Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I was not compensated in any form for writing this post on dog sledding in Montana.

Today, I’m giving you a bird’s eye (dog’s eye?) look at the adventure of dog sledding in Montana. This post is made possible by insider information from my awesome sister-in-law, Ashley, who gives dog sled rides with inuit dogs at a dog mushing camp. Ashley’s boss, Mark,  was kind enough to provide factual information for this post. All photos in this post are courtesy of Ashley. 

As a parent of young sprouts, I don’t travel as much as I used to. But I travel often with all the rest of you – through the Instagram pictures of you and your family. I saw you kissing the Blarney stone (and…wow…it appears that Ireland was the spring break hot spot this year!). Then there were the Facebook updates with the anniversary pictures of you and your husband on a beach in Cancun. Then, there were your blog post details of your recent mission trip to Nicaragua. I bet I am not alone in my vicarious travels.

Her niche of work allows her a freedom to travel and move about, gaining experience in a variety of different areas. She is serious and hardcore about what she is doing when she is doing it, and she puts her whole heart into her work. I’ve long been envious of her “who knows what is coming next” lifestyle and her fun gigs, but never more than now.Back to my super cool seeester-in-law, Ashley, in Bigfork, Montana. Ashley has a bachelor degree in recreation and has enjoyed a post-grad life of seasonal work all around the United States. Her work has taken her to Tennessee, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Wyoming, and now Montana.

You’ll see what I mean.

What is a Dog Musher? 

For the last couple of years, Ashley has worked as a dog musher at a dog sledding camp. So just what is a dog musher, anyway? The musher is the person who rides on the sled or the rig and controls the dogs. 

Dog sledding in Montana behind adorable inuit dogs through snow-capped mountain goodness…how cool is that? Cool enough that the dog mushing company where she works, Base Camp Bigfork, has received lots of attention lately. Last year, Ashley and some of the dogs were featured in National Geographic’s online travel blog. Also, this recreation camp has been featured in several print publications and in several broadcast TV productions recently, including one for HGTV. Base Camp Bigfork is located just outside of Bigfork, Montana.

 

If I were to visit Ashley this time of year, it probably would be too cold to go kayaking, but Ashley’s photos sure make a summer trip look intriguing. Snow experiences are only one part of the awesomeness of Ashley’s life at Base Camp. The camp, near Glacier National Park, Swan Lake, and Flathead Lake offers year-round activities. Kayaking, canoeing, hiking, biking, paddle boarding, and a multitude of other outdoor activities fill her days at Base Camp. Even a non-outdoorsy person like myself can appreciate the splendor of this place.

 

But let’s get back to what is obviously the main attraction of  this dog mushing vacation, shall we? Of course, I mean those too-cute-for-words Inuit dogs and their dog sled tours.

Dog Sled Rides with Inuit Dogs – Dog Mushing at Base Camp Big Fork

On everyone’s spring break agenda should be a few dog sled rides with this inuit dog cutie! 

Even the snow dogs’ names are adorable! Who wouldn’t want an unforgettable dog sledding adventure in Montana? You get to spend your day with Norman, Thor, Cowboy, Enzo, Pitsiak, Suka, Shatu, Ermine, Miki, and all the rest of the pack of inuit sled dogs!  

 

Ashley talks about these pups as though they are her babies. 

And, well, they are. 

Planning a Dog Mushing Trip

Before making your reservations, be sure to consider a few important things.

• Do you wish to go on a half-day or full-day excursion? Perhaps, an overnight dog sledding adventure?
• Consider the ages of children. Some of the packages offered at Base Camp are geared to 5-year-olds and up, and others are suited for 7-year-olds and older. 
• Do you wish to drive your own sled with the dog sledding dogs or do you prefer for a dog musher to steer the sled? (Note: some camps do not allow the option for guests to steer themselves, but Base Camp does.) 

Packing for a Dog Sledding Trip in Montana at Base Camp

• a wicking layer (think synthetic thermal wear; items to hold moisture; avoid cotton “waffle” long johns)
• a warmth layer (think fleece and wool layers; avoid cotton and blue jeans)
• a wind layer (think ski jackets and hoods; avoid cotton, tight-fitting coats, and fur)
• multiple pairs of wool socks (avoid cotton socks!)
• multiple pairs of gloves/mittens 
• multiple hats (one lightweight and one heavier that covers the ears)
• winter pack boots (with nylon lower and nylon/leather upper soles, with at least 1/2 inch of insulation; avoid tight boots, leather hunting boots, work boots, hiking boots)
• camera
• sunglasses
• sunscreen
• small backpack to carry things
• optional: neck gaiter/warmer, heat packs to warm hands