Dog Sledding on Wheels vs. on Snow?

There is such a big difference in price between the summer dog sledding on wheels vs. the real thing on snow. Has anyone done the dog sledding on wheels? There are 5 of us....does this present a problem with either the sledding on snow or the sledding on wheels? Thanks!

Well, I haven't done a dog sled ride on snow and I think it would be great, but since it didn't pressent itself to us without a helo ride, we did the Seavy Family Kennel tour and sled ride on wheels in Seward last year. We enjoyed the tour. Just being around the kennels with 50-60 dogs tied up and barking in eager anticipation and vying to be chosen for each run was amazing, So was the hooking up process, and then the wild ride down a two mile unpaved trail/road around their property and down along the river. The wheeled sleds held about 6-8 people each I believe, and they may have had different sizes. They also brief you on the dogs, answer questions, show you the Iditarod clothing, and afterwards, take you to the puppy kennels to hold/ pet the pups. All at a reasonable price and it only lasted about 1.5 hours, and is right on the road to Exit Glacier. Well worth the time.

[whoever]

We did dog sledding on wheels in Skagway. It was same as John Q said. I never done any dog sledding on snow, so can't do any comparision. But I personally like it very much, in fact I didn't feel good about my cruise trip untill I had this tour. It was so much fun with those lovely dogs. We drove along beautiful Taiya inlet at Dyea to get to the camp. The scenary is breathing taking, many birds were flying around. we saw bald eagles, seals, you may be albe to see whales if you are lucky.

[Karen16]

I did dog sledding this past March, prior, I was canceled upon twice for a glacier dog sledding. My kids really liked the sled ride on wheels. Probabaly a good compromise on a budget.

Thanks guys! The company we are considering is:
http://alaskasleddog.com/index.htm

We may still go for the real thing while in Juneau but good to know this is a good (and cheaper) alternative!

[Lashchuk]

I have done both. Dog sledding with the carts with wheels at the Seavey Kennell and flew up to Norris Glacier and did the real dog sledding on the snow. The real dog sledding was $320 a person 2 years ago and I think it's more expensive this year. It was great fun but because of the price I won't do it again. I now know what it's like to stand on the runners of a sled and have 12 dogs pulling you with all that stregnth and power.
The Seavey tour was fun too and tons cheaper. I think it was $30 or $40 a person? You get to ride in a cart and still get to feel the power of those dogs pulling you. Just no snow and no standing on the runners of the sled.

Have fun!

Kathy

(Newbie cruiser here, so be kind!!!) I didn't see wheeled dog sledding at a reasonable price offered on the Infinity shore excursion site for Skagway. Will this be available just on our own when we get off the ship in Skagway? Thanks.

[Karen16]

This is independently booked, I don't know of any ship tours for sleds on wheels??? You need to reserve ahead. There may be availablity at the dock but, I have not seen them at the "vender shed"?? You would be spending time contacting them and transferring that could be better spent perhaps??? http://www.alaskasleddog.com/

[Y2C]

Our recent cruise on the Summit, the real dog sledding and helo ride was $399.00 per person. We could not justify the cost.

The dry or cart dog sled (on your own and not offered by the cruiseline) was $89.00 plus tax per person. Here is the link: http://www.alaskasleddog.com/

The wife and I passed on the no snow dog sled, just did not look appealing.
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I saw the site Alaskasleddog and have one more question - what if I make reservations now for August and it is raining on the day?

[Y2C]

Hi ezinvt,
The best item is write to the Alaska Dog sled and ask that very question.
service@AlaskaSledDog.com
I wrote them and they sent back 3 word documents but nothing about rain and cancellation. My guess is they go anyway, but check with them to be on the safe side.
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I sent Alaskasleddog.com an email and they responded immediately! They go rain or shine, but that does not seem to be a problem. Great people to deal with. Thanks for pointing us in their direction - it will make a wonderful vacation even better.