Essential Information
Trip Profile
No previous experience necessary, but as the terrain can be challenging you should be reasonably fit, confident in your sense of balance, and able to cope with the cold.
Price Includes
Flights from Heathrow to Kiruna via Stockholm with SAS, airport transfers (for group flights only)
2 nights Mushers Lodge, 3 nights simple wilderness cabins, 1 night heated tent
All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners
5 day dogsled expedition (1 person per sled)
Full arctic clothing and 4 season sleeping bag
Musher guide for expedition days
Accommodation
LODGE, CABINS AND TENT
We spend two nights in the 'Mushers Lodge' in Kaupinnen in 4-5 person rooms, with shared facilities and a sauna. Three nights will be in basic wilderness cabins: one room which serves as a kitchen, dining and sleeping area. Cabins are heated by wood-burning stoves, and have basic outside toilets. One night is spent under canvas in a traditional Sami tent.
Food
All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners
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 Alaskan huskies - lighter, faster and with a less bushy coat than their Siberian cousins. Many of the huskies are crossbred with various types of hound. The dogs love humans, but don't always love each other, and may need to be kept apart on occasions.
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 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 'lines' for the dogs and prepare their food. In the morning, after feeding, we harness our dogs to the sleds, keeping of course the same team of dogs each day. We tend to start on easy trails while we get our 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 20 km per hour. In deep snow, or in hilly terrain we will travel slower and you may need to help push the sled, or at least walk beside the sled. When the trail goes downhill you will have to slow the sled down, so as not to catch-up with the dogs. We always try to keep the same speed: uphill, downhill and on the flat. But remember the number one rule is 'never let go' - the dogs will just keep running.
It is important to have a sense of balance to keep the sled under control at high speeds. Steering is done by the dogs, who will be following the guide or a well-known trail, the driver just needs to keep the sled upright and follow the line of the dogs.
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 20 km per hour, injuries can occur if a sled tips over or leaves the trail, and participants should be prepared for this risk. Please see 'risk of injury' note on page 70 of the Winter brochure.
Normal group size and age
Normally 4 to 8. Minimum age 18.
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.
Full days in the outdoors, with walks or activities lasting 4-6 hours a day. Fitness becomes more important at this level and some previous experience is desirable. Walks at this grade compares to extended walking in mountainous terrain, climate and remoteness can also play a part.
Exodus is always looking to improve our current itineraries and to offer something different. With many new trips this year, there is something unique and different to try every year.
Serious Adventure: These trips are what Exodus is all about. Join us!
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.
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