There is a moment in dog sledding that stays with you forever. It happens right after the chaos of the hook-up—when the dogs are screaming, lunging against their harnesses, and the noise is deafening. Then, the musher pulls the anchor. In a split second, sound vanishes. The barking stops. The only sound you hear is the panting of dogs in rhythm and the hiss of sled runners gliding over hard-packed snow.
That silence? That is the sound of Montana winter.
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: [The Soul of Dog Sledding in Montana].
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 & Luxury Ranches
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/halff-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 generally not allowed inside Yellowstone National Park boundaries. 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: No one knows….
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. This outfit books 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 expereince 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.
- Want to know what western Montana is a breeding ground for some of the country’s best mushers? Read my full article on the bond between Montana mushers and their dogs: [The Soul of Dog Sledding in Montana].
Conclusion
Whether you are holding the handlebars yourself in Bigfork or tucked into a warm blanket in Big Sky, seeing Montana from the back of a dog sled changes how you see winter. It’s less about conquering the cold and more about flowing with it.
Book Early: The window for dog sledding is short (typically late December to mid-March), and the best outfitters sell out weeks in advance.
Have you been out with any of these teams? Drop a comment below and let me know which lead dog stole your heart.
What to Wear: Treat it like skiing—layers, no cotton. “You might be sitting still for an hour, so boots need to be rated for -20F.”
Physical Requirements: Differentiate between “riding” (easy) and “driving” (requires balance and core strength).
Age Limits: Most outfitters have a minimum age (usually 3–5 years old).
Tipping: It is service industry work. Suggest standard rates (15–20% for the guide).
Frequently Asked Questions
“How much does dog sledding cost in Montana?” (Give a 2025 range, e.g., $150–$300+ per person).
“When is the best time to go?” (Dec–March, snow dependent).
“Is it mean to the dogs?” (Address this briefly: These are working dogs that love to run. Mention the veterinary care and passion of the mushers—link back to your Culture article here again as proof).
Conclusion
- Final Call to Action: “These tours book up months in advance, especially around Christmas and Spring Break. Book early.”
- Engaging Question: “Have you been out with any of these teams? Let me know in the comments.”
