If you’re craving an exhilarating experience, a glacier dog sledding tour out of Girdwood, Alaska, is the perfect activity. Nestled in the heart of the Chugach Mountains, Girdwood is a quaint town offering breathtaking views of glaciers, alpine forests, and abundant wildlife.
A trip to Alaska is complete with a dog sledding adventure on a glacier, so pack your bags and prepare for a lifetime experience! I want to share my experience with you because it was undoubtedly one of the most incredible things my family has done out of Anchorage.
How to get to girdwood, alaska
The easiest way to get to Girdwood is to fly into Anchorage International Airport. From there, rent a car and drive 50 minutes south to Girdwood. The town is easily accessible, and the drive is stunning. If not, you can go ahead and arrange for a shuttle to take you from Anchorage to Girdwood. Tours run from mid-May to the end of August.
Choosing the right glacier tour
Many dog sledding tours are available in Girdwood, but the most popular one is the helicopter-assisted tour. This tour includes a helicopter ride to a glacier, where you’ll meet the dogs and begin your sledding adventure.
The helicopter ride alone is worth the cost. You’ll fly over the vast Chugach Mountains and get unbeatable views of glaciers, valleys, and jagged peaks. The helicopter pilot points out wildlife as you fly over it. Some of the animals you might see are black bear, brown bear, moose and sheep.
Glacier dog sledding vendors
- Out of Girdwood: Alpine Air Alaska | (907) 783-2360
- Out of Palmer: Knik River Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled Tour | (907) 745-4575
Preparing for the dog sledding trip
When booking your helicopter, glacier, and dog sledding tour, wear warm clothes and shoes with good traction. Dress in multiple layers, as the weather can change swiftly in Alaska. You’ll have parkas, gloves, and hats for added warmth. Be sure to bring a camera to experience the fantastic views.
Gear to bring
- Backpack (Osprey 40L)
- Gloves
- Long underwear (top and bottom)
- Beanie or toboggan
- Winter jacket
- Wool socks
- Boots
- Phone or camera for pictures
You’ll get a safety briefing and detailed instructions on riding the sled properly before the glacier tour. You’ll also meet the dogs and have a chance to interact with them. Please tip your musher; they work hard to ensure a fantastic experience.
Sledding with the dogs on a glacier
The helicopter ridge from Girdwood to the glacier is about 15 minutes (3o minutes round trip). You get about an hour and a half of dog sledding, which is a substantial amount of time.
Once you’re on the sled, the dogs will start running, and you’ll feel the rush of excitement as you glide across the snow. The dogs are powerful and well-trained, and they love to run. As you whiz down the icy slopes, you’ll feel like you’re part of a team.
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The beauty of the scenery is overwhelming, and it’s hard to describe how incredible the experience is. Some tours even offer the chance to drive your sled, giving you a hands-on dog sledding experience.
Glacier dog sledding tour: once in a lifetime adventure
Dog sledding out of Girdwood is an unforgettable adventure guaranteed to make your trip to Alaska memorable. The journey is pricey, but the picturesque scenery, the thrill of the ride, and the interaction with the dogs make this a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Now that you have all the information, don’t hesitate to book your dog sledding tour today.
