Whether you call them the "Northern Lights" or the "Aurora Borealis", the sight of rippling curtains of light in the night sky is an awe-inspiring and even mystical experience.
Alaska's winters are becoming more popular with visitors. One big attraction is Alaska's official sport: dog-sledding or "mushing". Spectators can see a number of races held every year, both sprints and long-distance (including the 1,049-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race).
Your kids will certainly point out that dog-mushing yourselves would be way more fun; but you may find that many dog-sledders cater mainly to adults. A nice exception is Alaska Dog Sledding, whose non-age-ist policy states:
"Our guests over the years, driving their own teams, range from 7 into the 70's. Children under 7 often travel with parents and take turns actually being in control of the sled." This company fits you out in "the finest, warmest Arctic gear in all sizes," and you sleep in deluxe tent camps with cots and mattresses. Kids will especially enjoy tending the gentle dogs: many vacationers "consider this the high point of the adventure."
- see photos and tips about dog sled outings
- tips about Dog Sledding in Alaska.
-continue to more out-of-the-ordinary winter vacations: Escorted tours to Thailand, China, etc.
