Anchorage: Helicopter Glacier Dogsledding Tour & Iditarod Camp

Summary

Fly to Punchbowl Glacier meet huskies and mush your own sled team

You’ll fly by helicopter from Girdwood over wild valleys straight onto Punchbowl Glacier, where Alaskan huskies wait to pull your sled across snowy fields. Meet legendary mushers from the Seavey family camp, learn to drive your own dog team (with plenty of laughs), and soak up views only seen by air — all with pickup included.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect when we pulled up at the little Girdwood airport — it’s not every day you’re told you’ll be standing on a glacier in less than an hour. The air smelled like rain and pine, and our guide (I think her name was Jamie?) handed us these oversized boots that made me feel like a cartoon character. She grinned and said, “Trust me, you’ll want dry feet.” She was right. The helicopter ride itself was loud and quick — somehow both smooth and jumpy at once. My stomach did this funny flip as we soared over the green valleys, then suddenly there was just white everywhere, all angles and light bouncing off the snow. It’s hard to explain how quiet it felt up there.

The camp on Punchbowl Glacier looked almost out of place: a handful of bright tents against all that ice. The dogs heard us before we landed — their barking echoed across the snow. I’d read about the Seavey family before (they’ve won the Iditarod more times than I can count), but seeing their huskies up close is something else. They’re smaller than I pictured, leaner, all muscle and wild eyes. One licked my glove while another tried to climb into my lap. Our musher, Li, showed us how to harness them up — she joked that the dogs know more English than she does some days. When she let me try calling out “Hike!” to start the team moving, my voice cracked from nerves or cold or both.

Driving a dog sled isn’t easy — the runners are slick underfoot and your hands go numb pretty fast even with fleece gloves (which they give you). But there’s this moment where everything lines up: snow squeaking under the sled, dogs pulling in perfect rhythm, sun flashing off distant peaks. I caught Li watching me with this half-smile like she knew exactly what was going through my head. We stopped for photos (the kind where you look ridiculous but happy), and then just sat for a minute while the dogs rolled around in the snow, steam rising off their backs. Honestly? That silence hit different.

I still think about that view sometimes — how small we looked on top of all that ice, just a handful of people and some very excited dogs somewhere above Anchorage. If you ever wondered what real cold feels like or wanted to see Alaska from way above ground level… well, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Helicopter flight and dogsledding

• Arrive at Girdwood airport
• Take scenic helicopter flight to Punchbowl Glacier
• Meet Alaskan Huskies and guides
• Learn about musher lifestyle and Iditarod race
• Enjoy dogsled ride on alpine glacier
• Drive the dog team yourself
• Take photos on glacier and with dogs
• Return flight to Girdwood airport

Top questions

How long is the Anchorage helicopter glacier dogsledding tour?

The full experience lasts about 90 minutes including helicopter flights and time at Punchbowl Glacier.

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from Girdwood airport, about 35 miles south of Anchorage.

Is hotel pickup included for this glacier dogsledding tour?

Yes, complimentary round-trip transfer is available from any hotel or B&B in Girdwood.

Can children join the helicopter glacier dogsledding tour?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; small infants may ride on an adult’s lap free of charge.

What should I wear for the glacier dogsledding tour?

Dress warmly; lightweight rain jacket/pants, fleece gloves, and outer boots are provided at camp.

Do I get to drive the dog sled myself?

Yes, guests are given a chance to drive or help steer their own dog team during part of the ride.

Who runs the glacier camp for this tour?

The camp is managed by members of the Seavey family—famous for multiple Iditarod wins.

Are there weight or fitness restrictions?

Guests must be able to walk unassisted on uneven snow; maximum weight per guest is 290 pounds.

What’s included

Your day includes complimentary round-trip transfer from any hotel or B&B in Girdwood (or parking if you drive), a scenic helicopter flight both ways between Girdwood airport and Punchbowl Glacier, guided time with professional mushers at an Iditarod family camp, hands-on dogsledding experience (including a chance to drive), plus all necessary outerwear like rain gear and gloves so you stay dry on the ice.