Dog sledding has evolved to allow enthusiasts to enjoy this thrilling activity year-round. Here’s a breakdown of the types of equipment used and the unique experiences each one offers, from traditional sledding in winter to wheeled vehicles and hiking with huskies when the snow melts.
Winter Dog Sledding: Riding in a Sled Basket
The most common way to experience dog sledding in Fairbanks is by riding in a sled basket. Picture your tour guide (the musher) standing on the back of the sled, holding onto the handlebar, while you ride along in a seated position, sitting just in front of the musher. This area in front of the handlebar is called the basket, and typically seats 1-3 people.
If you want to sit back, relax, and fully absorb the beauty of the ride, being a passenger in the guide’s sled is the perfect way to do it. From this front-row seat, you’ll get to watch the dogs work in harmony, feel the crisp Alaskan air, and enjoy the smooth, gliding motion of the sled as it moves over the snow-covered trails. Riding as a passenger is an ideal option for those who want to fully enjoy the journey without the physical challenge of driving. It’s also great for families with younger children, those who prefer a more relaxed experience, or anyone who simply wants to soak in the moment.
There are A TON of companies in Fairbanks who offer sled basket rides only. Check out the Explore Fairbanks website for options.
Winter Dog Sledding: The Tag-Sled Experience
For a perfect experience that combines both the awe of riding as a passenger, and the fun of driving a dog sled, consider a tag-sledding tour! A tag-sled is a second sled, connected behind the main sled by a length of rope, allowing two visitors to enjoy the mushing experience with one musher/guide and just one team of dogs. Here’s how it works:
- The guide controls the main sled at the front, where one visitor sits comfortably in the basket. The second sled, or tag-sled, trails behind the first sled and is driven by the second visitor. This setup gives you a taste of mushing from a secure position, as the guide at the front controls the pace and route.
- Tag-sledding adds a fun element of excitement—you’ll likely fall off into the soft snow at least once! Falling off is all part of the experience, and if you tumble, you’ll simply call out, and the guide will wait for you to hop back on. This makes the tag sled a fantastic option for those in good physical condition who want to experience the thrill of dog mushing without taking on the full responsibility of directing the
- Tag sledding is best suited for adventurous participants who are comfortable with some light physical activity—mainly getting back on the sled if they fall off. Our enthusiastic huskies love to run, so once they’re moving, they don’t like to stop! The guide and the passenger on the main sled will hold the team steady while you get back in position.
To experience both the joy of sitting as a passenger AND the fun of driving the tag-sled, take a Scenic Day Mushing Tour at Black Spruce Dog Sledding.
Winter Dog Sledding: Driving Your Own Team
Have you always wanted to drive your own team of sled dogs across the snowy wilderness? This experience should be considered “the next step up” from tag-sledding, as visitors driving their own dog teams do not have the security of a tour guide assisting them on an attached sled. This experience is popular in Scandinavia, but is harder to find in Fairbanks, where many conservative mushers don’t want novices taking the reigns of their precious dog teams. But one woman has been doing this successfully for several years, using small teams of well-trained Siberian Huskies. Check out Lisbet Norris’ operation at Arctic Dog Adventure Company.
Warm-Weather Dog Sledding: Mushing on Wheels
So what’s the difference between dog sledding and dog mushing? Dog sledding means the dogs are specifically pulling a sled. Dog mushing is a more generalized term and includes dogs pulling almost anything! But in the no- or low-snow times of year, look for mushing dogs to be pulling wheeled rigs. Wheeled vehicles allow the dogs to stay active all year round, and allow tourists to enjoy mushing in a different form, making it possible to experience the thrill of dog sledding in summer, fall and early winter.
Sometimes these rigs have engines to assist the dogs, and sometimes they don’t. Engines are typically used in places that are hilly, where the terrain is muddy/rough, or where the trails are longer. This engine is used to assist the dogs, making the wheeled rig feel more like a heavily loaded sled, and not a rig at all.
Wheeled rigs with engines typically have the additional benefit of also having comfortable seats and a cushy suspension. This makes the ride fun and enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities.
- The Sled Dog Safari Tour: This tour with Black Spruce is designed specifically for warm-weather months. You’ll be able to ride in a comfortable wheeled vehicle that’s guided by a team of Alaskan huskies, bringing you close to the dogs’ action. The safari tour allows visitors to witness the strength and agility of the dogs in a whole new environment and see how well they adapt to pulling through terrain without snow.
- Why Wheeled Sledding Is Unique: Without the snow, wheeled sledding provides a smoother ride but maintains the same spirit of teamwork and adventure. It’s an excellent option for those visiting Alaska during warmer months who still want to experience dog sledding firsthand. The dogs are just as enthusiastic in this setup, showing their love for running and working together.
Traditional Cart Tours vs. Our Sled Dog Safari Tour: Not all warm-weather mushing tours are the same, and at Black Spruce Dog Sledding, we’ve designed our Sled Dog Safari Tour to be smoother, longer, and more scenic than traditional cart-style rides. While many competitors use small, two-passenger carts with rigid frames, our comfortable, five-passenger wheeled rig features suspension for a smoother ride and allows families or groups to experience the adventure together. This setup also lets us take you on longer, more scenic trails, providing a true taste of long-distance sled dog training. Instead of a short, bumpy loop, you’ll enjoy a more immersive journey—one that showcases the beautiful landscapes where our Iditarod racing dogs train year-round. If you’re looking for a warm-weather mushing experience that offers both comfort and adventure, our Sled Dog Safari Tour is the way to go!
Hiking with Huskies: A Warm-Weather Alternative
For those who want a slower-paced experience with the dogs, hiking with huskies is an ideal alternative in the summer and fall. Hiking tours allow you to simply watch the dogs being dogs and enjoy the scenic Alaskan trails together.
- What to Expect on a Husky Hike: On these guided hikes, participants are paired with a group of sled dogs, who accompany you on a trail hike through the beautiful Alaskan wilderness. Huskies are friendly, energetic companions, and hiking with them provides a unique opportunity to get to know their personalities outside of sledding.
- A Different Kind of Bond: Hiking with huskies allows you to connect with these amazing animals on a personal level. Since they’re not pulling, you get a chance to observe their playful nature, and enjoy a more relaxed interaction. Many visitors find this time with the dogs to be deeply rewarding and an unforgettable part of their Alaskan adventure.
Why Choose Hiking?: Hiking with huskies is perfect for those who want to experience Alaska’s natural beauty at a slower pace. The dogs’ enthusiasm and companionship make this experience both relaxing and heartwarming. This tour is also ideal for larger families or groups who don’t fit into our 5-person maximum Safari Tour limit. Finally, this is the best choice for those who want a mid-day adventure, as our summer mushing tours run in the morning and evening, seeking the coolest operating temps for the dogs.
Conclusion: Dog Sledding Adventures for Every Season
From the thrills of winter tag-sledding to warm-weather wheeled mushing and husky hikes, dog mushing enthusiasts can find an adventure suited to any season. Winter tag-sledding allows you to ride as part of a team, experiencing the thrill of the Alaskan wilderness with the added security of a guide. In warmer months, wheeled mushing keeps the excitement alive, while hiking with huskies offers a yet another way to connect with these remarkable dogs.
Whichever option you choose, Fairbanks and Black Spruce Dog Sledding provide a memorable Alaskan experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the landscape and the spirit of the sled dogs year-round.
