Other FAQs

Our FAQs gathered in one place — the most common safari questions (accommodation, food, experience, fitness, temperatures, safety and the northern lights), booking questions (insurance, cancellation, group sizes, languages) and kit & clothing guidance.

One-stop combined safari, booking and kit FAQ reference
Cancellation: 45+ days 90% refund; 45–20 days 50%; <20 days none
Min. 2 pax (2–3 day tours) / 4 pax (longer); max. 6 (up to 8 by request)
Solo teams of 4–6 dogs; up to c. 40km per day at c. 10km/h
Temperatures from -5C in April down to -40C nights in deep winter
Includes a sled-dog and polar-exploration reading list

Kit & clothing in brief

We supply extreme-climate thermal snowsuits and snow boots for our multiday tours (and they can be hired for shorter tours). Layering is key — multiple thin layers of wool or synthetic, never cotton. Start with one or two sets of thermal underwear, add mid layers (Polartec 100, powerstretch or merino) and at least one thicker insulating layer (Polartec 200/300, Thinsulate or primaloft). We issue snowmobile suits as the outer layer and sallopettes for the legs. Choose snowboots several sizes too large to allow for multiple sock layers and air circulation; bring 2–3 pairs of thin inner 'magic' gloves for handling the dogs and two thicknesses of hat. Jeans (cotton) are NOT OK.

Booking, cancellation & group sizes

EU travellers should hold an E111 plus insurance specifically covering dog sledding. Cancellation no later than 45 days prior to departure: 90% refund on total cost; 45 to 20 days prior: 50% refunded; 20 to 0 days prior or failure to meet up: no refund.

For the 2 and 3 day safaris, 2 people are needed at minimum; for anything longer, a minimum of 4. Most wilderness cabins accommodate 6 individuals (the maximum on individually booked tours), with larger family groups up to 8 accepted upon request. Private tours are charged for a minimum of 4 pax in the non-peak season and 6 pax in peak season. Guides speak fluent Finnish, English, German and French (and often Dutch/Flemish, Spanish and Russian).

On safari: dogs, distance, food & accommodation

Teams generally consist of 4 to 6 dogs for solo sleighs. We choose teams using a computerised distance-tracking system. We try to maintain a steady safari speed of about 10km per hour, rarely leaving the farm at under 25km per hour, and generally do not ask the dogs to run much more than 40km a day.

The cabins are a mixture of traditional Lappish kotas and typical Finnish holiday cabins, with a few high-tundra Alpine-style refuges. All meals are included: breakfast of bread, porridge/muesli, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and jam; lunch of bread, sandwiches and soups; and a guide-coordinated dinner. Special diets accommodated with notice.

Experience, fitness & conditions

No prior experience is required — the guides teach you everything, with the key rule being never to let go of your team. Most moderately active people manage fine; a reasonable level of fitness, concentration and balance are the key attributes. You'll feel tired and sore after the first full day but feel like a professional after two or three.

In December–February daytime temperatures run -5C to -30C (nights to -40C); March -5C to -15C; April 0 to -5C. This region has the highest rate of Northern Lights occurrence in Finland — visible on average three out of four clear nights during the dark season.

Kit & clothing in brief

Booking, cancellation & group sizes

On safari: dogs, distance, food & accommodation

Experience, fitness & conditions

Recommended reading