusters of crooked black spruce coated with hoarfrost. Or we can stay up top, where rabbit tracks criss-cross snowy fields and the golden winter sun peeks through the birch forest.
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When we reach our halfway point, we will stop and rest the dogs. Enjoy a steaming hot drink and a hot campfire lunch. Make sure to give your happy dogs a pat & tell them what a good job they are doing.
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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.
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Upon our return, we will unharness the dogs and thank them for the trip before heading inside where we can remove our frost-covered outerwear before we say good-bye. ​
BOOK ONLINE
ARE YOU READY TO GO DOG SLEDDING IN FAIRBANKS?
THE BASICS
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Duration: ~6 hours from arrival to departure.
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Season: December-March (limited availability after December)
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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.
Why this tour is unique:
✔ 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.
✔ This is NOT a sled ride.
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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
X Transportation to/from the kennel
X Insulated water bottle
Not sure what to wear?
No worries! We provide all cold weather gear. Check out our Packing List for our overnight and multi day trips for tips on what to wear to be warm and cozy visiting Fairbanks in winter.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
Physical Fitness Requirements
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In good health, with no current injuries.
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Not pregnant past Second Trimester.
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Decent physical stamina & cardiovascular fitness.
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Decent upper body strength.
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Good balance.
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If you can comfortably hike 2-3 miles in hilly terrain, you are fit enough to drive your own dog sled on this tour.
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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.
WILL I DRIVE MY OWN DOG TEAM?
Yes. You will drive your own small team of 4-6 dogs. One person per sled. You are accompanied at all times by a professional dog sledding guide who oversees the experience, allowing you to relax and enjoy the thrill & and pleasure of driving your own dog team.
Before departure, your guide will introduce you to your team and give you a lesson on how to drive the sled.
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You will learn how to harness a sled dog.
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You will learn how to slow down and stop your team.
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You will learn how to go uphill and downhill safely (very important for the safety of the dogs!)
Your guide drives their own team just ahead of you, keeping an eye on the dogs, the trail, and your progress.
If you do not wish to drive your own team, this tour is not for you.
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This is not a tag sled tour.
While tag sledding is a fun way to enjoy dog sledding, it is different from driving your own team (the guide is in control the entire time). Driving your own dog team is more work, more responsibility, and also more rewarding.
To explore other options, check out our full list of Tour Companies that offer dog sledding in Alaska.
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GALLERY
TESTIMONIALS
"This is a great experience to get close to and learn about Siberian Huskies and the world of dog mushing. We had a ton of fun driving our own dog sled team instead of just riding in the sled which gives you a better view, bonding, and understanding of the sport in dog mushing. The view on the trail was breathtaking.
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— James L, Winter 2020
We LOVED our adventure with Lisbet! We did the half day sled tour and learned how to gear up and drive our own team! Lisbet was wonderful with our 8-year old daughter who went with her and was able to safely experience this adventure as well. Her dogs are well taken care of, sweet, and were SUPER excited to take us out. I thought I was going to Fairbanks to see the aurora, but I must say that this was, by far, the best part of our trip. I cannot wait to go back! PS: Yes, it is totally worth the money!!
— Alinne, Winter 2024
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.