Dashing through the snow: Mountain Paws gives participants a chance to get hands-on with dog sledding

For Joy Marx, there’s no better way to enjoy dog sledding than by having a hands-on experience.

That’s the concept behind Mountain Paws, a dog sled tour business that is located in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, where Marx is the owner and one of the main guides. Upon arrival, clients will receive an orientation that includes driving instruction and a meet-and-greet with the team of dogs, which are primarily Alaskan huskies. Guests are also involved with harnessing the animals before embarking on an approximately 2.5-hour trip through six to seven miles of trails in the San Juan Mountains.

Marx got hooked on dog sledding years ago on a trip to Canada while selling ski packages.

“I went and tried it out and fell in love with the dogs and with doing it myself and not just riding in the basket,” she said. “To me, it’s the most fun when you get to actually learn about all of the equipment and help participate in the harnessing and the hook-up, rather than just sitting and watching the butts of 10 dogs that you don’t get to know pulling you around a circle.”

Mountain Paws, which is a little less than four hours from Albuquerque and a little less than three from Santa Fe, is a reasonable option for those who don’t mind a little drive.

Mountain Paws is a relatively small company, so tours typically accommodate four people — two each on two sleds. No experience is required to drive a sled outside of the aforementioned orientation, and Marx will be in close proximity in case anything goes awry.

“I’m on a snowmobile, and I let the clients drive and sit in the basket,” she said. “We have a couple of different trails that we can use, either in the national forest or on a ranch. One thing, it’s not in a big loop.”

“Afterwards there’s hot chocolate and cookies, another chance to hug on your dogs, take pictures. (There’s) lots of chances to take pictures.”

Through it all, it’s the dogs that are the primary attraction for most visitors. Marx’s five-acre property is home to 20 sled dogs, each with his or her own distinct personality. A perusal of the Mountain Paws website yields anecdotal information on each member of the team.

Dashing through the snow: Mountain Paws gives participants a chance to get hands-on with dog sledding

As an example, here is a bio for Gypsy, one of the Alaskan Huskies available for the tours:

“Gypsy is spunky, feisty and very energetic. As a sprint dog, she loves to run fast (20-30 mph) when given the chance. She is an independent little girl with attitude. Careful: She likes to nibble on your fingers.”

“When the clients arrive, they get to meet the dogs, learn a little bit about them, get to know them,” Marx said. “The dogs are very friendly. Even though they’re working dogs, they’re dogs. They love to be petted. They love to show affection and receive affection. That is totally OK. In fact, it’s desirable.”

Guests might be surprised at the outward appearance of the Alaskan huskies, a breed identified by their aptitude for sledding. According to Marx, many visitors come expecting Siberian huskies, which are commonly seen in the movies. There are a few Siberians on the property, but they aren’t ideal for the tours.

“They’re beautiful dogs. I explain to the clients that we call them the Hollywood dogs because they are so pretty, but actually they don’t work as hard as the Alaskans,” Marx said. “There’s some sort of innate trait in a Siberian to take it easy and not exert all of your effort at once. Whereas the Alaskans are just ‘Go, go, go.’ ”

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: Mountain Paws also offers an extended tour, which ranges between 18 and 22 miles, depending upon the snow conditions. Marx says she usually only gives a couple of those per year.

“They should be fairly fit because you never know what the conditions are gonna be. I don’t let people book that one online. I have to talk to them first,” Marx said. “I have talked people out of booking that tour.”

In the summer, guests can take shorter tours with the dogs on carts.

“It keeps the dogs in shape, and they get the same introduction to the dogs and everything,” Marx said. “Without snow, I don’t want the dogs to overheat … We go for a mile and a half, give them a bowl of water and come back.”