Fortunately, you don’t have to travel further than Vermont to experience the thrill of mushing. The basic adventure is a an hour or two. Many outfitters allow you to take a turn running the team (with the guide sharing the controls). Other options include night rides, hands-on lessons, overnight trips and “stay-and-sled” packages. Everywhere, guests are encouraged to romp with the dogs who “rooooo” with excitement and are deliriously happy when they hit the trail.
Here’s a rundown of Vermont’s dog sledders:
Peace Pups, Lake Elmore
www.peacepupsdogsledding.com, 802-888-7733
Located near Stowe and Montpelier, Peace Pups offers rides on hand-crafted toboggan sleds, tandem ride/drives, a half-day Mushing 101 course and night rides. You can also try your hand at skijoring — cross-country skiing while being pulled by a dog. related: Ski trips perfect for families
Montgomery Adventures, Montgomery
www.montgomeryadventures.com, 802-370-2103
There are plenty of choices, including a 30-minute kids’ ride in the kennel grounds, moonlight rides (adults only), and one- or two-night sledding/camping excursions.
Eden Dog Sledding, Eden Mills
www.edendogsledding.com, 802-635-9070
An interactive experience: bonding with the dogs, and learning to harness and drive the team. Stay-and-sled packages in onsite cabins are available.
Braeburn Siberians Dog Sledding, Windsor
www.braeburnsiberians.com, tel: 802-738-8337
Located in the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire, this spot offers 45-minute rides and two-hour excursions where passengers take turns driving the team with the guide, plus night rides.
related: A tropical escape in snowy Massachusetts October Siberians, Waterbury
802-482-3460
Take a two-hour trip through Historical Little River State Park along the Waterbury Reservoir, with interactive tandem driving with a guide and plenty of photo opportunities.
Umiak Dog Sledding, Stowe
www.umiak.com, 802-253-2317
Opt for a three-hour, hands-on immersive adventure or a 20-minute evening ride.
Husky Works
www.huskyworks.com, 802-896-3478 for day trips, 802-843-2400 for night rides.
Husky Works has two locations in the Green Mountains: Stratton offers two-hour rides, while Grafton has a one-hour night ride.
For more expert travel advice, check out www.insightguides.com.
Mush! Dogsledding in Vermont
