Summer Glacier Dogsledding Tour from Girdwood

If you’re craving a taste of Alaska’s wild frontier, this Summer Glacier Dogsledding Tour is a rare chance to combine a breathtaking helicopter flight with the thrill of mushing on Punchbowl Glacier. Starting from Girdwood, you’ll spend roughly two hours immersed in the dog sledding lifestyle, learning from guides who are passionate about sharing their love for these incredible animals and the history of the Iditarod Trail. The tour costs $782 per person, and while it’s a bit of an investment, the unique experiences—from petting puppies to driving your own sled—make it well worth considering.

What we love most is the small group setting, which guarantees personalized attention and a more immersive experience, and the spectacular scenery that comes with that short helicopter flight. You’ll fly over glaciers and mountain peaks, then land at a remote camp managed by the Seavey family, renowned for raising champions. The chance to see and interact with adorable puppies and learn firsthand about dog mushing makes this adventure stand out.

One consideration is the weather—since the tour operates on a snow-covered glacier, conditions can be cool and occasionally rainy. Dressing properly is essential to enjoy the experience fully. This tour best suits those who are moderately physically active, comfortable on uneven snow, and eager for a personalized, authentic wilderness adventure. It’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to tick a bucket-list item—particularly if you love animals and breathtaking landscapes.

Key Points

• Unique combination of helicopter flight and dogsledding offers diverse experiences.
• Small group size enhances interaction and safety.
• Learn from passionate guides about mushing and Alaska’s history.
• Spectacular scenery includes glaciers, peaks, and alpine snowfields.
• Opportunities to drive the sled and pet puppies make it interactive and fun.
• Weather considerations mean packing warm, waterproof clothing.

The Complete Guide to the Summer Glacier Dogsledding Tour

A Glimpse of the Experience: What’s Included

This tour begins with a short scenic helicopter ride from Girdwood’s airport that whisks you over the stunning landscape of glaciers, rivers, and mountain peaks. We found the 15-minute flight to Punchbowl Glacier to be a highlight—flying over Alaska’s rugged terrain is truly awe-inspiring. From there, you land at a remote camp operated by the Seavey family, famous for their Iditarod champions, setting the stage for an intimate encounter with working sled dogs.

Once at camp, guides introduce you to the adorable dogs and puppies, sharing stories about their training, care, and the mushing lifestyle. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, making it easy to ask questions and get close to the dogs. Then the fun begins: you’ll get to participate in harnessing the dogs, and if you’re comfortable, you’ll get the chance to drive the sled yourself.

After the dogs are prepped, you’ll slide across alpine snowfields, pulled by a lively team of dogs eager to show off their strength and enthusiasm. For many, the highlight is the personal connection with the dogs, who are clearly well-loved and happy to perform. The entire experience lasts about two hours, blending adventure, education, and scenery in a way that’s both exhilarating and authentic.

The Scenic Helicopter Flight

Many reviews highlight the short helicopter ride as a supreme bonus. The views of glaciers, towering peaks, and snowfields are stunning, even on a cloudy day. It’s a rapid but memorable way to cross Alaska’s rugged terrain, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the wilderness that’s hard to match. Several travelers describe the helicopter as beautiful and exciting, making the entire journey feel special from start to finish.

Meet the Dogs and Guides

The guides, often former mushers, bring a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm. According to reviews, guides like Whitney and Lucas are supportive, friendly, and passionate, which adds to the tour’s genuine feel. Many travelers mention how the guides go out of their way to educate about the dogs’ care and the history of the Iditarod, making the experience both fun and informative.

The dogs themselves are a major attraction. We loved the way they come alive when harnessed, eagerly howling and pulling, demonstrating their innate desire to run. The puppies, in particular, steal hearts with their chubby cheeks and playful antics, giving everyone a chance to pet and cuddle.

The Mushing Experience

Many reviews rave about the peacefulness of sledding, surprising visitors who might expect it to be a noisy or chaotic activity. Instead, the sled ride feels almost meditative, with the gentle sound of dogs panting and the soft glide over snow. For those eager to drive the sled themselves, the guides offer that opportunity—an experience many describe as thrilling and empowering.

The opportunity to learn to operate a dog sled and witness the teamwork involved is invaluable. As one reviewer states, “It was amazing to experience multiple things all in one tour. From helicopter rides to petting puppies, it was truly a memorable adventure.”

Weather and Practical Considerations

Since the tour takes place on a snow-covered glacier, weather can vary. Many reviews mention cool temperatures and occasional rain, so packing warm, waterproof clothing is essential. Arriving prepared ensures you’ll stay comfortable and fully enjoy the experience. The tour operates rain or shine, but if weather becomes unsafe, the tour may be canceled with a full refund, so flexibility is helpful.

Group Size and Personal Attention

With a maximum of 10 travelers per tour, you’ll find the experience to be intimate and personalized. This small group setting allows for more interaction with guides and dogs, and ensures you’re not just a number. Many reviewers note the guides’ friendly and helpful attitude, enhancing the overall experience.

Value for the Price

At $782 per person, this tour is certainly a considerable investment, but many find it excellent value for the variety of experiences packed in—flying, petting puppies, learning about mushing, and the scenic beauty. Several reviewers describe it as “once in a lifetime” and “the best experience in years,” which underscores its appeal for those seeking something truly special.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is a great fit for adventure lovers, animal enthusiasts, and anyone interested in Alaskan culture and wilderness. It’s particularly suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and are comfortable on snow. Those looking for a mix of education, scenic beauty, and hands-on fun will find this tour ticks all the boxes.

The Sum Up

The Summer Glacier Dogsledding Tour from Girdwood offers a rare combination of scenic flight and authentic mushing that captures the spirit of Alaska. The small group size and knowledgeable guides make it both educational and intimate, while the stunning vistas provide a perfect backdrop for memorable photos and stories. Whether you’re a dog lover, thrill seeker, or simply eager to experience Alaska’s wilderness in a meaningful way, this tour will leave you with stories to tell for years.

The opportunity to drive your own sled, pet puppies, and see glaciers from above creates a well-rounded adventure that balances adventure, education, and awe-inspiring scenery. While it’s a bit costly, many travelers agree it’s a worthwhile investment in a truly unique experience. If you’re visiting Girdwood or Anchorage and want to add a touch of authentic Alaskan charm to your trip, this tour should be at the top of your list.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip shared transfers from your Girdwood hotel or B&B are included, making it easy to focus on enjoying the experience without worrying about logistics.

How long does the entire tour last?
The experience is approximately two hours, with about 15 minutes of flight time and the sledding adventure itself.

What should I wear?
Dress in warm, waterproof clothing. Temperatures can be cool, and there might be rain, so layering is advised to stay comfortable.

Can children participate?
Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is suitable for families, but children need to be able to walk on uneven snow and hold onto the sled.

What’s the maximum weight limit?
Guests up to 290 pounds can participate; additional fees may apply beyond that weight.

Is this tour suitable if I’m not physically fit?
Participants should have moderate physical fitness and be able to walk on uneven snow. The activity involves some walking and handling gear.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour operates rain or shine. If weather conditions are unsafe, the tour may be canceled for safety, and a full refund or reschedule will be offered.

How do reviews rate this experience?
With a 5.0 out of 5 based on 161 reviews, travelers consistently praise the friendly guides, stunning scenery, and unique opportunity to learn about mushing and see glaciers from above.

Embark on this authentic Alaskan adventure—it’s an experience that touches on the wild beauty, the cheerful dogs, and the frontier spirit of Alaska. You’ll come away with stories, photos, and memories that will stay with you long after you leave the icy slopes behind.