Continental Divide Dogsled Adventures

Continental Divide Dogsled Adventures runs guided dog-sled tours from Togwotee Mountain Lodge into the Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests, with Alaskan Husky teams. Founded by Iditarod veteran Billy Snodgrass. Winter-only operation (early December through late March). The right fit is anyone wanting a real dog-mushing experience, families with kids 5+, and visitors curious about a Western winter activity beyond skiing. The wrong fit is anyone afraid of cold, anyone with very young kids, or anyone wanting a quick photo-op style activity; this is a multi-hour winter expedition.

Trip formats

Half-day tours (10 miles, ages 5+) cover backcountry terrain in 3-4 hours including check-in, prep, and the run itself. Full-day options run longer routes with a hot lunch on trail. Guided format throughout: a guide drives the lead sled and you ride as a passenger or, if you ask, learn to drive your own sled with instruction on a safe trail section. Mushing instruction is real; you can graduate from passenger to driver during the day if you want.

Why this works as a winter activity

Three things distinguish it. First, the team and operator quality. Iditarod-veteran-led operations bring a depth of dog-handling knowledge that recreational operations don't match. Second, the location and access. Togwotee is high country with reliable deep snow and dramatic terrain; the dog-sled experience is set against scenery that delivers. Third, the dogs themselves. Alaskan Huskies bred and trained for distance running are different animals from pet huskies; meeting and running behind a real working dog team is the actual experience.

How to plan a tour

Book ahead during peak ski-season weeks (Christmas through New Year, Presidents' Day). The location is Togwotee Mountain Lodge, about an hour northeast of Jackson on Highway 26 toward Yellowstone. Round-trip transportation from Jackson is included with most tours; ask at booking. Dress for serious cold: temperatures can run -20°F to +40°F. Real winter layers, waterproof outer, warm boots, gloves, hat. No cotton. Bring a thermos of hot drink. Sunglasses for the snow glare on clear days.

Things to weigh

Three honest tradeoffs. First, the cold is real. Even with proper layers, sustained outdoor time at altitude can be tough. Second, the drive (or shuttle) to Togwotee is an hour each way; full-day commitment includes substantial windshield time. Third, the dog-mushing experience is genuinely different from typical tourism; if you're not interested in dogs and winter wilderness, the time and cost won't justify itself.

Before you go

For the half-day tour, ask the guide about driving the sled yourself for a stretch. Many people don't know the option is available and assume the role is purely passenger. Guides are happy to teach the basics on a safe trail section, and the day shifts from spectator to participant. Same logic applies to spending time with the dogs at the staging area before and after; the dogs are the centerpiece.

In short

For a real Western winter experience that's not skiing, Continental Divide Dogsled Adventures is one of the right calls. Plan for the cold, take advantage of optional sled-driving instruction, and use the day as an immersion into a discipline most travelers never see.

FAQ

What's the age minimum?

Half-day tours typically take ages 5+. Confirm specifics for full-day options.

Are dogs treated well?

Yes. Working dog teams are bred for and trained to run; the operation is built around the dogs' welfare and conditioning. The owners' Iditarod background is a meaningful credential here.

Can I drive a sled myself?

Yes, if you ask. Guides instruct on a safe section of trail.

Is round-trip transportation from Jackson included?

Yes, on most tours. Confirm at booking.