Dogsledding in Arctic Norway

 In Feb 2017 I went dog sledding in Arctic Finland and really loved the experience. So when I was in Arctic Norway in Dec 2024 I booked to go again.

I was on a cruise that stopped at Alta, which is above the Arctic Circle. I booked the tour independently and I was pleased to find I was the only person on the trip from Gargia lodge, which meant I would be driving the sled the whole time, rather than being a passenger for half the time. 

Firstly I had to get dressed, it was -18° C. I was kitted out in a thick Norwegian jumper, huge oversuit, thick socks and boots, a balaclava and thick mittens, all on top of my ordinary clothes minus jacket. I found if I dropped anything it was difficult to bend down with so many bulky layers.

Mushing is a sport or transport method powered by dogs and a musher drives the dogsled. I had 4 dogs, Linda the guide had 6 as 2 were elderly and due to retire. I had a lesson on driving the sled, then we were able to start. The only disadvantage of driving the whole time was I couldn't take photos on the move as I needed to hang on to the sled! Getting ready -

I found it quite easy to drive, though the corners are sometimes a bit scary, thinking I would tip. Luckily Linda was able to take some photos of me -

I remember from Finland 2017 that my glasses steamed up and eyes and nose were running, so this time tried to keep my mouth and nose uncovered, despite the cold. We initially went through forest and it was all so beautiful. Then came to open land, and had a break there. The moon was amazing and the light so nice. The sun doesn't rise at all in Dec, resulting in Polar nights, and it was only due to the full moon reflecting on the snow that is seemed so bright - it was around midday.

The snow was fresh and new. During the break the dogs were still eager to be off -

We carried on and it got windy for a while in the open area, with wind blowing the snow and there was a lot of fresh snow that slowed down the sleds. 

The last part was back through the forest. Approaching the kennels -

Once the sleds were secured, I helped give the dogs meat water, which is just meat flavoured water, for the dogs to rehydrate.

I was then shown how massage my dogs. They seemed to appreciate it. After I could go and see all the other dogs and the 3 puppies. They were all quiet and behaved, unlike the ones I had seen in Finland in 2016 (see note at end). There are about 28 dogs here. 

Then back to the lodge for hot chocolate .

In July 2016 I was in Finland in July for the midnight sun and went to a husky farm for huskyhiking. There were 93 dogs at this farm and the noise was incredible - see and listen to this video.