Become a Musher – 5-day winter immersion at a husky farm
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationNorway / Tromsø and its region
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AgeFrom 16 - 70 years
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CO₂-Emissions174.55 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
French
German
Norwegian
Danish
In a few words
Immerse yourself in the daily life of a musher and discover life with sled dogs during a 5-day winter adventure in the heart of northern Norway. This trip is designed for those who want to go beyond a simple dogsled ride and experience a true connection with a pack of huskies – without sacrificing comfort!
You will stay in a cozy, century-old wooden chalet, located right next to the dogs, and participate daily in essential tasks: feeding the pack, maintenance, harnessing, preparing the sleds, and caring for the animals. You will learn the basics of dog sledding and will set off daily on a dog sled through forests, snow-covered valleys, frozen lakes, and Arctic pastures, depending on the weather conditions and the group's energy level.
The experience takes place in a small group, in a friendly and supportive atmosphere, fostering learning and interaction. At the end of the day, you'll return to the comfort of the chalet, enjoy a delicious meal and the sauna, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
No prior experience with dog sledding is necessary. You just need to love animals, be curious, and ready to get involved!
The highlights
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A complete immersion into the daily life of a musher, alongside a pack of huskies.
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Dog sledding every day and learning the basics of dog sledding
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Small group stay in a cozy chalet, with sauna and overnight stay in a mountain refuge
Photos
Sport
Level
Mushing
A dog sledding activity accessible to everyone, from beginners to experienced mushers. The sled team, route, and level of supervision are tailored to individual ability, conditions, and goals. Enjoy a safe experience, whether you are discovering the sport, progressing, or honing your skills.
The expert's opinion
This trip is suitable for beginners and requires no prior experience with dog sledding.
Comprehensive training is offered from the start of the stay: preparing the dog teams, driving the sled, basic commands, safety, and dog care. Each participant progresses at their own pace and benefits from personalized support throughout the week.
The days are spent primarily outdoors in arctic winter conditions. Good general physical fitness is recommended, but the emphasis is on learning, discovery, and immersion in the daily life of a professional kennel rather than on athletic performance.
This trip is for travelers wishing to have an authentic experience with dogs, discover the profession of musher and gradually gain autonomy in a safe and friendly environment.
In figures
Dog sledding ride
- Average duration/day: 4h30
Management
Espen is a true Northern Norwegian, shaped by a lifetime spent in the Arctic. With over 40 years of experience in dog sledding, skiing, and trekking, he moves through the wilderness with a quiet confidence born of a deep understanding of the land. A five-time participant in the legendary Finnmark race, Espen possesses an exceptional gift for interpreting the terrain, the weather, and the spirit of the dogs, perceiving their energy, their limits, and their rhythm as if they were speaking to him. Raised amidst the traditions of reindeer herding and the Sami people, he learned early on the importance of patience, respect for animals, and listening to nature rather than trying to control it. Whether leading dog sledding expeditions in winter or exploring remote landscapes in summer, Espen's reassuring presence inspires confidence and grounds his guests in the Arctic wilderness, connecting them profoundly to its environment.
A true Northern Norwegian at heart, Asbjørn has been shaped by years of guiding in some of the most remote regions of the Arctic. With Arctic guiding training from Alta University of Technology and extensive experience in Norway, Svalbard, Sweden, and Canada, he brilliantly combines quiet confidence, a profound knowledge of the wilderness, and an exceptional talent for dog training. From managing large kennels to training racing teams and leading multi-day expeditions, Asbjørn analyzes terrain, weather, and dogs with remarkable precision. Grounded in reality, competent, and deeply connected to nature, he is the kind of guide you instinctively trust, the one who feels most at home far from the roads, in the heart of the Far North.
The trips are led by a team of professional guides who live and work with the dogs year-round. Their role is to teach the basics of mushing, support each participant's progress, and ensure a safe, authentic, and friendly experience.
Beyond simply driving the sled, the guides share their daily lives, their knowledge of the dogs, the Arctic wilderness, and Nordic culture. The goal is not only to learn how to drive a dog sled team, but also to understand the bond between mushers and their dogs.
The groups are intentionally small in size to encourage interaction, learning and personalized support.
Program
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Arrival in the heart of the Arctic
- Transportation Car - 00h30 - 25km
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival at Bardufoss Airport or the bus station, followed by a 30-minute transfer to our small husky farm. Settle into the house, enjoy a welcome hot drink, and meet the dogs for the first time. In the late afternoon, meet the team, learn about the expedition itinerary, and experience our nomadic lifestyle. Enjoy a friendly dinner at the farm and spend the night in a single or shared room.
Day 1 -
Handling and training with harnesses
- Activity Dog sledding ride
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we feed the dogs together and then learn the basics of mushing: harnesses, lines, sled driving, braking, safety, and communication with the dogs. We take a training sled ride around the farm to get acquainted with our team and the feeling of gliding. Each participant begins to bond with their team of 4 to 6 dogs. The afternoon is dedicated to checking equipment, explaining possible routes, and preparing bags and sleds. We review everyone's gear and add any necessary items. Dinner and overnight stay at the farm.
Day 2 -
At the heart of a musher's life on a husky farm
- Activity Dog sledding ride
- Duration of the activity 5h per day
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
During your days at the husky farm, you'll immerse yourself in the daily life of a musher and share in the life of the pack. Each morning begins with feeding the dogs, grooming them, and preparing the sleds before setting off on a dogsled ride through snow-covered forests, valleys, frozen lakes, and Arctic pastures. You'll gradually learn to harness, drive, brake, and communicate with your team, all while developing a strong bond with your dogs. The routes vary daily depending on the weather and the group's energy, offering a wide variety of landscapes. Lunch breaks are enjoyed around a campfire in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The afternoon can be spent with the dogs, learning about the theory behind the dogs (behavior, feeding, training), or simply relaxing. At the end of the day, return to our cozy chalets for a good meal, a comforting sauna and discussions about life in the Far North, sometimes with the chance to observe the Northern Lights.
Days 3 to 5 -
Final goodbye to the dogs and departure
- Transportation Car - 00h30 - 26km
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Breakfast, final goodbye to the dogs, and transfer back to Bardufoss, airport or bus station.
Day 6
Note
This trip is for those seeking nature, a change of scenery, and activity, without sacrificing comfort. Based at our husky farm, it combines immersion in the Arctic wilderness, learning to mushing, and returning each evening to a cozy cabin. Located far from any light pollution, the farm offers excellent chances of seeing the Northern Lights on clear nights. Each day begins with caring for the dogs and preparing the sled teams, before setting off on a dogsled journey along varied routes around the farm: snow-covered forests, silent valleys, frozen lakes, and open plateaus. The program is intentionally flexible to adapt to weather conditions and the group's skill level. Participants gradually learn to drive their own team, brake, steer, and understand husky behavior. This trip is suitable for both beginners and experienced sledders who want to enjoy an authentic experience at the dogs' pace. The days combine moderate physical activity, exploration, contemplation, and time spent chatting around the fire. At the end of the day, return to the chalet for a convivial dinner, followed by a hot sauna to relax your muscles. A truly refreshing Nordic adventure, with adorable dogs, all while maintaining a comfortable level of hospitality!
Accommodation
In the heart of our sled dog farm, in a preserved valley in northern Norway, you will stay in an authentic log house dating back more than 150 years.
Surrounded by forests, rivers, and mountains, this former family farm offers a unique immersion into the daily life of the Far North. The dogs live a few steps from the house, and travelers share the rhythm of life of our small family team for a few days.
The house combines the charm of traditional Norwegian architecture with modern comfort: warm spaces, Scandinavian furniture, a wood-burning stove and views of the surrounding nature.
Far from the major tourist centers, we favour small groups, human encounters and an authentic discovery of Arctic Norway.
Access
Bardufoss Airport (BDU), located approximately 20 minutes from the farm, provides the easiest access for this stay.
It is also possible to arrive via Tromsø (TOS) or Harstad/Narvik Evenes (EVE). From Tromsø and Narvik, regular bus services connect to Buktamoen, where we pick up participants.
We remain available before your departure to advise you on the most suitable flights, connections and public transport from your country of origin.
Go to the starting point
The nearest train station is in Narvik, which is connected daily to the Swedish rail network.
It is possible to reach Narvik by train from Stockholm via Kiruna and Abisko, a comfortable and more environmentally friendly option for reaching northern Scandinavia.
From Narvik, bus connections then allow you to reach Buktamoen, where we can arrange your pick-up.
Bardufoss Airport (BDU), located approximately 20 minutes from the farm, provides the easiest access for this stay. Airport transfers are included.
It is also possible to arrive via Tromsø (TOS) or Harstad/Narvik Evenes (EVE). Regular bus services connect to Buktamoen, where we pick up participants.
We remain available before your departure to advise you on the most suitable flights and connections from your country of origin.
Free parking is available directly at the farm.
From Tromsø, the drive takes approximately 2 hours. From Narvik, it takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. The roads are generally well-maintained in winter, but winter tires are essential.
Precise GPS coordinates and the latest access information are provided before departure.
Price details
The price includes
- Return transfers to/from Bardufoss Airport or the bus station
- Accommodation and full board for the entire duration of the stay (farm chalet, mountain huts or expedition tent)
- Supervision by an experienced guide, collective safety equipment
- Your sled and team shared with another participant, with 4 to 6 dogs
- Training in dog sledding, dog care, and basic mushing techniques
- Use of all necessary equipment for the dogs (harnesses, lines, sleds)
The price does not include
- International/domestic flights to Tromsø or Bardufoss
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal equipment and additional equipment not included in the basic equipment
- Personal expenses
- Travel and repatriation insurance
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- ski mask
- camera
- thermos
Clothing to bring
Warm wool and fleece clothing for the upper and lower body, and thermal base layers
The Delphine team
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