Alaska Mushing Tours Offer Wilderness Experience

Visitors and residents can experience the thrill of dog sledding in Alaska

Mar. 14, 2026 at 10:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Mushing tourism is booming in Alaska, with a number of competitive mushers offering kennel tours that allow visitors and residents to experience the wilderness like a musher. From getting up close with puppies to riding on a sled behind a team of dogs, there are plenty of options for those looking to immerse themselves in the unique culture of dog sledding. Kennels like Alaskan Husky Adventures, Happy Trails Kennel, and Trail Breaker Kennel provide guided tours, mush-your-own-team experiences, and the chance to learn about the Iditarod and other major sled dog races.

Why it matters

Dog mushing is deeply ingrained in Alaskan culture and is the official state sport. These mushing tourism experiences allow visitors to connect with this iconic Alaskan tradition and gain a deeper appreciation for the sport, the dogs, and the wilderness. As the Iditarod and other major races capture global attention, these tours provide an opportunity for both tourists and locals to get an insider's look at the world of competitive dog sledding.

The details

Alaskan Husky Adventures in Willow, owned by veteran Iditarod musher Matthew Failor and his wife Liz, offers a 6-mile mushing tour that takes visitors through the stunning Alaskan wilderness. Guests get to ride on a sled behind a team of up to nine dogs, with an experienced guide providing commands. The tour includes stops to check gear, pet the dogs, and take photos. Other kennels like Happy Trails Kennel, Susitna Sled Dog Adventures, and Trail Breaker Kennel also offer a variety of mushing experiences, from daytime tours to nighttime rides under the northern lights.

  • The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is currently underway, with the leaders having reached the Yukon River on their way to Nome.
  • Just two weeks ago, the 'fastest dogs on earth' raced on a 26-mile course through Anchorage as part of the Rondy race.

The players

Alaskan Husky Adventures

A mushing tour company in Willow, Alaska, owned by veteran Iditarod musher Matthew Failor and his wife Liz.

Matthew Failor

A veteran of 14 Iditarod races and a Kuskokwim 300 winner, who owns and operates Alaskan Husky Adventures.

Happy Trails Kennel

A mushing kennel owned by four-time Iditarod champion Martin Buser, which also offers trail rides and mush-your-own-team options.

Susitna Sled Dog Adventures

A mushing tour business in Talkeetna, Alaska, owned by Iditarod musher Rohn Buser and his wife Alyssa.

Trail Breaker Kennel

A kennel in Fairbanks, Alaska, founded by Iditarod champion Susan Butcher and her husband Dave Monson, which now offers sled dog tours.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The optimum temperature for the dogs is between 10 and 20 degrees below zero.”

— Jaren Ulrich, Musher

“We have a few pairs of overboots that will slip on over people's shoes. We have more on order, though.”

— Liz Failor, Co-owner, Alaskan Husky Adventures

What’s next

With the deeper snowpack this year, mushing tours in Alaska are expected to continue well into April, providing visitors and residents more opportunities to experience the thrill of dog sledding in the wilderness.

The takeaway

Mushing tourism in Alaska offers a unique and immersive way for both visitors and locals to connect with the state's rich cultural heritage and iconic wilderness. From cuddling puppies to riding behind a team of sled dogs, these experiences provide a one-of-a-kind glimpse into the world of competitive dog sledding.