Anchorage: Helicopter Glacier Dogsled Tour with Iditarod Team

Summary

Fly above glaciers then mush sled dogs on real snow near Anchorage

You’ll fly by helicopter over Alaska’s wild glaciers from Anchorage, land on real snow even in summer, and drive your own sled-dog team with Iditarod pros guiding you. Spend time with champion huskies and hear race stories before flying back over melt pools and crevasses—expect both adrenaline and quiet awe.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not nervous, right?” That’s what our guide, Jamie, asked as we buckled into the helicopter just outside Anchorage. Honestly, I was — a little. The rotors were louder than I expected and my hands felt clumsy in the waterproof overboots they gave us. But then we lifted off and everything below shrank into this patchwork of green and white, creased by blue rivers of ice. Someone pointed out a moose — or maybe it was just a brown smudge? The flight didn’t last long but wow, that first glimpse of the glacier… you know when your stomach drops for a second? Like that.

Landing on the snow field was surreal. It’s summer everywhere else, but up here it smelled like cold air and wet wool — the mushers’ jackets steaming in the sun. Dallas Seavey’s team (he’s apparently won the Iditarod six times — I had to Google that later) greeted us with this mix of calm and wild energy. The dogs barked and yipped until they were harnessed, then went all business. Jamie showed me how to stand on the runners (“Don’t lean too far left!”), and before I knew it we were gliding across crunchy snow with nothing but dog paws thudding and my own nervous laughter. My partner tried shouting “Hike!” like he’d seen in movies; one of the handlers grinned and corrected his accent gently.

I didn’t expect to feel so connected to those dogs after just an hour. They let us pet them after our ride — their fur still cold from running, noses sniffing at our pockets for treats. We took photos (of course), but mostly just hung out listening to stories about races that last 1,000 miles. On the flight back, looking down at those blue melt pools and deep cracks in the ice, I kept thinking about how small we looked from above — and how loud those dogs were up close. Still makes me smile.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Helicopter and dogsled glacier tour

• Helicopter ride over glaciers
• Land on glacier snowfield
• Drive or ride sled dog team
• Meet and photograph sled dogs
• Helicopter flight back over glaciers

Top questions

How long is the Alaska helicopter & glacier dogsled tour?

The total tour time is about 1.5 hours: around 30 minutes round-trip flightseeing by helicopter plus an hour with the sled dog team (including a 30-minute sled ride).

Is hotel pickup included for this Anchorage dogsled tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included by default but can be added for a fee if needed.

Can children or infants join the glacier dogsled tour?

Yes, infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap; small children can use a pram or stroller.

What should I wear for a summer glacier dogsled tour near Anchorage?

Dress in warm layers with a waterproof shell; waterproof overboots are provided to keep your shoes dry at camp.

Are wheelchairs or service animals allowed on this tour?

The tour is wheelchair accessible; service animals are permitted if secured in a crate (call ahead for details).

Will I get to drive my own sled-dog team?

You can choose to stand on the runners and mush your own dog team or sit on the sled while a musher drives.

What kind of helicopter is used for this Anchorage glacier tour?

The company uses Robinson 44s and ASTAR helicopters; specific type isn’t guaranteed unless you book privately.

Are bags or backpacks allowed on board?

No bags or loose straps are permitted in the helicopter; lockers are available at departure if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip helicopter flightseeing from Anchorage over glaciers, landing fees, guided dogsledding on real snow with Dallas Seavey’s champion team (with time both riding and meeting huskies), plus waterproof overboots to keep you dry up on the glacier before flying back down to base.