Dog Sledding Tours

[TBird879]

Really wanted to do this when I heard about it, but having some sticker shock. Headed up with a group - worth the price? Group Discounts known?? Any recommended private providers????

[chipmaster]

Since you say sticker shock.. I assume this is the helicopter landing with dog sledding.

 

Yes totally eye popping! My CFO thought I was crazy when she saw the bill for 5 of us come prior to sailing, after the excursion not a peep. Not for everyone but if you like that kind of thing, it is priceless and worth doing at least once.

[zookiebird]

Yes, it is pricey. DW and I weren't sure if we should do it or not. Finally, we said who knows if we'll ever get back to Alaska again, let's go for it. So glad we did. It was far beyond cool. Definitely the greatest most memorable excursion we have ever taken.

[Sugar0802]

We did ERA out of Juneau. Absolutely best excursion ever, and we've done a lot of them. Worth every penny and then some!

[mapleleaves]

I recall a trip report where someone got a discount for heli dogsledding last summer. Discounts usually require a reservation several months in advance.

 

Look at MollanJakes' trip report (STICKY above) .... I'm 99% sure they got the discount, but the excursion was in Seward prior to the cruise.

[TBird879]

Thanks for the great info all, yes, I was looking at the glacier versions, I've found some of the on-land cheaper and am still on the fence.

 

I'll look into the group rates this week, as I do, anyone do the land based ones who can provide a comparison?

[chipmaster]

Thanks for the great info all, yes, I was looking at the glacier versions, I've found some of the on-land cheaper and am still on the fence.

 

I'll look into the group rates this week, as I do, anyone do the land based ones who can provide a comparison?

 

I have a few pictures showing what the glacier is like, yes pricey but unique:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2192742

[Kristalght]

We did the Juneau musher camp with Alaska Excursions and it was AWESOME. Absolutely wonderful. We got to spend a lot of time with the dogs and the mushers were so friendly. I had really wanted to do the helo/sledding trip but couldn't justify the price so I "settled" for the musher camp and was so glad I did. Best excursion of the trip.

[rslinky]

If helicopters and glaciers are what you want, you will have to pay the price. If you just want interactions with dogs and a demonstration, you can do this for free in Denali. Three opportunities a day. Free shuttle from visitor's center.

[Budget Queen]

There are only 3 vendors on the inside passage, IF you are interested, ask about contracting the tour. TEMSCO- out of both Skagway and Juneau, and ERA and Coastal out of Juneau. There are 2 vendors out of Seward- if going there? Call the all and see what you come up with. These are costly tours. Be well prepared for back up plans, this is the most canceled tour on the inside passage.

[laughing husky]

Budget Queen is correct...it is enormously expensive to run a glacier operation...there are land versions, but you go in a cart that hold a number of people and it is not in the snow...there is one more operation that hasn't been mentioned here, and that is Rick Casillo's operation in Knik, Ak on the Knik glacier in Palmer...about an hour northeast of Anchorage. If you are going to be in Anchorage, it would be another one to look at...top notch Iditarod mushers...call the Knik River Lodge and they can tell you the prices.

[laughing husky]

I want to add that the sled dog demonstration in Denali Park, is not a racing husky. Totally different animals. The dogs used in Denali are used to patrol the park in winter...they are much bigger and much slower. There is HUSKY homestead which provides a wonderful experience explains mushing and racing given by Jeff King....he will pick you up T your hotel and there are several shows each day....in fact, it might be good to go to both of them as they are entirely different...Jeff does not give rides...

[gordo619]

Anyone know about this tour operator?

 

http://www.skagwayadventures.com/yukon_sled_dog_tour.asp

[Budget Queen]

Anyone know about this tour operator?

 

http://www.skagwayadventures.com/yukon_sled_dog_tour.asp

 

Are you asking about the dogs? or the tour operator? they are NOT the same vendor.

 

The dog sled cart ride is going to be at Caribou Crossing. M&M is an established vendor in Skagway- who operates the transportation and narration to get you there.

[laughing husky]

The dog sled operation in Carcross is a whelmed cart ride...run by An Iditarod musher.....as well as a Yukon Quest musher. Michelle just won the Yukon Quest 300 and is a well respected musher.