Best Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled Tours in Alaska - Complete Guide

Dogsledding - The Classic Alaska Adventure

Helicopter & Glacier Dogsledding is one of Alaska's most spectacular and fun activities. Its biggest advantage is the combination of two fantastic activities: a scenic helicopter flight and a dog sled ride on the snow - even in the middle of summer! This attraction can be booked in several locations throughout the state, so it's relatively easy to include it in your Alaska travel itinerary.

Glacier dogsledding near Palmer

Glacier Dogsledding Tour - Detailed Description

Glacier dogsledding always starts in the tour operator's office with a preflight weight check, safety briefing, and preparation. Then participants go to the helicopters and have the opportunity to meet their pilot.

Helicopter flights are very spectacular, although usually relatively short. For flights offered from Palmer and Seward, the flight time is around 15 minutes one way, and those starting from Girdwood take only 5 minutes one way. The longest flights are offered from Juneau and take an average of 30 minutes each way.

You can always expect a very scenic flight because the dogsledding takes place on a glacier. During the flight, you can observe and photograph mountain ranges, spectacular glaciers, and glacial lakes. Depending on the location, and luck, participants sometimes have the opportunity to see animals. Still, with such high altitudes and being in motion, it's hard to call it an observation but rather a nice addition.

Views from a glacier dogsled tour

When approaching the landing, the participants will see a spectacular camp located on a glacier. There are usually many dog kennels and a few small shelters for mushers who spend at least several days in a row in this remote location. On days when tourists visit the camp, dogs excitedly await the helicopters.

Mushers then pick up the participants from the helicopter and assign them to the teams. The guides will tell you more about the dogs, the glacier, and the basics of riding a dog sled.

During the ride, participants can change their position, so you can be both a passenger and try driving the dogsled on your own (with the support of a musher!). The dogsledding usually lasts about 1 hour, and this includes many stops.

After the ride, participants usually have some extra time to spend with the dogs and even meet the puppies! Be careful - those little dog teeth are already pretty sharp!

When you land on the glacier you will see a large camp set up

Is Glacier Dogsledding Worth It?

Definitely yes! The Glacier Dogsledding Tour is one of the most exciting attractions in Alaska during the summer. In less than 2 hours, you can try two unique activities: a scenic flight and a dogsled ride on the snow. The views during the flight are always spectacular, and meeting with the dogs is unforgettable. This is undoubtedly an attraction that people of all ages can enjoy. It’s also an excellent activity for families with kids.

The biggest downside to this activity is the high price and dependence on the weather, which can be unpredictable in Alaska.

Glacier dogsled tours give you a chance to meet dogsled puppies!

Best Helicopter & Glacier Dogsledding Tours in Alaska

There are a few companies that offer Glacier Dogsledding Tours in Alaska:

• Alaska Helicopter Tours starting from Palmer,

• Alpine Air Alaska starting from Girdwood,

• Seward Helicopters starting from Seward,

• Temsco Helicopter and Coastal Helicopter starting from Juneau.

The main company we partner with is Alaska Helicopter Tours. We highly recommend them as a trusted flight operator. We like to incorporate this activity in our 14-day Alaska itinerary and take advantage of staying at Alaska Glacier Lodge so our guests can go on a morning tour straight from their cabins. We also have the best “weather luck” with tours starting from Palmer, as Girdwood and Seward are pretty rainy. Remember that in case of bad weather, all companies will try to reschedule your tour or refund your money.

All of these companies have high ratings and are characterized by the high standard of their services. Choose the company that best fits your tour needs.

The views from the glacier are beautiful!

How Much Does Glacier Dogsledding Cost?

The cost of a Helicopter & Glacier Dogsledding tour is relatively high and similar no matter which provider you choose. On their websites, the tour operators give the price without additional fees and taxes, which is why we have collected the actual total activity cost. Please note that you usually also need to leave a tip for the mushers and/or the pilot.

• From Palmer - $632.15 per person,

• From Girdwood - $638.74 per person,

• From Seward - $582.17 per person.

Helicopters safely transport you up to the glacier

What Time of Day Is Best for Helicopter & Glacier Dogsledding?

If possible, we like to schedule this activity for the early morning. This allows you to reschedule the tour for later in the day if the weather isn’t cooperating. Some people also say that early morning weather is “smoother” for flying, but this is not a rule. We recommend choosing the time that works best with your itinerary.

What Should You Wear for a Glacier Dogsled Tour?

As always, in Alaska, opt for a few layers. Have a rain jacket, light down jacket, a hat that covers your ears, thin gloves, and sunglasses. Wear long pants and comfortable shoes (no sandals or heels). Bring a bottle of water. The companies usually provide special waterproof over-boots you will slip on over your shoes. These are great, and we recommend using them.

Remember that extra bags or backpacks are not permitted on the helicopter, so all your additional items need to fit into your pockets. Keep your camera in your pocket or hang it around your neck during the flight.

Make sure to dress appropriately for your time on the glacier

What Happens When the Weather Is Bad?

Your safety on the flight is the most important thing. If the weather does not allow for a safe flight, the tour will be canceled, and you will receive a 100% refund. The company may also offer you the option to reschedule if your Alaska Itinerary allows it. If the weather is safe, but the flight cannot be as long as the one in the offer, the company will provide you with the best available solution to reimburse you.

Is Glacier Dogsledding Safe?

All of the companies are well-known for the high quality of their services. The pilots are experienced and responsible. Nevertheless, this is a higher-risk activity and is worth bearing in mind before booking it. Before each flight, all passengers are required to sign a risk waiver, accepting the risk associated with this type of activity.

Interested in going on a Helicopter & Glacier Dog Sledding Tour? Visit our Design Your Trip page.

Dogsledding in Seward