WINTERSVILLE WINTER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Wintersville’s Kennel Loop: Group Dog Sledding with 55 Alaskan Huskies
A 1/2-mile beginner loop for groups to take turns riding and driving sleds — this guide lays out the flow, logistics, and longer-tour options.
Wintersville’s Kennel Loop: Group Dog Sledding with 55 Alaskan Huskies.
On the outskirts of Wintersville, Positive Energy Outdoors runs a compact, group-focused dog-sledding program centered at its kennel: a short, groomed 1/2-mile beginner loop where churches, scout troops, sports teams and families rotate riding and driving sleds and spend time meeting the dogs and learning mushing basics.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Meet 55 friendly Alaskan huskies
The kennel tour introduces participants to many of Positive Energy Outdoors’ 55 Alaskan husky sled dogs and explains the care and equipment that keep the teams ready to run.
A groomed 1/2‑mile beginner circuit
Groups take turns on a short, groomed loop near the kennel that’s tailored for first-timers — plenty of time for photos, petting the dogs, and both riding and driving the sleds.
Hands-on harnessing and guided sledding
Participants help harness and hook up teams, learn sled safety, and run double-driver sleds so everyone can have a turn driving while an experienced PEO guide accompanies each sled.
What the day feels like
What a group day on the kennel loop feels like
The program begins at the kennel with a clothing check, followed by a large-group welcome and sled-dog safety briefing. After a tour where you meet the dogs and examine mushing equipment, the group helps harness teams and rotate through runs on a 1/2‑mile groomed loop; sleds carry 1–2 people and an experienced PEO guide rides with each sled so everyone can both drive and ride.
THE DOGS
Meet 55 friendly Alaskan huskies
The kennel tour introduces participants to many of Positive Energy Outdoors’ 55 Alaskan husky sled dogs and explains the care and equipment that keep the teams ready to run.
THE LOOP
A groomed 1/2‑mile beginner circuit
Groups take turns on a short, groomed loop near the kennel that’s tailored for first-timers — plenty of time for photos, petting the dogs, and both riding and driving the sleds.
THE FORMAT
Hands-on harnessing and guided sledding
Participants help harness and hook up teams, learn sled safety, and run double-driver sleds so everyone can have a turn driving while an experienced PEO guide accompanies each sled.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this format works best for — and when to call ahead.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
You will begin at the kennel where staff perform a clothing check to ensure everyone stays warm during the program.
Dress for winter conditions; the operator will perform a clothing check to confirm participants are adequately warm.
Sleds carry 1–2 people and each sled will have an experienced PEO guide accompanying it.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the sled loop?
The group sled program runs on a groomed 1/2‑mile beginner loop near the kennel.
How many dogs are at the kennel?
The kennel includes 55 Alaskan husky sled dogs that you’ll meet on the tour.
Can everyone drive a sled?
Yes — groups take turns riding and driving; double-driver sleds allow everyone to drive, and an experienced PEO guide accompanies each sled.
Are there longer mushing options?
Yes — PEO offers a 2‑hour Bog Tour (5–8 miles) and a 3‑hour Island Lake Tour (12+ miles) for small groups; call for more information on availability and group sizing.
What if my group is larger than 20?
Contact Positive Energy Outdoors for pricing and arrangements for groups larger than 20, as well as for school and corporate field-trip programming.
What happens when we arrive?
On arrival the staff conduct a clothing check, give a large-group welcome and sled-dog safety talk, then lead a kennel tour before harnessing teams and using the loop.