Helicopter Glacier Dog Sledding on Herbert Glacier
Duration: 3 hours
Meeting: Downtown Cruise Pier Staging Lot
Bucket-list travelers and families wanting the ultimate Alaska thrill
View live dates & pricing →Juneau, Alaska · Iditarod & Glaciers
Juneau Glacier Dog Sledding by Helicopter
Glacier dog sledding combines two of Alaska's most iconic adventures: a panoramic helicopter flight across the Juneau Icefield, followed by a landing at a remote dog mushing camp pitched on deep summer snow.
Typical Duration2.75 to 3.25 hours total (35 mins flight + 60 mins on glacier dog sled camp)
Return MarginRequires minimum 5-hour port call. Returns you downtown 60 to 90 minutes before ship all-aboard.
Weather SensitivityHigh Sensitivity
Meeting PointShuttle coaches pick up directly outside the cruise terminals in downtown J...
Cruise-Safe Standard
The Last Frontier Return-to-Ship Guarantee
Glacier dog sledding sells out 4 to 6 months in advance. Book early, and never select a tour slot that cuts your ship all-aboard margin below 75 minutes.
1. Gangway Disembarkation & Meetup15 mins to meet transfer van
2. Transit from Pier to Activity20 mins van transit to heliport
3. Active Tour / Wildlife / Flight35 mins flight + 60 mins dog sledding and kennel tour
4. Return Transit to Cruise Pier20 mins van ride back to pier
5. Guaranteed Pier Arrival Before All-Aboard60–90 mins buffer before all-aboard
Meeting Logistics: Shuttle coaches pick up directly outside the cruise terminals in downtown Juneau for the 20-minute transfer to the heliport.
How this excursion works on a cruise port day
Here, professional Iditarod and Yukon Quest mushers live on the ice throughout the summer with teams of eager, energetic Alaskan huskies. Guests meet the dogs, cuddle husky puppies, learn about arctic sled technology, and take the reins or ride inside the basket on a real sled run across alpine snow.
Because the camp is located on permanent snowpack high on Herbert or Norris Glacier, it requires winter boots and snow overboots (provided by the operator) even in the middle of July.
Weather & Operating Reality
Glacier dog camps sit at 3,000+ feet elevation on the snowfields. They are the most weather-sensitive tour in Alaska. If cloud cover closes the snowfield, you are fully refunded. Have a backup plan to pivot to whale watching.
Key Highlights
- Experience genuine dog mushing on real snow in the middle of summer
- Meet Iditarod veteran mushers and hear firsthand tales of 1,000-mile arctic races
- Panoramic helicopter flight with aerial views of deep crevasses and glacial waterfalls
- Spend quality time petting friendly racing huskies and meeting summer litters of puppies
What to Bring
- Dark sunglasses or ski goggles (snow glare at 3,500 feet is intense)
- Layered clothing with waterproof outer shell and warm fleece underlayer
- Warm winter gloves and beanie (temperatures on the snow can be 20°F cooler than downtown)
- High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
Verified Independent Providers
Recommended Cruise-Safe Excursion Options
Live pricing, real-time departure slots, and cancellation policies are controlled directly by each excursion provider. Follow links below to review live availability and reserve with zero middleman markups:
Extended Glacier Dog Sledding & Flightseeing
Duration: 3.5 hours
Meeting: Downtown Cruise Pier Staging Lot
Cruisers wanting longer flight routes and extra hands-on driving time
View live dates & pricing →Port Day Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there real snow on the glacier in July and August?
Yes. The dog camps are established on upper snowfields at over 3,000 feet elevation on the Juneau Icefield, where packed snow remains deep throughout the entire summer cruise season.
Do guests get to drive the dog sled?
Yes, guests typically have the opportunity to stand on the runners behind the musher and help drive the sled, or sit comfortably inside the padded sled basket. The musher maintains primary brake control for safety.
What happens if weather cancels the dog sledding portion?
If weather prevents landing at the high-elevation snow camp, the operator may offer an alternative lower-elevation glacier landing walk with a partial refund, or a 100% full refund if flights cannot operate at all.