This unique trip gives you an insight into the life of a dog musher, something only a privileged few are lucky enough to experience. You’ll live as they do for a few days, helping to look after the dogs and care for their everyday needs while on a five day trip. In return you’ll be rewarded with incredible sledding experiences in a pristine winter wilderness, getting close to the team of working huskies, enjoying a true friendship and bond between you and the loyal dogs with the opportunity to stay in remote mountain cabins and the potential to see the Northern Lights during your adventure on the first two departures.
This is very much a hands-on trip, for those who may have experienced dog-sledding before and would love to spend more time in the wilderness and embark on a once in a lifetime adventure, with the chance to learn about the Nordic philosophy of ‘friluftsliv’ – uncomplicated, everyday encounters in nature.
Departure Days: This trip operates from December through to April
Note: This trip can be tailored to your requirements. Speak to our team if you’d like a customised itinerary.
After breakfast, you will be welcomed by the guide who will accompany you on the 4 day trip, providing you with practical information and a briefing session on what to expect during the adventure. Next, you’ll head to the on site kennels and meet the excitable dogs who will be in your team, and your new friends for the next few days. You’ll learn about the equipment, help to harness the dogs and receive safety instructions before embarking on the trip. You’ll quickly get to know the individual names and characters of the dogs, each person taking responsibility for their own sled team.
The aim is to leave before midday - the first part of the journey is straight forward before heading up towards Finnmarksvidda, where you may need to help the dogs up the steepest slopes. Then the next part is through the pine forests, with several stops along the way for photos and to enjoy the views over Altadalen valley. A lunch stop is made before continuing to the first overnight stay at Jotka Fjellstue. As always, the dogs are the priority, making sure they are fed and ready for the night. Then, time for the humans to get ready for the evening and a well-deserved rest.
Now you’re used to the morning routine of breakfast, feeding and looking after the dogs, you’ll be back on the sleds in no time. Today, the route takes you back to Jotka Fjellstue, and now you’re becoming an expert you can spend time really enjoying the arctic silence and nature all around. The weather will determine the exact plan, perhaps taking time to enjoy a long lunch around the open fire, try some ice-fishing or a longer sled ride, the group can make the decision on the day.
Sadly, the last day of the trip sees you leave Jotka lodge and head back to the kennels. But first, you have one last chance to mush the dog team, heading back down the slope from day one of the expedition and along the river road to the basecamp, where you’ll be welcomed home by the other dogs waiting for their friends to arrive back. Once the dogs are cared for, for the last time, the trip ends with a simple meal, reflecting on your time in the arctic wilderness and the last chance to spend time with your fellow adventurers. The experience ends with a transfer back to Alta town, the airport for onward travel plans or a last night at the lodge to unwind.
The four day dog-sledding trip has set departures in spring, a lovely time to enjoy the winter landscape with longer daylight hours and blue skies during the day.