Dog Sledding Adventure In Willow, Alaska

Was a lot of fun. Guides were knowledgeable the owner was very nice good for all ages. I took my 6 year old grandchild wand she had a wonderful time. They provided waterproof waders and muck boots so even though it was raining we stayed pretty dry. Our rain coat we brought was the link part of the our outfit but stayed pretty dry. Recommend this company.

This was something that I wanted to do for a while. The place was easy to find (traveled from Anchorage). Our guide was Dane who was very friendly and knowledgeable. He had previously participated in the Iditarod. He answered all of our questions and made sure we had an opportunity to try different positions on the sled and meet our dog team. It was a lot of fun!

By I do not recommend waiting until your 54th anniversary. Do it now!! What an awesome experience!!!!! We were so glad that we were able to experience this amazing adventure. When we drove up to the parking lot, we were greeted by a cacophony of dogs welcoming us. Then we met Dane who gave us a little history of the family owned business. He had just completed his first Iditarod (which was over the usual 1,000 miles since they had to start in Fairbanks). As he was handing us over to Jaron - who was awesome - we were greeted by Rebel. Rebel was the old soul of the outfit. I think he was just telling us to relax, we were in good hands. Jaron was able to answer our many questions with enthusiasm. He made sure we got to interact with the dogs (among whom were Meryl Haggard, Dolly Parton, and Willie Nelson). Our lead dogs were Fable and Grand - who did a great job. Fable was teaching Grand the ins and outs of being a lead dog. It was amazing how all Jaron had to do was say “Gee” and “Haw” to have the dogs go “right” or “left”. Dolly and Willie are siblings and were paired together. They did what most siblings do - agitate and play around with each other. Do not pass up an opportunity to experience this awesome adventure!!!!

Such a fun experience. The staff are great and the dogs are amazing! It was so fun to learn about the dogs and the Iditarod. I liked that the group size was smaller so we could all enjoy different spots on the sled (sitting and standing). It definitely was a fun way to spend my 40th. It will definitely be a birthday to remember!

What a great experience, we had a wonderful guide, the dogs were amazing, the trail is beautiful, we highly recommend this! We got to spend a lot of up close and personal time with those beautiful dogs. Worth the drive and cost!

The short 1 hour and 40 minute scenic drive from Anchorage to Willow was gave me a good sense of the vastness of Alaska and the mountains as a backdrop was unbelievable. Our guide and 14 time Ididarod musher Matthew Failor was great and had so much first hand experience with the dogs, sleds and mushing that I almost felt like I had gone on the adventure myself! The dogs were great, lots of pictures and interactions with them and the team. Very hands on. A fun outing and the experience is worth it!

This was a once in lifetime experience for us. We did not know we should arrive early though and wished there were more details on the site before so we knew more about what to expect. Otherwise they made our son's birthday so special! Dane was incredible and his stories about the itiderod were amazing.

Truly an amazing and unforgettable experience! We hope to return and do this again someday. Highly recommend this activity!

Incredible experience! The entire team made us feel welcome and really allowed us to enjoy all parts of the experience. They were very knowledgeable but relatable as well. Loved that we could sit down in the sled or really stand up and enjoy the true sledding adventure. Thank you Dane for the best trip!

First time dog sledding and we had a great time. Learned a ton about the industry and was very impressed how they take care of their dogs and run their business. Will come back again!!

Great time sledding on the trails. The family owned facility is very cool.

Incredibly fantastic! We want to do it again. Matt’s awesome. Dane, our guide, was amazing! Worth it.

What an absolute blast to spend two hours with a team that recently ran the Iditarod. Three of our eight dogs just completed the Iditarod, a 1000 mile journey with one man and 16 dogs. It was nice to see how they talk with the dogs, how they listen, adapt, how they jump into the snow to cool down with a break and eat snow while they’re continuing to pull with the pack. What a pleasure to see.

Wow! What an amazing experience! We all loved it from beginning to end. The owner was extremely welcoming and friendly covering the background of the business and history of dog sledding. Then Dane, the guide and dog musher was super friendly and filled in all the details along the way. We were able to interact with the dogs and enjoyed a beautiful ride through the snow. It was a perfect length of time and we will remember it forever.

Wonderful experience for family with 2 teens! Learned a lot about dog sledding history and current events. Most of the time is spent on the trail with the dogs sledding, and they have extra parkas to keep warm. Easy drive from Anchorage even in March when snowy. Highly recommend!!

My dog sledding experience with Alaskan Husky Adventures was without a doubt, one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. From the moment we arrived, it was clear we were in the hands of true professionals. Our mushers, Jaren and Dane, were incredibly experienced, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about what they do. They didn’t just guide us - they educated us, patiently answering every single one of my (many!) questions with enthusiasm and depth. You can tell they truly love sharing this world with others. What stood out just as much as the scenery was the care and devotion shown to the dogs. Every single Alaskan Husky is clearly loved, respected, and exceptionally well cared for. It’s obvious the entire team is deeply invested in the health, happiness, and wellbeing of these amazing animals, which made the experience feel even more special and authentic. And then there’s the ride itself - absolutely breathtaking. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, and the trail felt like something out of a dream. We glided through endless stretches of pristine white snow, surrounded by pine trees, with the crisp Alaskan air filling our lungs. At one point, we were even treated to a clear view of Denali in the distance. This wasn’t just a tour, it was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that completely exceeded my expectations. I would recommend Alaskan Husky Adventures to anyone looking for something truly extraordinary.

Dane was so friendly and knowledgeable! The dogs were fantastic. It was a five star experience. Cold, but so worth it!

An absolutely incredible tour from start to finish! Jaren was friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about dog sledding. He guided us along stunning back trails—winding over hills, around curves, and across the bog—with Denali creating a breathtaking backdrop. The dogs were amazing—strong, enthusiastic, and eager the entire time. Alaskan Husky Adventures once again exceeded our expectations. It was especially nice to be personally welcomed by the owner, Matt Failor. The kennel itself is spotless and exceptionally well maintained.

It was a wonderful and educational adventure. Our guide, Dane was a past Iditarod competitor and shared many insights about dog sledding and the event.

We had a Fun afternoon dogsledding.. We had a two year old that was able to sit on our lap and have fun wat ch ing the dogs pull our sled. We had a great guide and loved interacting with the dogs.

Great experience! The crew love their dogs..what a life. Willow is beautiful! A must do if in the Anchorage area.

Matthew and his team are fantastic hosts! Couldn’t recommend this company enough. They made the experience SO fun and we learned a lot of history. Thank you Matthew!!!

Experienced the thrill of a lifetime on a dog sled , and I can't stop gushing about it! From the moment I arrived, the energy of the dogs was infectious – pure excitement and eagerness. Gliding through the snowy Alaskan wilderness, with Nic , felt like a scene straight out of a movie. He was amazing, sharing fascinating insights into the world of dog sledding and the incredible bond between mushers and their team. I definitely recommend!

It was so much fun! From the moment we got there, the owner and guides were so friendly and hospitable. It was beautiful and fun, interacting with the dogs was great- they take such great care of the dogs and it was clear they’re all so passionate about what they do. Would highly recommend this and hope one day we can come back and do it again!!

super fun ride!!! the guides are great and the dogs are fabulous!! They really enjoy running!!! We will be back again!!!

From the booking experience to the adventure - smooth and easy. The team is extremly kind, knowledgeable and patient. Getting a sneak peak of the behind the scences and daily activities all focussed on the dogs ws fantastic. I wish we had more time :)

A genuine guy doing what he loves. My daughter was lucky enough to handle his team dogs for the Iditarod at Willow! Great for family.

Really fun experience. Thank you Dain and family for such a unique and fun experience. We definitely recommend this to everyone. See you next time, Theo!

Loved the family/small business vibe! Very personable people!

I had an amazing time with my husband and mom-in-law dog sledding. The guides are so friendly and give a lot of interesting history on dog sledding and the Iditarod. It was so cool listening to their experiences and meeting all the dogs. The ride was also beautiful and snowy in the mountains, and we got hot chocolate after! They also have affordable souvenirs to commemorate the experience. 10/10 🤩

What a great time! Was so much fun! We got to pet dogs, switch spots standing/sitting. Great view of Denali in the background. Hot chocolate at the end was an extra bonus! Kids will never forget this trip!

Super fun experience! Guides were fun, informative and kind! The dogs were fabulous. You can see how excited they are about pulling the sleds!!!! Loved it and would recommend highly!!!

This was an awesome experience for my adult son and me while we were in town for the Iditarod. We were very excited to cheer the team on at the start line the day after our visit. The dogs are impeccably cared for as demonstrated in their friendly nature and affectionate interactions with guests. Matthew and his team were very welcoming, informative and accommodating with all who participated in the tour. We highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting the area. Thanks so much and best wishes to your team on the Iditarod trail!

Fun, playful dogs, guides very knowledgeable about the dog sleds, racing the dogs, the trail is beautiful, the snow trail was awesome

This experience was amazing! Our guide, Dane, was so nice, and really made sure we were all ready to go out in 0 degree weather. If you need another heavy coat, they can set you up. The dogs were all so sweet, and you can tell that they LOVE their job. They sing from excitement! Four people, plus the guide, can go out on one sled. 2 sit, and 2 help steer and brake, so it’s as hands on as you want. If you want a true Alaskan experience, come during winter when there is snow on the ground. The drive from Anchorage is beautiful, and if the weather is clear, you get a good view of Mt Denali.

amazing, amazing once in a lifetime experience! these dogs are so loved, happy, and well cared for. couldn't help but feeling all that love during our visit!

Our experience was phenomenal! Our tour began at 12:30pm and we had to be there 15min prior but we arrived a little more early. We checked in signed a waiver with Matt he was very kind and welcoming! They offered parkas and gloves in case you didn’t bring any. Dane gave us the tour he was very patient, informative, and friendly! We met the puppers once we got out there and they were all so cute and excited to mush! Once we got done we had some hot chocolate and Dane informed us about 1000mi race! Such an amazing experience I would definitely come out here again and recommend friends and family!

There were several kennel and tour options, but after reading reviews we chose Alaska Husky Adventures, and I am so incredibly glad we did. Matthew, the owner, was so kind and welcoming, and we loved hearing his story and the passion behind what he has built. We rode with Jaren, who was AWESOME. He struck the perfect balance of sharing stories, history, and insight throughout the tour without ever overdoing it, allowing us to fully soak in the experience. We learned about the dogs, racing, and the kenneling process, and getting to meet the dogs beforehand made the ride even more meaningful. And the ride itself... truly INCREDIBLE. It’s such a special experience and one I feel genuinely grateful to have had. Matthew & Family's Alaska Husky Adventures felt less like a tour and more like visiting extended family and getting to take part in something really unique and unforgettable. Highly, highly recommend.

If you're a solo female traveler, you may want to read this. I booked this tour after a warm phone call with Liz and drove over an hour to get there on February 15, 2026. The dogs were great and the trail was scenic, but my interaction with owner Matthew Failor detracted from the experience. At check-in, the waiver asked for my full address. When I hesitated and asked why, his response was essentially that I needed to fill it out or I wouldn't be allowed to go out on the sled. Only afterward did he vaguely mention insurance. Being given that kind of ultimatum in front of other guests felt coercive rather than respectful. After the run, he asked if I had fun and stayed warm. I answered simply and briefly. He then commented that I was "a woman of very few words," which came across as dismissive. He then asked where I live, despite my earlier hesitation about sharing personal information. As a woman traveling alone who had already shown discomfort about privacy, that felt intrusive and tone-deaf. The actual sled run was also noticeably shorter than expected, which made the overall experience feel less worth the cost. Liz later called, listened to my concerns, and processed a refund, which I appreciated. I'm sharing this so other women traveling alone can make an informed decision. While the dogs and trail were enjoyable, my interaction with Matthew made the overall experience uncomfortable and not worth repeating.

Amazing experience. We felt so welcomed. The guides and owners treated everyone like family. Our guide, Sam, was very interesting and wonderful with our young children. We had a blast and would recommend this company to anyone!

Probably one of the best experiences I’ve booked on Viator. Matt and his team aren’t just incredible hosts and ambassadors for the sport - they’re genuinely excited to share their passion with guests. We ended up riding with Sam who is just a few weeks away from his first Iditarod. And by riding, this isn’t a sit-down and passively experience the sled team sort of thing. They use “double drivers” where two guests actually stand on the sled like the drivers do (vs. just sitting). You’ll get a first hand education on everything dogsledding and the team is excited to explain anything and everything you’d ever want to know. Finally - the dogs. You really should START with them but they ARE the experience. They’re working dogs for sure but every single one of them will steal your heart. It’s a testament to Matt and his operation how well they’re taken care of and how genuinely excited they are to get pets and belly rubs from guests between runs.

If you come to Alaka, this is one of the best experiences that you can have! Do not miss the opportunity!!!

This was a fantastic family experience! The dogs were all so gentle, loved attention and couldn’t wait to get out on the trail. Dane was an excellent guide and patient with all of our questions. We’d highly recommend this tour!

My husband and I did a summer tour with Matt and Liz in 2022 and returned in 2026 to do the winter tour. Our guide was Jeran. Both experiences were excellent and I highly recommend. The dogs are happy/healthy and everyone obviously cares for them. It's a fun ride in either season!

We enjoyed a wonderful experience at Alaskan Husky adventures. We were met by the owner and his son , provided a detailed history and description of operations. Our tour guide was personal and shared personal and professional experiences which made our trip that much more exciting. We saw moose and were able to interact with the dogs. The dogs were well cared for and the environment was homey and filled with family and love for the dogs. We would highly recommend this experience!!

Had a fabulous experience dog sledding. Learned about the dogs and a little more about the ididard. Dogs were very friendly and really loved getting out with the sled. Highly recommend.

Highly recommend. The owners are super knowledgeable and very sweet. The dogs are awesome and love what they do. Was able to take as many pictures I wanted to with all the dogs and got all of their fur kisses.

Amazing Amazing Amazing!! Wonderful staff that offer a very personal experience!!! The dogs the staff every part of this day was just magical nd so much fun 🩷 Can't say enough!!!! This is truly a must do Alaska experience 🩷🩷🩷

Such a wonderful & breathtaking experience! Staff were incredibly kind and personable. Our children were treated with respect and allowed to participate without hesitation. There were a total of 7 people in our tour - 2 children under 6yo, 4 adults in our party, and 1 additional guest. We had 2 your guides (Dane & Jaren) who created a unique experience. They told us all about the Ididarod, the dogs, and their races. My favorite part was how cared for the dogs were. The staff were so intuned with their dogs that they could tell us even the smallest details. Such a wonderful experience! Would HIGHLY recommend & would go back again!