On Christian’s bucket list of things to do, was to ride in a sled on the snow, pulled by a team of huskies as a part of our Finland Experience. We booked the experience on the day that the timeslots became available, and we found out that a week later, it was fully booked. We decided to go with Bear Hill Husky Tours, because they had the best reviews. What a fantastic experience! From the coach transfer to the organised setup for the tour to the obvious love staff have for the dogs, everything was 5 star.

Bianca selected the combination tour called “Northern Exposure” for an 90 minute ride and then a tour of the kennels. I was delighted to find that the guest can drive (or ‘mush’) the sled!

Collection

We were collected from a local Hostel, only 3 minutes from our hotel (Rovaniemi town centre is not very big), and the mini-coach drove us about half an hour in to the wilderness.

The little coach was quite luxurious and comfortable, and we made one stop to pick up more passengers, and then we were transported to the forest for Bear Hill.

Once we were deep in the forest, we were taken to a timber cabin. This was the location to dress into cold weather clothes, gloves and boots. Fortunately, Bianca and I already had proper skiwear, and the temperature was +2⁰, so it was not too cold for us. If you are taking the same tour, the most important thing is to have warm and waterproof boots, because the ice and snow collects on your feet, and it gets cold on the 90 minute tour. You will also need thick gloves, related to rule number one below!

Once our small group was ready, we were given instruction on the three rules for driving the sled. These are:

1. Never let go, even if you fall off and are being dragged face-first over the ice. The dogs will keep going, and if you let go, they will get get faster because they are pulling less weight! The passenger then could get injured, as the dogs will just keep going and could pull the sled into a tree.
2. Use the brake for corners and going down hill. Keeping tension on the dogs harness will maintain control. Use the brake to avoid overtaking another sled, which will stop the dogs from getting entangled in each other.
3. Have fun and don’t do anything to upset the dogs. Shouting at them angrily, or even worse, letting the sled slide forwards and hit the dogs, will not only physically hurt them, but could also traumatise them.

Driving the sled

Once educated, it was our turn. As driver, and following instructions, Christian stood on the brake, and we were ready to go.

The dogs really know what they are doing, and were very excited to start. Leaping and barking, they pulled the sled from a standing start, the instant the brake was released. We were off at an exciting pace, and the dogs were desperate to get going.

Scenery

After a short path through the forest, we headed on to the frozen lake. Exiting the forest and sliding on to the lake was like bursting through the clouds. The dogs knew what to do, trotting slowly down the slight slope, and then opening up to a gallop as soon as they saw the open expanse in front of them.

Once on the open lake, there was not much chance of going wrong, with no trees to hit, no wrong turnings to make, and no bumps! Bianca was in the passenger seat, and the five dogs were following the group leader in front.

We followed the edge of the lake, taking in the forest scenery, dotted with the occasional summer cabin. There were red stakes – just like on a ski slope – to mark the edge of pathways.

One of the most amazing sights was the rare nacreous clouds that appeared over the lake. The “halo” clouds or “rainbow clouds” were irridescent colours of purple, green and pink.  The clouds hung around for most of the sunrise / sunset, so we saw them almost all day. When the sun popped over the horizon for about 30 minutes, the “fire clouds” got just a bit brighter. We were so lucky to see this. Locals tell us these are rarer than the Northern Lights!

After a while on the lake, our group leader stopped. This was the opportunity to swap drivers and passengers, and for the safety team (on a snowmobile) to take our photos. Our host was ‘Valentine’ – a Santa Claus like character who was the owner of the park and the 137 dogs.

Valentine was a fantastic guide who really explained everything. He was keen to explain the lineage of Alaskan Huskies, and why they are thinner looking than a Siberian Husky (the ones that are usually seen in Disney movies). He showed a lot of care for the dogs, and explained how he selects dogs to breed because of their speed and stamina, rather than for blue eyes and fluffy coat.

After our ride, we were given hot berry juice, a cuddle with the five dogs that pulled our sled, and some time to warm up in a teepee shaped cabin with an open fire.

It really was a bucket list, and amazing experience in our North European Tour that we will have as a wonderful memory for the rest of our lives.