How to Ride a Husky Sled

5 cool facts about dog sledding Finland and beyond

When the semi-nomadic Chukchi people from Siberia wanted to increase their reach in their ancient hunting grounds 3000 years ago, they bred the perfect sled dog. The animal they bred, known for its endurance, a high tolerance to cold, and ability to survive on hardly any food, is the husky we know and love today. They're amazing.

- Every husky pack has a pack leader who shows the way, a specially trained animal with natural good behaviour

  - Siberian Huskies are particularly tough. They'll happily work at temperatures as low as 75 degrees Fahrenheit below zero... incredibly cold

- These dogs adore the cold, the snow, the landscapes. But they can still get frostbite, which is why the mushers keep such a close eye on them. If they get too cold, the dogs are taken somewhere warm to rest

- How do they stay warm? Huskies have a thick double coat consisting of a short undercoat and a longer overcoat, which together trap the heat. Their fur is water resistant and their almond-shaped eyes are great for squinting against the white snow.

- To stay cosy they sleep with their tails wrapped around their faces

 
Huskies poop on the run, so stay clear of passing sleds just in case!

Dog sledding Finland – How a husky sledge works

Most of the time you'll find there are two people to each sledge. One drives, the other relaxes and enjoys the ride. You can easily change positions en route and take turns driving and watching.

  - As the driver it's vital to keep both feet on the runners and both hands on the handlebar. As the driver you can't take photos, or use your phone, or point at things, or get distracted in any way. Our guides will teach you three important signals.

 - One hand straight up in the air – This means you must stop. You bring your sledge to a halt by standing on the metal brake at the back of the sledge using both feet.

 - One hand moving up and down – This means let's go. To get going you release the brake slowly. If your sledge doesn't move forwards, give it a little push but keep the other foot on the runner.

 - One arm waving up and down to the side  – This means slow down. Use the brake with just one foot, keeping a safe distance of 5-10 metres between the first dog, the one leading the pack.

 - If you want to change drivers, the current driver needs to stand on the brake with both feet. The passenger stands up and joins the driver on the brake, at which point the new passenger sits down. As a driver you need to stand on the brake until you get the 'let's go' signal.

What will you see on husky sledding holidays?

Dog sledding can be a quick around-the-block experience or an all-day adventure in the icy wilds. The farther you get from civilisation the more dramatic the landscape gets, a place rich in icebergs the size of skyscrapers, vast plains whose edges you can't see, forests that seem to go on forever. This is the real, unspoiled Arctic Circle, the land of the midnight sun, and it's like nowhere else on earth. Because dog sledding is often nice and slow and leisurely, you have all the time you need to soak up the landscape.

How fit do you need to be?

Most people pick sledding up pretty quickly, it's fairly simple. And you don't need to be particularly strong or fit. Our experts will match your strength up with the right number of dogs, making your life easy.

What clothing should you wear?

First, things to avoid. Don't wear any of these, you won't be anywhere near warm enough:

 Cotton, tight layers, tennis shoes, sneakers, trainers or uninsulated boots, any type of shoe, and boots without a good grip. Also avoid jeans, sweat pants, ordinary leggings, short-sleeved shirts and skirts

This is the kind of clothing you need to stay properly warm and comfy:

- Clothes made from wool, fleece, silk, down, polypropylene or Gore-Tex

- Long thermal underwear with fleecy trousers and top over them

- A down jacket or really warm Gore-Tex one, something both water and windproof, insulated, with a good hood. Fur around the hood helps a lot!

- Waterproof, windproof, breathable trousers

- Medium to thick wool socks

- Proper winter boots, preferably rated for -30C temperatures – not too tight, not too loose

- A hat or scarf for your face and neck, covering your ears

- Insulated gloves or mittens, plus a lighter pair of windproof gloves for driving the dogs with

- Ski goggles or shades, sunscreen and lip protection

Inspired? Then book a magical husky sledding experience with us now!