Norway Dog Sledding SM5

Dog sledding from our lodge to the far north of Norway over the Finnmark plateau and eventually arriving at the Arctic Sea - for those with some experience and a desire to try a new outdoors experience.

The tour starts from the comfort of our cabins, in the heart of the Sámi homeland and heads north to the hills, where we traverse the Finnmark plateau as we head northwards. On this husky safari we also meet the Sami people and learn about their life.

This is a popular husky safari as it combines cultural exchanges and dog sledding in the beauty of Lapland. We have set dates, but will run the trip anytime for 4 people or more.

Most of our trips in Lapland are suitable for novices through to experienced mushers, as the techniques are simple and are absorbed easily in a few hours. The difference between the options is the distance covered (and amount of effort) each day. So you do not need to experienced but it certainly helps if you are conditioned to moderate regular exercise, particularly for the more demanding (longer periods of sledding). A rowing machine is the best way to get conditioned as you need to concentrate on arms and back, while not forgetting the legs.

Day 1 Arrive at our cabins. During the evening meal our guide will brief you about the next few days. Overnight in our cabins. D.

Day 2 After breakfast we get you into your snowsuit, boots etc. We then organise the teams of huskies and teach you the basics of caring for your team and driving the sleds. After this introduction you will be given your "own" team of 4-6 dogs and we embark on a test to see how well matched you are with your dogs. We will be mushing on hilly terrain, crossing a lake or two, marshes and for a short while a section of barren land. Finally we adjust our teams to suit conditions. Overnight in our cabins B, L, D.

Day 3 We set our compasses for North and we climb to the plateau and then cross the largest lake in Finnmark - Lake Jiesjavrre. The view is endless at all directions and we blaze our own trail in a north-north-west direction towards the Stabbursdalen Valley. We spend the night in a small remote cabin, which is situated down in the valley, hidden in the birch forest - it is a truly amazing location. B, L, D.

Day 4 By now mushers and the huskies have usually got to know each other’s ways and the safari can cover a lot of ground. This day is the longest - 60 km. We pass close to the upper end of Stabbursdalen National Park and find a suitable place for our camp in heated tents. B, L, D.

Days 5 - 7 We continue blazing our own trail further north-east using the freedom that sled dogs give. If we come across a nomadic Sami winter settlement we will stop awhile to talk and learn a little about life herding reindeer and fishing from the Laplanders. We camp in heated tents. B, L, D.

Day 8 We head north and for the first time we can see the Arctic Ocean and look down at the fjords. In the evening we reach our cosy lodge "Stenbukt" located in a remote bay on the Arctic shore - no roads, - no neighbors - plenty of peace and quiet, except for the lashing waves. Overnight at Stenbukt Lodge. B, L, D.

Day 9 We head out for the day with a light load and find plenty of amazing sights. We may also experience the fast changing weather in this part of the world. We meet up with our transport and drive back to our cabins near karasjok. Overnight at our cabins near Karasjok. B, L, D.

Day 10 After breakfast you are free to leave at any time. Free transfer to Karasjok. B.

Dates: 20th - 29th Mar and 09th - 18th April 2007. This tour is can also be run at other times for a minimum of four people (or cash equivalent) at any time during the period December through early May.

Base currency is the Norwegian Kroner, please obtain an up to date quote in the currency you intend paying in.

What is Included
Accommodation in our cabins on the first night. Overnight in a mountain cabin or Sami lavvo (tent) or heated modern tent. Three meals daily as specified by the code (B, L, D.) - starting with evening meal on day 1 to breakfast on day 8. Special warm clothing and boots. Dog sled training / refresher from an English speaking musher and your own team and sled. English speaking guide on another sled. Transport: From Lakselv Airport to our lodge and back again to Lakselv airport.

Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. For UK clients we recommend the policies of the British Mountaineering Council, for their expertise in evacuation from remote areas worldwide. Details at www.thebmc.co.uk As Insurance is always provided by a company based in your home country, we are unable to suggest suitable insurance companies unless you reside in the UK.