Fairbanks Dog Sledding: Husky Sled Ride & Training Run

Ride Behind Champion Huskies on a Frozen Fairbanks River

You meet the dogs and a musher at the kennel, learn how sled dog racing works, then ride 2 miles through snow fields and possibly a frozen river with a trained team. The kennel provides extra winter gear if you need it, and the experience is built around the dogs' actual training schedule, not a tourist loop. Book this if you want to see how dog sledding actually happens in Alaska without arranging your own transport or timing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dog sledding experience in Fairbanks

• Arrive at winter tour office
• Meet dog mushing guides
• Learn about Alaskan Huskies
• Dress warmly for outdoor tour
• Ride sled with huskies and guide
• Enjoy 2-mile sled ride

The experience

The moment the sled runners cut into the snow, you hear it: that sharp, clean scrape of ice beneath you, and then the sound of the dogs' breath, their paws hitting the packed trail in rhythm. You're standing at Trail Breaker Kennel, a mile from Fairbanks International Airport, about to step into something that feels less like a tour and more like stepping backward into how people actually moved through Alaska. Susan Butcher, a four-time Iditarod champion, founded this kennel, and it still runs the way it did when she was racing, which means the dogs here aren't performing for tourists. They're working, and you're along for the training run.

After you arrive at the winter tour office, one of the kennel's experienced mushing guides walks you through the basics: how Alaskan Huskies are built for this, what the commands mean, why the sled works the way it does. Then you get in. The 2-mile ride takes you through snow-covered forest, across open snow fields, and if conditions are right, out onto a frozen river. It's not long, but it's real. You're not on a groomed track or a loop around the property. The guide handles the sled, you're a passenger, and the dogs do what they've been trained to do. The cold hits different when you're moving. The silence between the trees is the kind that makes you stop talking.

Dress in layers (a warm jacket, hat, scarf, mittens, and snow pants if you have them), but don't stress if your gear isn't heavy enough. The kennel provides extra winter equipment, and they've thought through what people actually need. The one hard limit: tours cancel if the temperature drops to -25°F or lower, which is rare but worth knowing. The whole experience runs about an hour from arrival to departure, and it's close enough to downtown Fairbanks (15 minutes) that you can fit it into a day without logistics becoming the whole point.

What’s included

• Your experience includes meeting the dogs and guides at the winter tour office, instruction on Alaskan Huskies and dog mushing, a 2-mile sled ride through snow fields and forest (possibly on a frozen river), and access to extra winter gear if you need it. Dress warmly in a jacket, hat, scarf, mittens, and snow pants.
• the kennel will provide additional layers as needed.

Information

Lasts 30m, runs every day, 8 start times, from US$ 109 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 2 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day except Friday and Saturday: 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00 and 14:30Friday and Saturday: 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00 and 14:30Last departure this season: 22 Feb 2027

GroupUp to 2

Live guideEnglish

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

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (4 and older) · Under 4: can't be booked

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 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Trail Breaker Kennel

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to ride with working sled dogs on their actual training route rather than a tourist circuit, and you're comfortable sitting in a moving sled in cold weather. The kennel's location near the airport makes it easy to fit into a Fairbanks visit without arranging separate transport.

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Top questions

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 dog sled ride itself?

The ride is 2 miles. The full experience, including meeting the dogs and learning from the guide, takes about an hour.

What if I don't have heavy winter clothes?

The kennel provides extra winter gear for guests. Bring what you have. They'll fill the gaps.

Is this suitable for kids?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels. Children should be comfortable sitting in a moving sled and dressed warmly.

How far is Trail Breaker Kennel from Fairbanks airport?

It's 1 mile from Fairbanks International Airport and 15 minutes from downtown Fairbanks.

What happens if it's too cold?

Tours are canceled if the temperature reaches -25°F or lower. This is rare in Fairbanks but can happen in deep winter.

Can I ride if I weigh over 250 pounds?

There is a weight restriction of 250 lbs (113 kg) per guest.

Is the kennel wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the kennel and transportation options are wheelchair accessible. Discuss your specific needs when you book.

Who founded Trail Breaker Kennel?

Susan Butcher, a four-time Iditarod champion, founded the kennel. It still operates as a working dog sled operation.