FULL DAY DRIVE YOUR OWN DOG SLED TOUR
Fairbanks, Alaska
DRIVE YOUR OWN DOG TEAM
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:
-
How to harness a sled dog
-
How to slow down and stop your team
-
How to steer your team
When everything is ready, the dogs will be eager to go - hang on to the handlebar! 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.
Your guide will lead you through the snowy landscape, covering about 10 miles.
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.
Dog Sledding in Fairbanks, Alaska with Siberian Huskies | Arctic Dog Adventure Co.
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 (What to Wear)
X Transportation to/from the kennel (How to Get to the Kennel)
X Insulated water bottle
ARE YOU READY TO GO DOG SLEDDING IN FAIRBANKS?
TOUR SUMMARY
-
Price: $699 per person
-
Duration: ~6 hours from arrival to departure.
-
Season: December-March (limited availability after December)
-
Group Size: No minimum. 4 person maximum. *Larger groups please inquire directly.
-
Transportation: We do not offer a shuttle service. We recommend having a rental car. Click here for recommended transport options
-
Age: 12+
-
Booking: Online or by phone. For same day bookings, call/text (907) 841-4694.
Not everyone in your party 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.
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.
✔ These teams are trained by former Iditarod racer, Lisbet Norris.
✔ This is NOT a sled ride.
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.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
Physical Fitness Requirements
-
In good health, with no current injuries.
-
Decent physical stamina & cardiovascular fitness.
-
Decent upper body strength.
-
Good balance.
-
If you can comfortably hike 2-3 miles in hilly terrain, you are fit enough to drive your own dog sled on this tour.
-
Not pregnant past Second Trimester.
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.
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.
WILL I DRIVE MY OWN DOG TEAM?
Yes. You will drive your own team of 4-6 dogs.
What to Expect:
-
One Person Per Sled: You’ll have your own sled and team, so there are no passengers in the basket.
-
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:
-
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.
-
Harnessing a Sled Dog: Learn the proper techniques for harnessing your dogs—an essential skill for any musher.
-
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.
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.
"
— 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
-
Payment is due in full at time of booking.
-
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.
-
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.
-
No reimbursement is provided for trips shortened due to inclement weather.
-
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.
-
Please see Booking Terms & Conditions for more details.