Dog sledding with Spirit of the North Sled Dog Adventures
Montana residents generally keep two bucket lists. A global list, anything outside of Montana's borders, and one specifically crafted for within state lines: A Montana bucket list. Why? Well, there are SO many things to do and see in Big Sky country. Case in point, I have lived in "The Treasure State" my entire life and at 43 years old, I (along with my family) went dog sledding for the first time! And wow, what an experience it was! I can officially check off another item from the ol' MT list.
The Doggies
From Big Sky, Montana, head towards the Moonlight Basin golf course. That's where you will find Spirit of the North, with their trailers, trucks, dogs & sleds. You could just about hear the dogs from a mile away. As we hopped out of the truck, a barking choir filled the mountain air with an eagerness to begin our snowy sleigh adventure. After some necessary paperwork, we were greeted by a gorgeous team of 75 Alaskan huskies. They enjoyed the attention and affection, but you could easily sense they were ready for business.
My husband, Chet, and my dad were asked to help bring the dogs over to harness to the sleighs. I know it looks like rough handling, but I promise it's how the guides instructed them to do it! Ha!
The Ride
As snug as a bug in a rug! The sleighs were actually quite comfortable. We were bundled up like a burrito once situated and settled in. The dogs could hardly contain their excitement! The level of energy made it seem as if it were their first pull of the year, which was hilarious because we know it was probably their 100th ride of the season! Such hard-working boys & girls!
Chet had the opportunity to guide our sleigh, therefore, he did not make it in many of the photos or videos.. but he was there! "Guiding us to safety", we all jokingly said several times throughout the tour. Thankfully, he did just that :)
The views along the way were incredible. The trails led through towering trees, around bends and into wide-open fields of flawless snow, with the most postcard worthy mountain backdrop. The only sounds were of the pups paws pounding upon the snow, the occasional bark of bliss and their heavy breathing as we made several pit-stops.
The Cookies, Cocoa & Cruise Home
A break at the half-way point brought us a pleasant surprise - chocolate chip cookies & hot cocoa! It was the perfect timing to get out and stretch our legs, mingle with fellow passengers, talk to the guides and pet the pups once again. We quickly learned that we were the only family from Montana that day. The other states represented were Alabama, Florida & Ohio!
The trek back to home base was swift & smooth. I put the phone & camera to rest, to simply soak it all in. It's such a privilege to live in this state, to call it home. The fact that someone flew from Alabama to dog sled in Montana really put it into perspective. We are blessed to have these experiences within driving distance, essentially in our backyard. I'm glad we decided to take advantage of that very fact and try something new.
Take us home, boys & girls! The pups brought us back safe & sound, with an unforgettable encounter to add to the memory bank. I will forever cherish the looks on our boys' faces, as we launched out into the wilderness, putting our faith and trust in a team of dogs - hard-working huskies, to be exact. I can't recommend Spirit of the North Dog Sled Adventures enough! If you are searching for a family-friendly winter activity, this is it!
Ah, Montana.. you are magical.
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