Dog sledding is a fun thing to do in the snow. It is fairly easy as the dogs do all the work. Most of the time the sleds have one passenger sitting in the cargo area
and one driver standing on the back. The passenger doesn't have to do
anything at all. You do need some balance and the stamina to stand up while the dogs pull you. Generally you go with a guide, and he has to know the route and what he is doing. He travels in front and the dogs will follow the sled in front of them. You also need the brains to let the dog do their thing instead of trying to tell them what to do.
The dogs are working dogs bred for the weather. They are usually treated pretty well and have a better life than some pets. Not as boring, and they have a real pack, rather than one or two companions. They have heavy fur and suffer in the heat of summer. While they are running they are more likely to overheat than to be cold (exercise keeps you warm).
It's typically moderately priced, at least for a short trip "try it out" trip, obviously if you try to do a full day or extended camping trip it moves into expensive territory. It's easy and takes no muscle if you are the passenger, and just a little if you are the driver. Note, you can also find some deals, particularly if you are looking for a shorter trip in a non-touristy part of the country.
It's split male/female fairly evenly. It's kid friendly and elderly friendly - you don't even need to be able to walk. At the same time, if you want to 'mush' the dogs, it's not that much more work.
Dress warm, you won't be exercising like the dogs.
I did it at Jackson Hole Wyoming, taking the trip to the Hot Springs and went swimming for lunch (cost more to do that):
http://jhsleddog.com/
If you aren't in Wyoming, you may not get a hot spring, but some kind of dog sledding is available near most winter ski resorts - but do some price checking. Usually they charge per sled not per person. Price and availability are also also fairly time dependent - if you try to do it on Christmas eve you will pay a lot more than a random Thursday in January.
The dogs are working dogs bred for the weather. They are usually treated pretty well and have a better life than some pets. Not as boring, and they have a real pack, rather than one or two companions. They have heavy fur and suffer in the heat of summer. While they are running they are more likely to overheat than to be cold (exercise keeps you warm).
It's typically moderately priced, at least for a short trip "try it out" trip, obviously if you try to do a full day or extended camping trip it moves into expensive territory. It's easy and takes no muscle if you are the passenger, and just a little if you are the driver. Note, you can also find some deals, particularly if you are looking for a shorter trip in a non-touristy part of the country.
It's split male/female fairly evenly. It's kid friendly and elderly friendly - you don't even need to be able to walk. At the same time, if you want to 'mush' the dogs, it's not that much more work.
Dress warm, you won't be exercising like the dogs.
I did it at Jackson Hole Wyoming, taking the trip to the Hot Springs and went swimming for lunch (cost more to do that):
http://jhsleddog.com/
If you aren't in Wyoming, you may not get a hot spring, but some kind of dog sledding is available near most winter ski resorts - but do some price checking. Usually they charge per sled not per person. Price and availability are also also fairly time dependent - if you try to do it on Christmas eve you will pay a lot more than a random Thursday in January.
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