Frequently Asked Questions

What is included within a Safari?

When you arrive at the farmhouse, an experienced guide greets you, checks you are dressed appropriately and walks you down to the farm, giving a tour along the way. The dogs wait on the starting line at the far end of the farm while you receive driving and safety instructions and a briefing about your chosen safari in our training area.

For safety, every safari is accompanied by one or two guides on snowmobiles (depending on the number of sledges), ready to intervene quickly if need be. We take breaks along the way so you can take photographs, change drivers, admire the scenery and do a 'comfort' check. Afterwards, you can learn more about life on the farm, the dogs and our activities.

Do I need prior experience of dogsledding?

No. We teach you everything you need to know. Most of our clients are driving a dog sled for the first time and all manage fine - whether old or young, heavy or light. No previous experience of arctic living, dog sledding or skiing is required to enjoy mushing. If you would prefer to simply be a passenger, or have children who need a guide, this can be arranged on our shorter safaris with some notice.

What should I wear?

Unless you are doing one of our longer safaris (our multiday safaris all include clothing and boots), you will often be fine in your own winter clothing when driving with the dogs. At the start of the safari, guides check your clothing and equipment for suitability and will recommend hiring better gear if yours isn't sufficient. If a guide 'recommends' changing your footwear, they really mean it is the safest option for you. Hire kit and clothing is available if you wish.

How cold does it get on safari?

It is generally very cold on safari, but it shouldn't feel too extreme as we have gear suitable for the conditions available to rent. In December, January and February the expected daytime temperature is between minus 5C and minus 30C, often falling to minus 40C at night. In March we expect minus 5C to minus 15C, and by April spring is in the air with temperatures of zero to minus 5C.

How many dogs will be in my team and how fast do they run?

Teams generally consist of 4 to 6 dogs for solo sleighs and 5 to 10 for sleighs carrying two or more people, based on experience, weight and strength. During a safari we work hard to maintain a steady speed of about 10km per hour, for the safety of dogs and clients alike. That said, it is rare to leave the farm at under 25km per hour, so be prepared for a rush of adrenaline from the moment of departure.

Will I see the Northern Lights on a night-time safari?

This region has the highest rate of occurrence of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in Finland, visible on average three out of four nights during the dark season in clear weather. Your chances are good, but we cannot guarantee a brilliant display on our night-time products. If you are unlucky, don't despair - there is still nothing quite like running through the wilderness by night with your trusted team of dogs.

Who will guide us and in what language?

Anna, Pasi or one of the Hetta Husky lead guides will greet and guide you, and we try to match the staff accompanying you to your language requirements. Our team normally includes fluent (native) Finnish, English, German and French speakers, and fairly often Dutch/Flemish, Spanish and Russian speakers. Please let us know your language requirements in advance so we can try to staff accordingly.