A helicopter ride over jaw-dropping landscapes, huskies by the dozen, and a thrilling ride across the icy surface of the Herbert Glacier – helicopter dogsledding tours have to be the ultimate Alaskan adventure! Dogsledding in Juneau is the highlight of many an Alaskan adventure, and the unique Helicopter and Dogsled Glacier Excursion includes a thrilling helicopter ride over the spectacular Juneau Icefield, as well as a landing right on the Herbert Glacier, where your team of huskies is waiting excitedly to take you on a mushing adventure across the icy landscape. Dogsledding in Juneau is an indelible part of local culture and history that lives on today, and with this excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to spend time with professional mushers and learn more about their amazing huskies and mushing life. Each dogsled is pulled by a team of 12-14 huskies, and you have the choice of riding on the runners or being comfortably seated inside the sled itself. At the signal from their musher, the dogs are off and loping across the icy snowfields at a pace you won’t believe! Then, back at the dog camp, it’s time to thank your tail-wagging team and have your photograph taken with them, dressed in traditional Iditarod Trail dogsled gear if you so wish!
The heli-base is located just a short ride from the cruise docks in Juneau, and your tour lasts for 1.5 hours from take-off to your return to the helicopter base. As with all other helicopter dogsledding tours, you’ll meet your pilot/guide and receive a brief safety orientation before boarding your helicopter. Any initial nerves will be quickly quelled by your total absorption in the bird’s-eye view of spellbinding icefields and endless snow-capped mountains. On landing at Herbert Glacier, you’ll meet your dog team and their mushers and be readied for your exhilarating dash across the snowfields! Besides being great fun, dogsledding in Juneau will take you below beautiful mountains you’ll have to see to believe. On your helicopter ride back to base, you will have a real appreciation of the important role that huskies and their mushers played in opening up the vast Alaskan wilderness. Helicopter dogsledding tours are in high demand during the summer season in Juneau, so be sure to book early for this amazing experience!
Secure storage for personal belongings at the helicopter base
Guide Gratuities
Food & Drink
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people per dogsled?
Each team of 10 – 12 Alaskan huskies is hooked up to a double sled arrangement, which allows for up to 5 passengers per dogsled team. We generally keep bookings at 12 passengers each hour, so the usual load out for each team is 4 passengers, but we can make just about any grouping work.
Will our group all be in the same helicopter?
The helicopters hold up to 6 people. While we strive to keep all groups under 6 together, in order to balance the weight distribution in the helicopter & ensure a safe flight, groups may be split up into separate helicopters upon reaching the helicopter base. If this is the case, you will still land with the rest of your party on the glacier, and will be able to spend this time with them.
Is the dogsled tour on an actual glacier?
Yes, the dogsled operator is flown up via helicopter early in the season and sets up camp on the Herbert Glacier in advance of the summer tours.
What if I need extra help on the tour?
Your pilot will be with you the entire tour, so they’ll be happy to lend a helping hand whenever necessary. If you require extra assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us ahead of your tour and discuss your particular needs.
Will I get to stand and mush the dogsled team?
You do have the option and opportunity to stand in the musher’s position while on the dogsled tour. For safety reasons, the actual dogsled musher will be able to assume control of the dogsled at all times, but will give you instructions on how to safely control the sled for the duration of your trip.
Can children come on the tour?
Absolutely! We are more than happy to accommodate children of all ages.
What if our cruise ship's schedule is canceled or delayed?
We will try our best to work with you to reschedule the tour to a later time. If that is not a possibility or your ship doesn't make it into port, then you will receive a refund, less any non-refundable fees.
Will there be snow at the dog camp?
Yes. Our dog sleds are similar to any you might see in professional competition and require a certain amount of snow in order to operate.
What happens if the weather is too bad to fly?
If the weather is just not cooperating and the pilots determine that it’s too bad to fly, we’ll do our best to reschedule you to a later time of day that works for you. If you choose not to reschedule or we can’t find a time that works for you, we will refund you.
How many passengers per helicopter?
Each helicopter can seat up to 6 passengers, provided the weight and balance calculations work out in each aircraft.
What if my tour group is larger than 6 people?
There are several helicopters available at the base and can make accommodations for larger groups with advance notice. If your group exceeds 6 passengers and requires the use of multiple aircraft, we instruct the pilots to coordinate landing locations on the glacier so that you can have your landing time together.
Will the pilot get out with us?
Definitely. Your pilot will act as your guide for your entire helicopter tour, including the time you’ll spend on the glacier. This allows for a truly focused tour experience.
Why do you land on the Herbert Glacier?
We find the Herbert Glacier to be of particular charm and seclusion. Most passengers on our helicopter tours feel like they’re the only people in the world while on their glacier landing, and we like to keep it that unique and exclusive for everyone.
Know Before You Book
Minimum Age: There is no minimum age to join this tour
Ticket types and pricing are based on accurate passenger weight ranges to ensure safety and compliance. Please select the rate type that matches your weight during checkout, as incorrect selections may affect your booking.
All passengers will be discreetly weighed on-site, fully clothed and geared, and no flights or refunds are guaranteed for misreported passenger weights.
No lap children are allowed. All passengers will be required to pay for a seat on the aircraft, regardless of age.
This tour can accommodate guests with limited mobility. Please contact us or include a note in your reservation if you require assistance.
Each helicopter holds up to 6 people and a collective 1200lbs. In order to comply with FAA regulations and ensure a safe flight, seating is based on the balance and weight distribution in the helicopter and there is the chance that your group may not all be on the same aircraft.
Cancel up to 7-days before the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 7-days of the tour. If for any reason your tour is canceled, or if your cruise ship's schedule changes, you will receive a refund. Refunds do not include any non-refundable fees. Contact us by phone or email to request a cancellation.
Guides will meet you at the base of the Mount Roberts Tramway for transportation to the airport.
Duration
20 minutes
Gear & Orientation
Get geared up in the glacier boats provided and meet your pilot/guide for a brief safety orientation. You can leave behind unneeded items for pickup later.
Duration
30 minutes
Helicopter Flight to Herbert Glacier Dog Camp
Lift off and fly over the Juneau Icefield for a short flight to the dog camp.
Duration
15 minutes
Dog Sled Camp
Your mushers will be ready to give you an introduction to the sport when you arrive. Meet the team of dogs that will be pulling your sleds for a thrilling 30 min ride across the glacier.
Duration
1 hour
Return Flight & Transportation
Return flight to the basecamp to grab any belongings before boarding the van back to the cruise docks and downtown Juneau.
