Lapland Husky Holiday One-To-One
Interested in winter multi-activity including dog sledding? See Experience Lapland
Not sure which of our dogsled tours is best for you? Compare our range of dog sledding holidays in Sweden here.
Photo: B.Willen
Photos: 1,2,4-7:B.Willen; 3:Will Woodhouse
Scientists predict that the Northern Lights in Sweden this winter will be the strongest for 50 years, making it the ideal time for a winter holiday in Lapland!
The perfect winter holiday for dog lovers seeking a combination of adventure and comfort, Lapland Husky Holiday One-To-One gives you your very own husky to care for and to accompany you on your adventures in the beautiful Lapland winter landscape. Huskies may be powerful and resilient, but they also are extremely friendly, affectionate and loving, and you will find your dog quickly finds a very special place in your heart!
Every day brings a fresh discovery on this winter multi-activity adventure. Assisted by your husky, you will go kick-sledding, snowshoeing and "skijoring" (skiing with a four-footed twist!) with your new friend as you work closely together and learn more about each other, stopping in the wilderness to have lunch prepared over open fire. You'll even learn how to give your husky a Shiatsu massage! The week also includes a day's dogsled tour into the beautiful Kaitum Nature Reserve with your husky as part of the team.
As each day's activities draw to a close, you return to the comfort and warmth of the Lodge for sauna and dinner together (after taking care of your husky of course!). One night is spent at the Wilderness Camp on the banks of the frozen river Kalix, which you travel to on skis or snowshoes with your husky assisting by taking your personal belongings on a "pulk", or sled.
With its combination of private accommodation, good food and accessible adventure, Lapland Husky Holiday One-To-One is the ideal choice for solo travellers, couples or families, offering a higher standard of comfort and cuisine than would be possible on a dedicated dogsled tour while maintaining the very special attraction of working closely with the dogs that makes a husky holiday such a unique, exhilarating and rewarding experience.
NB: Please note that the order activities below is subject to change. Other guests at the Lodge may also be taking part in each day's activities.
Arrival at Kiruna airport or Kiruna station. You will be met for transfer (approx. one hour) to the comfortable Lodge which will be your base for the week. There is opportunity for sauna each night at the Lodge - if time permits, you will have your first chance to experience this very special Swedish tradition on your arrival day.
After check-in to your accommodation, you will given your warm winter clothing and meet your hosts for information about the husky week ahead.
You will begin to learn about the dogs from your local guide, including how to interpret what your four-legged friend will be telling you and the other dogs during your week together and what makes huskies the perfect sled dogs. You will then go the husky kennels to meet the dogs and choose your very own husky for the week. You will be taking care of your husky during your stay, helping to clean and feed them (as much or as little as you wish) and becoming close friends during your time in Lapland. You begin by taking a walk together through the winter landscape - the first steps in building a relationship with your dog! After lunch you can continue to explore the area with your dog if you wish or try your hand at cross country skiing or snowshoeing in the surrounding forests.
A traditional kick-sled is a fun and effective way to get around in wintertime. Today you will take your husky on a tour along prepared trails in the beautiful area surrounding the Lodge, stopping in the wilderness to prepare a lunch of grilled sausages together over open fire.
Being a working sled dog is a very physical job, and just like humans, huskies can get tired and stiff muscles after exercise. You will be taught about Shiatsu massage for dogs before trying the treatment on your own huskies. Massage is a wonderful way to bond further with your husky, and they love it every bit as much as humans!
Today you will discover the thrill of driving your own dogsled. After instruction on how to handle your sled and dog team (3-6 dogs per team, which will of course include "your" husky!), you will take a tour through the beautiful Kaitum Nature Reserve. Sleds will be shared one per two persons, with one person driving and the other as a passenger. You will change positions several times throughout the day. Opportunities for children to try driving their own sled depend on factors such as age, size and strength - your local guide will advise on the most suitable possibilities.
You will stop along the way for lunch over open fire in the winter silence before returning to the Lodge. Tour duration approx. 4-5 hours.
After buffet breakfast, it's time to explore the areausing snowshoes and/or skis depending on your preference. In the deep snows of a Lapland winter, your husky can assist you to move more easily through the now and enjoy the stunning beauty of the winter forests and frozen lakes. You may well see tracks and signs of wildlife clearly in the snow. Depending on the time of year you are visiting, the landscape may be bathed in the magical blue glow of deep midwinter or the birds may be singing with promise of the coming spring.
If you wish, you can also try your hand at "skijoring", being pulled on skis by your husky along the trails. This requires some balance and getting used to, and will be easiest for those with some previous experience on skis, but is enormous fun and brings a whole new dimension to skiing!
You will return to the Lodge for lunch and in your husky will pull a small sled (or "pulk") with your personal equipment to the Wilderness Camp, while you travel on skis or snowshoes. The Wilderness Camp is situated on the banks of the river Kalix, offering comfortable heated accommodation ensuring you will stay cozy whatever the temperature outside!
On arrival you can warm up with coffee and traditional snacks before together preparing for overnight. The camp has wood-heated sauna, an ideal way to relax after the day's adventures! Dinner is served in the wilderness restaurant. Overnight accommodation in cabins sleeping 2-5 persons.
NB: For skiing and snowshoeing activities, sleds are available for children not able to do the whole activity to be pulled by an adult.
After your night at the Wilderness Camp, you will harness your dog, pack the pulk and return to the Lodge. After lunch, you have the afternoon free to enjoy as you choose - you may like to take your husky on another skijoring or snowshoeing tour or simply relax in the sauna. There are also optional extra activities available (at additional charge payable locally), such as extra dogsled tour, snowmobiling or ice fishing.
It is time to say goodbye to your husky - after spending the week together, you should have become close friends and there may well be some tears! The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, newly-constructed each year using ice from the Torne River, is world famous, and during your transfer to Kiruna for departure you will make a stop here for a tour of its rooms individually sculpted by ice. You should plan departure from Kiruna not earlier than 14.00.
Start days Sundays or Mondays.
Groups of min. 4 persons can book tours at standard prices (minimum charge of the cost for 4 adults) on other dates by arrangement up to end April.
Prices are in British Pounds. If you wish, you are also welcome to make your payment by bank transfer in Euros or Swedish Kronor. If this would be of interest, please let us know and we will be happy to provide prices.
*Family rooms accommodate a family of up to 4 persons.
Accommodation in comfortable private rooms at the Lodge, with en-suite or shared WC/shower depending on option chosen. The Lodge has sauna which you are welcome to use each night.
Wilderness Camp on Day 5 has shared accommodation in simple cabins 2-5 persons (sleeping accommodation is not private on this night). The cabins are heated. The camp has limited electric power from solar and wind. Dry outside wilderness toilet.
Full board. All meals from dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day. Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements.
Return transfer between Kiruna airport or Kiruna station and the Lodge (transfer time approx. 1 hour). NB: Participants arriving on a particular start day will be transferred together. Depending on travel arrangements for participants, there may therefore be waiting time of up to 3 hours in Kiruna before transfer.
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase at the Lodge).
You should be in general good health and enjoy the outdoors in winter. No previous dog sledding or skiing experience required.
This is experience is suitable for both adults and families. Minimum age 6 years.
A detailed recommended equipment list will be sent with your booking confirmation.
NB: We advise you not to buy equipment or clothes for your trip or to incur other non-refundable expenses such as flights until you have received confirmation of your booking from us in writing.
Minimum total 2 participants for tours to be confirmed to run.
This experience is ideal for solo travellers, couples, families and groups or friends. Maximum group size 12 persons for each activity. There may also be other guests involved in different activities staying at the Lodge during your stay.
Groups of min. 4 persons can book tours at standard prices on other dates by arrangement up to end April.
This provider has a written environmental policy.
Detailed information on travel options will be sent with your booking documentation. We are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey.
Fly to Stockholm then onward to Kiruna by night train or domestic flight connection. Transfer from Kiruna airport or train station is included.
Ferry from Harwich to Esbjerg (Denmark) for onward train connections to Kiruna.
Bushcraft and outdoor cooking for all ages based at an organic farm.
A lakeside tipi holiday for families or adults with optional activities on land and water.
A challenging wilderness canoeing adventure for experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
A true wilderness expedition into the untamed mountains of Sarek National Park.
Sea kayaking and wild camping in a UNESCO World Heritage area.
A husky holiday combining dog sledding and ice fishing from tipi base.
Choose your own husky for a comfortable winter adventure together in the frozen north.
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