Slipping into a thick thermal suit to mush a team of energetic Alaskan huskies through a silent, snow-covered Arctic valley stands as the ultimate, heart-pounding wilderness adventure. The journey begins with the frantic, excited barks of the dogs, who are desperate to run, echoing through the crisp mountain air. The moment the anchor is released, the barking stops, replaced by absolute silence as the sled glides smoothly across the deep powder snow, pulled by a team of dogs working in perfect, powerful harmony.
The experience takes you deep into the wild valleys surrounding Tromsø, surrounded by towering, frosted mountain ranges. You will have the option to drive your own sled as a musher or sit comfortably as a passenger, taking in the dramatic snowy landscapes before warming up inside a traditional Sami tent around a crackling wood fire.
One fun fact people love:
Alaskan huskies are naturally insulated with double-layered coats and have highly efficient cardiovascular systems, allowing them to happily run in temperatures as low as -30°C.
Where in Tromsø is it?
Excursions take place in the wilderness valleys of Kvaløya Island or the Breivikeidet valley, on the mainland surrounding Tromsø.
How to reach:
Most tour operators provide convenient, guided round-trip transport in heated coaches from central Tromsø hotels directly to their wilderness dog camps.
Best time to visit:
December to April when the winter snowpack is thick, deep, and perfect for sledding.
Best time of day:
Morning around 9:00 AM to enjoy the spectacular, soft pastel colors of the Arctic winter light across the snow.
Entry fee:
Approximately NOK 1,500 to NOK 2,200 per person, which includes thermal overalls, boots, professional guide services, and a warm meal.
Commute difficulty:
Moderate; a short coach ride followed by physical work keeping your balance and applying the foot brakes on the wooden sled.
Things nobody tells you about this place:
- Steering a dog sled is a serious physical workout; you will need to jog uphill behind the sled to help the dogs through deep snow sections.
- The huskies are incredibly friendly and love human contact; prepare for plenty of enthusiastic cuddles and muddy paws before and after your run.
- Your face will get extremely cold from the wind as the sled speeds along, so bring a high-quality neck gaiter and a warm hat that fits under your helmet.
