Dog Mushing.

• Position: ON THE TRIAL

Alaska is home to the Iditarod: the Last Great Race. Every March determined mushers and their teams of incredible animals traverse 1,000 miles of sweeping mountains, frozen rivers, dense forest, remote tundra, and windy coastline. The race's history, the determination of its human competitors, and the energy, strength, and beauty of its canine contestants all contribute to the allure of what has become an internationally iconic event.

So it's no surprise that visitors to the Last Frontier often want more insight into the race, the racers, and the one-of-a-kind Alaskan huskies bred to run it. Fortunately, sled dog mushers love to share their passion, and listed below are opportunities around the state for locals or out-of-state travelers to (most importantly) cuddle with husky puppies--while learning more about the official sport of the 49th State.

Seavey's Ididaride provides summer and winter dog sled tours in various packages; in particular, their winter tours are unique in that the clients are able to drive their own sled dog team, partnered with a guide to provide assistance when necessary. These self-driven tours range from two hours to the three-plus night custom Iditarod Dog Sledding Expedition, where guests traverse up to 150 miles over the historic Iditarod trail, ididaride.com

Turning Heads Kennel says, "Our dog sled tours are the heart and soul of what we do. They are our way of sharing what we love with an interested public and help us sustain our kennel financially so that we can continue doing what we love." Tours range from just over an hour to a three day/two night excursion, tumingheadskennel.com

Alaska Mushing School is "a small group of professional dog mushers who have raced in distances from 100 to 1,000 miles, from the Iditarod to the Yukon Quest to the Kuskokwim 300 and more." They offer sled dog rides all year, including in the summer and fall. In the winter they offer a half-day mushing school or full-day mushing adventure, where participants can learn to drive the sleds themselves. alaskamushmgschool.com

Black Spruce Dog Sledding's dogs compete in 200-400 mile races in addition to the Iditarod. In their off season, the dogs work with their human team members to provide tours in the Fairbanks area Tours are available year-round and generally range from about two to three hours in length; tours include learning to drive a sled, riding on a sled or wheeled vehicle, or nature walks with the husky puppies and/or adult...