Seward: Helicopter Glacier & Dog Sledding with Puppies

Summary

Helicopter ride to Godwin Glacier then dog sled with real mushers and huskies

You’ll fly by helicopter from Seward right onto Godwin Glacier for a real Alaskan dog sled ride with professional mushers. Meet the husky team, learn about sled racing traditions, play in fresh snow, and cuddle with puppies before flying back down—all with local guides who know every inch of this wild place.

What’s the experience like?

Li, our musher, grinned as I fumbled with the overboots—she said everyone does it their first time. The chopper had just set us down on Godwin Glacier, all white light and blue shadows, and the only sounds were the dogs barking in bursts and someone’s laugh echoing off the ice. I didn’t expect the air to smell so clean—almost metallic—and when I looked back at Seward way below us, it felt like we’d landed on another planet.

The sled dogs were already lined up, tails wagging like they knew something fun was about to happen. Li handed me a treat for one of the younger huskies (I think his name was Bean?) and showed us how to say “let’s go” in her best mushing voice. I tried it too—she laughed, probably because I sounded more like a cartoon than a musher. The ride itself was smoother than I thought; you feel every little bump but in a good way, like you’re part of the team. We stopped halfway so everyone could take photos—honestly, I just wanted to watch the dogs work together for a minute longer.

Afterwards there was puppy time (yes, actual puppies), which is maybe the best kind of chaos: cold noses everywhere and tiny paws on your lap. The guides told stories about racing in Alaska’s big events while we tried not to let the puppies chew our gloves off. My hands smelled like snow and fur for hours after—still does a bit now that I think about it. There’s something about being up there with people who really live this life that makes you see Alaska differently.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Helicopter flight and dog sledding

• Fly by helicopter to Godwin Glacier
• Meet sled dogs and mushers
• Go on 25-minute dog sled ride
• Stop to take photos on glacier
• Play in snow and cuddle puppies

Top questions

How long is the helicopter flight from Seward to Godwin Glacier?

The exact flight time isn’t listed but typical flights from Seward to nearby glaciers are usually around 15-20 minutes each way.

Is this glacier dog sled tour suitable for kids?

Yes, children can join as long as they’re accompanied by an adult. Child pricing applies for those under 12 years old.

Are there weight limits for the helicopter?

Yes, FAA regulations require a 290lb weight limit per seat including any gear you bring.

Do we get to interact with puppies on this tour?

Yes! After dog sledding on Godwin Glacier you’ll have time to play with and cuddle Alaskan husky puppies.

Is lunch included during the glacier & dog sledding tour?

No meals are mentioned as included; focus is on helicopter flight, sledding, and puppy time.

Are overboots provided or do I need special shoes?

Overboots are provided to wear over your sneakers or boots so you don’t need special footwear.

Will there be a professional musher guiding us?

Yes, your dog sled will be driven by an experienced musher who also shares stories about Alaska’s state sport.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip helicopter flights between Seward and Godwin Glacier, a guided dog sled ride pulled by real race dogs with a professional musher at the reins, overboots to keep your feet dry no matter what shoes you wear underneath, plus plenty of time to play in the snow and cuddle husky puppies before heading back down again.