Most people picture Alaska dog sledding as a winter thing — dark skies, snow up to your knees. We did it in the middle of summer, after a 15-minute helicopter ride over the Chugach Mountains, on a glacier most travelers never set foot on.
We flew out of Girdwood with our 4-year-old, landed on Punchbowl Glacier, met a team of sled dogs and puppies, and got to drive the sled ourselves.
Getting There Is Half the Experience
After check-in and a safety briefing (no backpacks allowed), we boarded the helicopter. The 15-minute flight over glaciers and snowfields was worth the trip before we’d even seen a dog.
Meeting the Dogs
Once we landed, we had time to wander the camp — meeting dogs, holding puppies, sliding down a small glacier hill — while another group took their turn. Our daughter didn’t need constant entertainment; the dogs and snow did the job.
One detail that stuck with us: the dogs were loud and excited right up until the sled started moving. Once running, they went almost silent, all business.
Driving the Sled
We got to drive, not just ride. The sled portion lasted about 15 minutes — short, but only one piece of a bigger day that included the flight, the landing, and the dog camp.
Can Young Kids Do This?
Our daughter was 4, and it worked for our family — though I wouldn’t use her age as a blanket answer for every child. This involves getting in and out of a helicopter and walking on uneven snow, so a child’s comfort with those things matters more than their exact age. There are also weight and physical requirements for the helicopter, worth checking in advance.
What It Costs
This isn’t cheap. It runs seasonally (mid-May through August), with prices varying by date — worth checking current rates directly. What justified the cost for us: the full combination of helicopter flight, glacier landing, and real time with a working dog team, not just fifteen minutes with huskies at ground level.
Worth Knowing Before You Book
- Arrive early for check-in.
- Dress for the glacier, not for Girdwood — conditions on the ice differ from sea level.
- Backpacks usually aren’t allowed on the helicopter.
- Weather can cancel or delay flights — don’t schedule this for your last available day.
Was It Worth It?
Yes, and I’d book it again. It wasn’t the sled ride alone — it was the whole sequence, done as a family, with a 4-year-old along for every part of it. Real dogs, real snow, no engine noise once you’re on the ice.
This post was written by SheRoamsMiles.com, a family travel site sharing firsthand guides for ambitious trips with young kids. Read the full breakdown of cost, requirements, and booking details on glacier dog sledding in Alaska.