Alaska Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled Tour Anchorage

Helicopter to a Glacier, Then You Drive the Dogs

You fly by helicopter over glaciers and wildlife, land on a snowfield, then drive your own sled-dog team pulled by Iditarod champions for about 30 minutes while the mushers share stories. The whole experience takes 1.5 hours and includes the helicopter flight, dogsled ride, waterproof boots, and time with the dogs afterward. Arrive 45 minutes early, dress warm, and leave bags behind.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter flight and dogsled adventure

• Helicopter ride over glaciers
• Spot wildlife from the air
• Land on glacier snowfield
• Meet sled dogs and mushers
• Drive or ride sled dog team
• Take photos with dogs
• Helicopter flight back over glaciers

The experience

What does it feel like to stand on the runners of a sled pulled by four-time Iditarod champion dogs? You find out about halfway through this Alaska helicopter and glacier dogsled tour, after the helicopter has already landed you on a snowfield high enough that the view behind you is all white peaks and crevasses. The whole thing runs 1.5 hours from the lodge: 30 minutes in the air, then a full hour on the glacier with the dogs and their mushers, then 30 minutes back. It's tight, but it's real.

The helicopter ride comes first. You'll see moose, black bears, Dall sheep picking their way across rock faces: the kind of wildlife you don't plan for, just get lucky with. The pilot banks over lower glaciers where the melt pools sit electric blue against the white, and the crevasses cut deep enough that you stop thinking about anything else. Then you land. The mushers are already there with the dog team, and they've been living on this glacier all summer, so they know the snow, the dogs, the whole setup. You can stand on the runners and mush the team yourself (actually hold the sled, feel the dogs pull), or sit down and let them run it. Either way, you're moving through real snow in the middle of July.

After the ride, you spend time with the dogs themselves. The mushers tell stories about running races over a thousand miles, and you get to meet the individual dogs, take pictures with your favorites. Waterproof overboots slip on over your shoes so your feet stay dry. Check-in is 45 minutes before departure, and you'll want to dress in layers with a waterproof shell. The elevation at dog camp is high and the weather can turn wet and cold fast. Bags and backpacks don't fly on the helicopter, so leave them in the vehicle or use the lockers at the lodge.

What’s included

Your tour includes the helicopter flight (approximately 30 minutes round trip), landing and facility fees, a guided dogsled ride on snow (about 30 minutes), waterproof overboots to keep your shoes dry, and an hour on the glacier with the sled dogs and their mushers. You'll meet the dogs after your ride, hear stories about long-distance racing, and have time for photos.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Alaska Helicopter Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to experience both helicopter flightseeing and dog mushing in one short tour without arranging separate activities: the fixed 1.5-hour schedule fits into a single morning or afternoon, and the lodge handles all the logistics and gear.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can you actually drive the dogs yourself or do the mushers do it?

You can stand on the runners and mush the team yourself, or sit on the sled and let the mushers run it, your choice.

How long is the helicopter flight?

About 30 minutes round trip, including the flight out and back to the lodge.

What animals might you see?

Moose, black bears, Dall sheep, and mountain goats are common sightings during the helicopter portion.

Is this tour in winter or summer?

It runs in summer, on a glacier with real snow at high elevation: the dogs and mushers live there year-round.

What should I wear?

Layers with a waterproof outer shell. The glacier is cold and wet, and weather can change quickly. Waterproof overboots are provided.

Do I need to leave my bags somewhere?

Yes. Bags, backpacks, and loose straps aren't permitted on the helicopter. Leave them in your vehicle or use the lodge lockers.

What time should I arrive?

Check in 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time.