Sledding

Guided Dog Mushing Tour: Dog Sledding Through Alaska's Wilderness

Experience Alaska’s heritage firsthand as you travel historic mail routes by sled, guided by a seasoned musher and a team of sled dogs.

Begin with a safety briefing, trail orientation, and professional mushing instruction before meeting your eager dog team.

Ride through the groomed Ester backcountry trails in a small group, with your guide sharing stories and handling the sled.

Spend time with the sled dogs before and after your run, learning about their training and forming a real connection.

These trails once linked remote Alaskan communities, carrying mail and supplies long before the railroad arrived.

Small-group dog mushing on historic routes

Guided by expert musher

Professional pre-run mushing instructions

One-hour guided dog sled experience through groomed Ester backcountry trails

Full safety briefing and trail orientation

Hands-on time with the dog team before and after your run

Cold weather gear

Hand and toe warmers

Transportation to/from base camp

Gratuities

You can cancel these tickets up to 7 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Experience historic Alaskan dog mushing on a small-group, one-hour guided sled ride through the Ester backcountry with an expert musher.

Getting started

Arrive at the private Ester Base Camp at 5575 Old Ridge Trail, Fairbanks, at least 45 minutes before your scheduled start time. After check-in, your expert musher will greet you and provide a full safety briefing and trail orientation. You’ll receive professional pre-run mushing instruction before meeting your sled dog team and preparing for your adventure.

What to expect

Dog mushing on historic mail routes

This experience takes you along century-old trails once used to deliver mail between Nenana, Ester, and Fairbanks, offering a direct connection to Alaska’s mushing heritage.

Features

Ride as a passenger in a small group, guided by an expert musher who shares stories and insights about the history and culture of dog mushing in Interior Alaska.

Enjoy a one-hour guided dog sled experience through groomed Ester backcountry trails, surrounded by the quiet of the boreal forest and the sound of paws on packed snow.

Before and after your run, spend hands-on time with the dog team, learning about their training and care while interacting with these well-socialized, trail-bred sled dogs.

After your sled ride, you’ll have additional time to thank your musher and interact with the dogs before departing from Base Camp. Cold weather gear, hand and toe warmers, transportation to or from Base Camp, and gratuity are not included, so plan accordingly for your comfort and convenience.

What to bring

Proper cold-weather attire is mandatory, including warm base layers, an insulated winter coat, waterproof insulated boots, a hat, and gloves or mittens.

What's not allowed

Children under 7 years old are not permitted to board the sled under any circumstances.

Guests are not allowed to operate or control the sled at any time and must remain passengers throughout the experience.

The combined weight of all passengers on a single sled must not exceed 400 lbs.

Pregnant guests and those with serious back, neck, or spinal conditions are not permitted to participate.

Unsupervised children are not allowed on the property, and no childcare is provided.

Guests who fail to follow guide instructions regarding animal interaction or safety procedures will be removed from the activity without refund.

Accessibility

This experience is not suitable for guests who are unable to sit unassisted or who require mobility accommodations that cannot be met in a sled environment.

Guests must be able to sit comfortably and remain seated for an extended period.

Additional information

Guests must arrive at the base camp, located at 5575 Old Ridge Trail, Fairbanks, AK 99709, at least 45 minutes before their scheduled start time; late arrivals may be considered no-shows and are non-refundable.

A liability waiver must be completed prior to participation.

Trail conditions and tour duration may vary due to weather and animal welfare considerations.

Transportation to and from base camp is not included but is available as a paid add-on.

Gratuity is not included in the tour price and is appreciated if you feel your guide provided an exceptional experience.

The experience is offered in English.

Guests participate at their own risk, and Alaska Wild Lights is not responsible for personal property lost, stolen, or damaged during the tour.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.