What is dogsledding?
Dog-racing is an activity between humans and dogs, most often situated in Arctic environments. Today, your involvement can vary from being driven by a musher (dog handler), to being responsible for harnessing, driving, feeding and tending the dog’s yourselves. It can be rough and tumble, but you will most likely love it.
What kind of dogs are they working with?
Alaska huskies. The huskies are lean, tough and strong, but as well as running, they love getting lots of attention and petting. You can go dog-sledding everywhere in Northern Norway except in the mild coastal parts of Helgeland and Lofoten. The longest and toughest trips on offer are in Svalbard, Finnmark and south along the Kjølen mountains, and are suitable for anyone who enjoys spending plenty of time outdoors. Since the dogs do most of the work, you don’t need to be ultra-fit, but good fitness and mobility are an advantage.
Practical information about dogsledding in Northern Norway?
Yes! From Helgeland in the south to Svalbard in the north.
Both yes and no. On longer and technical trails dogsledding can be a challenge for all people. However, Many people try dog sledding for the first time when visiting places such as Tromsø, Alta, Lofoten, Svalbard, and Narvik. Book a trip with a guiding company and you will be given the right instructions. If you love dogs and nature, you will love dog sledding.
Normally, you will see dog teams between 6 and 18 dogs in competitions. On a commercial trip, it is normally between 6 and 8 dogs, but if you have strong dogs, you could easily go with 4 or 5 as well.
You do not need to be ultra-fit, but good fitness and mobility are an advantage.