Chill Adventures: Mushing in the fall

Photo Gallery by Whitney McLaren

Embrace the Excitement of Fall Adventures! Dive into an unforgettable journey through stunning autumn landscapes, where dog sledding takes on a whole new vibe! Enjoy the thrill of training season from the comfort of our UTV as our eager pups return to the trails after their summer break. Let the adventure begin!

  • At the heart of our tours is a commitment to exceptional dog care. We prioritize the well-being of our Alaskan Huskies, ensuring that our trail lengths are tailored to their conditioning and training progress. By ensuring that our tours operate in cool temperatures, we create an optimal environment for our Huskies to showcase their strength and enthusiasm while keeping them safe and happy during their adventures.

    LATE SUMMER TO EARLY FALL | September - Mid October

    Kick off the highly anticipated mushing season with us! After a well-deserved summer break, our spirited Alaskan Huskies are eager to hit the trails. Experience the excitement of autumn as you ride comfortably in a UTV, surrounded by the vibrant colors of fall. Feel the thrill as the dogs dash ahead, splashing through puddles and barking with delight.

    But there’s more! Delve into the captivating world of dog mushing—discover racing techniques, training methods, and the unique off-grid lifestyle embraced by many Alaskans.

    🍂 Educational: Explore the fascinating realm of dog mushing! Learn about racing strategies, effective training techniques, and the self-sustaining lifestyle enjoyed by many in Alaska.

    🍂 Wildlife: Keep an eye out for captivating wildlife! You may encounter industrious beavers, wading moose in ponds, vocal cranes, and elusive grouse, all thriving in their natural habitats.

    🍂 Scenic: Get ready to be mesmerized by the stunning Arctic landscape. From breathtaking tundra and native black spruce to serene ponds, every turn reveals a new natural wonder.

    Join us for an adventure that’s thrilling and deeply respectful of our canine companions!

    LATE FALL TO EARLY WINTER | October - November

    Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of a snow-covered tundra as we gear up for the eagerly awaited winter mushing season! While the ground may be blanketed in snow, we must wait for a sufficient snow base before safely transitioning from wheels to sleds for an authentic dog sledding experience. But don’t worry! Our UTV offers an equally exhilarating adventure, bringing you closer to the untamed beauty of the Last Frontier.

    ❄️ Feel the Thrill: Experience the rush of the cold wind on your face as you ride through stunning winter landscapes.

    ❄️ Engaging Sounds: Listen to the rhythmic sound of the dogs' paws on the trail, creating a symphony of nature that enhances your journey.

    ❄️ Family-Friendly Adventure: This side-by-side dog sledding experience is perfect for families, allowing you to snuggle up and share conversations.

    ❄️ Witness the North: Enjoy the legendary spirit of the North while surrounded by the serene beauty of a winter wonderland.

  • HOT DRINKS: Cocoa, Apple Cider & Tea

    LIMITED GEAR: Rain ponchos are provided. In order to guarantee an exceptional and gratifying experience during your time with us, we highly recommend that you come prepared with your own set of rain and/or warm weather gear. By doing this, you can completely engage in the exciting adventure ahead, ensuring your comfort and enjoyment despite any adverse weather conditions.

    GIFT SHOP: Once you have completed the tour, we invite you to take a stroll through our locally sourced gift shop, where you will find an impressive selection of authentic souvenirs that are sure to capture the essence of your unique Alaskan experience.

  • TRANSPORTATION: Guests are required to make arrangements for their own personal means of transportation.

    BOTTLED WATER: We take care of your hot beverage needs during your visit, however, we kindly request that you bring your own thermos of water as we do not provide bottled water.

  • SEASON: September - November
    CAPACITY PER TIME SLOT: 5 People; Please call to inquire about larger groups.
    TIME SLOTS: 9 AM & 11 AM
    BOOKING MINIMUM: 2
    SCHEDULING: Availability is listed in real time. If you do not see availability online, this means it is either booked or not available for that date and/or time slot.

  • TOUR DURATION: 1.5 Hours
    TRAIL MILEAGE: Temperature dependent and at musher’s discretion
    TRAIL TIME: 25 - 55 Minutes

  • ADULT: $165
    CHILD: $135; Ages 3 - 8
    LAP CHILDREN: Free of charge; Ages 0 - 2

    Curious About Our Tour Pricing? Here's a Breakdown:

    Offering high-quality mushing tours requires significant investment. Below is an overview of the key costs involved in caring for our Alaskan Huskies—dedicated canine athletes who are the heart of what we do.

    1. Nutrition
    Alaskan Huskies are hard-working, high-energy dogs that require a large amount of food to stay healthy and strong. Mushers typically purchase food by the ton—between 2 to 6 tons annually, depending on the size of the kennel.

    • Annual food cost per dog: ~ $800

    • Annual food cost per kennel: ~ $19,000 – $38,000

    2. Veterinary Care
    As elite endurance athletes, Alaskan Huskies require top-tier medical attention. This includes everything from routine vaccinations and deworming to chiropractic adjustments and cold laser therapy.

    • Annual veterinary care per dog: ~ $500

    • Annual veterinary care per kennel: ~ $12,000 – $24,000

    3. Limited Operating Season
    These northern-breed dogs are built for cold weather and cannot work safely during the hot summer months. In Fairbanks, summer temperatures often exceed 90°F, making winter the primary season for tours—and the only time mushers can earn most of their income to support their kennels year-round.

    4. Total Annual Kennel Costs
    Below are estimates of total annual costs based on kennel size. These figures include food and veterinary care but do not cover other major expenses such as dog yard maintenance, specialized gear, race entry fees, and more.

    • 24-dog recreational kennel: ~ $31,000

    • 36-dog small racing kennel: ~ $46,000

    • 48-dog large racing kennel: ~ $62,000

    1. What is a side-by-side? A side-by-side is a UTV (utility task vehicle) designed like a golf cart. Unlike an ATV, a side-by-side has car-like controls with pedals, a steering wheel and bench seats that sits 6 passengers. They're called ‘side-by-sides’ because they usually have two seats beside each other, with the addition of back seats.

    2. What are the trail conditions in the fall? Temperatures range from 55 degree Fahrenheit in September to 32 degrees or colder in November. September is typically wet, which can make the air feel colder so make sure to dress appropriately for both wet and cold conditions.

    3. Why does the trail mileage vary? Trail mileage is based on two factors:
      1. Temperature: Remember, Alaskan Huskies are a Northern Breed and risk overheating in temperatures most humans would find cold. Therefore we must monitor their health & well-being on the trail based on the temperature and adjust the mileage accordingly;
      2. Training: Additionally, we adapt the dogs trail mileage based on their conditioning. We begin training in the early fall running 1-2 miles at a time, then slowly increase their mileage based on the dogs’ abilities. By the end of the fall training season, our canine athletes are conditioned to run anywhere from 20 to 30 miles!
      Do dogs accompany us on the fall tours? Yes, even though we are operating on side-by-sides, the dogs still pull us down the trail. This is part of their fall training to condition them for the upcoming winter mushing season.

    4. When do we convert to sleds? We convert to sleds when we have a sufficient snow base to safely control a dog team. This requires at least 2 to 4 inches of compacted snow for the brakes and snow hooks on a dog sled to work properly.

    5. What do we see on a fall mushing tour? Early in September our trails are bright with fall colors. However, fall foliage season is short lived and leaves litters the trails by the end of September. Be prepared to see different species of wildlife, from moose to spruce grouse and migrating cranes and a plethora of flora from wild blueberries and cranberries to bolete mushrooms and chaga.

    6. Is Dog Mushing Humane?

      Yeswhen done responsibly and ethically, dog mushing is a humane and deeply rewarding activity for both the dogs and their human partners.

      At our co-op, the health, happiness, and well-being of our dogs are our top priorities. Our team is made up of Alaskan Huskies, a breed specifically developed for pulling sleds over long distances. These dogs are not only physically capable of the work—they thrive on it. Mushing provides them with daily exercise, mental stimulation, and a strong sense of purpose, all of which are essential to their quality of life.

      Here’s how we ensure humane treatment:

      Veterinary Care: Our dogs receive regular check-ups, vaccinations, preventative treatments, and access to advanced therapies such as chiropractic care and cold laser therapy.

      Nutrition: We provide a high-calorie, protein-rich diet to meet the demanding energy needs of working sled dogs.

      Rest and Recovery: Dogs have scheduled rest days, personalized care routines, and cozy shelters designed for warmth and comfort.

      Choice and Enthusiasm: One of the most joyful parts of our day is watching our dogs choose to run—they get excited to be harnessed and eager to hit the trail.

      We believe that dog mushing, when approached with compassion and professionalism, represents a positive partnership between humans and animals. Our guides are deeply committed to the physical and emotional well-being of every dog in our care.

      We encourage guests to observe, ask questions, and spend time with our dogs—you’ll see firsthand how much they love what they do.

  • A full refund will be issued if the cancellation is received before 7 days of the tour. A 20% cancellation fee will be charged to cancellations inside 7 days.

    No refunds will be issued if the cancellation is less than 24 hours prior to the tour. Day of booking cancellations will not be refunded. No shows will be charged in full.

    Covid Cancellations: A positive covid test result with the date is required to issue a full refund. If no contact is made prior to the tour start time, no refunds will be issued.

    Emergency Cancellations: If guests have an emergent case, please notify us immediately to explain the situation. Proof may be requested to receive a full refund.

    Overdue Arrivals: Guests arriving 15-29 minutes late are subject to an altered tour to ensure guide’s remain on schedule (this could result in a shorter trail time). Guests arriving in excess of 30 minutes late for a day tour will forfeit their tour and be charged in full.

 


Why Us?!

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Why Us?! 🐾

  • Intimate Group Sizes – We focus on quality over quantity—no big crowds, just personalized attention and an unrushed experience.

  • Quiet Moments – Spend peaceful moments with each dog before they’re harnessed—when they’re calm, friendly, and ready to greet you—something most tours don’t offer.

  • Unmatched Scenic Beauty: Experience breathtaking views of the Arctic landscape that you won't find elsewhere, from expansive snow-covered tundra to tranquil ponds, ensuring every moment is visually captivating and unforgettable.

  • Comfortable UTV Experience: Enjoy padded seats, a protective windshield, seat belts for safety, sturdy hand holds, and a roof to shield you from the elements, ensuring a cozy and secure ride throughout your adventure.

  • Commitment to Exceptional Dog Care: We prioritize the health and well-being of our Alaskan Huskies, ensuring they thrive in cool temperatures tailored to their needs.


Open Year Round!

Open Year Round for Mushing Adventures in Fairbanks Alaska.