Dog sledding in Fairbanks: Mush your own team

You drive the sled, not the other way around.

This dog sledding activity near Fairbanks puts you in control of a tandem sled pulled by huskies on a 1.5-mile trail through black spruce, alders and birch forest. You'll spend 15–20 minutes actually mushing, with the full outing lasting 1–1.5 hours, and get instruction on how to ride and steer before you head out. The kennel visit (where you meet and pet the dogs) happens either before or after your run depending on weather and the guide's schedule.

The experience

What makes this different from watching sled dogs work is that you're the one holding the lines. After a quick lesson on how to ride in and steer a tandem sled, you'll harness and hook up your team, then take them out on the property's marked trails. The route climbs to a ridge with views across the forest, and there's time built in for photos along the way. The actual sledding runs 15–20 minutes. The full activity, including the kennel visit and warm-up time, takes 1–1.5 hours.

Between the sled run and the kennel visit, you'll spend time in a heated Arctic oven tent with hot coffee, tea and cocoa. If you're part of a larger group, you might take turns mushing while others wait in the warming cabin: the operator combines tour times for groups of three or more adults to fit everyone in. That waiting period isn't dead time: you can play games, help with dog chores, or spend more time with the huskies. The kennel visit itself is cuddle time. The dogs are bred for this, and the operator emphasizes that their safety and comfort come first.

Bring or wear warm layers. The operator provides extra arctic-rated boots warmed and ready, and additional winter gear as needed. You'll need to tell them your shoe and boot sizes before the activity (men's, women's, or children's sizes). Public transportation is available nearby if you're not driving yourself. Infants sit on an adult's lap. Children are welcome from age 2 and up. The guide speaks English and leads the activity in person.

What’s included

• Instruction on how to ride and steer a tandem dog sled.
• 15–20 minutes of active mushing on a 1.5-mile trail through the property.
• kennel visit with time to meet, pet and photograph the huskies.
• heated Arctic oven tent for warming up between activities.
• hot coffee, tea and cocoa.
• extra arctic-rated boots and additional winter gear as needed.
• live guide in English.

Options for this experience

2 options

A Homesteading Adventure with SleddingGuide in English · Available from 21 Nov · 11:30, 13:30 and 14:30

Extra Dog Sledding Loop Add-OnGuide in English · Available from 21 Nov · 6 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 19:00Our Homestead Mini Mush trail is 1 mile long, and if you want more time on the sled, you can add this option. After the dogs have rested, we will take you around another loop of our trails for additional dog sledding. Duration: 15 minutes. 1 Mile Loop Add-On: You will mush the trail once, then enjoy plenty of time with the dogs and a kennel visit.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Wednesday and Thursday6 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 19:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (2 to 5 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

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

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sluice Box Sled Dogs

Is this one for you?If your group has three or more adults, the operator will combine tour times so everyone gets a turn mushing. Just call ahead to arrange it. Families with young children work well here since infants sit on a parent's lap and kids from age 2 up are welcome, and there's plenty of downtime in the warming cabin and with the dogs while you wait.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (2 to 5 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

How much time do I actually spend driving the sled?

The active sledding portion is 15–20 minutes. The full activity, including instruction, the kennel visit, and time in the warming tent, runs 1–1.5 hours total.

What happens if I've never mushed dogs before?

The guide walks you through how to ride on and in the tandem sled and how to steer before you head out. You don't need any prior experience.

Can I spend time with the dogs even if I'm waiting for my turn to sled?

Yes. While other members of your group are mushing, you can stay in the heated warming cabin, play games, help with dog chores, or have more cuddle time with the huskies.

What do I need to bring or wear?

Dress in warm layers. The operator provides extra arctic-rated boots warmed and ready to use, and additional winter gear as needed. Let them know your shoe and boot sizes ahead of time so they can have everything prepared.

Are there weight or physical limits I should know about?

Adults must be able to stand or sit in the sled. The standard weight limit is 250 pounds per adult. Contact the operator directly if you have questions about whether this activity will work for your group.