Finnish Dogsledding Adventure: Winter Activity Holiday

Essential Information

Trip Profile

No previous experience necessary, but you should be reasonably fit, confident in your sense of balance, and able to cope with the cold.

Price Includes

2 nights log cabins, 4 nights wilderness cabins
All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners
5-day guided dogsled expedition (1 person per sled)
Thermal Arctic suit and boots throughout
Guides and instructors as required.
For UK clients only: Return flights from London Heathrow to Kittila via Helsinki with Finnair.
Airport transfers (for group flight only)

Accommodation

WILDERNESS CABINS

For the first and last nights we are accommodated in 2-3 person rooms in comfortable log cabins near Harrivina. During the expedition we stay in a variety of simple dormitory style accommodation with maximum 8 persons per room. Each cabin also features a sauna. The facilities can be quite simple but cosy with all huts heated by a wood-burning stove

Food

All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners included.

Reality Check

General Notes on Dogsledding Dogsledders are given 4-6 dogs, depending on the snow conditions and weight of the driver. The dogs are normally Siberian huskies - recognisable by their bushy coats, they are an energetic and active breed. Traditionally they have served as companions or sled dogs and have a strong sense of gentleness and devotion.

Each morning, before the start, the dogs are wild with excitement as they look forward to the day's running. As soon as we release the brakes the dogs go silent, happy to be on the move. To start there is no need to yell 'mush' (from the French word marche), just release the foot-brake and you're off. To stop, use the foot-brake on the sled, and then fix your sled to a tree or the ground with a rope and hook device.

Each afternoon, at the end of the day's travel, we set out the 'lines' for the dogs and prepare their food. In the morning, after giving water to the dogs we will have our own breakfast and then harness our dogs to the sleds, keeping of course, the same team of dogs each day. The first day is long but you will soon get your balance and the hang of the sleds. Travelling speeds can vary greatly, depending on the snow conditions and the temperature (dogs run better in the cold). On a good day the dogs can run up to 20km per hour. In deep snow, or in hilly terrain we will travel slower and you may need to help push the sled, or walk beside the sled. When the trails goes downhill you will have to slow down the sled, so as not to catch-up with the dogs. We always try to keep the same speed: uphill, downhill and on the flat.

The number one rule is 'never let go' - the dogs will just keep running. It is important to have a good sense of balance, to be in good physical condition to keep the sled under control at high speeds, to react quickly enough in every situation, and to help the dogs whenever necessary. Steering is done by the dogs, who will be following the guide (on a snowmobile) or a well-known trail, the driver just needs to keep the sled upright, and learn the cornering technique.

The grade for this holiday is: B/C. This reflects the levels of fitness and physical coordination required to fully take part in the dogsledding.

All active winter holidays involve some element of risk; from something as normal as slipping on icy pavements, to the possibility of injuries sustained as a result of the activities themselves. While we do all we can to minimize any dangers, participants must be prepared to accept some risk as part of the holiday. While speeds rarely exceed 20km per hour, injuries can occur if a sled tips over or leaves the trail, and participants should be prepared for this risk.

Normal group size and age

Normally 2 to 7. Minimum age 16.

Icons explained

The vast majority of Exodus adventures are adult group holidays. Groups are always small in size. We strongly believe that this adherence to small groups means a better experience for all; more time with your guide, less waiting around and a reduced impact on the communities and environments visited.
Each group is generally made up of like-minded travellers - with singles, couples and friends all joining in together. All these trips are suitable for single travellers, but if you prefer to travel with clients booking individually, please see our Solo Departures page.

In order to provide a more accurate grading system, where a trip falls between two grades we use an intermediate or split grade, for example Moderate/Challenging. Occasionally, there are optional activities available en route, in this case the optional grade is indicated in brackets, for example Grade Challenging (climb Tough+). Clearly, conditions may differ from region-to-region or month-to-month and as such the information given on these pages is designed to act as a guide only. In all cases you should refer to the respective holiday's Trip Notes for further details.

Winter Activities: It's about seeking out alternative ways to have fun in unspoilt locations, you won't find standard skiing or snowboarding breaks here.

Wilderness: Visit the deserts, jungles, plateaux, tundra and mountains of all seven continents, including Antarctica.