The Effervescent Joy of Dog Sledding

It’s hard to imagine a jollier scenario (barring Santa’s own globe-trotting tour) than taking to the trails with high-spirited Alaskan sled dogs.

Zipping around the bend near Chena Hot Springs, Alaska. Brian Adams/State of Alaska

Dogs just want to have fun.

Nowhere is this more evident than in a kennel yard at an Alaska dog-sledding operation. All you need to do is walk through the compound and several dozen lean, lively canids will greet you like a long-lost savior. Are we going out on the trail? Yes? With the sled? Soon? Oh boy!