Helicopter and Dog Sledding in Skagway: A Combined Glacier Adventure
This video documents a paired helicopter tour and dog sledding experience in Skagway, Alaska, booked through Alaska Shore Tours as a cruise excursion from the Norwegian Encore. The 30-minute aerial flight takes you over a glacier with aerial views of the terrain, followed by a one-hour dog sledding session on the glacier itself. It's a rare combination that works because the helicopter gets you directly to the sled dog team waiting at elevation, eliminating ground travel time and maximizing your time on the ice.
This experience suits adventure travelers who want more than a single activity and aren't concerned about the cost—the video's hosts note it's pricier than standard excursions but describe it as a one-of-a-kind memory worth saving up for. The dog sledding portion is noted as accessible even for people with mobility concerns, making it a genuine option for varied fitness levels.
Key Moments
What the Skagway Glacier Tour Includes
- A 30-minute helicopter flight departing directly from a helipad near the Ore Dock, offering views of the glacier, valleys, and surrounding mountains
- A one-hour dog sledding run across Paradise Glacier with an experienced musher, pulled by a team of sled dogs eager to run
- Hands-on time meeting and congratulating the sled dogs at the glacier camp, learning their names and personality quirks
- Safe passage over avalanche terrain while the dogs alert to falling snow, adding an authentic wilderness element
- Pre-tour beer stop at the Skagway Brewery, housed in an old-style saloon on the town's historic Main Street
- Views of Skagway's gold rush–era architecture and boardwalk sidewalks during arrival and departure
Planning Your Skagway Glacier Tour: Booking and Gear
- Book through Alaska Shore Tours or a travel planner like Magical Vacation Planner; the video's hosts emphasize booking early because spots fill up fast, especially for cruise passengers with limited port time
- The helicopter portion is weather-dependent; the video doesn't specify a backup date policy, so confirm cancellation and rescheduling terms when booking
- Dress in glacier boots (provided or bring your own), layered cold-weather gear, and gloves—the video notes it is 20 degrees Fahrenheit colder at glacier elevation than in town
- Arrive early at the helipad to allow time for a safety briefing and inspection before takeoff
- The combined experience takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hours total, including briefings, flight, and dog sledding; plan your cruise schedule accordingly
- Skagway is a small town of about 1,000 people with limited dining and retail, so bring cash or confirm card acceptance at vendors
Common Questions About the Skagway Helicopter and Dog Sledding Tour
Is this tour suitable for people with physical limitations?
Yes. The video's hosts mention that one participant has a spinal condition and found the dog sledding itself manageable, though the helicopter flight and overall exertion should be assessed individually. Discuss any concerns with the operator when booking.
What's the difference between this and other Skagway excursions?
The video mentions the White Pass Yukon Route train as an alternative, offering a six-hour journey through the Yukon on historic rails. The helicopter-dog sledding combo prioritizes glacier views and hands-on animal experience over train scenery and longer travel time, making it ideal if you want maximum intensity in a shorter window.
Can you really land on the glacier?
Yes. The helicopter lands at the glacier camp where the sled dog teams are stationed. You then run with the dogs across the glacier surface, experiencing the ice underfoot and the landscape that the aerial view revealed moments earlier.
Are the dogs well cared for?
The video shows the dogs in a designated camp, eagerly waiting to run—barking and excited rather than stressed. The musher congratulates them after the run, and you're encouraged to praise them as well. The dogs are treated as active participants in their preferred activity, not forced labor.
Should I book this through my cruise line or independently?
The video's hosts booked through their cruise (Norwegian Encore) and were satisfied with the experience. Booking through a dedicated travel planner like Magical Vacation Planner is also mentioned as a way to access curated options and insider knowledge. Independent booking directly with Alaska Shore Tours is possible but verify port-return times if you're on a cruise.
