Frequently Asked Questions
Planning your Howling Husky experience?
Below you’ll find answers to our most frequently asked questions about bookings, alpine travel, our tours and the care of our dogs.
Bookings and Payments
How do I book?
Bookings can be made through our secure online booking system. Simply click Book Now, select your preferred date, location and experience, then follow the prompts to complete your booking.
We strongly recommend booking in advance, as places are limited and our most popular experiences can fill quickly. A booking confirmation will be emailed to you once your reservation is complete.
Where do you operate during winter?
Our winter experiences operate at Dinner Plain, Mount Hotham, Mount Buller and Mount Baw Baw. Available tours, operating days and season dates vary between locations, so please check the individual location page or booking system for current availability.
When does the winter season run?
Our winter season generally operates between June and September, in line with the declared Victorian snow season. Exact opening and closing dates vary by location, conditions and annual operating arrangements.
How and when do I pay?
A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking, with the remaining balance payable on the day of your experience.
Bookings made within 48 hours require full payment at the time of booking. Cash and most credit cards are accepted.
What time should I arrive?
Please arrive at the designated meeting point at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time. This allows time to check in, complete payment and paperwork, get seated and receive your safety briefing.
Allow plenty of extra travel time for alpine roads, parking, shuttles and finding our location.
What happens if I’m late?
Late arrivals can delay every booking that follows. If you miss the required check-in time, your experience may need to be rescheduled or forfeited without a refund.
Please contact us as soon as possible if you think you may be late, although alternative arrangements cannot be guaranteed.
Can I change or cancel my booking?
Changes and cancellations are subject to notice periods, availability and our cancellation terms. Please read our full Booking and Refund Policy before booking, as short-notice cancellations, late arrivals and no-shows will result in the full booking value being forfeited.
Planning Your Visit
Is resort entry included in my tour?
No. Resort entry, parking, transport, shuttles, snow-chain hire, accommodation and other travel costs are separate from your Howling Husky booking.
Mount Hotham, Mount Buller and Mount Baw Baw require resort entry during the declared snow season. Dinner Plain does not charge an entry fee.
Always check your chosen resort’s official website before travelling.
Do I need snow chains?
Vehicles travelling through Victorian alpine areas during the declared snow season are required to carry suitable diamond shaped wheel chains and fit them when directed.
Check the official information for your destination before travelling. Make sure you know which chains fit your vehicle and how to use them.
Where can I find accommodation?
Accommodation is booked separately and can be found through the official Mount Hotham, Mount Buller, Mount Baw Baw and Dinner Plain websites, as well as local accommodation providers.
We recommend booking early, particularly for weekends, school holidays and peak snow periods.
What should I wear and bring?
Alpine weather can change quickly, so dress warmly and prepare for snow, rain, mud and wind.
We recommend bringing:
Waterproof jacket and snow pants
Warm thermal layers
Waterproof footwear with good grip
Gloves and a beanie
Sunglasses or snow goggles
Extra socks, especially for children
Water and snacks
A phone or camera for photographs
UGG boots and standard, non-insulated gumboots are not suitable for alpine conditions.
What happens if there isn’t enough snow?
NO SNOW, WE STILL GO!
When snow coverage is insufficient, selected experiences may operate using our specially designed four-wheeled carts instead of sleds. You’ll still meet the dogs, learn about the team and enjoy a memorable husky-powered experience.
Tours may also be adjusted, relocated, rescheduled or cancelled when weather, trail conditions or animal welfare require it. Please read our Booking and Refund Policy for the applicable terms.
Tour Information and Safety
Are your tours fast, adrenaline-style rides?
Our tours are scenic, informative and designed to let you experience the special relationship between a musher and their dog team.
Our dogs are trained as strong freight-pulling dogs rather than racing dogs. They are incredibly fit and powerful, but our tours are not promoted as high-speed adrenaline rides.
Is there an age limit?
Minimum ages vary between experiences. Most sled dog rides are suitable for children aged three years and over, while meet-and-greet experiences may accommodate younger children when accompanied by a paying adult.
Please check the individual experience description before booking.
Is there a weight limit?
Yes. Our sled dog tours have strict combined passenger limits:
Two passengers: Maximum combined weight of 160 kg
Three passengers: Maximum combined weight of 150 kg, with the third passenger required to be under 125 cm tall
If your group exceeds the limit, an additional sled must be booked. Passenger arrangements may also be adjusted according to the trail, snow conditions and the guide’s assessment on the day.
Can I participate while pregnant?
Unfortunately, our insurance policy does not allow pregnant guests to ride in our sleds or carts.
You may still be able to enjoy a Pat ’n’ Play or suitable meet-and-greet experience. Please contact us before booking so we can help you choose an appropriate option.
Are the experiences safe?
The safety of our guests, dogs and team is always our priority. Every tour includes a safety briefing and is led by experienced staff.
Tours may be altered, delayed or cancelled due to high winds, fallen trees, unsafe trails, extreme weather or other conditions beyond our control.
Can I meet the dogs without booking a ride?
Yes! Our Pat ’n’ Play experiences are perfect for anyone who wants to meet the dogs, take photographs and learn about the pack without riding in a sled or cart.
Pat ’n’ Play is already included with all of our sled dog tours, so please check your selected experience before booking it separately.
Can I take photographs?
Absolutely! We encourage photographs during the designated meet-and-greet portion of your experience.
Please follow your guide’s instructions and keep phones and cameras secure while the sled or cart is moving.
Can I bring my own dog?
Pets are not permitted at Mount Hotham, Mount Buller or Mount Baw Baw, except for eligible assistance animals or permitted dogs.
Dinner Plain welcomes dogs, but they must remain on a lead and follow all local restrictions. For everyone’s safety, visiting dogs must be kept away from our working team and operational areas.
Please check the official rules for your destination before travelling.
Our Dogs and Their Care
How many dogs do you care for?
We care for approximately 100 dogs in our sled dog family, including working, retired and rehomed dogs. More than 75% of our pack has been rescued or rehomed, with many coming to us when their other options had run out.
What breeds are in your pack?
Our pack is primarily made up of Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Huskies or Husky crosses, along with Alaskan Malamutes and several other much-loved working and farm dogs.
Every dog has their own personality, strengths and preferred role within our family.
Do the dogs enjoy pulling?
Our dogs’ willingness, fitness, age and individual preferences determine whether they participate. They are never forced to run and are closely monitored by our experienced team.
Dogs are rotated throughout the day and receive plenty of rest, water, care and attention. If a dog no longer enjoys working or needs a different pace, we find activities that better suit them, or allow them to retire completely.
How many dogs pull a sled?
A typical team includes approximately six to ten dogs, with around eight being common.
The exact team size depends on passenger weight, trail conditions, weather, the experience being operated and the individual dogs running that day.
Do the dogs get cold?
Our northern breeds are naturally well suited to cooler environments, but every dog is still monitored individually.
They have access to sheltered resting areas and warm, straw-filled beds. Jackets and additional warmth are provided whenever a dog needs them.
Where do the dogs live?
Our dogs live at our family-run property in East Gippsland, where their yards and facilities are designed around safety, comfort and enrichment.
Their purpose-built spaces include natural sand for digging, raised platforms, sheltered kennels, shade, cooling systems, fresh water and room to interact with their neighbours.
Do the dogs sleep in the snow?
No. While working at the mountains, the dogs have access to private, weather-protected resting areas away from the public, with comfortable straw-filled beds where they can relax.
Why are the dogs sometimes so noisy?
They’re excited! Huskies are naturally vocal and communicate through barking, howling and their famous husky “singing.”
Their excitement often builds when they see the equipment and realise it may be their turn to run.
Why are the dogs sometimes attached to drop chains?
Drop chains are temporary, purpose-designed resting points used between runs. They allow each dog to rest safely with their own space while remaining close to their teammates and handlers.
They are not the dogs’ permanent housing. At home, our dogs live in purpose-built yards and enjoy regular exercise, enrichment and social time all free from chains.
What happens when a dog retires?
Every dog who joins our family has a home with us for life.
When a dog retires from tours, they remain part of our pack and continue receiving the same food, veterinary care, comfort and love. Some enjoy gentler activities and meet-and-greets, while others prefer a completely relaxed retirement at home.
What do the dogs eat?
Our dogs receive a carefully managed diet designed to support their age, health, workload and individual needs.
Their meals are adjusted throughout the year, as a working dog during winter has different nutritional requirements from a retired dog or a dog resting during summer.
What do the dogs do during summer?
During warmer months, our dogs enjoy a slower pace at home, regular enrichment and exercise during suitable conditions.
Selected dogs also participate in demonstrations, educational programs, events, meet-and-greets and festive appearances. Activities are always adjusted around the weather, and the dogs do not work when conditions are unsafe.
Can I sponsor one of the dogs?
Yes! Our 12-month sponsorship packages allow you to choose a member of our pack and form a special connection with them while helping support their food, veterinary care, housing and enrichment.
Visit our Sponsor a Dog page to meet the pack and choose from our Paw Pal, Tailmate or Ultimate Husky Hero packages.
Are there other ways to support the pack?
Absolutely! Along with sponsoring a dog, you can help provide a full day of food for our kennel or contribute towards building one of our purpose-designed dog yards.
Visit our Make a Difference Today page to choose from:
Feed the Kennel
Sponsor a Dog
Help Build a Yard
Whichever program you choose, every cent we receive goes straight back into caring for our animals.
Still Have a Question?
Please email info@howlinghuskys.com.au or call 0499 897 826 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, 7 days per week.
We aim to respond to missed calls, emails and messages within 24 hours.