2-Hour All AlaskaN Experience: Mush + Aurora Viewing

Photography By Whitney McLaren & Sam Sterns

Experience the magic of Alaska’s northern lights and the thrill of dog sledding in one unforgettable night. Nestled just outside Fairbanks, our remote yurt offers front-row seats to the aurora—paired with a heart-pounding 30-minute mush through a snowy wonderland behind a team of enthusiastic Alaskan Huskies.

  • Tucked away just outside Fairbanks, our peaceful Arctic hideaway offers pristine views of the northern sky, far from the glow of town. At the heart of it all is our cozy, wood-heated Mongolian yurt—a warm and welcoming sanctuary where you can sip hot cocoa or tea while waiting for the night sky to come alive.

    But this is no ordinary night of aurora viewing.

    While waiting for the lights appear, you’ll embark on a thrilling 30-minute dog sled ride through our enchanted winter trails. Guided by an experienced musher and a spirited team of Alaskan Huskies, you’ll glide through silent forests, across frozen ponds, and beneath the star-filled sky.

    This unique nighttime mush offers both adventure and serenity, with breathtaking views that might just include the first flickers of the Northern Lights.

    Back at the yurt, you’ll settle in by the fire as you watch for the dazzling dance of Lady Aurora—an ethereal display that shimmers across the Arctic sky in greens, purples, and pinks. Our secluded location and unobstructed views offer some of the best aurora viewing conditions in the Fairbanks area.

    This all-inclusive, soul-stirring evening pairs two of Alaska’s most iconic experiences: dog sledding and aurora viewing.

    Perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers chasing the wonder of the North.

  • Winter Gear Provided – We supply parkas, boots, bibs, mittens, and hats, so you do have to rent or purchase any extra gear.

    Warming Hut – Cozy up post-tour in our 80°F Mongolian yurt—perfect for thawing frosty lashes and toes.

    Gift Shop – Browse our Alaska Made gift shop for locally crafted keepsakes and souvenirs.

  • Transportation – Guests must arrange their own transportation to and from the kennel.

    Bottled Water Not Provided – While we provide the hot drinks, we do not supply bottled water. Please bring your own thermos of water—bottled water not provided.

    Face Protection Required – Bring your own neck/face warmer or scarf to guard against frostbite. If you wear glasses, we recommend contact lenses.

  • START TIME: 10:00PM
    TOUR DURATION: 2 hours
    TRAIL TIME: 30 minutes
    TRAIL MILEAGE: 4 miles
    YURT TIME: 1 - 1.5 hours
    OUTSIDE TIME: 1 - 2 hours

    10:00PM: Meet your guides & outfitting

    10:30PM: First group heads out by dog team. Second group remains on the property for Northern Lights viewing next to our outside heater.

    11:00PM: First group returns from the trail and the second group meets the dog team.

    11:15PM: Second group heads out on the trail and the first group warms up in the yurt with snacks and hot drinks.

    11:45PM: Second group returns as the first group is enjoying the view of the Northern lights from the yurt.

    12:00AM: We say our goodbyes.

  • ADULT: $225
    CHILD: $175 Ages 8-12
    TODDLER: By special permission only

    TRANSPORTATION NOT INCLUDED

    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.

    Why Are Mushing Tours Expensive?

    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

  • LIMITED AVAILABLILITY

    SEASON: December 1st - March 31st

    CAPACITY PER SLED: 400 lbs max for your comfort
    Examples:

    • 2 Adults = 400 lbs total

    • 2 Adults + 1 Child = 400 lbs total

    • 1 Adult + 1 Child + 1 Lap Child = 400 lbs total

    *If the combined weight of your 2-person booking exceeds 400 lbs, please call to make your reservation. You may be required to reserve two sleds to ensure passenger comfort and safety, which remains our top priority.

    CAPACITY PER TIME SLOT: Varies between 4-8 people; Please call for larger groups

    TIME SLOTS: 10 PM

    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.

    1. Can you see the Northern Lights from your tour location?
      Yes—if the skies are clear and aurora activity is present, the Northern Lights are visible from our yurt and from select scenic points along the trail.

    2. When is the best time of year to see the Northern Lights?
      Aurora season in Alaska runs from August 21 to April 21. To maximize your chances, we recommend visiting near the winter solstice (late December), when there is the least amount of daylight and the longest periods of darkness—both ideal conditions for aurora viewing.

    3. What time of night is best for viewing the aurora?
      The Northern Lights are most active during the 3–4 hours surrounding midnight. However, ideal viewing conditions depend on a combination of factors, including:

      • Clear skies

      • Darkness: A bright moon can reduce visibility of the aurora, so consider lunar phases when planning your trip.

      • Aurora activity levels

    4. How can I improve my chances of seeing the Northern Lights?

      • Stay outside of city limits to avoid light pollution.

      • Book at least a 3-night stay (5 nights is ideal) to increase your odds of catching a clear night with aurora activity.

    5. Why is Fairbanks one of the best places to see the Northern Lights?
      Fairbanks sits directly beneath the Auroral Oval—an elliptical band where aurora activity is most concentrated. Additionally, the region’s low precipitation, cold, dry climate, and distance from large bodies of water contribute to frequent clear night skies.

    6. Are the Northern Lights visible every night?
      The aurora borealis is active year-round, but can only be seen during dark, clear nights. On average, auroras are visible 4 out of 5 nights in Fairbanks during peak season—weather permitting.

    Helpful Links

  • 1. We’re from a warm climate—will we be cold on the tour?
    We’ve got you covered—literally! All guests are provided with cold weather gear, and our sleds feature enclosed zippered sled bags that block the wind. Inside, you'll find reindeer hides, blankets and pillows to keep you warm and comfortable throughout the ride.

    2. Will we be riding with other guests?
    No. All of our tours are private. We host a maximum of eight guests per time slot, but each reservation is independent and does not share sleds or guides with other parties. Each sled (seating up to two) is assigned a dedicated, knowledgeable guide, and tours are conducted at a relaxed, unhurried pace—with no lines or waiting involved.

    3. How many dogs are on each sled team?
    The number of dogs depends on trail conditions and is left to the discretion of the guide. For example, a softer, slower trail might call for a team of 10 dogs, while a hard-packed, fast trail may require just 8 dogs.

    4. What kind of sled dogs do you use?
    Our guides work exclusively with the Alaskan Husky—a remarkable breed specifically developed for sled dog performance. Descended from traditional breeds like Siberian Huskies and Malamutes and other working class breeds, the Alaskan Husky has been selectively bred for speed, endurance, and working ability. You'll learn more about them during your tour!

    5. Can we drive the sleds ourselves?
    For the safety of our dogs and guests, we do not offer mushing lessons. While our guides make it look effortless, handling a team of 8–10 powerful dogs requires skill, balance, and experience. We prioritize safety and a smooth experience for all.

    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 guides remain on the schedule (this could result in a shorter trail time or less interaction with the dogs). Guests arriving in excess of 30 minutes late for a day tour will forfeit their tour and be charged in full. Guests arriving late for an aurora tour will still adhere to the time allotment of the original tour schedule and will not exceed the tour conclusion of midnight.

Why Us?!

Why Us?! ✨

  • Private Sled – Enjoy an intimate, unrushed adventure with just your co-passenger and your guide—No shared sleds with multiple other guests.

  • Cozy, Enclosed Sled – Ride in comfort with plush padding, warm blankets, and wind protection—no hard benches or exposed seating like other tour companies.

  • Secluded Aurora Viewing – Far from city lights, our peaceful location offers crystal-clear, unobstructed views of the northern sky.

  • Curated Refreshments – Enjoy a thoughtfully prepared charcuterie board and small-batch Alaskan teas—not the generic snacks found on other tours.

  • All-Inclusive, No-Rush Experience – We offer more than just a view; this is a guided, immersive evening with personalized attention.

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

Aurora + Dog Sledding = Bucket List Magic – Two iconic Alaska experiences, beautifully woven into one unforgettable adventure.

 
 
 

Jen & Mel Alaska Elopement | Photo by Sam Starns

Jen & Mel Alaska Elopement | Photo by Sam Starns

Jen & Mel Alaska Elopement | Photo by Sam Starns

Jen & Mel Alaska Elopement | Photo by Sam Starns

Introducing Our Aurora Special Package: Perfect for Elopements and Proposals

Escape the ordinary and embark on a breathtaking adventure with our exclusive Aurora Special Package! Whether you're dreaming of a romantic elopement or preparing for a heartwarming proposal, Last Frontier Mushing Co-op has you covered.

Picture this: you and your special someone gliding across the pristine, snow-covered landscapes of Alaska, wrapped in the warmth of a cozy dogsled.

Our team of experienced mushers and guides will ensure that your journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment you book, we'll help you plan every detail, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience. Whether you're looking for a secluded spot to exchange vows or seeking the ultimate backdrop to pop the question, we'll guide you to the perfect location.

At Last Frontier Mushing Co-op, we believe that love should be celebrated in the most extraordinary way possible. That's why we've curated the Aurora Special Package, designed specifically for those who crave moments of pure magic. Whether you're planning an elopement, a proposal, or simply want to cherish a special occasion, our dedicated team is here to bring your dreams to life.

Don't wait to create memories that will ignite your souls and leave a lasting imprint on your hearts. Book our Aurora Special Package today and embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Let the Northern Lights bear witness to the beginning of your beautiful journey together!

Email us to inquire!

 

See what Sherry Ott, World Traveler, had to say about our Aurora mushing experience…

Photo Gallery by Whitney Mclaren & Cheyenne Dutcher


open year round