Fall in Alaska: Is Dog Sledding Possible Yet?
- Arctic Dog Adventure Co.
- Aug 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 13
Fall in Alaska is a season of golden tundra, crisp air, and the slow creep of winter’s return. If you're planning a trip to Fairbanks between late August and mid-November, you might be wondering:
Is it too early for dog sledding?
Spoiler: Yes—for snow-based sledding. But don’t worry—you can still meet the dogs and experience mushing in other exciting ways.
Let’s break it down.
Table of Contents
When Does the Snow Arrive in Fairbanks?
Fall Conditions by Month: September to November
What You Can Do With Sled Dogs Before the Snow Falls
Planning Tips for Fall Travelers
Can You Go Dog Sledding in Fall
❄️ When Does the Snow Arrive in Fairbanks?
Understanding the snowpack is key to planning your dog sledding adventure.
Here’s a quick guide to help you plan:
Month | Average Temps (°F) | Snow Pack | Recommended Activities |
September | 40–60°F | None | |
October | 15–35°F | Light snow or patchy ground frost | |
November | -5 to 20°F | Building snowpack | ❄️ Snow-based sledding begins ~Nov 15 |
Here’s what conditions typically look like each month:
September: Cool & Crisp, But No Snow Yet
Average Temps: 40–60°F (4–15°C)
Snow? Unlikely.
Fall foliage peaks, especially the yellow of the tamarack and aspen as well as the red of the tundra, creating beautiful conditions for hiking and outdoor exploration—but sledding is still a few months away.
Ground is typically bare, although frost may start to appear overnight by late September.
October: Frosty Mornings, First Snowfall
Average Temps: 15–35°F (-9 to +2°C)
Snow? Yes, but not enough for sledding.
Expect patchy snow or icy conditions mid-to-late October. It’s still not enough to safely run sleds, but fall colors fade into a beautiful monochrome landscape.
November: Transition to Winter
Average Temps: -5 to 20°F (-20 to -6°C)
Snow? Yes—and accumulating.
Mid-November is when our snow-based dog sledding tours begin. The first weeks of November can still be hit or miss for snow depth, but by Thanksgiving, our dogsled trails are usually ready.
📆 Snow-based tours typically begin by November 15th. Book early—this time of year fills up fast!
🐾 What You Can Do With Sled Dogs Before the Snow Falls
If you're visiting in September or October, you can still experience the joy of sled dogs through various fall tours:
🌲 Husky Hikes
Explore the boreal forest on foot—tethered to one of our enthusiastic Siberian Huskies! These guided walks are a fun, hands-on way to bond with the dogs, learn about mushing, and enjoy Alaska’s fall scenery.
🐕 Kennel Tours
Come meet the team! Learn about the history of dog mushing, the daily life of our dogs, and our ethical approach to sled dog care. A perfect introduction for families and animal lovers.
🛷 Cart-Based Fall Training Runs (Limited Availability)
On cooler days in October, when temps are safe for the dogs to run, some kennels offer training runs using wheeled carts or ATV’s instead of sleds. These are weather-dependent and limited, but offer a thrilling glimpse of the winter season to come.
🗓 Planning Tips for Fall Travelers
Dress in layers: Fall temps fluctuate quickly, especially in September and October. Warm layers, gloves, and hats are essential—even before winter fully hits.
Book ahead: Fall experiences stay available based on demand, so book ahead to ensure operators are still staffed and open to receive you.
Stay flexible: If you're visiting in late October or early November, the snowpack can be unpredictable and winter storms (bringing more snow!) can delay flights, close roads and force you to stay put for a little longer.
So… Can You Go Dog Sledding in Fall?
Snow-based sledding begins mid-November, but fall is still a wonderful time to experience the spirit of dog mushing. Whether you're hiking with a husky, visiting our historic kennel, or hopping on a cart ride with another operator—there’s no shortage of ways to connect with sled dogs before the snow flies.
👉 Coming to Fairbanks this fall?
Book a Husky Hike or Kennel Tour Today
And if you're dreaming of dashing through the snow—explore our winter dog sledding tours and plan your adventure for later in the season.