Dog Sledding & Northern Lights Combo

Duration

5–8 Hours

Suitability

• Adults and Children Ages 6 Years and over.
• The perfect tour for special occasions!
• Large parties welcome, please contact if you have more than 6 people in your group.
• Please advise if your party has children under 6 years old.
• If you are over 300 pounds please contact us directly, for the dog sledding portion of the tour we will accommodate you the best that we can. Dog safety is our number one priority.
• This property cannot accommodate wheelchairs.
• Please contact us about any specific mobility issues and we will do our best to accommodate.

About

This is our super combo tour of Dog Sledding and Aurora Viewing held at Sluice Box Sled Dogs in Ester, Alaska just west of Fairbanks. This tour is all about authentic Alaska in a spectacular setting, with a perfect northward view for those lights to show up! You will be dog sledding at night via a headlamp or the moon! The goal is to dog sled under the Aurora while those lights shine brightly in the sky. Of course we cannot guarantee that the aurora will be out during your time on the dog sled, as they appear anytime between 8pm and 3am, though generally the sweet spot is between 11pm and 1am. We can guarantee and absolutely epic night of fun for all. The mushing will be around our property and out through the Aspen Grove atop the nearby ridge, with plenty of stops for rest, photos, dog cuddles and northern light views. Before, during, and after your dog sledding jaunt, you will have time to visit the other dogs, learn about the homestead, partake in some easy going snowshoeing, and roast marshmallows. Our Aurora host will offer a few photo portraits of your party with the dogs and some video if conditions allow. During the evening you will learn about the Aurora all while hanging out in our Arctic Oven Tent. This type of tent is how people in arctic climates have survived for centuries, ours is a bit more modern. It's heated with a wood stove and is well insulated with lots of room to relax. Your Aurora host will give a space weather talk about the Aurora while waiting for those magical lights to appear in the sky. While waiting she can help with photography setup of your own cameras or cell phones. There are also rental cameras offered, and full professional photo packages are available at reasonable rates. Photos are always taken if the Aurora shows up and around 5 portraits are included in your tour price. While waiting, we may entertain you by snowshoeing or roasting marshmallows or dazzle you with some live music. There are plenty of walkable groomed trails throughout the property and forest, night walks or snowshoeing are some of our favorite things to do. We also have a few tricks up our sleeves that will make you feel like a kid again within our winter wonderland.

What's Included

• Night Dog Sledding, through the Aspen Grove.
• The dog sledding portion of this night is between 1.5 - 3 miles, and ranges about 30-45 minutes.
• Aurora Discussion always included, learn the science behind this enchanting phenomenon.
• Help with Photography (cell phone or camera) included in every tour.
• Snowshoeing for those that want to.
• Transportation for up to 6 guests, from all lodgings within the Fairbanks or North Pole area within 15 miles from the airport. Staying further out of town? Let us know and we will accommodate with a small add on fuel charge. You may also meet us in town.
• You may also drive yourself to this location, you should have AWD or 4WD and snow tires.
• Photography Portraits with the Aurora - Up to 5 edited photos are included with the tour at the discretion of the photographer. Plus a few photos with the dogs.
• Simple snacks and makings for hot cocoa or instant coffee or tea are provided.
• Warm Alaskan Outhouse always available.
• A BBQ will be added if weather allows.

Add On Options

• Camera Rentals can be added on and are listed as you make your reservation. We have 2 different Sony cameras for rent.
• Tripods for your own camera or cell phone are also available.
• While a few portraits are included, you may choose to add on a full photo package.

Disclaimer

The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon and cannot fully be predicted. We do NOT guarantee aurora sightings! We do our best to track the live data constantly being reported by NOAA and NASA. The aurora is visible in Fairbanks 9 out of 10 nights from August through April when it's dark outside, at night. Some shows are faint, others are great! Thick clouds are the only thing that fully prevents viewing. This tour can be switched to a mini chase tour as weather dictates. If the lights don't show up we will invite you back another night if our schedule and yours allows us to do so.

Gratuity Etiquette

Leaving a tip is not required. Gratuity is NOT included in the cost of the tour. However, if you enjoyed yourselves while adventuring with us, please consider tipping your Guide/s. Any amount is appreciated and lets our Crew know how much you valued your experience. The Dogs also appreciate this gesture!