Alaska Snowmobile Tours & Adventures

Alaska Snowmobile Tours & Adventures

Snowhook - Alaska Winter Experience

This winter, experience the thrill of riding snowmobiles in the wild backcountry of Alaska. Join us on one of our signature snowmobile tours with opportunities to see wildlife, breathtaking views of Denali , and of course plenty of charging through the powder. Whether you’re a first-time rider or have more experience, our trails cover a wide variety of terrain from twists and turns to snow-covered forests and mountains that will keep you smiling all day long.

Located just over an hour from downtown Anchorage, we have hundreds of miles to ride in Willow, Alaska. Our tours take you from trail riding to exploring powder-covered fields on the Iditarod Trail, or climbing up the Talkeetna Mountains on Hatcher Pass. They are anything but your typical tourist trap. We’ll build your skills as we go and help you feel confident to ride like a champ as we get you into the best spots in Alaska! From the chance to see wildlife like moose to amazing terrain, the thrill of snowmobiling through our winter wonderland is something you will never forget. 

Need more info? FAQ

We offer a wide variety of snowmobile tours for any skill level and age. Choose from a 3-Hour Snowmobile Adventure, Full Day Dog Sledding and Snowmobile Tour, or our most adventurous experience, our Northern Lights Snowmobile and Dog Sled Adventure. No matter which tour you book, this will be the highlight of your vacation. 

 

Our tours are led by experienced, safe, and friendly Alaskan guides who live in Alaska. We’ll share tips to get you started on the trail and riding like a pro before you know it, whether you’re a new or skilled rider. Our guides are trained in backcountry travel, wilderness first aid, and love to share Alaska by snowmobile. We provide you with the best snowmobiles in the market. These snowmobiles are designed for riding the trails, playing in the powder, and getting up those hills. Our machines are safe and reliable, and we tailor them to fit all skill levels, from single riders to two-person machines. You can even select to take our enclosed snow coach for smaller children so they can also enjoy the experience. Don’t worry if you didn’t pack enough or any gear to handle Alaska’s winter temperatures. Included in the price of your tour are a warm snowsuit, boots, gloves, helmets, and goggles. We have you covered for every type of winter condition in a variety of sizes.
Available: Oct - Apr

Departing daily at 10 am and 1 pm, this is the perfect adventure to get you into the wilderness and riding. This tour travels on the historic Iditarod trail alongside wide open powder fields to play in as well as groomed trails through snow-covered forests and lakes.

We’ll work with you, whether you’re a new rider or an old hand, to build your skills and confidence as we wind up into the hills and mountains for amazing views of Denali. There is a little something for everyone on this trip. The tour encompasses everything from serene, scenic experiences to thrilling opportunities for independent riding in the snow. This tour is the only one like it in Alaska where you get to play on the machines rather than just ride in a line for the duration of the tour. 

Add a Combo Adventure

Snowhook - Alaska Snowmobile & Dog Sled Combo
Available: Oct - Apr
Snowhook - Alaska Snowmobile & Dog Sled Combo

Discover the best winter adventure in Alaska with our Snowmobile & Dog Sled Combo Tour. This tour combines two of Alaska’s top winter activities, giving you the ultimate Alaskan experience. 

Dog Sledding Morning

This tour includes a two-hour dog sled adventure where you will get to meet our over-the-top friendly and energetic Alaskan huskies and a thrilling dog sled ride through woods, up and down hills, and over frozen lakes. There’s plenty of time for photos and time to play with the dogs too. Though, be warned that you can’t just pet one dog and you’ll soon find yourself loving on all of them.

Snowmobile Afternoon

Your adventure is just getting started, and there is more to come. After a warm lunch, we’ll head out on a three-hour ride on the trail but this time we’ll be on snowmobiles. This tour begins by following the Iditarod Trail, and then we’ll work our way up Hatcher Pass to a truly spectacular view of Denali. Along the way, there will be time for fun on and off the trail including play time in the powder. Whether you’re a first-time explorer or a seasoned rider, we will tailor the experience to suit your ability and confidence. 

This is a unique adventure that you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll have the opportunity to experience the picturesque beauty of winter in Alaska on two adventures in one day, giving you the ultimate winter experience. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture unforgettable moments from both adventures. 

Our Snowmobile & Dog Sled Combo Tour includes all necessary gear, ensuring you are comfortable and warm during the tour. We offer clothing and equipment for all sizes and ages. Our custom-built sleds and state-of-the-art snowmobiles provide a smooth and safe adventure. Book your Snowmobile & Dog Sled Combo Tour with Snowhook Adventure Guides of Alaska today and make your winter in Alaska unforgettable. 

Available: 3rd March 2024 1pm

Every March, all of Alaska focuses on the famed Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.  A 1000 mile journey on a trail stretching across the heart of Alaska.  It’s a timeless journey made by dog teams through a wild land.  This tour gets you into the heart of this action on a full day snowmobile adventure that follows the trail from the exciting start in Willow through the first two checkpoints of the race.

Northern Lights Hero
Available: Dec - Apr

Discover Alaska in a brand new light—literally! Our unique tour pairs the excitement of snowmobiling through the Talkeetna Mountains with the unbelievable viewing experience of the Northern Lights. Launching from our base in Willow, just a short drive from Anchorage, this overnight adventure gets you up close and personal with Alaska’s untouched landscapes and starlit skies.

Available: Dec - Apr

This tour combines everything on your bucket list into one adventure for the perfect combination winter experience. Dog sledding, snowmobiling, and overnight northern lights viewing on Hatcher Pass are the ultimate Alaskan winter adventures.. 

Dog Sledding Morning

Your trip begins with a visit to our Iditarod kennel where you get to meet and greet our over-the-top friendly Alaskan huskies before we head out on an epic dog sled ride. This isn’t just a circular trail though. Our trail goes up and down thrilling hills and through stunning landscapes of frozen lakes and woods. Plus, you get to learn how to drive a dog sled.

Snowmobile Afternoon

After saying goodbye to the pups, we’ll load up on the snowmobiles for a 40-mile trip up the historic winter gold trail to Hatcher Pass, where we will spend the night in our lodge. Along the way, we’ll stop for unbelievable views of Denali and the mountains surrounding us on all sides, and along the way, we’ll spend a little time playing in the powder. It’s a ride through woods and up the mountains that is unparalleled in Alaska for its twists and turns and its amazing landscapes. 

Once we arrive on the mountain, we’ll spend the rest of the night enjoying good food, snowshoeing through the woods, comfortable cabins, and of course the search for northern lights. Our expert guides will not only safely take you through all parts of your tour, but they will put you in the best places to see the lights. While we can’t guarantee they’ll be out every time, we can guarantee a winter adventure above the rest that will make your vacation extraordinary. 

This tour includes everything you need to be comfortable on your adventure. From warm winter gear, top level equipment and machines, to incredible mountainside Alaskan lodging and food service. And of course, guides who will quickly become your friends on your adventure. You won’t be disappointed. 

Hatcher Pass really shines at night when you can see the northern lights, despite being renowned for its daytime views. Set in the Talkeetna Mountain range, this ever-changing landscape of stunning beauty, surrounding valleys and mountains, sunsets, and sunrises makes for a place unlike any other in Alaska. It is the best in Alaska. 

Snowhook Lodges - Snowmobile 02
Available: Feb - Mar (Next Availability March 7th - 11th)
Snowhook Lodges - Snowmobile 02

The five-day Rainy Pass Snowmobile Expedition offers an exhilarating journey through Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes. Beginning at Snowhook’s headquarters in Willow, participants set off on a snowmobile trip, heading towards the serene Snowhook Lodge in the Talkeetna Mountains. This initial leg of the tour is filled with the thrill of snowmobiling and the first taste of the wild Alaskan outdoors. The night at Snowhook Lodge combines the excitement of the day with the comfort of a peaceful evening, including potential for a Northern Lights viewing.

Day two of the tour brings an adventurous dog sled ride with stunning views across Denali, followed by a snowmobile journey to the Skwentna Roadhouse. This part of the expedition provides opportunities to view the Northern Lights and indulge in local Alaskan fare. Skwentna Roadhouse, with its rich history and strategic location, offers a unique overnight experience, adding an authentic touch to the adventure.

As the tour moves forward, participants travel deeper into the Alaska Range, heading to Rainy Pass. The stay at Perrins Rainy Pass Lodge is marked by tranquil horse-drawn sleigh rides and an intriguing ice fishing adventure, equipped with underwater viewing technology. The expedition concludes with an extensive snowmobile ride back to the starting point at Snowhook HQ, showcasing the varied and stunning Alaskan terrain. This tour is not just about thrilling activities; it’s an immersive experience into the natural wonders and cultural essence of Alaska.

Snowmobile Tour Sights

Snowmobile Tour Sights

Our snowmobile trips present the best viewpoints for Denali, the highest peak in North America. Begining only a short distance away from Anchorage, Alaska. The grandeur of this huge mountain is not to be missed when in Alaska. This view will stay with you long after your snowmobile tour ends.

Hatcher Pass lies at the heart of our guided snowmobile tours. As darkness descends, there is potential to see the northern lights, and they are unforgettable. Although we cannot promise seeing the northern lights on our snowmobile tours, we can recommend the best times to come. Either way, our snowmachine tours are both an exciting and personal way to see the landscape and wildlife found near Anchorage.

Our journey through Hatcher Pass also offers opportunities to encounter Alaska’s abundant wildlife. Whether it’s moose foraging through the snow, fox in the underbrush, or a bald eagle flying above the treetops. The chance to see these animals is testament to Alaska’s rich biodiversity. Our adventures offer some fantastic photo opportunities and we will take full advantage with you.

Feel the crisp Alaskan air, hear the crunch of fresh snow under your snowmobile. Absorb the sights unique to an Alaskan winter. When choosing Snowhook’s snowmobile trips, you’re signing up for more than a tour. We are Alaska.

Inside our Snowmobile Tours

Join us on one of our signature guided snowmobile tours, starting in Willow near Anchorage, Alaska. We will show you the unparalleled beauty of Alaska’s winter landscapes and diverse wildlife that awaits you. From riding your snowmobile through serene, snow-laden forests around the iditarod trail, to the best viewpoints for Mount Denali. Observe native wildlife in their natural habitat, each moment unfolding a new incredible sight.

Following the trails on your snowmobile, you’re immersed in the heart of Alaska’s pristine wilderness, adjacent to the iconic Iditarod route. Towering trees draped in fresh white snow, their branches forming a frosted archway over the trail. Alaskan winters are amazing, and our guided tours are the perfect way to experience them on your vacation.

FAQ's

Yes, our tours are indeed suitable for first-time snowmobilers. Irrespective of your skill Snowhook will take a novice rider to competent, or challenge an experienced rider with our adventures. We understand that not everyone has previous experience with snowmobiling, so we designed our tours to cater to a range of skill levels. We offer the 3-Hour Snowmobile Adventure, the perfect introduction to snowmobiling in Alaska. Equally, if you’re looking for a more comprehensive experience, we offer all-day tours where you can spend lots of time mastering the snowmobiles and even operating them on different types of terrain.

We offer a variety of tours to suit different preferences and schedules. Our shortest offering is the 3-Hour Snowmobile Adventure which departs twice daily. This tour is a great introduction to snowmobiling and provides a condensed experience of Alaska’s winter beauty. For a more comprehensive experience, we offer Full Day Dog Sledding and Snowmobile Tours. The most adventurous of our tours is the Northern Lights Snowmobile and Dog Sled Adventure, which spans over multiple days and includes an overnight stay for Northern Lights viewing.

  • Our guides will conduct a safety briefing and provide instructions before the tour begins.
  • Keep both hands on the handlebars and both feet on the footrests at all times.
  • Listen to your guide’s directions and stay on the designated trails.
  • Be aware of changes in terrain and adjust your speed as needed.
  • Maintain a safe distance from other riders and any obstacles.
  • In case of an emergency, remain with your vehicle and a guide will assist you.
  • We have a strict zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. We reserve the right to remove anyone who violates this policy before or during the tour.
  • Riders are financially responsible for any damage to our machines, whether accidental or intentional.

The Alaskan wilderness is filled with diverse wildlife you might encounter during our guided snowmobile tours. The Alaskan moose roaming in the snow-covered fields and forests are among the most frequently sighted creatures. You may also have the chance to spot the elusive lynx or red fox, which are known to inhabit the area. Birds such as bald eagles, snowy owls, and various types of falcons can often be seen soaring in the skies or perched in the trees. In the distance, you may catch a glimpse of caribou herds moving across the landscapes. It’s important to remember that these are wild animals, so while we traverse their habitats, we can’t guarantee sightings on every tour.

Our Alaskan snowmobile tours offer an incredible variety of views that truly showcase the beauty of its winter landscapes. One of the tour highlights is the breathtaking sight of Denali, North America’s highest peak. This magnificent mountain provides a stunning backdrop for your adventure.

In addition, our snowmobile routes include traversing through serene, snow-laden forests, alongside the historic Iditarod trail and Hatchers pass, an area renowned for its scenic beauty.

Please note that the specific views can vary depending on the tour and weather conditions, but each offers a unique and memorable experience of Alaska’s winter wonderland.

Absolutely, our snowmobile tours are designed to be family-friendly and are suitable for adventurers of all ages. We believe that the joy of snowmobiling in Alaska’s winter landscapes can be appreciated by everyone. Whether you are planning a unique family vacation or looking for a memorable activity for a family reunion or celebration, our snowmobile tours offer an experience that will be remembered for a lifetime. However, it’s important to note that a snowmobile requires a valid driver’s license.

 

You don’t need to bring any special gear for the snowmobile tours. We provide all necessary equipment for the tour including helmets, snowmobiles, and any additional safety gear needed. However, we strongly recommend that you come dressed in appropriate winter clothing, including layers to stay warm, waterproof outerwear, gloves, and sturdy boots. Also, don’t forget a camera to capture the beautiful landscapes you’ll encounter.

Yes, safety is our top priority. Before each tour, our experienced guides will conduct a safety briefing and provide instructions on how to operate the snowmobiles. We ensure that everyone is comfortable with the controls and understands the safety guidelines before we hit the trails. This applies to all riders, regardless of their prior snowmobiling experience.

Absolutely, we provide all necessary equipment for the tours, including snowmobiles and other safety gear. Our snowmobiles are regularly serviced and maintained to ensure they are in the best possible condition for your adventure.

Dressing appropriately is crucial to ensure your comfort during the tours. All clothing required is included in your tour, however, if you’d like to bring your own we recommend wearing layers for warmth. Starting with a moisture-wicking base layer, followed by an insulating middle layer, and topped with a waterproof outer layer. Don’t forget warm socks, waterproof boots, gloves, and a hat. It’s also a good idea to bring a pair of sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes. 

We are going on an adventure and it’s very very unlikely we ever have to cancel tours. However, the safety and enjoyment of our guests is our top priority. In the event of severe weather conditions, we will assess the situation and decide whether it is safe to proceed with the tour. If we determine that the tour needs to be canceled, we will inform you as soon as possible and work with you to reschedule your tour to another date. If rescheduling isn’t possible, we will provide a full refund.

 

Our snow machine tours depart from Willow, Alaska, located just over an hour from downtown Anchorage. The exact meeting point details will be provided upon the confirmation of your booking. If you need directions or have any other questions regarding the departure point, feel free to contact us.

We understand that every group has unique needs and interests, and we strive to provide experiences that meet those expectations. While our pre-planned tours offer a wide range of experiences, we can certainly discuss customizations to ensure your adventure with us is perfect for you. If you have specific requirements or requests, please get in touch with us to discuss the possibilities.

We understand that plans can change. If you cancel your tour within a specific timeframe, typically 48 hours prior to the tour date, our cancellation policy entitles you to a full refund. However, for cancellations made within a shorter timeframe, such as 24 hours before the tour, you may receive a partial refund or in some cases, no refund at all. The specific details of our cancellation policy will be provided during the booking process, but if you have any further questions about it, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Absolutely, we encourage you to bring your camera or GoPro to capture the stunning landscapes and memorable moments during your tour. Snowmobiling in Alaska’s backcountry offers some incredible photo opportunities, from wildlife sightings to awe-inspiring views of Denali and other natural features. Prevent loss or damage in the tour by securing all of your devices.

Not at all! Our tours are designed to accommodate a wide range of skill levels, from beginners to seasoned snowmobilers. Before each tour, our guides provide comprehensive instructions on how to operate the snowmobiles, ensuring that you feel comfortable and confident before hitting the trails. During the tour, we gradually introduce different terrains and experiences to help you build your skills.

Yes, the safety of our guests is our top priority. Our guides have undergone extensive training and certification in first aid and wilderness safety, enabling them to respond effectively to various emergency situations that might arise in the backcountry. With their vast experience guiding tours through Alaska’s wilderness, they prepare thoroughly to guarantee your adventure remains safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable.

At Snowhook Adventure Guides of Alaska, we strive daily to provide unique, fun, and safe Snowmobile adventure tours. Our guides possess training in backcountry first aid, safety, and environmental awareness. To ensure your safety, we employ top-notch practices and equipment. If you have any special requirements for your tour, please inform your guide beforehand. We also ask our guests to follow our guidelines for their own safety. Please note that reckless behavior, drugs, and alcohol are strictly prohibited on our tours.

Additional Information

Before your journey into the Alaskan wilderness, here are some great information sources  & links to improve your experience. Delve into the rich traditions of the Alaskan indigenous communities at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Get insights about local wildlife you might encounter during your snowmobile tour from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game

For comprehensive trip planning, look no further than the Alaska Travel Industry Association. This valuable resource provides detailed information on accommodations, activities, and much more. Don’t forget to explore the unparalleled beauty of Denali National Park, guided by the information from the National Park Service. Ensure a smooth internal travel experience in Alaska with Alaska Airlines and the Alaska Railroad. At Snowhook Adventure Guides of Alaska, we’re always eager to help you navigate your Alaskan adventure to ensure an unforgettable experience.