ShoreTrips' Helicopter and Dog Sled Tour

WHY IT RATES: ShoreTrips has a once-in-a-lifetime excursion in Alaska.—Codie Richards, TravelPulse Associate Editor

ShoreTrips says...

This is really something special. We happened to be in Alaska during the Iditarod Dog Sled Race, and it seems to affect every corner of the state, although it takes place in the north. The company that is providing the dogs and sleds for your tour has participated in this race. This experience, along with your helicopter flight to the snowfield, will be a day you'll never forget!

The tour runs from May 14th until September 7th, weather permitting.

Glacier-carved mountains unfold in front of your eyes as you embark on your helicopter flight to the camp. The flight is about 15 to 20 minutes each way, depending on winds and weather. You will see that each glacier has its own personality.

As you land on the 20-30 feet of snow on Herbert Glacier, you will hear the 80 huskies barking their greeting, as they are as anxious to get moving as you are. You will have some time to chat with the mushers and hear unique personal accounts of the Iditarod backcountry experiences, and then you'll be given instructions on stopping and using the brakes if you want to drive the sled.

Then it's time to set out on a 1.5 to 2-mile loop during which you can stop to take photos, as well as to change places with your companion if you wish. Your total time on the snow is one hour that you will never forget!

The actual excursion length is approximately 1.5 hours from liftoff at the airport to return. The total trip length, including transfer time to and from the cruise ship pier, is approximately 3 hours.

This dogsled camp houses about 40 husky dogs, along with puppies and crew. These dogs enjoy nothing more than doing what they have been bred for—running and racing. Operation of the tour is dependent on the weather and snow conditions.

Snow conditions at the dog sled camp, particularly in the last half of August, can be unpredictable. If this trip is not able to operate, the helicopter company will make every effort to accommodate you on an alternate excursion.

Tour Inclusions

—Round trip transportation from the cruise ship pier

—15-20 minute helicopter flight to Herbert Glacier

—1.5 to 2-mile dogsled ride

—Iditarod tales from experienced mushers

—Once-in-a-lifetime photos and memories

SOURCE: ShoreTrips press release.