While Alaska gets the fame for the Iditarod, Montana is arguably the lower-48’s capital of mushing. We have the snow, the terrain, and a deep community of racers who call these mountains home. But you don’t have to be an Iditarod qualifier to experience the thrill. Whether you are skiing in Whitefish or visiting Yellowstone, there are professional outfitters ready to take you into the backcountry.
This guide is focused on where to book a trip. But if you want to understand the grit, history, and soul of the racers who breed these dogs—and the legendary “Race to the Sky”—check out my deep dive into the culture of the sport and learn why western Montana is a breeding ground for some of of the best mushers in the world: Montana Mushing Legends
How to Use This Guide
Since Montana is such as big state, I’ve broken this guide down by region so you can find the outfitter closest to your base camp.
Region 1: Whitefish, Glacier & The Flathead Valley
Region 2: Big Sky, West Yellowstone & Bozeman
Region 3: Missoula & The Blackfoot Valley
Region 1: Whitefish, Glacier & Flathead Valley
If you are skiing Whitefish Mountain Resort or visiting Glacier National Park in winter, this is your hub. The Flathead Valley gets deep, consistent snow, and the terrain here—dense tamarack forests and rolling foothills—is classic mushing country.
Dog Sled Adventures Montana (Olney/Whitefish)
The Vibe: This is a classic Whitefish experience located about 20 minutes north of Whitefish in Olney. Dog Sled Adventures Montana is arguably the most well-known operation in the area and is run by local legend Jeff Ulsamer, who has been running dogs in these woods for decades (and whose storytelling is often just as good as the ride).
The Experience: Jeff operates out of the Stillwater State Forest. This is the best option for families or groups who want to sit back and soak it in. You aren’t driving the sled here; you are zipped into a comfortable sled bag while a guide handles the team. The trail is a groomed 12-mile loop that winds through towering conifers with plenty of ups and downs to keep the adrenaline pumping. Expect to meet a lot of dogs. Jeff’s yard is home to over 130 Alaskan Huskies, many of them rescues.
Best For: Families with kids, multi-generational groups, and those who want the thrill without the work.
Cost: Around $200 per person
CONTACT: Call 1-406-881-BARK (2275) or visit dogsledadventuresmontana.com
Base Camp (Bigfork)
The Vibe: If you want to be a participant and be hands-on in the action, this is your chance. If you want to do more than just sit in the basket, head south to Bigfork, where Mark Schurke and his crew offer a distinct experience and let you mush the team.
The Experience: Base Camp focuses on “Inuit Sled Dogs”—often fluffier and stockier than the lean Alaskan racing huskies you see elsewhere. Their half-day trips are intimate and educational. You’ll learn the basics of harnessing and the essential commands, and then you actually stand on the runners and drive a team yourself (with guides close by, of course).
Keep in mind, Bigfork is at a lower elevation than Whitefish, so check their snow conditions early and late in the season.
Best For: Adventurers, couples, and people who want to learn the mechanics of dog sledding.
Cost: $300/half-day per person. $400 full-day per person
CONTACT: Call 406-871-9733 or visit basecampbigfork.com.
Region 2: Big Sky, Bozeman & Yellowstone
If you are staying in Big Sky or visiting the West Entrance of Yellowstone, you have two excellent, distinct options.
Note: Dog sledding is not allowed inside Yellowstone National Park boundaries. Besides, you should never go there. It will kill you. The tours below operate in the stunning Gallatin National Forest, which offers the same wildlife and scenery without the park crowds.
Spirit of the North (Big Sky/Moonlight Basin)
The Vibe: Little is known about this outfit because their website doesn’t work. That’s odd for Big Sky, which caters to a high-dollar crowd. The reviews on TripAdvisor are above average, and I can personally vouch for the area around Ennis and Big Sky’s scenic qualities. They are second to none.
Insider Tip: This is high-elevation mushing, so dress plenty warm.
Best For: Skiers staying at Big Sky Resort who want a convenient, bucket-list adventure close to their hotel.
Cost: Varies. Contact for specifics
CONTACT: (406) 682-7994
Yellowstone Dog Sled Adventures (West Yellowstone/Big Sky)
The Vibe: Located roughly halfway between Big Sky and West Yellowstone (often in the Taylor Fork or Rainbow Ranch area), this outfit feels more like a wilderness expedition. And they book up fast!
The Experience: The owners here focus heavily on education and interaction. Unlike some tours where you just ride, this tour offers a “Learn to Mush” approach, encouraging you to drive the sled. The setting often includes a wall-tent base camp with a campfire and hot cocoa, giving it a true Old West feel.
Insider Tip: This location is in prime moose country. Keep your eyes peeled on the drive in and during the ride; it’s one of the best spots in the Gallatin Canyon to see wildlife.
Best For: People who want to get their hands dirty, learn the commands, and feel like a real musher for a few hours.
Cost: $300 and up per person
CONTACT: (406) 223-5134 or visit yellowstonedogsledadventures.com
Region 3: Missoula & The Bitterroot (Luxury & Resort Experiences)
While Whitefish and Big Sky offer “a la carte” day tours, the valleys surrounding Missoula are home to some of the world’s premier luxury ranches. These experiences are typically reserved for guests staying at the properties, offering an Iditarod-style adventure with five-star amenities.
The Resort at Paws Up (Greenough)
The Vibe: This luxury adventure is located in the Blackfoot Valley (about 35 minutes east of Missoula) and is great for guests with too much money. Paws Up is famous for its “glamping” and high-end wilderness adventures.
The Experience: Paws Up offers two different experiences. On a one-hour trip, you and your family can meet the dogs, then the dogs will take you on a ride through Montana’s backcountry. On the two-hour Iditarod Experience, you get to do all of the above, plus have the opportunity to drive a sled yourself.
Note: This activity is generally exclusive to resort guests. If you are planning a winter stay here, book this months in advance—it is their most popular winter activity.
Best For: Luxury travelers who want a private, polished experience without the “roughing it” factor.
Cost: One-hour tour is $255 per person. Two-hour experience is $450 per person.
CONTACT: 800-210-6445 or visit www.pawsup.com/adventure/dogsledding/#/
Triple Creek Ranch (Darby)
The Vibe: Tucked away in the Bitterroot Valley south of Missoula, Triple Creek is an adults-only (16+) luxury ranch. If you want to avoid kids (others, or your own) and focus on the silence, this is your spot.
The Experience: The mushing trails run through the Bitterroot National Forest, offering solitude and stunning views of Trapper Peak. It is intimate, quiet, and seriously quiet. Did I mention quiet.
Best For: Couples on a romantic getaway or honeymooners. And empty-nesters!
Cost: $450 per sled for a single. $775 per sled for a double sled
CONTACT: 1-800-654-2943 or visit www.triplecreekranch.com
Know Before You Go: Mushing 101
Booking the trip is the easy part. Here is what you need to know to stay warm.
1. What to Wear (The -20°F Rule)
You will be colder dog sledding than you are skiing. When you ski, your body generates heat. When you are in a sled basket, you are sitting still in freezing wind.
- The Golden Rule: NO COTTON. Wear wool or synthetic base layers.
- Boots: Wear your warmest winter boots. If you only have hiking boots, ask your outfitter if they rent “pack boots” (like Sorels).
- Pro Tip: Bring ski goggles. If the wind picks up or the dogs kick up snow, sunglasses won’t cut it.
2. Physical Requirements
- Riding: If you are sitting in the basket, the physical requirement is low. You just need to be able to hold on and endure the cold.
- Driving: If you book a “mush your own” tour (like Base Camp Bigfork), you need decent core strength and balance. It’s like riding a stand-up paddleboard on moving water—you have to lean into the turns.
3. Tipping Your Musher
Yes, you should tip. These guides work incredibly hard (feeding, scooping poop, and harnessing 50+ dogs before you even wake up).
- Standard Tip: 15–20% of the tour cost.
- Cash is King: Guides often don’t see credit card tips until payday, so handing them cash at the end of the ride is always appreciated.
4. “Are the dogs happy?”
This is the #1 question. The short answer: YES. These are working athletes. When they realize they are about to run, they scream with joy. They are bred to pull, and a good musher takes better care of their team’s diet and feet than they do their own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost? Expect to pay between $150 and $350 per person.
- Passenger-only tours (like in Olney) are usually on the lower end (~$150–$200/person).
- “Drive your own team” experiences (like Bigfork or Big Sky) run higher (~$250–$350+) because they require more instruction and smaller guide-to-guest ratios.
- Note: Most prices are per sled or per person, depending on the operator. Always clarify if the price is for a solo sled or shared.
Q: Is there a weight limit? Yes. Dog teams are strong, but they aren’t machines.
- Per Sled Limit: Most sleds have a maximum combined weight limit of roughly 350–400 lbs.
- The Reality: If you have two large adults (e.g., two 6-foot guys), the outfitter will likely require you to book two separate sleds to ensure the dogs (and you) are safe. Be honest about your weight when booking so they can assign the right number of dogs to your team.
Q: Can I go if I’m pregnant or have back issues? No. Most outfitters will not allow pregnant women or guests with chronic back/neck injuries.
- Why? It looks smooth in movies, but the trail can be bumpy, icy, and unpredictable. Sleds have no suspension. A sudden jolt over a tree root or hard-packed drift can be jarring.
Q: How physically demanding is it? It depends entirely on whether you are riding or driving.
- Passenger (Riding): Low exertion. You just need to sit still, hold on, and tolerate the cold.
- Musher (Driving): Moderate to High exertion. Driving a sled is an athletic activity. You need core strength to balance on the runners around corners (think of it like skiing). On uphill sections, you may be expected to hop off and run behind the sled to help the dogs.
Q: What happens if the weather is “bad”? To a musher, “bad” weather means 40°F and rain.
- Snowing & Cold: Tours run in almost all snowy conditions. In fact, heavy snow makes for a magical ride.
- Extreme Cold: Tours may cancel if temps drop into the dangerous range (typically -20°F or colder), but this is rare during daylight hours.
- Cancellation Policy: If you cancel because you think it’s “too cold” (but the tour is still running), you typically won’t get a refund. If they cancel for safety, you should get a refund.
Q: Do I need to tip the guide? Yes. Tipping is industry standard, similar to a fishing guide or waiter.
- How much: 15–20% is standard.
- How: Cash is preferred. Many guides are seasonal workers living in the backcountry; handing them $40–$60 cash at the end of the trip goes a long way.
Q: Can I bring my camera/phone? Yes, but be careful.
- The Risk: The #1 lost item on dog sled trails is a smartphone dropped by a passenger trying to take a selfie. If you drop it in deep powder while moving at 10mph, it’s gone until the spring thaw.
- The Fix: Use a wrist strap or a lanyard. Batteries die quickly in the cold, so keep the phone in an internal pocket (close to your body heat) until you are ready to shoot.
Q: What is the minimum age for kids?
Drivers: Usually 12–16 years old (and/or minimum 100 lbs) to control a sled.
Passengers: Usually 2–4 years old. (Must be old enough to wear a helmet and sit still).
