Anchorage: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsledding with Huskies

Fly to a Glacier, Then Drive a Dog Team Across It

You fly by helicopter to a remote glacier camp, meet sled dogs trained by Iditarod champions, drive a dogsled team across the snow, and return by air: all in 90 minutes with a professional musher and photographer time included. Gear and transport from the airport are covered. You just need to show up 30 minutes early.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter flight and dogsledding

• Check in 30 minutes before flight
• Fly 10 minutes to Punchbowl Glacier
• Meet mushers and Alaskan Huskies
• Learn about musher lifestyle and Iditarod
• Enjoy dogsled ride on glacier
• Take photos and play with dogs
• Fly back to Girdwood airport

The experience

The helicopter lifts off from Girdwood airport and banks toward the Chugach Mountains. Ten minutes in, the glacier spreads below you, white, massive, real. You land on Punchbowl Glacier where the Seavey family runs their sled dog camp, and that's when the actual experience starts: you step out onto snow, meet the Alaskan Huskies waiting in harness, and realize this isn't a simulation or a petting zoo. These are working dogs, and in a few minutes you're going to drive them.

The mushers (people who actually live and work on the glacier) walk you through the basics. They talk about the Iditarod, about how the dogs are bred and trained, about what it takes to run a team in Alaska. There are puppies around, and yes, you can play with them, but the focus stays on the real thing: the sled, the snow, the dogs in front of you. When you take the reins and the team moves, it's not theatrical. Your hands are holding the sled. Your weight matters. The dogs know what they're doing and you're along for it.

After the dogsled ride, you have time to walk around the glacier, take photos of yourself standing on it, and spend more time with the dogs before the return flight. The whole tour runs 90 minutes from landing to takeoff. Alpine Air Alaska handles the flights. They're the operator known for safety in the region, which matters when you're in a helicopter over mountains. Gear is provided: rain jacket, fleece gloves, boots that slip over your shoes. You need to arrive 30 minutes early for check-in, and the weight limit is 290 pounds per person.

Roundtrip shuttle service from Anchorage or Girdwood is available if you don't want to drive. Call the office to add it when you book. The glacier dogsledding tour on Punchbowl Glacier includes the helicopter flight, the dogsled experience, all taxes and fees, and the gear.

What’s included

Your 90-minute tour includes a scenic helicopter flight to and from Punchbowl Glacier, a guided dogsled experience across the snow, time to meet and play with the Alaskan Huskies and puppies, all taxes and fees, and cold-weather gear (lightweight rain jacket and pants, fleece gloves, and boots). You'll learn about the musher's lifestyle and the Iditarod from professional guides who live on the glacier.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 May 2027

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (2 to 12 years)

GroupUp to 10

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.

Prices and times updated 23 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Alpine Air Alaska

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a genuine Alaska experience that combines aviation and dog mushing without arranging transport or logistics yourself: the fixed 90-minute format and included gear mean you show up and the rest is handled.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 12 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.

How long is the helicopter flight?

The flight to Punchbowl Glacier takes about 10 minutes each way. The entire tour, including the dogsled ride and time with the dogs, is 90 minutes.

Do I need experience with dogs or sleds?

No. The mushers teach you how to handle the sled and work with the team. The dogs are trained and the guides manage the experience.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour operates on a snow-covered glacier where conditions can be cool and occasionally rainy. Dress warmly and be prepared for mountain weather. Gear is provided, but you should check with the operator about cancellations due to severe conditions.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes, 290 pounds per person. There may be an additional fee for guests at or near the limit. Call the office to confirm.

Is shuttle service from Anchorage included?

No, but roundtrip shuttle from Anchorage or Girdwood is available for an additional fee. Call the office to arrange it when you book.

What should I wear?

Dress warmly for a glacier environment. Lightweight rain jacket and pants, fleece gloves, and boots are provided. Wear layers underneath and bring warm socks.

Who operates the tour?

Alpine Air Alaska runs the helicopter flights. The sled dog camp is managed by the Seavey family, known for training Iditarod champion teams through Ididaride Sled Dog Tours.