Dog Sledding Coast to Coast

My friend just ran in the NYC "Iditarod." Of course this being crazy New York, the "sleds" were grocery carts and the "sled dogs" were campily dressed 20 and 30 somethings out for a good time. The day-long trek across the Brooklyn Bridge and into Manhattan featured skits, songs and lots of beer!

I've always wanted to experience the excitement of dog sledding. When I was growing up a neighbor had a sled team and trained in the park across the street on snowy weekends. I would marvel at his gorgeous Huskies, muscles bunching beneath their sleek fur coats, as they crashed silently through the snow to his cries of "Mush! Mush!" It all seemed so exciting and romantic.

You can experience the romance of the Alaskan wilderness in between cross country treks or downhill ski runs on either coast of America. In California's popular Mt. Shasta ski area and Vermont's fabled Green Mountains, adventuresome tourists can experience the excitement of dog sledding. Dogsled Express in Mt. Shasta offers one-hour sled rides through the majestic Mt. Shasta, Mt. Lassen and Castle Crags wilderness area. Green Mountain Dog Sled Adventures, profiled on the Travel Channel, carries you through the breathtaking Green Mountain wilderness, though you may have to wait until late winter to book your tour. Owner Bruce Linton and his team of dogs are currently in Alaska to realize their dream of racing in the famed Iditarod.

A dog sled adventure makes a nice change from charging down the ski slopes. What better way to fully experience the awesome majesty of nature than while being silently whisked through the pure, white snow. In Stowe, Vermont, enjoy a stay at the gracious Trapp Family Lodge (above, left; yes, it's the Sound of Music Trapp family). You'll delight in the Austrian-style guesthouses, spectacular views and live music. Make sure you sample the luscious pastries in the Austrian Tea Room. For a change of pace, on the West Coast, stay in Klamath Falls, Oregon and take a day trip down to Mt. Shasta in far north California. Stay at Eagle's Landing (right) in the heart of Oregon's winter ski country to experience all of winter's delights.