Tours
Classic DOGSLED RIDE
Visit a winning Iditarod kennel and experience the adrenaline rush of dogsledding on the same trails used for race training. Meet friendly Iditarod sled dogs, watch in awe at a high-energy hook up, and ride for five miles in the most Alaskan way possible behind a canine freight train with an experienced musher as your personal sled driver. Free hot cocoa and cookies available.
- $269 per person - includes a hot lunch and shuttle to/from Anchorage, provided by Greatland Adventures. (5-6hrs total)
- $169 per person - dogsled ride only, transportation & lunch not included. (1.5 hours, including dogsled ride and kennel tour)
1/2 Day MUSHING SCHOOL
Dream of driving your own dog sled? This 1/2 day mushing adventure is for you. Learn the role of each dog in the team and practice the basics of sled handling. Meet your very own team of sled dogs before setting out on a five-mile journey through Alaska's winter wonderland. Minimum age to drive: 18 years old. (Moderate fitness level highly recommended.) Free hot cocoa and cookies available.
- $399 per person - includes a hot lunch and shuttle to/from Anchorage, provided by Greatland Adventures. (6-7 hrs total)
- $299 per person - mushing school only, transportation & lunch not included. (2.5-3 hours total)
STAY
Martin Buser's Happy Trails B&B
Want to see the true insider's view of a winning Iditarod kennel? Spend a night (or many) at four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser's bed and breakfast during the winter racing season, which is onsite at our main tour location. The Swiss-inspired home was built and lived in by the legendary dog musher himself, and the cozy interior is adorned with decades of Iditarod awards and racing paraphernalia along with Alaskan art. Our classic dogsled rides and 1/2 day mushing school are available to all guests of the B&B, as well as exclusive access to evening and nighttime dogsled rides, which can be arranged during your stay. If there are northern lights, a full moon, or a clear, starry sky, this is a fantastic opportunity to combine your entire Alaskan dream winter itinerary into one stay. Four rooms available, all with king beds and private bath. Each booking is for one double-occupancy room. Self-serve breakfast and coffee provided for your convenience. For more pictures of the B&B, check out the slideshow.
- $149 per night per room. For those with their own transportation.
Looking for Alaska dog sled tours? You've come to the right place. Located just over an hour's drive from Anchorage!
We operate Alaska's premier dogsled rides and school, and we are also the closest to Anchorage. Go on a dogsled ride or learn how to mush in our 1/2 day mushing school. We are a small group of professional dog mushers who have raced in distances from 100 to 1000 miles, from the Iditarod to the Yukon Quest to the Copper Basin 300 and more. Our winter tours launch from 4x Iditarod champion Martin Buser's Happy Trails Kennel. With multiple decades of experience, we would love to show you the world of dog mushing. Book or contact us today!
Phone
907-793-0647
mushingschool@gmail.com
Location
Big Lake, AK
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I purchase a gift card?
Yes, of course! If you would like to purchase a gift card for someone, please do so here:
Alaska Mushing School
How do I get there?
If you book the option with shuttle, the driver will pick you up at your location in Anchorage at approximately 9am on the morning of your tour. All you have to do is let us know where.
If you are driving yourself from Anchorage, you will head north on the Parks Hwy towards Wasilla. Make sure to stay left at the fork towards Wasilla/Palmer! From there, you drive through Wasilla and continue north. Our tours run from Iditarod Champion Martin Buser's Happy Trails Kennel in Big Lake, an approximately 75-minute drive from downtown Anchorage. Happy Trails is at 19391 West Lakes Blvd, Big Lake, AK 99652, and specific directions and info will also be sent to you at the time of booking your tour. Feel free to contact us with any questions.
What should I wear?
Please prepare for the winter conditions accordingly. For those going on a ride in the sled, we will make the ride as comfortable as possible, complete with cushioned seating and blankets. We do have a limited supply of arctic-quality gear available to borrow, but sizes are not guaranteed and should not be relied upon without prior request and confirmation. Winter and/or snow boots, wool socks, wool or synthetic baselayers, a heavy down or synthetic parka, snow pants, mittens, a fleece neck gaiter/scarf (essential!), and a winter hat are highly recommended. Temperatures and conditions can vary by the day, but please remember this is Alaska!
Are there Veg/VF options with the lunch?
Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan options available! If you have any special nutritional needs, please let us know beforehand.
What else do I need to know?
As long as you are prepared to have a great time in cold conditions, you are good to go!
For the classic dogsled ride, passengers are welcome between 2-102 years of age. Centenarians ride free.
For our 1/2 day mushing school, the minimum age to drive the sled is 18 years old. While incredibly fun and addictive, mushing is is a very physical activity; please take your own abilities into consideration before booking. Those under 18 may experience the mushing school if accompanied by a parent or guardian that will be the official driver (tickets are required for each person) - we do have some tandem driver sleds if this applies to you. Please contact us with any questions or requests.
