Dog Sled Safari
A Dog Sled Safari along the Russian Frontier
This is one of the great Dog Sled Safari's in Finland. Click on this link to see this holiday featured in the Guardian
Dog Sledding
Is an experience you will never forget. You will not believe the deafening silence of the snow encrusted wilderness where the sound of civilisation cannot penetrate. The cold will nip your nose, the dogs will break your heart and the crisp night sky goes on forever.
Our base is a luxurious lodge located 1,5 km from the Finnish - Russian border in the pristine wilderness of Kuusamo region of Finland, just a few miles south of the arctic circle. This is a remote part of Finland with only 18,000 inhabitants of which half live in the city. Bear, wolf, lynx and wolverine are all found along the Russian border and are more prolific in this region as many are crossing over from Russia. The border zone is a hunting free area where wild animals can retreat to safety. Elk, reindeer and an assortment of wild birds will almost certainly be sighted as we sled along the border.
If you are looking for somewhere well off the beaten track with very few tourist where you will experience very good personal service - then this is your winter retreat.
The main lodge is situated in the center of large fenced compound. The ground level has three double guest rooms. There is a large traditional Lappish stone fireplace in the main Takkahuone*. Adjoining the takkahuone there is a wood burning sauna for 10 persons and a double shower complex. The first floor of the lodge is the main meeting and socialising area of the Border Inn. Here you will find the bar/restaurant with seating for 18 at the Kelo** wood table and 4 at the bar.
The guest cabin is situated 200 metres from the main lodge outside the compound. It is built with 9-inch Finnish red wood logs and is equipped to a very high standard. Downstairs there is a double bedroom, sauna and shower, cooking facilities and a traditional Lappish fireplace. Upstairs is open plan with 3 double beds and one single bed.
Flights
We are able book flights for you or you may prefer to book them yourself. The nearest airport is Kuusamo and we will meet you from the airportt to take you to the lodge. It is advisable to book early to make sure you get a seat (but we do advise that you have confirmed with us your place on the holiday before you book a flight).
The Dogs
There are 64 dogs, 50 working dogs and five house dogs. The working dogs are a mix of Siberian huskies and Alaskan huskies and there are even some Arctic huskies crossed with Irish setter. In the gold rush times in North America sled dogs were the best and most common form of transportation. From delivering the mail to transporting gold diggers and their equipment. In those days a sled dog was considered to be any dog that pulled a sled and could cope with the severe winter. Normally a European hunting or working dog was crossed with local Inuit dogs. A standard misconception is that the Siberian husky is the true and traditional husky that worked in the gold rush times, in fact the Siberian husky was brought over from Siberia nearer the end of the mad gold rush period and was intended to be used in racing as they were smaller and lighter with great stamina for long distance. Whereas the local dogs had been used for years to pull heavy loads long distance. Very soon more people started to use Siberians but in larger numbers. As before the mushers would have smaller teams of 5 – 7 dogs. Most North American racers now use what we call Alaskans, which is a mix of old style breeds with Siberians etc. Basically again any dog that pulls a sled (fast), but that can cope with the extreme weather conditions.
All the working dogs live outside in large fenced kennels. They have between 2 and 13 dogs in each kennel and this lets them interact with each other and act much more like a pack. The dogs are fed once per day. In winter they feed an average about 300 g of top quality sled dog dry food and 250 g of meat/fish per dog. If they are out on a long tour they also feed snacks during the day to the dogs.
You do not need to be super fit to dog sled, you need a sense of balance and a good sense of humour. The start are an exciting time, with up to 6 teams of dogs staining to to be on there way, the sled is tied to a tree and when it is your turn you slip the knot and whoosh - don't worry - the snow is soft and there is always somebody to catch a musherless team!!
The Husky Safari
Sunday
Arrive Kuusamo via Helsinki and transfer by taxi to the lodge. Sauna and briefing on the safari.
Monday
Meet the dogs and take a 20km training dog sled tour to enable you to learn our dogs names and develop a working rapport with your dogs.
Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/Friday
You will depart on a three/four day wilderness dog sled safari. Travelling north along the Russian Frontier you will cover between 30-40km per day with the sled. The scenery is breathtaking and if the dogs catch sight of an elk or a reindeer then the pace can also be breathtaking, but with well trained dogs and guides a simple command and the dogs will continue on the correct trail without any mishaps. Stops along the route will be made for photographs and snacks and rests for the dogs.
Evenings will be spent in wilderness cabins along the trail. The hut used on the first night is also used on the third night and has no electricity but has a wood burning sauna, an open fire and a lake nearby to get water and to take an ice swim (not compulsory!!) The other cabin is more modern with electricity and running water.
Saturday
After returning to the lodge on Friday evening and relaxing in the sauna, today you can either be a relaxation day or at minimal extra cost (€150 per snowmobile) you can take a four hour snowmobile tour stopping for lunch by an open fire. You can also try x-country ski or snowshoe. There is some a down hill skiing/snowboarding close by , the ski/boot/board rental is not included.
Sunday
Transfer to Kuusamo airport for return flights.
Snowmobiles
We have two types of snowmobile. Single seaters and twin seaters. The single seaters are Arctic Cat 370 Z´s. They are light and easy to manoeuvre. Top speed is about 100 km/h and they weigh just over 200 kg.
The twin seaters are Polaris 440 Sport Touring. They have larger engines and are heavier by about 50 kg. There top speed is over 120 km/h. Driving on the frozen lakes is easier with these heavier models, but it is more difficult to manoeuvre these in the forest.
Anyone who drives a snowmobile must sign an own risk form which states that you are liable if you damage the machine upto €450.
Equipment
You will be provided with all extreme weather equipment. This includes winter suits which will keep you warm even at - 40C Boot's, gloves, hats, safety helmets for the snowmobile, sleeping bags etc. are also provided. Bring with you whatever you would take on any winter holiday and we will take care of the rest. Here are some tips:
Fleece clothing is very warm, light and dries faster than other products. Good quality thermal underwear, top + bottom. Wool or extreme weather socks. If you have your own winter jacket or suit feel free to bring this with you and we can check it for suitability. If you prefer to buy your own boots then we recommend Sorrel big horns or Dominators. Good winter gloves are also important, but mittens are better suited for driving dogs.
Battery operated equipment has to be carried on your person so should be kept to a minimum; also battery life is severely decreased in extreme cold conditions with lithium far out-performing other types of battery.
Food and Drink
You will enjoy a very active, outdoors lifestyle during your stay. At the end of a long tour, a sauna, change of clothes, an aperitif at the bar followed by a first rate meal provides the perfect end to a perfect day.
We use the best of the local produce – mainly fish and game – and keep the bar fully stocked to help ease away any aches and pains and to fuel some story telling around the fireplace.
Whilst we highly recommend the traditional menus we fully respect individual requirements – just let us know in advance.
On this holiday you are on the arctic circle so from mid-December until early January the sun does not rise but the twilight's have an incredible fantastic purplish light. However in late February/early March you will have about 12 hours of daylight. The temperature is likely to be between -5ºC to - 15ºC and if the nights are clear you have a good chance of seeing the northern lights.
The cost includes transfers to and from Kuusamo airport, all meals, accommodation guiding, six dog team per person, specialist clothing.
We can arrange this holiday for groups of up to 5 people or for individuals or couples for any dates from early December to the end of April.
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Please contact us if you would like more information on this holiday.
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|  Dog Sled Safari5 days dog sledding - optional activity day. This trip can be arranged for any week from Mid December to mid April (Sunday to Sunday). Accommodation/Meals Experience Required
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