Solo Traveler - dog sledding

Question

Hi, I'm a Solo traveler coming to Fairbanks from December 1-3. I want to do dog sledding, but I'm having a hard time finding a place that will let me book as a solo traveler. I've even reached out to people and been told no. I was able to find one that is a 45-minute drive, but I am nervous about driving (a southerner here who never gets snow). So my questions—is there any inside info on a dog sledding place that will let a solo traveler book, and how much should I worry about the roads driving north of Nenana?

Answer

Fairbanks is a fantastic destination for dog sledding in early December, as the snow conditions are usually good for winter activities. However, many dog sledding operators have minimum group sizes or prefer at least two participants, which can make booking as a solo traveler challenging. Some operators do allow solo bookings but may combine you with other guests or require a private tour at a higher cost.

Here are some dog sledding options to consider that are known to accommodate solo travelers:

Pied Piper Kennels: Located about 45 minutes north of Fairbanks, they sometimes accept solo travelers, especially for their daytime rides. They provide warm clothing and guidance for first-time mushers.
Alaska Dog Sledding Tours: Some smaller operators in the Fairbanks area allow solo bookings and can combine you with other solo travelers to meet minimums.
Local tour aggregators: Websites like Alaska Travel Adventures or Viator may show dog sledding tours that accept solo participants or guarantee join-in rides.

Regarding driving north of Nenana, the roads are generally paved but can be icy or snowy in early December. Key points to consider:

The Parks Highway (AK-3) from Fairbanks to Nenana is well-maintained, but winter driving requires caution and familiarity with snowy/icy conditions.
Roads north of Nenana to some lodges or kennels may be gravel or less frequently plowed, so check with the tour operator if a 2WD car is sufficient or if a 4WD vehicle is required.
Daylight is limited in early December (around 4–5 hours), so plan your drive during daylight if possible.
Make sure your rental car has proper winter tires; carry emergency supplies (water, blankets, flashlight), and drive slowly, keeping extra distance from other vehicles.

If you’re uncomfortable driving, an alternative is to book a dog sledding tour that offers pick-up from Fairbanks hotels or arranges shuttle service. Many operators are accustomed to solo travelers who prefer not to drive themselves, and it can make the experience much less stressful.

In summary:

Solo bookings are possible but may require combining with other travelers or paying for a private tour.
Roads north of Nenana are generally safe but can be icy; a 4WD or AWD vehicle is recommended.
Consider shuttle or pick-up services from Fairbanks if winter driving is intimidating.
Book early, as December is a popular time for dog sledding tours in Fairbanks.

With careful planning, you can enjoy a memorable dog sledding experience even as a solo traveler while minimizing stress about driving on snowy roads.

Solo Traveler - dog sledding

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