FULL DAY DRIVE YOUR OWN DOG SLED TOUR
Fairbanks, Alaska
BOOK ONLINE
Not everyone in your party is 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 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!
Your guide will lead you through the snowy landscape, covering 10-15 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.
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
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.
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.
Read more about the fitness required for dog sledding here.
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.
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.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Dog sledding offers an unparalleled adventure that families can enjoy together, creating lasting memories amidst snowy landscapes. It's not just the thrill of gliding over snow 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.
