Summer Glacier Dogsledding Tour from Girdwood

Summer Glacier Dogsledding Tour from Girdwood: An Authentic Alaskan Adventure

Getting a glimpse of what life is like on the snowy trails of Alaska is something many travelers dream about. The Summer Glacier Dogsledding Tour from Girdwood offers just that—an exceptional chance to explore the rugged beauty of Punchbowl Glacier while learning about the legendary Iditarod Trail and meeting adorable sled dogs. This tour isn’t just about the dogs and scenery; it’s about experiencing Alaska in a way that’s genuine, fun, and memorable.

What really makes this experience shine is the combination of a scenic helicopter flight, a hands-on dogsledding adventure, and the opportunity to chat with musher guides who really know their stuff. The small-group setting ensures you’re not just another face in the crowd—here, you get personalized attention and plenty of opportunities for questions, cuddles with puppies, and even driving your own sled.

One thing to consider is the weather—since the tour operates on a snow-covered glacier, cool temperatures and occasional rain might catch you off guard if you’re unprepared. But with proper layering, this shouldn’t be a problem.

This tour is perfect for those seeking an active, authentic Alaskan experience with a touch of adventure and a lot of heart. It’s suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers who are comfortable walking on uneven snow and are eager to learn about dogsledding firsthand.

Key Points

• Unmatched scenery: Glimpse glaciers, peaks, and snowy expanses from the air and ground.
• Expert guides: Guides from the Seavey family, renowned for Iditarod success, are friendly and very knowledgeable.
• Mix of activities: Combines helicopter ride, dogsledding, and puppy cuddles for a well-rounded experience.
• Small-group intimacy: Limited to 10 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.
• Value for money: At $782 per person, it includes transportation, scenic flights, and a hands-on dogsledding experience.
• Weather considerations: Operates on a glacier, so dress warmly and be prepared for possible rain or cool temperatures.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Girdwood Airport & Transfer

The adventure begins at 599 Mt Hood Dr, Girdwood, where you’ll meet your guides and hop onto a shared transfer. The transfer is straightforward, and most travelers find the pickup service convenient, especially after a scenic drive from their hotel or B&B in Girdwood.

Scenic Helicopter Flight: A Bird’s-Eye View of Alaska

The highlight for many is the 15-minute helicopter flight from Girdwood to Punchbowl Glacier. Reviewers consistently mention how breathtaking the views are—think sweeping glaciers, towering peaks, and shimmering snowfields. It’s a short ride but packed with enough wow factor to make it worth every penny. The helicopter company, Alpine Air Alaska, has a reputation for attentive service, and in reviews, guides like Whitney and Lucas are praised for their professionalism and friendliness during the glacier stop.

Remote Camp & Learning about Mushing

Once on the glacier, you arrive at a private base camp managed by the Seavey family, famous for training Iditarod champions. Here, guides introduce you to the lovable dogs, many of whom are puppies eager for attention. They’ll teach you about the mushing lifestyle, how to harness and care for the dogs, and share stories about the legendary Iditarod race.

Reviewers like Corey_B mention how much they appreciated the educational aspect, noting that guides are enthusiastic and eager to share their knowledge. The support staff at the camp are also praised for their care and attention, which adds to the feeling of safety and genuine hospitality.

Dogsledding Experience

For many, the highlight is getting to ride in a dog sled across the glacier. The actual sledding is described as peaceful and surprisingly gentle—much calmer than one might expect. Guests get the chance to drive the sled themselves, adding an extra layer of excitement and engagement. This isn’t just a scenic ride; it’s an active participation that helps you appreciate the skill involved in mushing.

Puppies and Interaction

The presence of puppy litters is a recurring highlight, with reviewers commenting on how adorable and cuddly the puppies are. Some guests even get to pet and play with them, which is a bonus for families and animal lovers alike.

Return Flight and Reflection

After dog-sledding, you’ll hop back into the helicopter for the return journey. Though some reviewers note the flight is short, they all agree that the views make it worthwhile. The entire experience takes around 2 hours, with most of that time spent on the glacier.

What Travelers Love Most

Knowledgeable Guides: Reviewers like Lisa_R and Corey_B emphasize how guides share stories and answer questions, making the experience personal and educational. Guides such as Whitney and Lucas are praised for their enthusiasm and professionalism, helping everyone feel confident and engaged.

Stunning Scenery: From the helicopter, you’ll see glaciers, rivers, and mountains. Many describe the flight as “beautiful” and the views as “outstanding,” with some reviews claiming it’s worth the price just for the aerial perspective.

Interaction with Dogs and Puppies: The dogs are well-loved and approachable. Guests delight in seeing the puppies, petting the dogs, and even helping with harnessing. Some reviews mention the dogs’ personalities—how eager they are to pull the sled and how friendly the handlers are.

Authentic Learning & Fun: Guests love the hands-on approach, learning how to operate a sled and hearing stories about the Iditarod. The combination of education and entertainment makes this tour memorable.

The Price and What You Get

At $782 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience—scenic helicopter flight, dogsledding, instruction, and interaction with the dogs, plus transportation from Girdwood. Most reviewers agree that the value for money is good, especially considering the personalized, small-group setting and the professional guides.

The inclusion of transport, expert guides, and scenery makes it a convenient and well-rounded option for travelers wanting an active and authentic Alaska experience.

Practical Considerations

Since this tour operates on a glacier, dress warmly with layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy shoes. Weather can be cool, and rain is possible, so waterproof clothing is advised. The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, as walking on uneven snow and holding onto the sled are required.

A weight limit of 290 pounds is in place, but most guests find this accommodating. The small-group size (maximum of 10 travelers) ensures you get ample attention from guides, making it suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventure lovers who want to see Alaska from above and below. It appeals to animal enthusiasts, families with kids, or anyone curious about the mushing lifestyle. People who appreciate stunning scenery and enjoy interactive activities will find plenty to love here.

However, those who dislike cold or are hesitant about helicopter rides should consider the weather and dress appropriately or wait for clearer days. It’s not a tour for anyone with mobility issues that prevent walking on uneven snow, but overall, most reviewers say it’s accessible with the right preparation.

FAQs

Is transportation from Girdwood included?
Yes. The tour includes round-trip shared transfers from any Girdwood hotel or B&B, making logistics simple.

How long is the entire experience?
The experience lasts approximately 2 hours, including the helicopter flights, dogsledding, and interaction time.

What should I wear?
Dress in warm, layered clothing suitable for cold temperatures and possible rain. Waterproof outerwear and sturdy shoes are recommended.

Can children participate?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour is suitable for all ages comfortable walking on snow and holding onto sleds.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 10 travelers ensures a more personal experience and better interaction with guides.

Is there a weight limit?
Yes, the maximum weight per guest is 290 pounds.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour operates on snow-covered glaciers, so weather conditions matter. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

The Summer Glacier Dogsledding Tour from Girdwood offers an exceptional blend of adventure, education, and scenic beauty. It’s a fantastic way to experience Alaska’s wilderness without the biting cold of winter, thanks to the summer glacier setting. The helicopter ride adds that extra thrill and panoramic perspective that make this tour stand out.

This experience is best suited for travelers seeking a genuine taste of Alaska’s outdoor life—those who love animals, scenic vistas, and active pursuits. With knowledgeable guides, a small-group setting, and an emphasis on authentic interaction, it delivers real value at a premium price.

If you’re after a memorable, photo-worthy adventure that combines natural beauty with hands-on fun, this tour is a top choice. Just remember to dress warmly, arrive prepared, and get ready for a day you’ll be talking about for years to come.