Norway Dog Sledding SM2

A husky safari in the far north of Europe - Norways Lappland. Mushing along an old post route on the Finnmark plateau is a great experience. You will be driving your own dog sled in Lapland. The husky safari experience is richer as you are close to nature with our guide, who likes to share his knowledge and passion of the outdoor life with you.

This husky safari has two periods of sledding - the first to get you familiar with mushing, and is suitable for novices or those who have tried sledding before, then we follow up after a rest day with a 3 day mountain sledding adventure. We start from the comfort of our lodge, in the heart of the Sámi homeland and head north to the hills, where we traverse the Finnmark plateau.

Day 1 Free transfer from Karasjok. Arrive at our lodge (a collection of hand made cabins). During the evening meal our guide will brief you about the sledding conditions and mushing techniques etc.. Try a sauna and / or hot tub (extra cost). Overnight in our cabins. There are various sized cabins, some with ensuite facilities (which often sell out early - so do not delay your booking) D.

Day 2 & 3 After breakfast we get you into your winter oversuit, boots etc (on loan from us, so that your winter clothing stays clean). 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 of we go into varied terrain to give you entry experience of dog sledding. Overnight in a mountain hut. B, L, D.

Day 4 Today we relax around the lodge. There is always a lot happening at our lodge. Horses are in training and puppies are learning to socialize. Many interesting books can be read in the "Dog mushers library". Small tours can be ventured upon alone with snow shoes or rent a snow machine. It is even possible to visit a reindeer herd. Local handicrafts and shops can be found at the local Sámi village. The National Sámi Museum (very close to us) and the local knife-smith are also worth visiting. B, L, D.

Day 5 Checking that mushers are matched with their teams of huskies. We start out on a 3 day dog sledding trip. By now you and the huskies have usually got to know each other’s ways. After a steep climb up to the mountain plateau we are mushing over a hilly stretch, crossing frozen lakes and marshes. We spend the nights at a wilderness cabin, which enables us to travel light and easy. B, L, D.

Day 6 The area we are dogsledding through, is an important winter pasture for reindeers. We can meet the native reindeer herders, the Sámi as they continue with their daily tasks on the winter pastures. Wilderness cabin. B, L, D.

Day 7 A long mush back to Karasjok. If we are lucky, we may see moose, as they usually stay in the valley during winter. We end the week gathered in the warm atmosphere of the Barta (a round cabin used for smoking fish or to eat a special meal) to have a farewell supper. Overnight in our cabins. Try a sauna and / or hot tub (extra cost). B, L, D.

Day 8 Continue with your next Muir's Tour or return to the airport. B.

Dates: 07th-14th Dec, 14th-21st Dec, 23rd-30th Dec 2008 (Husky Christmas), 02nd-10th Jan, 11th-18th Jan, 18th-25th Jan, 25th-01st Feb, 01st-08th Feb, 08th-15th Feb, 2009.

Availability: Currently most tours have at least 3 places available, unless otherwise stated above next to the date.

This tour can also be run at other times for a minimum of four people each mushing (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 lodge as specified. Overnight in a mountain cabin while away from our lodge. 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 from an English speaking musher and your own team and sled. English speaking guide on another sled. Transport: Karasjok to our lodge and back again to Karasjok.

What is not included
Transport other than from / to Karasjok to our lodge (6km). Sleeping bags (can be hired from us).

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.