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Skagway Glacier Dogsledding Demonstration by Helicopter

4.9
102 reviews

Excursion Overview

Explore Alaska’s Glaciers and Meet the Iditarod Huskies

Enjoy a scenic flight through the Alaskan wilderness before landing on the Denver Glacier, where you’ll be greeted by an experienced musher and their team of friendly sled dogs. Get an exclusive glimpse into their world as you hear tales from the Iditarod trail and meet the dogs who have made the race famous. On this small-group tour, your pilot will guide you from Skagway’s waterfront over the Taiya Inlet and through the rugged coastal mountains to the snowcapped glacier.

Step into the world of dog mushing: learn about the equipment, meet the incredible Alaskan Huskies, and watch their excitement as they dash across the snow. After the dogsledding demonstration, meet the future Iditarod champions, cuddle the adorable puppies, and capture photos against the dazzling glacier backdrop. Whether you’re a dog lover, adventure seeker, or simply want to experience the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness, this tour offers a unique blend of excitement, education, and natural beauty. Please note guests are not able to ride the sled on this excursion.

On this excursion, you can observe the mushers and watch a live demonstration. If you would like to try dog sledding for yourself, check out our Juneau Dog Sledding Tours!

Most departures are scheduled to align with cruise ship arrival times, with options typically available in the morning and early afternoon.

This tour is typically available from May through August. Our excursions were designed for cruise ship passengers but are available to everyone.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Scenic glacier flightseeing over Southeast Alaska’s rugged mountains and the Denver Glacier
  • Observe a dog sled demonstration and meet the Iditarod Huskies with experienced mushers in action (Please note guests are not able to ride the sled on this excursion.)
  • Safety Briefing
  • Headsets to listen to the narration by your pilot
  • Traction overboots

Requirements:

  • Reporting Accurate Weights: Please report proper weights of all guests (including the weight of clothes and boots). Inputting improper weights, or selecting the wrong passenger type can lead to cancellation without refund. Please be aware that every guest is individually weighed at the helicopter base.
  • Passengers 250 lbs and over (including clothing and any camera gear) are required to pay an additional surcharge for safety. Extra space will be reserved on the helicopter. Please select the 250 lbs+ passenger ticket at checkout.
  • Guests must be able to step up two 18-inch steps with little assistance and be comfortable walking short distances on uneven and occasionally icy surfaces.
  • Infants under 2 years old are free and do not require a ticket - please indicate that you are traveling with an infant during checkout
  • Guests are not able to stay on the helicopter at the glacier

Duration: Approximately 2 hours (Roundtrip from the helicopter base in downtown Skagway)

  • 30 minutes - preflight safety briefing and preparation
  • 30 minutes - glacier flightseeing via helicopter
  • 60 minutes - experience the dog camp, watch a sled demonstration, and meet the puppies, the future Iditarod champions, for photos

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour meets at the helicopter base, a 5~30 minute walk from your cruise ship, depending on which pier you are coming from. An optional shuttle, the Skagway Municipal and Regional Transit (SMART Bus) is available to take guests to/from the docks to the helicopter base for an additional fee on the day of the tour. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible.

    • Fully Wheelchair Accessible: No
    • Limited Mobility Accessible: No
    • Stroller Accessible: No
    • Collapsible Wheelchair & Stroller Storage Available: No

Refund Policy:

  • You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
  • Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

The average temperature is between 15-20°F cooler than on the ground

Yes, the dogs love human interaction and the mushers will let you get close and snuggly with their team.

Guests do not drive the dogsled or ride on the dogsled during this excursion. This is an immersive learning experience where guests will help gear up a team of sled dogs and watch a live demonstration of the dogs pulling a sled.

Guests must be able to step up two 18-inch steps with little assistance and be comfortable walking short distances on uneven and occasionally icy surfaces. Be aware that there is also periods of standing lasting up to 40 minutes.

There are two front seats and four rear seats; FAA safety guidelines require seating positions to be assigned based on the weight and balance of all passengers for each helicopter.

There is a maximum of 6 passengers per helicopter. If there are more than 6 passengers, multiple helicopters will fly at the same time and land at the dog camp together.

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Children under 2 can ride for free on an adult's lap.

Adult and child prices are the same for this tour. There is no charge for infants under 2 years old and they will be required to ride on a guardian's lap.

All bags must be stored at the helicopter base and are not allowed on tour.

Yes, you can bring your DSLR camera on this tour.

Layered clothing, hats, gloves, and sunglasses are strongly recommended. For more detailed packing tips for your Alaskan vacation, check out our What to Pack for Your Alaskan Cruise guide.

There are restroom facilities at the helicopter base before you depart on your tour, but there are no restrooms available on the glacier.

 

Guest Reviews

4.9

102 total

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Lynsie C

On Jun 2026

Can t recommend highly enough! Views from helicopter were unreal as they were SO beautiful. Our pilot was also so kind and knowledgeable. Sled dog experience was equally as amazing. Meg, one of our guides, shared so much interesting and fun information. And , of course, the dogs were incredible! So sweet and fun to interact with. The puppies were the icing on the cake. Last, but not least, all of the staff at the center were kind, helpful and great at their jobs. Go on this excursion!!!!!!

Jessica M

On Jun 2026

This was hands down my favorite excursion of our Alaska trip! The helicopter ride to the glacier was absolutely breathtaking and worth the experience all by itself. Once we arrived, the dogs completely stole the show. They were happy, energetic, incredibly friendly, and clearly loved what they do. And the puppies! They were the icing on the cake! I could have spent all day playing with them. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and did a great job making the experience fun and memorable. The only reason I'm not giving it a perfect score is that we're under the impression we would actually get to take a sled ride. Instead, it was more of a photo opportunity where we posed on the sled. We still had an amazing time and loved meeting the dogs. Overall, it was an unforgettable adventure, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone visiting Alaska, especially fellow dog lovers!

Alex N

On May 2026

We had the BEST time on the helicopter ride and watching the dogsled demonstration. Being able to interact with the dogs/puppies was another highlight. This whole excursion was the highlight of our trip!!!

Vicki M

On Aug 2025

The helicopter ride up to the Denver glacier was beautiful. Our pilot explained the different types of glaciers we saw. The sled dog camp was so much fun. We loved learning about the dogs and the sport.

Carolyn B

On Aug 2025

This adventure was the best we have ever done, and that is saying a lot. The people at base camp, our pilot and those just getting us ready we're so we'll organized and amazing. Everyone did a fantastic job. Thank you so much for giving us memories that will stick with us forever!

$599.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$599.00

Duration: 2 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 2 hours



Under 250 lbs.

Passenger (2+): $599.00

Ages: 2+

250lbs+ Passenger: $749.00

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