Big Sky, Montana, sits in the Gallatin Canyon between Bozeman and West Yellowstone, surrounded by national forest, the Spanish Peaks, and Lone Mountain — terrain that is covered in deep snow from December through March and ideally suited for dog sledding. The area has become one of the top dog sledding destinations in the Lower 48, with several outfitters operating on private trail networks and in the Gallatin National Forest. Whether you want to learn to mush your own team of huskies or simply ride in the sled basket while a guide drives, there are options for all ages and experience levels. The season generally runs from December through late March or early April, depending on snow conditions. Here are the operators near Big Sky and a few others across Montana worth knowing about.
Dog Sledding Near Big Sky
Yellowstone Dog Sled Adventures
Base camp on Taylor Fork Rd, off Highway 191 · ~30 min from Big Sky Resort, ~45 min from West Yellowstone, ~1 hr from Bozeman · (406) 223-5134 · yellowstonedogsledadventures.com
Yellowstone Dog Sled Adventures is the most prominent dog sledding outfitter in the Big Sky area and has been featured in the New York Times, on the National Geographic Channel, and on Animal Planet. They operate on a 120-acre private reserve with a 5-mile groomed trail system through wooded Montana backcountry. The operation offers two main trip types. The Learn to Mush trip runs approximately 2.5 hours — guests actually drive their own sled and team of dogs with a guide on a tandem sled nearby. This departs at 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM daily. The Sled Dog Sampler is a shorter (~1 hour) experience where you ride in the basket, ideal for families with young children or anyone who wants a taste of dog sledding without the physical commitment of mushing. Pricing is dynamic and varies by date and demand, starting at approximately $105 and up, with the Learn to Mush trip typically around $235 for adults and $150 for children 5–12. Children 5 and under ride free. Check their online calendar for date-specific pricing.
The base camp includes a heated cabin with a campfire area, hot drinks, and snacks at the halfway point. A four-wheel-drive or AWD vehicle is recommended to reach the base camp (2.4 miles off Highway 191). Guests over 120 lbs can drive their own sled; lighter participants ride in the basket. The weight limit is 550 lbs per sled (2 adults). Many of the huskies are rescues from racing kennels. Notably, the operation runs even without snow — they switch to dog-powered wheeled rigs, so your trip will not be cancelled for lack of snow conditions. Reservations are required and should be made well in advance during peak season (Christmas through Presidents’ Day week).
Spirit of the North Sled Dog Adventures
Big Sky (Moonlight Basin) and West Yellowstone (Gallatin National Forest) · huskypower.com
Spirit of the North operates dog sledding trips from two locations: Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, where the trails offer views of Lone Mountain, the Spanish Peaks, and the Gallatin Range, and the Gallatin National Forest near West Yellowstone (the West Yellowstone location operates primarily during the holiday season). Half-day trips depart at 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM daily, seven days a week. Participants can choose to drive the sled or ride in the basket — guides provide thorough instruction for first-timers. The halfway point includes hot chocolate, cookies, and photo opportunities. All ages are welcome, and the guides are experienced at working with young children. Pricing is approximately $175 for adults and $85 for children 7–12, with children 6 and under free. Verify current rates before booking.
Spirit of the North is a strong choice for families staying in Big Sky who want a scenic, well-organized experience with attentive guides. The Moonlight Basin location is particularly convenient for guests at Big Sky Resort. If you are planning a broader Montana winter trip that includes snowmobiling and other snow activities, the Big Sky area has extensive options.
Other Montana Dog Sledding Outfitters
If your Montana trip takes you beyond Big Sky, several other outfitters across the state offer excellent dog sledding experiences.
Dog Sled Adventures — Olney (Near Whitefish and Glacier National Park)
Olney, MT · dogsledadventuresmontana.com
Operating since 1973, Dog Sled Adventures is one of the longest-running dog sled outfitters in Montana. Located near Whitefish Resort and Glacier National Park, the operation is home to approximately 130 Alaskan huskies and offers a 12-mile trail through the Stillwater State Forest in the foothills of the Whitefish Range. The experience is family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Each trip concludes at the base camp cabin with hot chocolate, homemade cookies, and time by the fire. This is the best option for visitors staying in the Whitefish or Glacier area — it is approximately 300 miles from Big Sky.
Base Camp Bigfork — Flathead Valley
Bigfork, MT · basecampbigfork.com
Base Camp Bigfork is a year-round outfitter that specializes in dog sledding during winter months. Guests lead their own sled dog team through the scenic Flathead Valley, with the option to be as hands-on as they want — from harnessing the dogs and preparing them for the trail to driving the sled or letting the guide handle everything. Half-day trips run approximately $295 per person and full-day trips (including lunch by a fire) are approximately $395. Participants must be at least 12 years old and physically fit enough to interact with the dogs, even if not driving. The outfitter also offers kayaking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and lodging.
The Resort at Paws Up — Greenough
Greenough, MT · pawsup.com
Paws Up is a luxury guest ranch about 35 miles northeast of Missoula that offers dog sledding as one of many winter activities. Options include a one-hour ride (approximately $230 for adults, $180 for children under 12) and a two-hour “Iditarod Experience” that adds hot chocolate, extended time with the dogs, and mushing instruction (approximately $435 for adults, $320 for children). Both experiences include meeting, petting, and watching the Alaskan huskies being harnessed. Children as young as 3 can participate. The resort also offers snowmobiling, ice skating, snow tubing, fat-tire electric biking, and horseback riding in the snow. This is the premium option for visitors who want dog sledding as part of a luxury ranch experience.
Triple Creek Ranch — Darby
Darby, MT · triplecreekranch.com
Triple Creek Ranch in the Bitterroot Valley offers two-hour dog sled rides three times daily, with sleds for one person ($350) or two ($450). Book at least a day in advance — this is one of the ranch’s most popular activities. The ranch also offers log cabin lodging, horseback riding, fly fishing, downhill skiing, and a range of other year-round activities.
What to Know Before You Go
What to wear: Dress in warm, moisture-wicking layers. Snow pants and a warm winter coat are essential. Bring a winter hat, warm gloves or mittens (not lightweight ski gloves — your hands will be exposed to cold air while gripping the sled), a scarf or neck gaiter, and warm boots. Some operators like Yellowstone Dog Sled Adventures rent snow clothes if you do not have proper gear.
Physical requirements: Riding in the sled basket requires no special fitness — anyone who can sit comfortably can ride. Mushing (standing on the runners and driving the sled) requires decent balance and the ability to stand for extended periods, plus enough body weight to control the brake. Most operators set a minimum of 80–120 lbs to drive. There is no upper age limit for riding, and children as young as 3 can participate at some operators.
Booking: The peak dog sledding season near Big Sky runs from late December through early March, coinciding with ski season. Popular operators book up weeks or months in advance during the Christmas–New Year period and Presidents’ Day week. Book as early as possible, especially for holiday weeks. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is the nearest major airport, about an hour’s drive from Big Sky.
The dogs: The dogs used for sledding in Montana are primarily Alaskan huskies — a mixed working breed (not a registered breed) selected for endurance, speed, and temperament. They are athletic, social, and visibly enthusiastic about running. Reputable outfitters prioritize their dogs’ health and welfare, and meeting and interacting with the dogs before and after the run is part of every experience. If animal welfare is important to you, ask the outfitter about their kennel practices, veterinary care, and retirement program for older dogs.
Dog Sledding Events in Montana
If you want to watch competitive mushing, Montana hosts several events. The Race to the Sky, first held in 1986, is one of the most prestigious sled dog races in North America — approximately 300 miles through western Montana wilderness, typically held in mid-February. It serves as a qualifying race for the Iditarod in Alaska. Spectator viewing points include Helena, Lincoln, Ovando, and Seeley Lake. Other events include the Seeley Lake Sled Dog and Skijoring Fun Days (January), the Darby Dog Derby (January), and the Flathead Classic in Olney (February). Dates vary by year — check with the Montana tourism resources or local mushing clubs for the current season’s schedule. For more winter adventure ideas across the region, a mountain winter getaway pairs well with the dog sledding experience, and Big Sky’s surrounding landscape offers world-class skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife watching throughout the season.
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