Fairbanks, AK: “Drive your Own Dog Team” Sledding Adventure

Fairbanks, AK: “Drive Your Own Dog Team” Sledding Adventure

If you’re dreaming of gliding across snow-covered landscapes behind a team of Siberian Huskies, this tour promises a hands-on experience that’s both exciting and authentic. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it offers a memorable taste of true Alaskan winter life.

Three things we really like about this experience are the opportunity to drive your own dog team, the chance to witness breathtaking mountain and boreal forest views, and the thoughtful inclusion of warm gear and a hot meal to keep you comfortable. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the tour involves some uphill effort and physical stamina—it’s not just a leisurely ride.

This adventure is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities and are willing to embrace some physical effort, but it’s accessible even to those without previous mushing experience. If you’re after an authentic, immersive winter adventure with a good balance of thrill and comfort, this tour will suit you well.

Good To Know

• Hands-on Mushing: Drive your own team of 4-6 Siberian Huskies, with full lessons provided.
• Scenic Beauty: Experience stunning views of the White Mountains and boreal forests.
• Quality Gear & Comfort: Warm parkas, boots, and mittens are included, plus hot drinks and a campfire lunch.
• Accessible Yet Active: No prior experience needed, but some physical fitness and balance are required.
• Small Group: Limited to 6 participants for personalized attention.
• Flexible Booking: Reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What to Expect from the Fairbanks Dog Sledding Adventure

Arrival and Welcome

The experience begins at a cozy, off-grid welcome center marked clearly by a sign reading “2270” and “Arctic Dog Adventure Co.” Here, you’ll be greeted warmly and fitted with expedition-level parkas, boots, and mittens—gear that’s essential for staying warm in the Alaskan winter. Reviewers consistently praise the high quality and warmth of the provided gear, noting it makes all the difference in staying comfortable during the outdoor activities.

Learning to Mushing

After setting up your warm layers, you’ll head outside for a lesson on how to drive a dog sled. An experienced guide teaches you the basics of harnessing the Siberian Huskies and controlling your team. Many reviewers mention the guides—such as “Kevin” and “Lyndsay”—as being friendly, knowledgeable, and patient, making first-time mushers feel confident.

You’ll help with harnessing the dogs, which is a fun, interactive process that allows you to connect with these energetic animals. The barking and eager anticipation of the dogs as they prepare to run is described as “heartwarming,” and the guides often share little tips that make handling the team easier.

The Excursion Begins

Once everything is in place, you’ll give the command and take off, feeling the crisp winter air and the exhilarating speed of the sled runners over snow. The silence that falls during the run—interrupted only by the patter of paws and the rhythmic scraping of runners—is a highlight for many.

There are two main options for the trail: one takes you down into a river valley, where frost crystals and black spruce trees coated in hoarfrost create a magical winter landscape; the other stays higher up, crossing snowy fields with rabbit tracks and peeking sunlight through the trees. You’ll likely switch between these scenic routes depending on conditions, but both promise stunning views.

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Rest and Refresh

Midway, the group stops for a well-deserved break. Here, you’ll enjoy hot drinks and a campfire lunch—a thoughtful touch that keeps everyone warm and energized. Reviewers often mention how much they appreciated the hot meal, especially after exerting energy on the trail. During the break, you can give your dogs some well-earned pats and tell them what good pups they are.

Back on the Trail

Refreshed, you’ll hop back on the sleds for the second leg of your journey, continuing through the boreal forest. The trail’s terrain—about 50% uphill—means you’ll be actively helping your team, which adds an extra layer of engagement and physicality. Many reviews note that while this requires some balance and stamina, guides are always on hand to assist, making it accessible to most reasonably fit participants.

Ending the Day

As the tour winds down, you’ll unharness the dogs, thanking them for their effort, and head back inside to remove your frost-covered outerwear. This part feels like a genuine moment of gratitude to the dogs and the wilderness, a shared experience that leaves a lasting impression.

The Details That Make It Worthwhile

Duration and Group Size

Spanning 3 to 6 hours, this tour offers enough time to fully immerse yourself without feeling rushed. The group size is limited to just 6 people, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate experience. This definitely enhances the quality, especially when learning to drive the sled or interacting with the dogs.

Cost and Value

At $439 per person, the price is on the higher end but reflects the comprehensive nature of the experience—gear, guides, lesson, hot meal, and the chance to drive your own team. Considering that many visitors describe this as a “once-in-a-lifetime” adventure, it’s a value-packed option for those seeking an authentic mush experience.

What’s Included & What to Bring

The included warm clothing—parkas, boots, mittens—is a big plus, saving you from packing bulky winter gear. The tour also provides snacks, lunch, and hot drinks, making the day comfortable and satisfying.

However, travelers need to bring their own baselayers, hat, socks, and an insulated water bottle. Also, note that transportation to and from the kennel isn’t included, so plan accordingly.

Accessibility and Physical Requirements

While no prior mushing experience is necessary, the tour does require good physical health, stamina, and balance. The terrain involves some uphill segments, and participants are expected to help their dogs during these portions. Reviewers with moderate fitness levels found it manageable, especially with the guides’ support.

Certain people—such as pregnant women, those with back or heart issues, or limited mobility—are advised against participating. It’s best suited for travelers in decent shape who enjoy outdoor activities.

Authenticity and Safety Measures

Guides and Safety

The guides are described as professional and experienced, carefully overseeing each participant’s safety. They’re attentive, providing clear instructions and support throughout—especially important for first-timers.

Animal Welfare

Reviewers note that the dogs are well-cared for, happy, and eager to run. The experience emphasizes gratitude and gentle handling, and the guides often highlight the dogs’ health and well-being.

Weather Preparedness

Due to the outdoor nature, cold weather is expected. The provided gear and the hot meal help mitigate the chill, but travelers should come prepared with their own layers if they wish.

The Sum Up

This dog sledding adventure near Fairbanks offers an authentic taste of winter in Alaska, combining hands-on mushing with breathtaking scenery. It’s especially fitting for travelers who want to actively participate and connect with the environment and the dogs. The inclusion of quality gear, a hot lunch, and a small-group setting ensures a comfortable, personalized experience.

While it does require some physical effort—particularly during uphill sections—the support from guides and the opportunity to drive your own team make it well worth it. The tour’s value lies not just in the thrill of mushing, but in the chance to enjoy a memorable, scenic day in the Arctic wilderness.

Perfect for outdoor lovers, adventure seekers, and dog enthusiasts alike, this experience will leave you with stories and memories that last well beyond the snow.

FAQ

Is previous mushing experience required?
No, this tour is suitable for beginners. Guides will give you lessons and support throughout.

What should I bring?
You should bring your own cold-weather layers, hat, socks, and an insulated water bottle. The gear provided is warm and high quality.

How physically demanding is the tour?
It involves some uphill sections and requires decent stamina, balance, and upper-body strength, similar to a moderate hike in hilly terrain.

Are the dogs well cared for?
Yes, many reviews emphasize that the Siberian Huskies are happy, eager, and well-treated, with guides highlighting their health and welfare.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers guiding services, mushing lessons, warm clothing, scenic views, snacks, lunch, and hot drinks. Transportation to the kennel is not included.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for older children who are comfortable in cold weather and physically active, but specific age restrictions aren’t mentioned.

Will I need to help with the dogs during the tour?
Yes, the trail is about 50% uphill, so you will be helping your team, which adds to the engagement and fun of the experience.

Embark on this dog sledding journey for a true Alaskan adventure—an unforgettable blend of nature, activity, and the joy of working with these incredible dogs.

You can check if your dates are available here: