Private Cabin + Accomodation Included
Have you ever dreamed of running your own team of sled dogs in Alaska on the snow-covered trails of the Alaskan backcountry? This is that experience! Join us for a three-day and two-night dog sled expedition on the historic gold rush trails of Hatcher Pass on the runners of your own sled behind a team of powerful huskies. This immersive experience is built around hands-on instruction, authentic trail travel, and learning the deep connection between musher, dogs, and the land we call home.
Led by experienced Iditarod dog mushers, this expedition teaches you how to work with, care for, and drive your own team. Don’t worry if you’ve never done anything like this before, our guides provide one-on-one instruction and will set you up for success. While you’ll begin the trip as a novice, by the end, you’ll leave with the skills, confidence, and love for running dogs that will come from this three-day adventure. Who knows, you may end up finding yourself moving to Alaska after this trip!
Nights include chances to see northern lights, and you can relax at the lodge after a great day of running dogs.
Running dogs requires moderate fitness levels and this tour is a backcountry experience. While we are staying at a lodge in the evenings, this trip takes place in the wilderness. If you have health concerns, please talk to us before booking. The minimum age for this tour is 18 years old.
This tour includes three days of guided dog sledding instruction and travel, two nights of lodging (one night in private cabins at Snowhook Lodge and one night at a remote backcountry camp), all meals throughout the expedition, and all necessary winter gear and equipment. Instruction, guiding, and dog care training are provided throughout the trip.
The expedition begins at Snowhook Headquarters, where you’ll meet your guides and be introduced to the dog teams. After gearing up and receiving instruction on sled handling, braking, communication, and trail safety, you’ll head out on the trail and run dogs up into Hatcher Pass. The route travels across frozen lakes, through forested trails, and into the mountains, following historic winter routes once used during Alaska’s gold rush era. The pace is instructional and comfortable, allowing you to build confidence while learning how to work with your team on the trail.
You’ll travel deeper into the backcountry over the course of the expedition, learning how to care for the dogs, manage camp routines, and travel efficiently by dog team. Evenings include time to rest, share meals, and relax after a full day on the runners, with lodging split between private cabins at Snowhook Lodge and a remote backcountry camp. On clear nights, there may be opportunities to see the Northern Lights. No prior dog sledding experience is required, and only a basic level of fitness is needed to take part.
If you are a single participant, please call to book.
Available: Oct – May
Ages: Suitable for ages 18 and older.
NOTE: If anyone in your party is uncomfortable around dogs, let us know so we can make it a successful experience. Running dogs requires moderate fitness levels, and this tour is a backcountry experience. While we are staying at a lodge in the evenings, this trip takes place in the wilderness. If you have health concerns, please talk to us before booking.
On day one, we will spend the morning introducing you to your team of dogs and teaching you the fundamentals of dog handling and sled driving. We’ll start off with easy-to-manage trails and build your skills on a practice trail. After lunch, we’ll set off on the expedition to our lodge on Hatcher Pass. This 24-mile section covers frozen lakes, hills, and stunning views of Denali. Your guides will be available to help coach you the entire way up the mountain, and you’ll find yourself settling quickly into the rhythm of driving your team.
Once we arrive at the lodge, we’ll settle the dogs in for the night and take care of them by feeding and bedding them down. Afterwards, you’ll get a chance to settle in yourself in your private cabins at the lodge. In the evening, feel free to play with the dogs after dinner or enjoy the sauna and hot tub before the northern lights come out.
First thing in the morning, we’ll start the day by feeding the dogs and getting them ready to go, followed by breakfast for ourselves. Afterwards, we’ll set out into more remote terrain in the Talkeetna mountains of Hatcher Pass. We’ll run over 30 miles today with stunning views of Denali and the Alaska range before returning to the lodge for the evening.
Today is the day to put everything you’ve learned into practice as you run your team back to Snowhook kennel, finishing the expedition with confidence and a true connection to dogs and a way of life from years gone by.
Experience the best in backcountry luxury with Snowhook. Choose from one of five private cabins at our Main Lodge. After an adventure-filled day, see the Northern Lights, compare stories with new friends, and soak in the wilderness of the Last Frontier.
Relax around the campfire. Enjoy true Alaskan hospitality.
Planning ahead can make your ultimate Alaska adventure even more enjoyable. For up-to-date weather forecasts in the region, visit NOAA Alaska Weather. This will help you pack appropriately and prepare for varying conditions during your adventure. Additionally, if you’re new to snowmobiling or want a refresher on best practices, check out Snowmobiling Safety Tips. It’s a helpful resource covering the basics, including the gear needed for snowmobiling and how to navigate challenging terrains like those featured on this tour.Getting ready for your adventure takes a bit of preparation. For the ATV and UTV experience, wear durable, comfortable clothes that are made for the outdoors. The trails in the Talkeetna Mountains are beautiful but can be tough, so the right gear will make your ride more enjoyable. Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses—the Alaskan sun can be strong. For more tips on getting ready for your 4×4 adventures, visit Alaska Outdoor Gear. When it’s time for dog sledding, be sure to dress in layers since the weather can change. Waterproof outerwear is also important to help you stay dry.
We are deeply committed to protecting the Alaskan landscape. Every tour we offer—from mountain ATV rides to husky sled tours—is run with care and respect for the environment. We follow Leave No Trace principles to make sure our 4×4 off-road adventures and dog sled experiences leave as little impact as possible. Safety is just as important. Our expert guides give clear safety briefings before every ATV and dog sled tour. To learn more about how we keep our tours safe and eco-friendly, visit the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. We also follow all local rules and guidelines to make sure every tour is both responsible and sustainable. For more on local efforts and conservation, check out the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
