Alaska Dog Sledding
Dashing through the snow atop a glacier in Alaska.
When we planned our trip to Alaska, I was told we’d be too early for dog sledding, but there were other factors to consider – such as the wedding we were attending – and I had no choice but to accept that Alaska dog sledding wouldn’t be on our agenda.
Or so I thought, until one night as I sat gazing out at the mountains over dinner at Hotel Alyeska in Girdwood, south of Anchorage. Our waitress overheard my lament and shared the news that “Dario just arrived and is setting up his summer camp on the glacier.”
Dario, she explained, is a musher who has completed nine Iditarods. From late May through August, he offers dog sledding in the Chugash Mountains – a spectacular 3,200 feet above sea level.
A few phone calls later – the most important one to Alpine Air Alaska – we’d made arrangements to stay an extra day and be the first Alaska dog sledding guests of the season.
The next morning, I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face when their bright red chopper took off with us on board.
Dog sled camp, Punch Bowl Glacier, Girdwood, Alaska.
The sound of whirling helicopter blades startled the dogs and their barking filled the air as we landed on the snow-covered mountain. At first, the glare was blinding, but soon I was able to take in the all-white alpine panorama dotted with 48 dome-shaped kennels.
Dario greeted us and introduced us to his team of Alaskan huskies who were yapping and rearing to go. In no time, we were bundled into a sled and flying across Punchbowl Glacier on top of 1,000 feet of ice and 100 feet of snow. Seated in front, I was sprayed with snow kicked up by the racing dogs. It was an exhilarating – almost magical – experience.
Suddenly, “dashing through the snow” took on a whole new meaning.
Dog sledding in Alaska is one of my all-time best adventure travel moments.
Category: Alaska
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
WOW! A helicopter ride AND dog sledding on the same day? We just experienced dog sledding for the first time last month – amazing! So glad you were able to get it in with your schedule. Veronica, GypsyNester.com
Hmm it seems like your blog ate my first comment (it was super
long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to everything.
Hi Elizabeth,
Just added this to my bucket list!!