Dogsledding is a must-do experience if you’re coming to Fairbanks, or anywhere in Alaska in the winter. Dogsledding with Basecamp Adventures at Borealis Basecamp is a fun way to get time with sled dogs, talk to dog mushers and even snuggle sled dog puppies. You don’t have to be staying at Borealis Basecamp to do it, so anyone can book a visit to go out on the trail with the pups during the winter months.
Have you been dogsledding with Basecamp Adventures before? We’ve got lots of information all about the dog mushing experience and planning your day with Basecamp Adventures. If you have any questions about planning this fun activity or staying at Borealis Basecamp, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help YOU plan a fun Alaska trip!
Highlights of Dogsledding with Basecamp Adventures
As an adult who’s gone dog mushing quite a few times, both in summer and winter, I can say that the way Basecamp Adventures does their dogsledding experience is really fun and practical. When you’re visiting Fairbanks in the winter, it’s super cold and if you’re not used to it or if you didn’t dress for the extremely chilly weather, you may not want to be outside for a long sustained time. Dogsledding with Basecamp Adventures lasts an hour and about half of that is actively on a dogsled, mushing with your guide. During that time, it gets COLD, and that’s why I think the duration of the tour is just perfect.
Before you’re on the trails, you get to meet the sled dog teams, which might even be the biggest highlight for some visitors. Dogsledding with Basecamp Adventures is clearly something the dogs enjoy and their excitement when a new group of visitors comes in is very evident.
Wrapping up the dog mushing experience, we got to meet and snuggle sled dog puppies. PUPPIES! When we visited the puppies were actually adoptable, and it was all we could do to leave without bringing home a new dog. This is a really special part of dogsledding here because puppy breath mixed with the cold Alaskan air is simply one of the best parts of a trip to Fairbanks in the winter.
Book Basecamp Adventures Dogsledding here!
Read about the Reindeer Meet & Greet with Basecamp Adventures here
What to Expect Dogsledding at Borealis Basecamp
When you think about dogsledding you likely picture the epic stretches from paintings of the Iditarod or the fast, tight turns from movies like Iron Will, and that’s definitely a part of dog mushing, but when you’re doing it as a tourist, it’s a bit different. Dogsledding with Basecamp Adventures you’re on a dog mushing route that’s a loop and covers a few different terrains and you’re out there for fun, not as a race. Covering a few miles, there are moments where you pick up some good speed, and then there are times when you’re just enjoying a nice glide through the woods. Dogsledding is a mixed bag of speeds and sights, and when you’re a tourist getting the experience it’s not epic at the level of the Iditarod or the Open North American Championships. Still really fun though!
Tips for a Great Dogsled Experience in Winter
Do I need to say that you need to dress warmly for dogsledding with Basecamp Adventures? As I mentioned above, it gets really cold when you’re on a moving dogsled and the frigid winter air is blasting your face and hands. We are big advocates of wearing glove liners inside our cold-rated winter gloves, but when that Borealis Basecamp wind hits your hands, you’ll feel it after a bit. Having said that, just bundle up really well for the active portion of your Basecamp Adventures dogsledding time.
Don’t forget to bring a camera for your dogsled experience! When you’re out on the sleds, you can either sit on the sled or ride behind the musher, standing on the back. Getting photos at dog-level while you’re on the trail is really cool. Also, if you want to get video, bring a GoPro or a gimble camera to capture the experience behind the sled dogs, because it’s so cool and fun.
When it comes to meeting the sled dogs and puppies, you need to remember that as well trained as they are, they’re still dogs and still are so excited to see you. This means that their crazy paws and licky tongues are wild and they might get your camera. I learned the hard way, as a dog licked my exposed lens which then froze immediately and I wasn’t able to clean it until our Basecamp Adventures dogsledding was completed. Good times indeed. Such a fun experience across the board!
Being Prepared for Dogsledding at Basecamp Adventures
I don’t think you missed my messaging about dressing warmly. Because you’ll be on an active dogsledding run you need to be ready for cold wind on your face. Here are the layers we wear for dogsledding in winter:
- long johns
- thin sweats and insulated snow pants
- t-shirt and sweater
- cold-rated snow jacket
- neck buff and scarf
- warm hat and maybe a hood.
- double layer merino wool socks with toe warmers
- double lined gloves
Add a few hand warmers into your pockets before you begin and you’ve got a warm winter experience conquered. I know that not everyone is so averse to cold or feels it the same, so do what you need to do. When we went out with Basecamp Adventures it was only 5 degrees F for our dogsledding. My mustache froze in place.
Ethics of Dog Sledding and Sled Dog Operations
We are very careful about animal tourism of any sort and only share/write about operations and opportunities that we feel are ethical and sound. There’s often talk about dogsledding and concern that it’s not in the animals’ best interest or even, as PETA may say, is cruel. If you’ve ever met a sled dog or been to a sled dog farm or operation, then you know that’s not true. Sled dog mushers and their teams are some of the most caring, heartfelt people I’ve ever met. The way their dogs are treated is impeccable, often with the needs of the dogs being placed before that of the musher/sled dog owner.
If you see sled dogs before, during and after they’ve been training or racing, then you see the joy and purpose they find in dogsledding. They are so full of energy and excitement all through the process. Add to that the love and attention their mushers give them, and you’ll understand that dogsled culture is not cruel or unethical.
Getting to Basecamp Adventures at Borealis Basecamp
From downtown Fairbanks, Borealis Basecamp is about a 45 minute drive to the north on the Elliott Highway. Yes, this is a highway that’s often listed on rental car restrictions as a “DO NOT DRIVE” but you’re not going so far up the Elliott Highway that it becomes gravel. If you don’t want to drive yourself for your Basecamp Adventures dogsledding you are able to arrange to be picked up in Fairbanks through Borealis Basecamp. Be sure to confirm your transportation that is included with your booking if you need it!
Tip: check out our guide to getting around Alaska here. There’s lots of good information about intrastate flights, the many highways and more. If you’re concerned about driving yourself there is great info here.
Tour Operating Info
To complete your planning, here is all the information to plan and book your adventure.
- Operating Dates/Season: winter and spring while weather and snow pack permits
- Tour office phone number: 907-885-2845
- Company website: Basecamp Adventures
- Tour check-in address: 2671 Himalaya Rd Fairbanks, AK 99712
- Tour booking links: Book Basecamp Adventures Dogsledding w/ Reindeer combo here!
Things to do in Fairbanks
I feel like when people talk about visiting Alaska, Fairbanks is a last thought, but it shouldn’t be. I love this city, it’s people, it’s dogsled culture and the beautiful nature all around it. Fairbanks is THE winter destination in Alaska with ample dark sky space to watch the Northern Lights and endless outdoor opportunities, whether you’re looking for a mellow snowy escape or hardcore Alaskan adventures. In summer, Fairbanks is a great home base for visiting the Arctic Circle, Denali National Park, spending days kayaking or fishing. It’s beautiful!
Ideas for Fairbanks activities:
Where to Stay in Fairbanks, Alaska
Keep in mind when you’re planning your trip to Fairbanks that it is not a large city. It’s the second largest in Alaska, but it’s not huge. Hotel options are limited and when it comes to booking a luxury hotel stay, that’s not really a thing here. There are nice hotels and really cool lodges and vacation rentals, but white glove luxe ain’t happening. We’ve stayed in all kinds of Fairbanks accommodations, so have solid recommendations (below). I like being based downtown if we have a diverse, busy itinerary, but staying outside of town up in the hills is such a treat, it’s worth planning a night or two away from the city.
You’ll find that the cost of lodging in Fairbanks ranges wildly from season to season. In the summer, standard hotel rooms are not likely available for under $250 per night, with the average being well over $300 per night. In the winter you can get some awesome hotel deals as low as $125 per night. Just keep this in mind as you’re planning your visit to Fairbanks or anywhere in Alaska.
Here are our hotel picks in Fairbanks:
I hope you’re excited to experience dogsledding with Basecamp Adventures. Between the happy sled dogs and sense of Alaskan adventure, I know you’ll love it. If you have any questions about dogsledding as a visitor or exploring the Fairbanks area please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to help with travel planning for an Alaska Trip!
