From One Dog to a Dozens- My Journey Into the World of Mushing
Do you like dogs?” my future ex-husband asked.
“Sure, I like dogs. I have a dog,” I replied.
I quickly learned he had twelve- and dreams of building a competitive sled dog racing team.
Three years later, I was flying behind an eight-dog team in Fort Nelson, British Columbia, gripping the handle of a sled on a snow-packed trail ten hours northwest of Edmonton and nearly to the Yukon border.
That winter, I packed up 18 of our best dogs and two sleds and drove across North America: from Michigan to Montana, north to British Columbia, down through Colorado, and finishing in Tahoe winning the made-for-TV Incredible Sled Dog Challenge. It was a season-long adventure I’d never forget.
Racing in -38° and the Realities of Life on the Trail
Dog sled racing isn’t a cozy, fireside sport. It’s intense. Between the unpredictability of having an entire team of individuals having to work together to conditions that can be downright grueling. I remember one race in -35°F- dropping to -38° overnight. At that temperature, Fahrenheit and Celsius meet in a cold that was literally breathtaking.
The cold was its own animal. Racers were coming in with frostbite patches on an exposed bit of cheek. Even my top rated gear (by lower 48 standards anyway) wasn’t up to the challenge. A fellow musher loaned me a traditional anorak with a real fur ruff to prevent the moisture in my breath from freezing against synthetic materials. I covered exposed skin in Vaseline to ward off frostbite, and traded bulky boots for soft-soled moose-hide mukluks – flexible enough to keep my feet warm by moving blood through my toes.
A Sport Under Pressure: Climate, Costs & Controversy
Dog sledding is changing. Climate change has shortened seasons and decimated races in the lower 48. Rising costs, public scrutiny, and shrinking kennels have taken their toll.
The Iditarod still runs, but even that legendary race faces pressure. Most competitive teams are now based in Alaska, and many kennels rely on offering tours to support their dogs.
Yet, for those of us who lived this 365-day-a-year lifestyle, the beauty of mushing never fades: the thrill of the chute, the silence of the snow, the harmony of a team running in sync beneath a cold blue sky.
What Kind of Dogs Pull These Sleds?
Forget the Siberian Huskies and Malamutes of cartoons – most sled dogs are Alaskan Huskies. They’re a smart, fast, durable mixed breed that often includes hounds, thanks to European racing influence like Egil Ellis, who revolutionized the sport with leaner, speedier teams.
These aren’t house pets. They’re athletes, bred and trained to thrive in the cold and to love the run.
Family-Friendly Mushing Tours You Can Try
Not ready to train for the Iditarod? You don’t have to. Many kennels offer guided dog sledding tours for families, some even welcoming kids as young as five. Most tour guests ride seated in a toboggan style sled while the operator drives the team.
Some tours run in winter on snow-covered trails. Others offer “dryland” options in fall, including:
- Cart rides pulled by dogs on wheels
- Canicross (cross-country running with a dog)
- Skijoring (being pulled on skis)
Consider Sprint Mushing for a Quick Winter Thrill
Sprint mushing is a more accessible version of the sport. Unlike the Iditarod and distance racing, you do not sleep or camp out on the trail. The races are shorter, therefore the teams run much faster.
Your distance is determined by team size:
- 4-dog team = 4 miles
- 6-dog team = 6 miles
- 8-dog team = 8 miles
Why Your Family Should Experience Dog Sledding
For families looking for something beyond the usual ski trip or amusement park, a sled dog tour offers:
- Real adventure in the great outdoors
- A look into an ancient and fading tradition
- Connection with incredible animals
- Stories your kids will tell for years
There’s nothing quite like watching the snow sparkle as your team takes off, pulling you into the wild, crisp silence of winter.
Ready to plan your family’s unforgettable dog sledding adventure?
Contact us to book a customized winter experience or explore our curated list of family-friendly mushing tours in Alaska, Canada, and beyond.
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