Iditarod - Nome, Alaska

Dog Mushing in Alaska
What do you think of when you hear “Alaska”?  For many, it’s the Iditarod sled dog race and if you’re going to Alaska, you have to take the opportunity to ride a dog sled, right?  

Although dog mushing is generally a winter sport, visitors in the summer months can still take advantage of it.  Although you’re ideal dog mushing experience should take place on thick Alaskan snow, you don’t have to worry if it’s a little warm when you visit as many of the area’s mushers have taken you into account.  The further north you travel the better chance you’ll have to go mushing in the snow.  Or, why not just go mushing on a glacier?  It’s always snowy there.  In Alaska, this is definitely an option.

Fairbanks is an excellent area for dog mushing in the summer months.  If there’s no snow, you have the option of taking a ride on a summer cart, a cart with wheels.  You can pay for just a quick spin or you can spend the day learning how to drive a team of dogs. If you are in the area from January to March, then there’s a good chance there will be plenty of snow on the ground.  Many dog racers actually offer specials for you to come and stay in their large and learn how to drive a team of veteran dogs.  This is a great way to see the Alaska wilderness, as you have the opportunity to not only take part in the state sport, but you’ll get to see wildlife such as Caribou, seals, moose, eagles and wolves.  The Northern lights and the breathtaking mountains are also perks.  These trips are typically around $2,000 a person, but many believe they received their money’s worth after the first day.  You don’t typically need anything special if you’re going to take a summer cart ride, although it can be quite chilly so a jacket is advisable.  If you’re coming for a winter ride, then the mushers will provide you with the proper outfit for the freezing weather.  

If you come during the winter, you also have the opportunity to experience the Iditarod.  The Iditarod has been called the “Last Great Race on Earth” and you can have the opportunity to see the finalists come in as they finish the race.  You’ll need to be in Nome, Alaska for this special day.  Many of the dog mushers who are also racers offer packages for visitors to be in Nome and experience the end of the Iditarod themselves and meet the mushers at the Iditarod Finishers Banquet.