Shore Excursion Details

Glacier Sled Dog Techniques By Helicopter

Skagway, Alaska

Glacier Sled Dog Techniques By Helicopter

DETAILS

  • 2
    hrs Estimate Duration
  • Weight
  • Family Recommended

OVERVIEW

Fly high over the Alaskan wilderness in a helicopter to Denver Glacier, where you will watch sled dogs demonstrate their prodigious power and energy. The glacier lies due east near the Alaska-Canada border, an extraordinarily scenic landscape of majestic mountains and dense forests. The helicopter will land on a remote snow field where you will be greeted by an experienced musher and their team of excited dogs. Your musher – will describe how the dogs are cared for and trained to maximize their strength and stamina for contests such as the grueling 1,000-mile Iditarod. Once the team of dogs are harnessed to the sled, off they will go, dashing across the glacier with the snow-capped mountains as a backdrop. It is a spectacle to behold. Afterwards, while interacting with some of the puppies at the camp, you will learn about the history of mushing and the bond between the mushers and their dogs. Cherish this once in a lifetime opportunity as you cuddle with the puppies and take pictures together against the dazzling landscape of the glacier before loading back into the helicopters for your return flight to Skagway.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a scenic flight in a helicopter to Denver Glacier.
• Learn how the dogs are cared for and trained to maximize their power and endurance.
• Watch a team of dogs effortlessly pull a sled across the snow-packed glacier.
• Interact with some of the puppies and the mushers that train them to be sled dogs.


HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Need to Know:

Note: Dog sledding is not included. This is a demonstration tour. You will learn about the training and bonding process between musher and their dogs and have an opportunity to interact with the dogs as you learn how to prepare a sled dog team for a race, from harnessing the eager pups to understanding their unique personalities and training techniques. This is a weather dependent tour up to the sole discretion of the tour operator. Guests are required to enter the aircraft with little to no assistance. For safety reasons, they must be able to walk a minimum of about 200 ft and navigate two 18' steps into the aircraft on their own. The glacier surface is snowy, uneven, and slick, and total walking distance may exceed one quarter mile. Due to aircraft weight and balance limitations, the flight company charges an additional rate for passengers that weigh 250 lbs. or more fully clothed. Space is capacity controlled, please call 1.866.625.1167 for assistance. Carry-on bags are not allowed and there is limited secure storage at the heliport. iPads, iPad minis, tablets, drones, bottles or liquids of any kind, and Go-Pro Sticks or other extendable items are not permitted on tour. Aircraft fly no higher than 7,000 feet. Oxygen for personal use is allowed but must be in the form of an FAA approved portable oxygen concentrator that can be secured to the user's body. Guests should wear comfortable shoes and dress in warm layers. Hat, gloves, sunglasses, waterproof outer layer and cameras are recommended. Liability waiver is required to be signed in the presence of the tour operator. Kindly note that Federal Aviation administration regulations require that all children 24 months and older on any aircraft must occupy their own seat which must be paid for. If you are taking this shore excursion with an infant aged between 24 and 36 months this payment will be processed onboard your ship. Parental Consent forms: A parental consent form is required for all passengers ages 12 to 17 who will be participating on any tour unaccompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to fly without a parent or legal guardian.

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ACTIVITY ATTRIBUTES

Excursion Type:

Adventure
Flight Tours

Activity Level:

Image Title
  • 1
    Easy
  • 2
    Moderate
  • 3
    Challenging
Tours with this activity level involve a considerable amount of physical activity such as substantial walking over cobblestone streets, uneven or steep terrain, climbing stairs, or extended periods of standing. Not recommended for guests with physical limitations. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are recommended.
Have Questions About Your Shore Excursions?
We're here to answer them. Call us at the number below to speak with a Shore Excursion Specialist.
1.866.625.1167