Winter Dog Sledding FAQ | Fairbanks, Alaska
Thinking about dog sledding in Fairbanks, Alaska? Wondering whether you really get to drive the sled, how to keep your toes warm, or whether your kids can come along?
You are in good company! These are some of the questions we hear most often at Arctic Dog Adventure Co.
We specialize in teaching guests to drive their own teams of Siberian Huskies. Our winter adventures range from a few hours on the trails near our off-grid homestead to multi-day journeys into the Alaskan backcountry. You bring your curiosity and willingness to learn. We bring the dogs, instruction, and warm outerwear.
Do I really get to drive my own dog team?
YES! On our public winter day tours, you drive your own sled and team of 4–6 Siberian Huskies, with a guide leading the way on a separate sled.
You will meet your dogs and learn how to slow down, stop, steer, and help your team uphill before heading onto the trail. No previous mushing experience is required.
There is something pretty wonderful about standing on the runners for the first time, watching your dogs settle into their rhythm, and realizing that you are doing this together.
Explore our half-day drive-your-own-dog-team tour to see how your first mushing adventure works.
Can beginners go dog sledding?
Yes! Our day tours welcome beginners who meet the physical requirements and are ready to follow their guide’s instructions.
You do not need to arrive knowing how to harness a husky or handle a sled. That is what we are here to teach you.
You do need to understand that driving a dog team is an active experience. You will be standing, balancing, using the brake, and helping your dogs on the hills. Expect to learn a new skill, spend time outside, and finish with a much greater appreciation for your four-legged teammates.
How fit do I need to be to drive a dog sled?
You need enough balance, coordination, mobility, and stamina to control your sled and help your team uphill.
You must also be able to get back up after a fall. Snow is forgiving in some ways, but getting to your feet in winter clothing takes effort!
Our driving tours include a required fitness check. Before booking, review the dog sledding fitness requirements and equipment limits. The maximum guest weight is 300 pounds, including the clothing and gear worn during the tour.
If you are unsure whether driving is a good fit, please talk with us beforehand. Tell us about any mobility concerns and who in your group would prefer to ride. We can discuss whether a private arrangement is suitable.
Can I ride in the sled instead of driving?
Riding options are available through private tours, subject to advance approval and available guides, dogs, and equipment.
Our public day tours are designed for guests who will each drive their own dog team. If you would rather settle into a sled basket, or your group includes both drivers and riders, explore our private dog sledding tours in Fairbanks.
Please explain your preferred arrangement when you inquire. A little planning helps us put together the right experience for everyone.
Can children go dog sledding?
Yes, children may join on private winter day tours. Public half-day and full-day departures are for adults ages 18 and older.
For private winter day tours:
Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult on the same booking. One adult may accompany up to two minors.
Children ages 12 and older may typically drive their own team, pending guide approval.
Children ages 11 and younger ride in the guide’s sled and do not drive their own team.
Children are charged the regular tour price.
Private bookings require payment equivalent to at least four participants, even if fewer people attend.
Driving approval depends on the child’s size, maturity, coordination, ability to follow instructions, and the weather and trail conditions.
Tell us your children’s ages and what you hope to do before booking. Longer trips have different demands; please do not assume that day-tour arrangements apply to an expedition. Review our current age requirements and booking policies when planning your visit.
What is the difference between a half-day, full-day, and multi-day tour?
The main differences are how long you spend with the dogs, how far you travel, and whether you stay overnight in the backcountry.
Our half-day dog sledding experience takes approximately three hours from arrival to departure, including instruction, gear fitting, and at least an hour of sledding. It is a lovely introduction to working with a dog team.
Our full-day dog sledding adventure takes approximately six to seven hours. You travel roughly 10–15 miles, depending on conditions, with a hot campfire lunch along the way. More trail time, more time with your dogs, and a good reason to enjoy that second helping!
Our multi-day dog sledding expeditions take you farther into Alaska’s wilderness. Accommodations and daily demands vary by itinerary, so choose your trip with those details in mind.
What should I wear for winter dog sledding in Fairbanks?
Wear warm layers, wool or synthetic socks, a hat that covers your ears, and a neck gaiter or scarf. We provide winter outerwear and boots for your tour.
The key is layering. You want clothing that works together without making it difficult to bend, move, or breathe.
Start with:
Base layers: Wool or synthetic long underwear, top and bottom. Avoid cotton.
Insulating layers: Fleece, wool, or other warm layers that fit comfortably beneath your outerwear.
Head and neck coverage: A warm hat and neck gaiter or scarf.
Socks: Warm wool or wool-blend socks.
Light gloves: Useful when working with equipment before putting on your mittens.
Your boots need room for your toes to move. Stuffing extra socks into tight boots will not make your feet happier!
You also want to avoid getting sweaty. Let your guide know if you are becoming too warm or too cold so we can help you adjust. Cold hands and feet are much easier to address early.
Find the current packing-list link on your winter day-tour information page. Multi-day guests should follow their trip-specific packing list.
What happens if it is very cold or the weather changes?
We assess conditions at our location and adjust or cancel tours when necessary for the wellbeing of guests, guides, and dogs.
Winter weather is part of life here. It also varies considerably around Fairbanks, so the temperature outside your hotel may be different from the temperature at our kennel.
Routes, timing, and plans may change with conditions. Your guide will explain any adjustments.
Please read the weather section of our booking terms and cancellation policies before your visit, and follow any updates we send about your departure.
Do you offer vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free food?
Yes! Please tell us about dietary preferences, restrictions, and allergies during booking so we can plan ahead.
Good food matters, especially after spending time outside in winter. We take pride in feeding people well.
Lunch is included on our full-day tour; meals on longer trips depend on the itinerary. If you have a food allergy or a requirement that needs special preparation, contact us before booking to discuss the details.
You can find more about expedition meals in our multi-day trip planning guide.
How do you remember all the dogs’ names?
Easy! Each dog is an individual.
Some are enthusiastic conversationalists. Some are thoughtful observers. Some are convinced that every visitor has arrived specifically to scratch their ears. Even dogs who look very similar become easy to tell apart once you know them.
We spend time with our dogs every day: feeding, cleaning, training, checking feet, clipping nails, and simply enjoying their company. They are part of our lives throughout the year.
That relationship is one of the reasons we love sharing mushing with guests. You arrive seeing a team of huskies. Before long, you start seeing the individuals.
You can meet our Siberian Huskies before your visit, although the dogs would probably prefer to introduce themselves in person.
How are your sled dogs cared for?
Our dogs receive year-round care, attention, exercise, and a permanent home throughout their working lives and retirement.
A tour is only a small part of their day—and a very small part of their lives. Feeding, veterinary care, training, rest, and time together continue whether guests are visiting or not.
We want you to ask questions, learn about the dogs, and see the relationships behind the team traveling down the trail.
Our approach to ethical dog sledding explains the values behind our kennel and tours.
What is the homestead like?
Our tours begin at an off-grid sled dog kennel in the hills north of Fairbanks. Expect a working homestead, dogs with plenty to say, and a welcome into our way of life.
Life here follows the seasons and the needs of the dogs. There is always something to feed, shovel, repair, or prepare. There is also the pleasure of stepping outside and finding fresh snow on the trees or hearing the whole kennel begin a howl.
Come prepared to spend time outdoors and experience a little of everyday Alaska.
Learn more about our off-grid homestead and sled dog kennel.
Do you have a restroom?
Yes—we have an outhouse at the homestead!
It is a familiar part of off-grid life in Alaska. If you have never used one in winter, the idea may take a little getting used to. One advantage: stepping outside gives you another chance to look at the sky.
On multi-day trips, bathroom arrangements depend on the route and accommodations. Your guides will explain facilities and appropriate backcountry practices. Our multi-day accommodation and trip information will help you understand what to expect.
Will I see the northern lights on my dog sledding tour?
Northern lights sightings are possible on trips with dark nighttime hours, but they are never guaranteed.
A daytime sledding tour is not an aurora-viewing excursion. On a multi-day trip, you may have opportunities to watch the sky after the day’s mushing is done.
You need darkness, suitable sky conditions, and aurora activity. Even then, the lights follow their own schedule. Those of us who live here still get excited when they appear!
If aurora viewing is a priority, compare our multi-day winter dog sledding trips and choose an itinerary with nighttime viewing opportunities. We cannot promise the lights, but we certainly understand wanting to see them.
How do I get to Arctic Dog Adventure Co.?
Day-tour guests arrange their own transportation to our kennel, approximately 20 miles north of Fairbanks.
You can drive or arrange a taxi or transfer service. Plan your return transportation as well, and check your rental provider’s winter-driving requirements.
Use our directions to Arctic Dog Adventure Co. to approach via the Elliott Highway. Please do not rely on an unfamiliar shortcut suggested by your navigation app.
Multi-day trips include Fairbanks pickup and drop-off as described in the itinerary. Follow your trip instructions for those arrangements.
How do I choose the right winter dog sledding tour?
Start with how you want to spend your day.
Would you like an introduction to driving a team? A full day on the trail with a campfire lunch? A private outing with your family? Or several days traveling through the backcountry with your own huskies?
Browse our winter dog sledding tours in Alaska, then contact us for help choosing your adventure if you are unsure.
We are happy to talk through the options. Getting to share this life—and these dogs—with you is why we do this.
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