WEBCAMS
Imagine traversing the Teton region in winter as earlier inhabitants did, skimming through the crisp, cold air in analog silence — except for the shush of the sled runners over newly fallen snow. This experience can be yours, thanks to the seasoned sled-dog outfitters in Jackson Hole, offering tours for all ages.
Dog sledding has been part of Teton culture since the Mountain Shoshone, and later, fur traders, used this means of travel to transport goods and supplies in winter. Jackson’s earliest homesteaders also relied on dog teams to deliver mail and provide transportation between farf lung ranch “neighbors” and the growing town centers. Many local families took on mail routes for winter income, often breaking trail ahead of the dogs on snowshoes, according to History Jackson Hole’s records.
Today, Wyoming is home to the Pedigree Stage Stop Race, the longest and fastest sled-dog race in the continental United States, with 30- to 50-mile legs (called “stages”) in both Wyoming and Idaho. The event began in 1996, founded by eight-time Alaskan Iditarod competitor Frank Teasley, owner of Jackson’s original tour company, Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tours. With 45 years of experience, Teasley now manages 170+ race and tour dogs, as well as dogs-in-training
“Compared to most other races, which are mid- to long-distance, ultramarathon-types run in a single day,” explains Teasley. “The Stage Stop is more like the Tour de France. We change the course order every year to keep it interesting for the mushers, requiring different strategies.”
The snowy Teton winters, abundant wildland trail systems, and temperate summers are ideal for the year-round training of friendly four-footed athletes, many of them descendants of Alaskan Iditarod racers. These dogs include several breeds of huskies (Siberian, Samoyed, Alaskan Malamute, and Alaskan Husky among them) and come in many sizes, colors, and personalities, explains Teasley, the winner of the 1996 Iditarod’s Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award for best-kept team.
“The word ‘husky’ means ‘fish-burner,’” he says with a laugh. “In Alaska, the dogs were traditionally fed salmon — they still are — and the name stuck.”
Wondering if a sled-dog tour is for you? Unlike other alpine pursuits, dog tours welcome all ages and athletic abilities.
“My youngest client so far was 3 months old and the oldest was 102,” says Teasley, chuckling, “both of them survived.”
“You can never book too early,” he adds. “Just call us with the dates of your visit, and we’ll work with you to personalize your half-day or full-day trip. If you want to drive the sled, you can do that, too — with a guide, of course.”
Tour Options
FULL-DAY TRIP TO GRANITE HOT SPRINGS
Located 30 miles south of Jackson on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Granite Hot Springs is accessible in winter by ski, snowshoe, snowmobile, or dogsled. Try Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tours for a full-day sled tour featuring a dip in the hot springs, which range from 112 F in the winter to 80 F in the spring (due to snowmelt).
ONE-HOUR AND SUNSET TOURS
Do you have small kids or want to squeeze in an après ski activity? Try a private one-hour tour with Call of the WYld based in Teton Village or embark on the outfitter’s “6-miler” based out of Grand Targhee Resort on the west slope of the Tetons in Alta, Wyoming.
For the coziest sundowner around, check out the 1.5-hour sunset tour with Continental Divide Dogsled Adventures, founded by veteran Iditarod racer Billy Snodgrass. You can also do a half-day run with them.
*Note: Each outfitter operates on wildlands by exclusive permit from the Forest Service, so if you’re a repeat customer, booking with a new outfitter will guarantee new terrain.
OVERNIGHT ADVENTURES
Ready to get off-grid? Continental Divide Dogsled Adventures, based in Dubois, Wyoming, offers overnight glamping tours, complete with forest lodging in a traditional alpine yurt. Transportation is available to and from Jackson.
Dog Sled Events
Pedigree® Stage Stop Race
January 31-February 8, 2025
This premier race is the highlight of Jackson, Wyoming’s annual Winter Carnival and kicks off at the Jackson Town Square. Racers proceed through seven “stages” hosted by the towns of Lander, Pinedale, Big Piney/Marbleton, Kemmerer, and Alpine, Wyoming, with the race finishing in Driggs, Idaho.
American Dog Derby
February 14-15, 2025
Known as the “oldest American sled-dog race,” the American Dog Derby is based in Ashton, Idaho, 80 miles northwest of Jackson. This festive weekend features several races — professional, recreational, junior, and skijoring — and a start/finish line full of activities, including a celebrity race, a snowshoe race, and a weight pull in which spectators and their dogs can compete.
Wildfire Defense System Yellowstone Special, West Yellowstone
February 7-9, 2025
This shorter race begins and ends just outside of West Yellowstone, Montana, 130 miles northwest of Jackson. The annual event is free for spectators and draws many of the best teams from across the country, as a training event for longer stage races.
Explore More in Jackson Hole
This blog is an excerpt from the 2024 Jackson Hole Explorer Magazine. To dive deeper into the wonders of Jackson Hole and uncover more hidden gems, get your copy of the Explorer. It’s filled with insider tips, detailed guides, and stories to enhance your visit and make your experience unforgettable.
Want to speak with one of our expert locals? Give us a call at (307) 733-3316
Photo Credit: New Through Digital Agency, Visit Jackson Hole