Cotter's Sled Dog Rides And Tour Office - Fairbanks, Alaska

Belle Maris

We had the most wonderful time! Bill and Marlyn treated us to a beautiful tour, even in the -30°F weather. After, they gave us a cozy place to warm up with hot chocolate and Bill shared some awesome stories, including his 20 Itidarod runs! A wonderful once-in-a-lifetime treat.
The roads up from Fairbanks were clear and they had a plug in for the car. We had a 2 wheel drive vehicle and made it up there safe and sound.

Angelica Nery

We celebrated my birthday and it was one unique experience. Everyone was really welcoming. Bill was super professional and great during the entire time that we were there. The dogs are super well behaved and well taken care of. You can see how much the doggies are loved and fun to be around. They have a cabin that you can get warm and get geared up! They provide gloves and boots that keep you warm the entire time. We really enjoyed our time there and would deftly do it again!

Shalini Sengupta

Had a great experience mushing with the dogs! We were running a little late and Bill and others accommodated us and understood we were not used to driving in the snow and icy conditions.

When we reached the kennel, we were greeted by Bill and Jameson and Julia who were our guides.

We had a chance to greet all the beautiful huskies and pet them.

Jameson and Julia showed us how to bring the dogs to their positions and then we were ready to mush!

We did 10 miles through the beautiful boreal forest with these amazing dogs.

We were able to stop for photos . Someone in my party lost their phone in the snow while taking photos.

Jameson and Julia were so nice and took us back to the spot with shovels on a snowmobile so we could recover the phone ( which we did )

While two of us went to look for the phone, others in our party got coffee and stayed cozy with the dogs 🙂

We also got to put the dogs back in their kennels and give them treats 🙂

Highly highly recommend this experience! Wonderful people and dogs!

Don Harrelson

Bill and his team were excellent! We thought we were prepared, and they made sure we were.
Tanya?, our guide, took very good care of us. She allowed us to participate in the operations of the sled, which was much more enjoyable (and warmer) than riding in the bucket. It was worth the extra money.
The dogs are not house pets, they are working dogs. They are happy when doing their job. If not, they will let you know. See the video.
We went out in late December, after the winter solstice. Bring lots of extra layers and hand warmers for everyone.
We will go again if possible. It was a long way from the warmth we enjoy in Texas.

Aang Iskandar

We celebrated our 18th years of weeding anniversary there; and it was most definetly unforgetable experience. Everyone was really welcoming. Bill and all crew were super professional and great during the entire time that we were there. Love all the dogs..
we would HIGHLY RECOMMEND if you want to experience the Cotter’s Kennel dog sledding.

Rahul Kala

Derrel was a really good tour guide. We arrived and received some additional gear while meet and greet with indoor dog. Then we moved to outside Kennel and were free to meet as many dogs we want to. It was a heave for me as all the dogs just want to get pet.
Once the lineup was ready the dogs were so so excited to just run. They will bark nonstop if they have to stop anytime.
They just want to run and run. It was very cold so dress up properly. The views of the lake is breathtaking.
It fun to sit in the sledge but much fun to stand also.
Worth all the pain from cold it comes with.

Lita Consoli

Bill and his family are so warm and welcoming! They introduce you to their dogs, letting you get comfortable with them before showing you how to hook them up for your run. We signed up for the 1 hour ride but wish we had done the 2 hours! The dogs were clearly in their element, loving every minute of it. Anytime Bill would stop to show us something they would cry out impatiently wanting to go. The ride was incredible, so much fun and so beautiful. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime memory and experience. (I would do it again if I make it back to Fairbanks!)
Our ride ended with the family teaching us how to get the dogs back to their houses (with the promise of a cookie each!) and then graciously welcomed us into their house to warm up over stories and cocoa. Bill lives such a full and fascinating life. He shared his Iditarod stories and showed us his room of recognition for his accomplishments. I still have so many questions and could have stayed listening to stories for hours!
Bill has won 4 humanitarian awards for his care for the dogs, and has 50 years with sled dogs, making his kennel an easy pick! I could not recommend this experience enough. Thank you Bill!!

Daniel Borbon

My wife and I had a great experience on the 2hr tour. Make sure you wear your extra warm clothes! Snow pants, wool socks, glove liners, ect... Goggles if you want to be extra. They have warm "bunny boots" and mittens for you to wear. You meet about 1hr southwest of Fairbanks. It's a small family owned business, and they make you feel at home. I had a great time talking with the team, learning about the dogs and the various commands, and hearing some crazy mushing stories as we rode or sat by the warm fireplace. On our longer tour, we took turns standing on the sled or riding in it. We 100% plan on returning with family and friends, and would not hesitate to recommend them!