Husky Sledge Dog Tour along the Russian Border

V uokatti Husky invites you to come and join us for a truly unforgettable sledge dog adventure. This unique Husky adventure combines a remote wilderness experience with comfortable accommodation. The region is renowned for its wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, elks and reindeer. It is also one of the largest protected nature reserves in Finland. As you travel with your own sledge dog team through this unique wilderness the peaceful silence and the beauty of the winter scenery will help you to forget any stress.

Experienced guides will introduce you to all aspects of sledge dog driving and help you to understand the natural beauty of these fantastic surroundings. This hands on tour introduces you to the world of sledge dog mushing, allowing you to learn new mushing skills and get to know your new furry companions better. Creating a close bond between sledge dog teams and customers is what sets us apart from similar Husky tours. After a full day of adventure a warm relaxed wilderness cabin awaits you, warm up with a hot Finnish sauna and shower. Then wind down by the glow of the fire and enjoy a traditional Finnish meal. At night step outside for some spectacular star gazing with the possibility of a show from the Northern Lights.

Itinerary
Day 1:
Bus transfer from airport to Arola farm (150 km).
Accommodation in a twin room
Light meal, meet the guide and other members of the group.

Day 2:
Breakfast. Introduction to the days programme. You get your warm winter clothing (shoes, overalls, hats and mittens). Introduction to your own husky team. Sledge dog driving and safety instruction. Training drive with your dog team (approx 20 km). Coffee break. Sledge dog handling and maintenance. Sauna at Martinselkonen wilderness lodge. Traditional smoked salmon dinner in a Lappish tepee.

Day 3:
Breakfast. Dog sledding 46 Km. Picnic lunch by the campfire. Sledge dog handling and maintenance. Sauna and dinner at the Raate wilderness log cabin.
Shared accommodation, one twin room for two persons and a large loft for five + people.

Day 4:
Breakfast. Dog sledding 32 Km (round trip). Lunch by the campfire. Sledge dog handling and maintenance. Sauna and dinner at Raate wilderness log cabin.

Day 5:
Breakfast. Dog sledding 46 Km. Lunch by the campfire. Sledge dog handling and maintenance. Sauna and dinner at Martinselkonen wilderness lodge.

Day 6:
Breakfast. Dog sledding 21 Km. Arrival at Arola farm. Lunch in the old farm house. Dog handling and maintenance. Accommodation and sauna at Arola farm. A fond farewell to your dog team. Farewell dinner in the farm house.

Day 7:
Breakfast. Transfer to airport (150Km)

Activity profile:
No experience is necessary, however you should have a reasonable level of fitness and be able to cope with the local climatic conditions. Personal travel insurance is also required.
Breakfast time is at 8 am. Before breakfast dog feeding and maintenance takes place. Mushing starts around 9.30 am. Lunch is on the trail by the warmth of a campfire. After arriving at the accommodation destination the musher teams will be fed. Coffee and tea break for two hours. Final feed for dogs. Sauna and wash before dinner, which is usually between seven and eight pm.

What to bring:

• Two sets of thermal underwear
• Warm fleece etc (middle layer)
• Fleece / soft shell jacket
• Sports socks and warm woollen socks (three sets)
• Scarf / neck warmer
• Indoor slippers
• Normal travelling shoes
• Comfortable hiking trousers and jacket
• Finger gloves
• Head lamp
• Camera
• Rucksack or bag to carry in the husky sledge (not to big)
• Thermos bottle
• Personal snacks
• Personal medicinal requirements

We supply you with:

• warm winter overalls (under the overall overall you should wear your own thermal underwear, comfortable trousers and fleece jacket).
• Warm winter boots
• Warm gloves and finger gloves for handling the dogs.

Come and join us at Vuokatti Husky for a truly unforgettable sledge dog adventure in the wilderness of the Vuokatti winter wonderland.

Tour departure dates: from the 1.2.2013 to the 1.4.2013
Group size: min. 4 – max. 7 persons
Price includes: transfers to and from airport, six nights accommodation, meals included. Five days driving with your own sledge dog team (4-6 huskies) and local experienced guides.
Equipment included: Thermal outdoor gear including overalls, boots, hats and gloves.
Price: on request