For the ultimate winter adventure, take to the backwoods on a sled, driven by your very own team of Alaskan Huskies. Best suited for the physically active, these top five dogsledding trips guarantee thrills over frozen lakes, deeply wooded trails, and endless horizons of snow and sky.

White Wilderness (Ely, Minnesota)
Northern Minnesota’s many lakes and remote forests are idyllic for a dogsled adventure. Based in Ely, White Wilderness offers sled dog adventures that range from day trips to four nights spent exploring the deep woods of the Gabbro Lakes area within the Boundary Waters Wilderness. A stone’s throw from the Canadian border, snow blankets the area throughout the winter months, keeping White Wilderness in operation from December through March. White Wilderness prides itself on offering a truly immersive experience with its multi-day trips, providing accommodations in a cozy yurt and serving fine cuisine such as fresh fish and chicken grilled on site. Solo sled day trip for $345 per person on weekends or $1,575 for a four-night stay.

Yellowstone Dog Sled Adventures (Emigrant, Montana)
There’s no more thrilling way to experience Yellowstone than with a pack of huskies towing the way. Yellowstone Dog Sled Adventures’ powerful pups know the way along the rugged terrain, valleys, and frozen rivers as they zoom swiftly atop the snow. Small group adventures are the best opportunity to access the scenic trails of the national park, with options from a one-hour sled experience to their half-day adventure, both providing plenty of time to play with the dogs and learn a primer on the enduring sport. Sampler for $95 or "Learn to Mush" half-day experience for $195.

Mahoosuc Guide Service (Grafton Notch, Maine)
Maine’s Umbagog Lake and the Mahoosuc Mountains, not far from the border of Vermont, is an oasis of pristine trails where dogs race along with ease. Seek out the Mahoosuc Guide Service that takes nature lovers through the great wilderness with the challenge of leading your own canine team. Start with the Mahoosuc Intro package, a two-day excursion that combines mushing, skiing, and snowshoeing for the perfect outdoor adventure. The guides provide all winter equipment including skis, snowshoes, parkas, gaiters, and sleeping bags so all you really need to bring is warm clothing. Physically challenging (though not far above the demands of an afternoon spent cross-country skiing), the trip is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature. Mahoosuc two-day intro for $595 per person.

Jackson Hole’s Continental Divide Dog Sled Adventures (Dubois, Wyoming)
Take the reins and hold on as you careen through Wyoming’s picture-perfect peaks and valleys, dusted with a fresh coating of snow. Iditarod veteran Billy Snodgrass brings dog sledding groups through the mountainside with skill, offering masterful knowledge on the caring and treatment of the dogs, insight into many of nature’s wonders, and hidden trails that lead to natural treasures. Half -day with lunch and transportation for $248 or full-day snowshoe/dog sledding combo for $355.

Wilderness Adventures Dog Sled Tours (Olympic Valley, California)
One of California’s only dog sledding operations, Wilderness Adventures Dog Sled Tours offers opportunities to explore the Lake Tahoe region -- one of the nation’s finest forests. Under the guidance of Brian Maas, the huskies pull with an amazing force through the trails. Look for the wildlife, including mule deer, porcupines, and even the occasional coyote. The hour-long tours provide the perfect opportunity for a pleasant ride and plenty of time for photos. Rates start at $110 on weekdays.