Read up on the itinerary, kit list and route by downloading our information pack
What type of accommodation can I expect on the dog sledding expedition?
The first night is at the kennel. You will sleep in a lavvu (traditional Sami tent with raised sleeping area). Each lavvu has a wood burning stove to keep it extra cozy before you hit the trail. The accommodation for the majority of the trip is wild camping in expedition grade tents. Wild camping means camping in remote locations with little to no access to facilities.
What extra costs are there?
Your flights, travel insurance, personal expenses, drinks, snacks and your final night’s accommodation/meal in Tromsø. You may wish to also purchase extra lunch on your travel back to Tromsø (budget 200NOK per person for this).
How big will the group be?
Between 8 and 10 guests. Our trips are very popular, so are usually sold out.
Can I book as solo traveler? And who else goes on these expeditions?
Certainly! This is a great way to meet like-minded people. Guests will share tents in pairs (males together and females together). We welcome people from all walks of life and age groups; solo travellers, couples, friendship groups all up for a challenge and with the desire to escape urban life!
What fitness level do I need to go on the dog sledding expedition?
You do not need any previous outdoor experience, we provide everything to stay safe and warm but this is a real adventure. This dog sledding expedition is designed to be a challenge. For many guests, it is their first time dog sledding, however, a moderate to high level of fitness is required to participate. Dog sledding is a physically demanding sport. It requires balance, stamina and some strength.
The expedition leads us into remote and mountainous areas and we experience a variety of terrain. You will need to work as part of the team and help the dogs, especially uphill! There will be some running, pushing and scooting with the sled. We cover long distances, meaning standing on the sled for long periods of time, with only short breaks (approximately 6 hours per day).
Overall, it is an active and hands-on trip. To join, you must be capable to set up camp, walk in heavy snow, tend to your dogs and be actively involved. Guides are there to help you but most of the work is done by you.
Please consider the below requirements in assessing your ability to join this trip.
Requirements:
- General physical fitness.
- Ability to jog/run uphill.
- A good balance and mobility.
- A tight grip.
- A level of strength to hold onto the sled and use the brake.
- Ability to walk in heavy snow.
- Ability to set up a tent solo.
- Able to stand for long periods of time.
- Positive and resilient attitude.
What is dog sledding like?
Magical!
You will be sledding for approximately 3-7 hours per day (with short breaks for you and the dogs). You will have a team of 5 to 6 dogs and a dog sledding lesson before departure.
However, here are a few golden rules to drive a team of huskies:
- Hold on! Hold onto the handlebar at all times. It is very easy to lose the sled if you are not holding on.
- Slow on the downhill. Use the brakes to maintain a steady speed, especially on downhills! It is important not to go too fast, this is the most common cause of injury to the dogs. The driver controls the speed of the sled, not the dogs. On a downhill, the sled can glide faster than the dogs can run, if you do not brake, you can drive into them.
- Help on the uphill. Scoot/push/help on the uphills – this sends the right signals to the dogs that you are part of the team and creates a relationship with them.
- Keep the main line tight. The gangline (the line the dogs are attached to) must be kept straight and under tension at all times. If it is slack or dragging on the floor, you are going too fast!
- Steer with your body weight. Use your body weight to steel and manoeuvre the sled. If a left hand turn is coming up, you should lean to the left. A right hand turn, you lean to the right. If you hit a bump, lean ONTO the bump to avoid tipping the sled.
- Maintain a safe distance. Keep a safe distance from the team in front of you.
Look forward. Head up, stand straight, soft knees.
Guests who have experience surfing, skateboarding or skiing will take to sledding easily.
What is the food like on the dog sledding expedition?
We take all our food for the trail with us. You have a box for the week prepared for you.
Food can vary. Evening meals are expedition packs (freeze dried food) and there will be a selection in your box; such as chilli con carne, pasta, chicken curry etc… There are also items to make sandwiches for a quick and easy lunch during sledding breaks, as well as breakfast items like muesli, tea, coffee and snacks. We can cater for a range of special dietary requirements if informed in advance.
Will I see the Northern Lights?
As we sled through the remote mountains there is always a chance to be lucky and catch a glimpse of the Aurora. On days of bright sunshine and low cloud levels, when the night falls it is definitely worth popping your head out of the tent to check the sky! Please consider, April is not the optimal month for viewing the Northern Lights due to the day length but it is possible.
What will the weather be like?
The weather in the Arctic is often unpredictable and ever-changing. We have experienced everything from -20°C to plus degrees on previous expeditions. The winter season lasts from early Nov to April, with lows in January of around -15°C. In March/April/May you can expect temp of between -5°C to 8°C in the day with much colder temperatures through the night. You could experience everything from snowstorms to rain or sunshine! We never really know until we are out there!
What should I pack for the dog sledding expedition?
Download our information pack for a full kit list. Try and pack light, remember you and the dogs are the ones pushing your sled up the hills! We have a maximum weight limit of 15kg for your personal belongings.
What travel insurance do you recommend?
We recommend that you have cover for overseas medical evacuation, baggage loss and that you are covered to take part in ‘adventure sports’ including dogsledding. It can be wise to also insure against incidents such as air strikes or delayed travel.
What else do I need to know before booking?
Please note, that once the expedition has started there is extremely limited options to end the trip early, unless it an emergency or deemed absolutely necessary. You need to understand that we are head to very remote areas in an extreme environment which are not accessible by road or close to settlements and at many points it is unfeasible to opt out once we have begun.
If you wish to end the trip and it is a feasible option at the time then you will not be entitled to a refund and will incur extra costs to cover the logistics. This will include hiring a driver and snowmobile for a day, prices starting from 3000 NOK.
Please check our Terms and Conditions before booking.
Explore the wilderness of the Arctic on our dog sledding expedition!
The expedition will take you deep into remote and wild terrain of the Arctic. The starting point is Signaldalen – a stunning valley that will start your adventure in the best way possible. Soon, you will be dog sledding with your own team of Alaskan Huskies, through the endless snowy landscapes of Northern Scandinavia. Long distances and harsh arctic conditions will challenge your limits. You will learn how to set up camp in freezing temperatures, tend to your dogs and get closer to nature than ever before. The memories of the vast Arctic tundra with the sounds of paws on snow will never leave you.
Remember that our dog sledding expedition tour is a hands-on experience! You do not need any previous outdoor experience. We provide everything to stay safe and warm, but this is a real adventure in the wilderness of Norway, Sweden and Finland. We head to very remote areas inaccessible by road, and the cold and everchanging conditions are part of the challenge. Guides are there to assist you but most of the work will be done by you. You are expected to help tend to your team, set up your own camp and be actively involved! You will be wild camping, so the comfort level is basic but cosy. You will have very limited access to facilities during the expedition itself. Dog sledding is active and physically demanding. Get ready to work as part of your team.
Get disconnected from the hustle and bustle
The weeklong expedition takes you off the beaten path, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. You’ll learn to harness the power of these energetic dogs, gaining firsthand experience in traditional Arctic travel. Each day brings new landscapes and challenges, whether you’re crossing frozen lakes or navigating through forests. In addition to the exhilarating ride, you’ll also have time to set up camp, care for your dogs, and enjoy hearty meals in the wilderness.
The evenings offer a unique opportunity to relax under the golden light and stars just beside your team of dogs – an unforgettable highlight of our dog sledding expedition in Norway. We ensure you that you will be tired (in a good way!).
If you are curious about our dog sledding expedition tours in Norway and would like to know more, then do not hesitate to write us an e-mail!