From Cache

Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sledding & Helicopter Tour

Please be advised this tour must begin at least 1 hour after your arrival to Juneau if traveling by cruise ship.

The famed Mendenhall Glacier is the destination for this exhilarating dogsled tour. This tour offers a similar experience as our Juneau Dog Sledding & Glacier Helicopter Tour, but the biggest difference is the destination of the dogsled camp!

Embark on your helicopter ride after your complimentary transfer from your cruise ship. After a quick safety briefing, you'll soar high above Juneau's mountainous terrain before landing on the glacier for the dogsledding portion of this tour. The camp is situated atop the 12-mile-long Mendenhall Glacier and is full of excited Alaskan huskies waiting to take you on your thrilling mushing experience across the snow.

After the mushing experience concludes, spend some time snuggling the puppies before heading back to Juneau on the 30-minute scenic flight.

Please note: Persons weighing 250lbs or more must pay an additional $150 surcharge for safety reasons. Please purchase the "250lbs+ Adult" ticket if this is the case. Child prices are the same as adult prices.

Infants under 2 years old are considered a lap child and can participate for free. Please indicate that you will be traveling with an infant during checkout.


View all Juneau Dog Sledding Tours.

Duration: 3 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal. Flight time: 30 minutes. Dogsled/glacier time: 1 hour)

Inclusions:

  • Roundtrip transportation
  • Traction overboots
  • Rain suit if needed
  • Water and hot beverages are available at the helicopter base
  • Restrooms are not available during the helicopter and glacier portion of the tour
  • Infants under 2 years old are free and do not require a ticket. Please indicate that you are traveling with an infant during checkout.

Requirements:

  • Guests must be comfortable walking short distances on uneven and occasionally icy surfaces
  • Passenger names and weights are required by the FAA for passenger safety and comfort, as well as weight and balance calculations for flight manifesting. Any passenger whose weight is 250 pounds (113 kilograms) or more fully clothed at the time of departure will have a surcharge fee added to the ticket price at the time of booking.
  • Guests should wear appropriate clothing for glacier temperatures (15-20°F cooler than ground level) and wear close-toed shoes. See FAQ for further details.

Duration: 3 hours. Tour times below are approximate:

  • 15~20 minutes - transportation to the helipad
  • 30 minutes - preflight safety briefing and preparation
  • 15 minutes - glacier flightseeing via helicopter to dog sledding camp on the glacier
  • 1 hour - dog sledding camp (25 minute active mushing)
  • 15 minutes - helicopter time back to the helipad
  • 15 minutes - at the base to de-gear and visit the gift shop
  • 15~20 minutes - transportation back to the port area

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour meets in front of the Mt. Robert's Tramway building. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is limited mobility accessible. Guests who use wheelchairs or scooters must be able to walk approximately 100 feet to and from the helicopters and be able to navigate the 18-inch steps into the helicopter mostly unassisted. The natural surface of the glacier can be uneven and cracked. Please note that the dog sledding camp is covered with snow. There are places to sit at the camp. Due to liability reasons, our employees cannot lift guests in or out of the helicopter. Staff will be there to lend a helping hand, though ultimately guests are responsible for navigating these steps on their own. There is no storage available for collapsible wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Please contact us with any further questions. 
 

What is provided on this tour?

You will be outfitted with NEOS brand overboots that slip over your shoes. They are large boots with traction soles, available in sizes XS - XXL. They fit U.S. Men's sizes 3-17 and U.S. Women's sizes 4.5-15. For EU sizing information, please reach out to us! Snow boots are provided for children to wear instead of their current footwear.

For guests whose feet will not fit in the overboots, Yaktrax brand elastic traction cleats are provided. If you think you may need this option, please be sure to wear thick socks and close-toed shoes that can be exposed to ice and snow.

What can I bring on this tour?

You may bring a bag with personal items, but all bags will have to be left at the base in a locked container during the tour. The following items are not permitted on the aircraft: 

  • Carry-on bags of any kind (incl. camera bags, purses, backpacks)
  • GoPro extension poles or selfie sticks
  • iPads, iPad minis, or any other tablets
  • Drones
  • Animals of any kind (incl. service animals)
  • Food or beverages
  • Any smoking products including e-cigarettes 

Can I bring my own walking stick or cane?

Personal walking sticks are not allowed on this tour as they tend to slip on the ice. We have glacier trekking poles with spiked bottoms available for use upon request. 

How should I carry my baby on the glacier?

Most guests choose to utilize a baby carrier. If your baby is walking, small boots will be provided for them! 

Can I bring a diaper bag?

No, no bags are allowed in the aircraft. Any necessary items for the baby will need to be stored in someone's pockets. 

Are headphones provided for babies?

Yes, noise-blocking headsets are provided for all guests, including babies.

Can I bring my camera?

Yes, you can bring your camera. Camera bags are not allowed and we recommend having a neck strap.

What should I wear?

Layers are always key in Southeast Alaska during the summer. This should include waterproof outerwear, long pants, gloves, a hat, and sunglasses. We strongly encourage bringing sunglasses as well; the sun's glare off the ice and snow is much stronger than you might expect (even on an overcast day).

Can I pet and play with the sled dogs?

Yes, the dogs love human interaction and the musher's will let you get close and snuggly with their team.

Do I get to drive the dogsled?

You will be given the opportunity to run the sled alongside our professional musher if you wish.

How many passengers ride in the sled together? 

Each sled can accomodate 4-5 guests.

How many passengers ride in the helicopter together?

There is a maximum of 6 passengers per helicopter. If your party is larger than 6 passengers, multiple helicopters will take your group and land at the dog sled camp together.

What is the seating arrangement in the helicopter?

There are two front seats and four rear seats; FAA safety guidelines require seating positions to be assigned based on weight and balance of all passengers for each helicopter.

What is the temperature on the glacier? 

The average temperature is between 15-20°F cooler than on the ground

Will I see any wildlife or bears on this tour?

Wildlife is abundant in Southeast Alaska and sightings are possible on any tour, however this is not a designated wildlife tour and nothing can be guaranteed.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

For safety reasons, service animals are not allowed on this tour. 

Are food and drink included?

Water and hot beverages are available at the helicopter base. No food or drink is provided while on tour.

Are there any physical requirements for this tour?

Guests must be comfortable walking short distances on uneven and occasionally icy surfaces.

Are there restrooms available during this tour?

There are restroom facilities at the helicopter base before you depart on your tour, but there are no restrooms available on the glacier. 

Not seeing answers to your questions?

Check out other frequently asked questions here!

Want to learn more about our dogsledding tours?

Check out our blog for more details on all of the dogsledding tours we offer: Alaska  dog sled tours!

Customer Reviews
Sep 2023 - Lisa S.

Amazing experience. We had a great time.

Sep 2023 - Daryl G.

AMAZING experience!!!!!

Aug 2023 - Frank R.

This was a fantastic excursion and the highlight of our trip to Alaska. The whole operation is professional, safety first, and streamlined. The flight over was beautiful. As you leave the town of Juneau, you head over the mountains and get a frontal look at Mendenhall Glacier meeting the lake. You then go out further and see the other glaciers in the area and the Juneau ice field. This gives you an amazing perspective that simply can't be achieved on the ground. Once on the glacier, you are assigned to a musher and a dog team, there were 4 of us assigned to a sled. They stopped enough times for each of us to sit or stand in a different sled position. We got to meet the dogs and there were also puppies at the time we were there. The flight back was equally amazing with a buzz over the Mendenhall Glacier again. This is a don't miss activity and well worth the money spent!

Aug 2023 - Amanda S.

Words cannot express how much we enjoyed this tour. It was an experience of a lifetime and would not hesitate in recommending this tour, it was so much fun with unforgettable memories made.

Aug 2023 - Tasha R.

Best excursion of my life! Pack warm clothes and layers. I wish they would have offered water on the glacier but besides that it was amazing!!

Aug 2023 - Danny M.

Best excursion we experienced all week!

Aug 2023 - Ronald H.

Was the best excursion we ever done breathtaking views and great interactions with the dogs.

Jul 2023 - Eric B.

A+++!!! The short but sweet helicopter rides provided incredible views of Juneau and the surrounding mountains, and a breathtaking tour of the Mendendhall Glacier. The dog mushing camp was incredible to witness and the people working there were passionate and kind about their work, with people and dogs! The dog sledding was the highlight of our family's trip to Alaska and the views were spectacular the entire time. Highly recommend!

Jul 2023 - Jeremy G.

Amazing excursion. Everyone we encountered was very nice, from the van driver to the helicopter pilot and lastly our mushing guide. The glacier was beautiful and the dogs were our favorite. Definitely worth every penny. A memory that will last a lifetime.

Jun 2023 - Megan V.

Wonderful Experience! Our guide was amazing and happy to take the million pictures we requested. So happy we chose this for our excursion!

Jun 2023 - Stacey B.

We don't really know where to start. This excursion was the highlight of our Alaskan cruise week! After getting off the ship it was very easy to find the van that would be driving us to the helicopter. The helicopter ride to the glacier had breathtaking views. Our musher went out of her way to make our experience the best! We do not really like cold weather, but her enthusiasm about her summer job even made us think we would like to be a musher. We got to hear mountain thunder and see a small avalanche while sledding! ALL of the staff was very friendly and loved telling you about Alaska. Thanks for the best experience!

Jun 2023 - Greg M.

Amazing experience. From the shuttle bus drivers, helicopter pilots, and people working the dogs. Dobbs was our sled trainer such a great guy. Just love to see the love and devotion they are giving the dogs.

May 2023 - Robert M.

A gem of an excursion! We had incredible weather, all we wore was a long sleeved shirt on the glacier. No puppies this time, but the dogs we did interact with were so adorable and friendly. The sledding was so much fun, the two of us got the sled to ourselves! This experience was so worth the money, 10/10 recommend.

Aug 2022 - Michael R.

Amazing Trip!!! Helicopter ride up was very informative with spectacular views, crew at the camp was friendly and helpful. They have a nice introduction to mushing and very knowledgeable of the dogs. Great time in a beautiful place.

Aug 2022 - Ronald F.

Not to be missed! If you do only one thing while in Alaska this is it! Highlight of our entire trip! Everyone we came in contact with from the office to the boot fitters to the pilot to the mushers were friendly, fun and professional. Our ship changed their schedule so the company opened up a time slot to accommodate the ship's change. Nothing compares to flying over the beautiful mountains in a helicopter and landing on the glacier. We all got a chance to stand up and mush. The dogs were amazing and talking to the mushers and seeing where they live for months at a time was awe inspiring. Worth every penny and more!

Jul 2022 - Courtney P.

If I could give this 10 Stars I would! This is hands down the best, most magical tour you could possibly take. From the breathtaking views from the helicopter to the most peaceful place I've ever been in my life -- to the sweetest dogs you could ever meet that want to show you their special skills -- I wish I could go back right now!

Jul 2022 - Terri K.

Great excursion! Pickup was on-time, helicopter and glacier dogsledding were amazing! Our musher had just completed the Iditarod with our lead dog!

Jul 2022 - Tabitha H.

This was the epitome of our Alaskan adventures!! Absolutely incredible, highly recommend!!

Jun 2022 - Daniel C.

My husband and I had the experience of a lifetime on this excursion in June of 2022. Each and every staff member we came in contact with was professional, informative, friendly and fun! The glacier and mountains were breathtaking. The dogs were so sweet. Do not hesitate to go on this adventure.

Jun 2022 - Xinyi C.

This was such a highlight on our family trip to Alaska recently! The helicopter ride allows you to see breathtaking views of Alaska's snow capped mountains and glaciers, and the dog sledding was one of the coolest things I've ever done. All of the staff that we interacted with were welcoming, kind, and very knowledgeable about everything. Definitely recommend if you are even thinking about doing this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Jun 2022 - Laura L.

Can not say enough about how amazing the staff at Alaska Shore Excursions are. Jeff and the staff went above and beyond to get me rescheduled when our ship changed departure times. The excursion was a surprise birthday gift for my husband and it did not disappoint. The view from the helicopter could not be beat and the love the team at the dog sled camp have for what they do was impressive. Josi with There and Back Again Sled Dogs made our time very informative and fun. Would definitely recommend to anyone going to the area.

Jun 2022 - Paul S.

The thrill of a lifetime!!!! My wife and I totally enjoyed the experience. The excursion was very well organized from beginning to end. The guides were the best and the helicopter ride was off the charts! This was followed by the fantastic experience of dog mushing and then interacting with the dogs and the puppies. Highly recommend this excursion!! Well worth the money and just an unforgettable experience!!!

May 2022 - Mary P.

We had so much fun on this excursion! They got us back to the ship in plenty of time, but did not make us feel rushed. The helicopter ride was amazing and the dog sled experience was next-level!

May 2022 - Jochen K.

Unbelievably pretty! A top-class experience in a small group. With the heli we went to the Mendenhall Glacier. The dog sled ride was a dream. On the way back, the heli took a different route to showcase the beauty of nature once more! Thanks!

Oct 2019 - Bernice T.

Seemed quite rushed but I understand that there was a certain amount of time allocated. It would have been good to have more time with the dogs though. Overall I would certainly recommend this as it was definitely my favourite thing of the Alaskan Cruise. I am so glad we did it.

Sep 2019 - Donna F.

We absolutely loved it. It was the highlight of my vacation and would recommend anyone contemplating this excursion to do it. It is a must.

Sep 2019 - Toni W.

This was an amazing tour! Everything ran very smoothly - from pick up through the entire tour. The staff were all professional and informative, from our van driver, to the team briefing us for the flight, to the helicopter pilots and the dog camp operators. I was a little nervous about the flight, since I d never been on a helicopter, but as soon as we were up, and I saw how beautiful everything was, I was over it! And the dog camp was well organized and the pups appear well cared for. Thanks for such a great tour, and keep up the good work!

Sep 2019 - Frances G.

One of the best tours I've ever done. Alaska Shore Excursions are very professional from beginning to end. We had a slight technical hitch which caused a slight delay on our tour but everything was dealt with very quickly and efficiently. We were given some extra time on the Glacier and a wonderful flight back. I cannot recommend then more highly you will not be disappointed if you book with this company.

Sep 2019 - Debra B.

What an amazing experience all around!!! When I think about what we got to do, I smile! Thank you for the opportunity!

Sep 2019 - Grace O.

It was the greatest. The helicopter ride was so scenic and the dog sledding lots of fun. Best trip...don't miss it.

Sep 2019 - Lydia M.

This was my favorite excursion. The views from the helicoptor are amazing and the dogsledding was so much fun. I thought the excursion was extremely well run and the entire staff were very pleasant. Although a bit pricey, I would highly recommend this excursion if you can afford it.

Sep 2019 - Stephen B.

words cannot describe this tour, just amazing it would be cheap at double the price

Sep 2019 - Charlene F.

Loved it! I do wish the helicopter ride and the actual dog mushing were a little longer, but it was great fun. Would do it again in a heartbeat! Staff was great

Sep 2019 - Scott B.

Amazing experience! Definitely the highlight of our Alaskan Cruise. Our musher, Matt, was awesome. He loves his dogs and taught us a lot about what they do and just provided an all around great time!

Aug 2019 - Richard S.

Amazing experience loved the interaction with the dogs, wish it lasted much longer.

Aug 2019 - Robert K.

Great day out. However very cramped on board making photography onboard in flight very difficult. Dog sledding was excellent.

Aug 2019 - Bruce B.

Excellent. Had a great time with the dog team and enjoyed having Kiana as our Musher. She was very knowledgeable and handled the dogs well. Glad we included it in our 5 day stay in Juneau. Helicopter Ride was well organized and gave one an excellent view of the Glacier.

Jul 2019 - Angelina A. D.

The excursion was seamless. we were picked up on the dot, everything was executed professionally. its the best experience I have ever had.

Jul 2019 - Mark V.

Awesome experience!

Jul 2019 - Cynthia D.

What an AWESOME experience!!!! We booked this tour separate from our cruise. The tour leader met us on time at the designated meeting place, accommodated our request to stay with people from our cruise line and took us back to port after the excursion. The experience on the Glacier was Once in a Lifetime! Greg, our musher, answered our many, many questions, handled his dogs with love and care which was clearly evident from the dogs behavior towards him. All in all, everyone was professional, knowledgeable and excited to have us participating in this wonderful adventure.

Jul 2019 - Laura F.

We had a perfect day flying to Mendenhall Glacier and sledding with the dogs. This was the highlight of our vacation! Pickup to drop off ran smoothly. Kyle, who picked us up and dropped us off at the cruise port was great answering all of our questions and providing other options for us to do while in Juneau.

Jul 2019 - Ann D.

The whole family had a wonderful experience. The dogs, guides, drivers and pilots were all fantastic. Well worth the money. My grandchildren will never forget it.

Jul 2019 - Kari C.

This excursion was our favorite of all excursions!! The scenery was gorgeous, the helicopter ride breathtaking, and the dog sledding thrilling. We only wish it had been longer!!!

Jul 2019 - Noelle L.

This tour was the highlight of our family's trip!!

Jul 2019 - Vania C.

The best excursion money can buy!!! We loved!

Jun 2019 - Zuraida A.

It was an amazing experience. But I wished the duration is longer. It was too rushed!

Jun 2019 - Anne M.

Awesome tour - loved it, this was our first time in a helicopter - what views. Our Sled dog musher - Greg, was fabulous and informative - would certainly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Juneau - it is well worth the outlay of money and time.

Jun 2019 - Sherry W.

ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!

Jun 2019 - Sophie D.

Wow!! It was everything we expected and more than we hoped for. It was well organised, the people were friendly and the dogs were friendly. The musher was proud of her dogs and handled them and us well.

Jun 2019 - Sandhya P.

Very nice

Jun 2019 - NORMA C.

We took a breathtaking helicopter ride to Mendenhall Glacier and we landed in the most beautiful area surrounded by scenery I will never forget. The dog sledding was amazing - Shaynee our Musher was the absolute best, she was great to talk to and I was so impressed by her handling of the dogs and her love for all of the dogs. I was so excited to meet, hug and take pictures with the sweet dogs. Thank you so much for wonderful memories.

Jun 2019 - LYNN G.

We had a great time on our dog sled ride ! Our tour guide, Matt Hall was very friendly, informative and skillful! He made us all feel comfortable and secure in his abilities and the dogs as well. We really enjoyed pausing during the ride to pet and get to know the dogs. Wonderful experience!!

Jun 2019 - Elaine D.

The most amazing thing i have ever done highly recommend the staff were amazing marking the experience one in a lifetime

Jun 2019 - Richard M.

What a magic day! Highly recommended.

Jun 2019 - Helen S.

I recently flew to the Mendenhall Glacier for the dog sledding excursion. The dog sledding was a once in a lifetime experience, but so was the helicopter ride! I was also impressed with the professionalism and strictness of adhering to the environmental, animal welfare and safety guidelines. I did this tour alone because unfortunately, my friend was unwell and had been advised by the ship's doctor, not to take part in it. Because of communication restrictions, I could not notify the tour operator of her cancellation until our ship docked on the morning of the tour, but I need not have worried. Under the cancellation policy, they were not required to refund any money at all, but they gave my friend a full refund within 24 hours, which I think they should be commended for. Someone in my group did only book that morning, so I sincerely hope that they took my friend's place, and that the tour operator did not lose that money. Thank you so much! I am so glad I flew with your company.

Jun 2019 - Kim S.

Wonderful experience

Jun 2019 - Kim S.

Wonderful experience

Jun 2019 - Elvira A.

We had an incredible time on this excursion. One member of our party is absolutely obsessed with dogs and this was the happiest day of her life. Stunning views on a clear day and really cool to ride in a helicopter (I'd never been). One thing I will note is that the camp only had 1 "puppy" which was actually 5 months old (so already quite large) which was very disappointing given that the description touts playing with the puppies as part of the experience. The price tag is high but this experience was amazing.

Jun 2019 - Carolyn W.

Absolutely fantastic tour and much cheaper than what the cruise line was charging for the same thing. All the crew were brilliant and we felt very safe. The dog sledding was amazing.

May 2019 - Samantha N.

What a beautiful view from not only above but whilst on the glacier. The dog sled is an added bonus!

May 2019 - Yogesh S.

Firstly, the price was cheaper as compared to the ones sold on our cruise. Secondly, while the excursion timing got postponed due to cloudy weather, it was so much worth the wait. Guess, the helicopter company is one of the best & they lived up to their reputation. The mushers/ camp/ dogs were even more outstanding & adorable. Loved petting the pups. Even better was every person getting a chance to ride the sled in the snow. This was once in a lifetime experience & every penny spent was worth it. Great (different) views & routes for the onward & return helicopter ride. My sons first & he absolutely will never forget it. 5 Stars, definitely recommended.

Aug 2018 - Prachi P.

Exceptional Experience, and a lifetime of memories.

Aug 2018 - Vicki J.

This excursion became the highlight or our trip. With blue skies & warm temperatures we were picked up promptly by a wonderful driver and taken to our helicopter pad. Safety briefing was excellent, all staff bright, friendly and informative. Both pilots took a different route to or from the glacier so that we were able to see as much as possible. Meeting our musher and the dog sled team was all that we had dreamed and standing behind the team made you feel part of the team and the whole environment. The puppies were of course cuddly, excited and delightful. A truly magic day and as the only 6 people there at the time we felt very grateful that we had been able to experience such a wonderful, well thought out and professional excursion. I highly recommend this company. Vicki NZ. July 25th 2018

Aug 2018 - Asher Y.

This was an amazing experience and the crew for the excursion: including the safety and equipment folks, the helicopter pilot, the mushers, and the dogs themselves, made it all very easy and very fun. We were apprehensive at first due to the price, but this likely once in a lifetime experience was more than worth it. Thank you!

Jul 2018 - Christopher C.

This was INCREDIBLE! My husband and I have traveled throughout our lives and seen some incredible places and done some truly unique things. With that being said, this has become my number 1 experience. I wasn't sure I would truly appreciate glaciers for a week of vacation in Alaska the sled dogs (mush'ing) were AMAZING, but the helicopter ride over the mountains/glacial terrain and landing on the Mendenhall glacier was TRULY breath-taking. It was a great start to an amazing vacation, and set the tone for the rest of our adventures in Alaska. Let me say this, too- I'm from Savannah, GA, so cold weather is debilitating for this girl, but it was the last thing on my mind as we flew into the camp and got to hang out with some incredible animals and incredibly resilient people who are taking care of them. This is a view of God's creation that you will never forget.

Jul 2018 - Johan H.

This is by far the best experience we had on our Alaskan holiday. This should have 7 stars!!!

Jul 2018 - Tanvy L.

great tour at very good price, highly recommend.

Jun 2018 - George R.

Our musher Shanee was terrific. Very knowledgeable and personable.

Jun 2018 - Jane K.

Amazing! Puppies were adorable, I loved cuddle time. The top of the glacier was just beautiful and the helicopter ride up allowed gave us an opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

Jun 2018 - William B.

The helicopter crew was good and the heliport crew and facility were excellent. The dogsled experience was over the top! Howling Ridge kennel was terrific and Shaynee was an excellent hostess and musher. Highly recommend this excursion!

Jun 2018 - ELBA H.

Amazing dream come true!!!! Everything was fabulous! Staff is wonderful and caring. A definitely must do when in Alaska, worth every penny! Thank you for the experience!!

BEST PRICE Guarantee!

$629.00

BEST PRICE Guarantee!

Duration: 3 hours



Number of Passengers *

Infant seats selected in checkout

Passenger(s) (Ages 2+): $629.00

Weight surcharge included

250lbs+ Passenger(s) (Ages 2+) : $779.00

Total
$0.00
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