Dog sledding in Alaska is a year-round activity. In winter, Fairbanks serves as the main base, often associated with the Northern Lights. In summer, you can travel along forest trails or take a helicopter to a glacier for a true snow adventure.The Iditarod, a legendary 1,600-kilometer race, runs from Anchorage to Nome every March.
A symbol of the Far North, the dog sled is part of Alaska’s soul—from its indigenous peoples to today’s legendary races. Contrary to popular belief, dog sledding can be enjoyed in winter on snow as well as in summer, on wheels or on a glacier. This guide details where, when, and how to do it.
This article is part of our series on things to do in Alaska and builds on our guide to Alaska in winter. It pairs well with viewing the Northern Lights, the other great winter experience.
Where can you go dog sledding in Alaska?
On snow in winter, on wheels, or on a glacier in summer: here are the options and where to find them.
1. Fairbanks in Winter
Fairbanks is the winter capital of dog sledding. From late November through March, visitors can enjoy snow excursions ranging from short introductory rides to multi-day expeditions with overnight stays in heated tents. Located beneath the auroral oval, the city offers the chance to combine dog sledding by day with the Northern Lights at night.
2. Glacier Sledding in the Summer
In the summer, you can go on a real snow sledding adventure thanks to a helicopter flight to a camp set up on a glacier near Seward, Juneau, or Anchorage. Led by mushers—often Iditarod veterans—the experience combines a spectacular helicopter flight with a snowshoe trek under the bright summer sun.
3. Wheeled sleds and dog kennels
Another summer activity is the wheeled sled: dogs pull a cart along a forest trail in Fairbanks, Talkeetna, or Seward. These outings, suitable for everyone, include a visit to a kennel to meet the huskies and puppies, as well as the chance to talk with the mushers about their craft.
The Iditarod, a legendary race
The Iditarod is the world’s most famous dog sled race. Stretching approximately 1, 600 kilometers, it runs from Anchorage to Nome each year, with a ceremonial start on the first Saturday in March. It brings together the world’s best mushers.
The race commemorates the 1925 serum run, when teams took turns delivering a vaccine to Nome, which was struck by diphtheria. Watching the start in Anchorage and then in Willow is a powerful experience. The Yukon Quest, between Fairbanks and Canada, is the other major race of the winter.
| Plan | Season | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Snow Sledding | Late November through March | Fairbanks, Interior |
| Glacier Sledding (Helicopter) | May through September | Seward, Juneau, Anchorage |
| Wheeled sled | May through October | Fairbanks, Talkeetna, Seward |
| Start of the Iditarod | Early March | Anchorage, Willow |
When should you go, and what does a trip involve?
Snow sledding takes place from late November through March and is often combined with a Northern Lights viewing experience. Wheeled sledding and helicopter-access glacier sledding are offered in the summer. Each season has its own range of options, from introductory sessions to expeditions.
The outing begins with meeting the dogs and the mushers, followed by harnessing the team. You take a seat in the sled or hold the runners to steer it yourself. A visit to the kennel often wraps up the experience. A local agency selects providers suited to every type of participant, including families.
Frequently Asked Questions: Dog Sledding in Alaska
Where can you go dog sledding in Alaska?
In winter, Fairbanks is the main hub, offering snow-based excursions and the chance to see the Northern Lights. In the summer, you can go on a wheeled dog sled ride in Fairbanks, Seward, or Talkeetna, or take a dog sled ride on snow after a helicopter flight to a glacier near Juneau or Seward.
Can you go dog sledding in Alaska in the summer?
Yes. In the summer, there are two options: wheeled dog sledding, pulled by dogs along a forest trail, and dog sledding on snow on a glacier, reached by helicopter or plane. The latter option lets you experience a real dog sled race in the middle of the Alaskan summer.
What is the Iditarod?
The Iditarod is the world’s most famous dog sled race. About 1,600 kilometers long, it runs from Anchorage to Nome each year, with a ceremonial start on the first Saturday in March. It commemorates the 1925 serum run to Nome and brings together the world’s best mushers.
When is the best time for dog sledding in Alaska?
Snow dog sledding takes place from late November through March, in the heart of winter, and is often combined with viewing the Northern Lights. Wheeled dog sledding and helicopter-assisted glacier dog sledding take place in the summer, from May through September. Each season has its own unique experience.
What happens during a dog-sledding excursion?
The outing begins with meeting the dogs and mushers, followed by harnessing the team. You take a seat in the sled or hold the reins to guide it yourself. After the ride, a visit to the kennel lets you get to know the dogs—and sometimes the puppies—and see the mushers at work.
Dog sledding on a glacier—how does it work?
A helicopter or small plane transports visitors from Juneau, Seward, or Anchorage to a mushing camp set up on a glacier. There, you’ll go on a real dog sled ride on the snow, even in the middle of summer, guided by mushers—often Iditarod veterans.
Can you combine dog sledding with the Northern Lights?
Yes, that’s one of the great highlights of an Alaskan winter. In Fairbanks, located within the auroral oval, you can go dog sledding during the day and watch the Northern Lights at night. Many winter trips combine these two iconic experiences of the Far North.
Is dog sledding suitable for families?
Yes. Introductory tours, in both winter and summer, are suitable for everyone—from children to seniors—with mushers who provide explanations and reassurance. Families especially enjoy meeting the dogs and puppies. A local agency selects tour operators suited to each group.
Last updated: August 24, 2026.
About Terra Alaska
Terra Alaska is a local travel agency specializing in custom trips to Alaska and a member of the Terra Panamerica network. We design winter and summer trips that include dog sledding, both in Fairbanks and on glaciers. Discover our expertise as a local destination management company.
Contact us to plan your trip or explore our suggested itineraries.
Sources
Visit The USA (dog sledding in Alaska); Iditarod Trail Committee; Travel Alaska. Data collected in 2026.
