Epic Sled Dog Adventure at Snow Mountain Ranch

Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Snow Mountain Ranch, you’ll find one of the most unique winter adventures imaginable—a dog sled tour with Redemption Dog Sled. Today, we embark on an unforgettable journey through the snowy trails with expert musher, Lauren, leading the way.

Lauren, an experienced musher, shares her passion for working with these incredible dogs. “It’s so much fun! I get to spend every day outside with the pups, getting to know their individual personalities,” she says. Contrary to what many might think, remembering their names is easy because each dog has a unique temperament and character.

What sets Redemption Dog Sled apart from other kennels is their dedication to socializing their dogs. “Our dogs are amazing with people, including children and those with disabilities. We work hard to get them used to interacting with different people and groups,” Lauren explains. This careful training ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for both the dogs and the riders.

Dog sledding isn’t just about putting dogs in harnesses and shouting “mush!” Each dog plays a crucial role in the team’s success.

• Lead Dogs: Wyatt and Raven take charge at the front, steering the sled through voice commands like “Gee” (right) and “Haw” (left).
• Swing Dogs: Opal and Jasper follow right behind, reinforcing turns and guiding the team.
• Team Dogs: Ruthie, Timber, Ember, and Winston provide power and endurance.
• Wheel Dogs: Cinder and Granite, the strongest members, are positioned closest to the sled, helping with sharp turns and uphill climbs.

Lauren shares a fun fact about Cinder, one of their standout wheel dogs. “She’s incredibly smart—she’ll go under the mainline to pull us away from trees and obstacles, making steering so much easier for me!”

Care and Nutrition for Canine Athletes

The sled dogs at Redemption follow a specially designed diet to maintain their energy and endurance. Their high-protein food is sourced from Canada and supplemented with donated game meat. “Hunters donate last year’s freezer-burned meat, and the dogs absolutely love it,” Lauren says with a laugh.

Themed Names and Their Meanings

Each litter of puppies at Redemption Dog Sled Tours is named with a unique theme in mind.

• Halloween Litter: Raven, Matilda, Buffy, Spirit, Boo, and Frankie were born on Halloween.
• Wildfire Litter: Timber, Ash, Cinder, Kindle, and Ember were named in honor of the East Troublesome Fire evacuation.
• Gemstone Litter: Opal, Zircon, Granite, Jasper, and Jade reflect the beauty of natural stones.

Beyond recreational tours, the Redemption team also competes in races spanning 50 to 150 miles. “We’re heading to Ely, Minnesota, for a race, followed by the Copper Dog 150 in Michigan,” Lauren shares excitedly.

As the dogs reach around 9 or 10 years old, they transition into retirement. “They still love to run, but we want them to enjoy a cozy home life too,” Lauren says. The retired sled dogs are adopted into active households where they can continue to explore and stay engaged. Interested adopters can even be placed on a waiting list for specific dogs. Contact Redemption Dog Sled Tours for more information.

After an exhilarating ride through the snowy trails, the experience leaves a lasting impression. Dog sledding isn’t just about the thrill—it’s about witnessing the remarkable bond between mushers and their dogs.

For those eager to experience it firsthand,  you can book your ride Redemption Dog Sled Tours, located right at Snow Mountain Ranch.

Just remember to hold on tight!