Experience the Thrill of Dog Sledding in Finnish Lapland

Dog sledding tours are offered in a variety of ways during the winter season in Finland’s snow-sure destinations. The most common are hour- or two-hour long dog sled rides, and there are also longer, even multi-day dog sledding treks, during which accommodations are made at different locations. Beginners can join short tours, and most are also suitable for children. A responsible dog kennel will always provide information on which tour is suitable for which participant, and both the animals and the staff – both dogs and humans – are well-cared for.

With a guide, a short walk is taken to the husky kennel, where the barking and howling of the dogs can be heard from afar. The guide teaches how to use the sled through dry runs – when and how to brake, how to communicate with hand signals among the groups, and how to stand or sit in the sled depending on whether one is steering or riding. Depending on the tour, the driver and passenger may switch roles during the journey, allowing those interested to take a turn at steering. The driver’s role is more active than that of the passenger, and one must be sharp with the eager dogs!

The huskies are excited and full of explosive energy for the sled tours. Participants take their positions – passengers sit in the sled, and drivers stand behind on the runners – and then off they go! The guide leads with their own team, and the caravan may also be followed by another guide on a snowmobile, ensuring everything goes smoothly.

The dogs quiet down immediately once the journey begins. The sensation is somewhat surreal – only the runners of the sled hissing on the snow as the teams move through a bright pine forest, descending onto the lake ice. The fierce howling at the kennel is but a memory, as suddenly there’s movement in silence through a wilderness landscape. During the tour, the environment may vary: on the lake ice, on a bog, and through the forest. At points where a road must be crossed, the guide stops and ensures the crossing is safe. The sled tour is not a race, but rather about enjoying natural movement, beautiful scenery, and maintaining a suitable pace. On safaris, the natural traveling speed of the dogs is followed.

During the tour, dogs in the teams may be swapped out as the guide deems necessary. This could be due to pace or compatibility between the dogs. It’s fascinating to observe the animal handler’s expertise in managing the team’s dynamics. Guides working with huskies must possess knowledge, skill, and emotion in handling the dogs. The safety of employees, animals, and customers must always be ensured. After the tour, there’s time to photograph and pet the dogs, and the guides provide detailed information about the dogs and their antics. After a husky tour, it’s truly inspiring to stay and ask questions, for instance, about the well-being of the dogs. A husky ride is an experience worth having at least once in a lifetime!

What do sled dogs do in the summer?

Working dogs also get a summer holiday! Adapted to Arctic conditions, sled dogs do not work in overly warm weather. The dogs spend their time free in the kennel, where there are various stimuli for playing and moving. During the snow-free period, trainers may take the dogs for cart rides or other activities depending on the weather, as the animals need exercise. The summer also focuses on training the dogs under the guise of play, and as autumn approaches, preparations for the season begin with endurance and strength training.

Did you know? A driving log is kept for sled dogs, serving as one tool for maintaining their well-being.

Be Prepared:

• Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing and shoes, warm gloves
• A buff or scarf to protect from the wind
• Sunglasses or ski goggles to protect from the driving wind and possible blowing snow