Ultimate Guide to Mushing: Exploring the Sleddog Route in Finnish Lapland

Welcome back to my blog! Today, I’m thrilled to share the exhilarating journey of our five-day mushing adventure based out of Äkäskero, a quaint village nestled 50 kilometers west of Kittilä, Finland. At the end of this post, be sure to check out the video that showcases the routes we took during our tour. ⬇️ ?

The Camp:
Our home base at Äkäskero, set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes, was more than just a starting point for our mushing adventure—it was a center bustling with outdoor activities. Nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland, the dog camp at Äkäskero has evolved into a prime destination for those seeking a blend of nature and adrenaline. Other Activities than mushing:

• Ski-Do (Snowmobiles)
• Cross-country skiing
• Snowshoe Trekking
• Walking / Hiking

The log cabin accommodation was quintessentially rustic and cozy, equipped with three double rooms, which fostered a communal and friendly atmosphere. The shared living room and kitchen area were perfect spots for evening gatherings, where we shared meals and stories from the day’s exploits. With two showers and toilets, it catered well to our group’s needs, ensuring comfort despite the remote location.

As we were a party of seven, we had the luxury of having an entire cabin to ourselves, creating a sense of privacy and exclusivity. For those traveling solo or as a couple, the camp’s arrangements promote camaraderie, as individuals or pairs are integrated into other groups. This setup not only enhances the social experience but also ensures that everyone has companions on the trail, which is limited to a maximum of seven people to maintain a quality experience.

A unique feature of the camp was the outdoor whirlpool, a heavenly retreat after a long day’s ride. There’s nothing quite like soaking in warm, bubbling water while surrounded by a snow-draped forest—an experience that truly epitomized the magic of Lapland. This luxurious touch added an element of relaxation to our adventure-packed days, blending the ruggedness of mushing with the comfort of modern amenities.

?? Requirements for the Sledging Tours: ??‍♂️
Embarking on a mushing tour through the stunning landscapes of Finnish Lapland is an adventure that calls for enthusiasm and a basic level of physical fitness. While the activity does not demand any specialized skills, being in good physical condition is essential to fully enjoy and safely participate in the journey.

The physical demands of mushing are moderate but integral to the experience. Most of the journey is spent on the sled’s runners, gliding over the snow-covered terrain. However, it’s not all passive riding; active participation is crucial. During ascents, you’ll need to assist your team of dogs by getting off the sled to run alongside and push, helping to propel the sled forward. This not only lightens the load for the dogs but also adds an exhilarating physical element to the tour.

Descending presents its own challenges, requiring you to employ strength and dexterity. You’ll need to engage the sled’s brake system effectively to manage speed and ensure safety, which demands good physical strength and balance. Maneuvering the sled also requires a steady hand and a keen sense of stability, especially on steeper or more slippery slopes.

If you have experience in skiing or cross-country skiing, you’ll find it beneficial on the trails. These skills translate well to mushing, as they involve similar movements and balance techniques. Skiers often find they can more naturally adjust to the rhythm and demands of controlling a sled, though this is not a requirement for participation.

Overall, while mushing is accessible to many and does not require specific expertise, a good level of fitness enhances the experience, ensuring you can comfortably meet the physical aspects of the adventure. This preparation allows you to immerse fully in the beauty and thrill of sledding through Lapland, making the most of this unique and unforgettable outdoor activity.

The Guides: The Unsung Heroes of Lapland
The guides, mainly from Central Europe and fluent in both English and German, played a crucial role in ensuring a safe and unforgettable experience. They don’t stay in the camp but live in nearby villages, yet their dedication is palpable—they’re the backbone of the mushing experience, guiding, teaching, and sometimes even rescuing us from our own mishaps!

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Day 1: Training Wheels (Well, Runners!)
Our adventure began with a training day right at the camp, where we covered 40 kilometers around Äkäskero. Our guide for the week, a vibrant 21-year-old from Germany named Kyra, introduced us to the basics of sled handling. Meeting the dogs was a highlight; their energy and excitement were contagious, setting the tone for what was to come. This initial ride served as our prep for the longer trails awaiting us.

Quick explanation of the sleds:
During this initial training session, Kyra delved into the mechanics of the sled, explaining how to effectively steer and brake—a must-know for any musher. Steering a sled doesn’t involve a wheel or reins as one might expect with other forms of animal-driven transport. Instead, mushers use their body weight to guide the sled. By leaning into the turns, you help direct the sled’s runners (the long, narrow strips on which the sled slides) in the desired direction. The dogs follow the path of the sled, with commands such as “Gee” (right turn) and “Haw” (left turn) used to guide them at forks or turns in the trail.

Braking is another critical skill, particularly in the varied terrain of Lapland. The sled comes equipped with a brake, which typically consists of a metal claw or bar that digs into the snow when you step on it. This action slows down the sled, and in some cases, is necessary to bring it to a complete stop. Additional

Day 2-4: Into the Wild of Tunturilappland
The heart of our trip was the journey through the expansive landscapes of “Tunturilappland”, a region characterized by vast swamps, dense forests, and towering mountains, much of which has been designated as a national park to preserve its untouched beauty. Each day, we covered distances ranging from 30 to 60 kilometers, though the unusually warm weather limited us to 40 kilometers daily. On these trails, the bond between musher and dogs deepens, with the physical demands being moderate but thrilling. Assisting the dogs up hills and braking on descents required both strength and balance, and my skiing background came in handy!

Despite the challenges, the days flew by as we were immersed in breathtaking vistas and the serene silence of snow-covered wilderness. Spending about eight hours a day with the dogs, we became a well-oiled machine, handling whatever the terrain and weather threw at us.

Take a look at my video to see the routes we explored during our adventure.

YouTube

1. Paw Examination: Check their paws for fissures and other injuries. If any are found, the dogs are given protective shoes for the next day.
   Chest Examination: Look for blisters or injuries on their chest area.
   Scapula Examination: Check for any injuries around the scapula (shoulder blade) area.
2. Branches and Cords
3. The sauna is a cherished Finnish tradition that becomes particularly essential during the freezing temperatures experienced in Lapland.

Check out my other Posts about my Mushing Experience:

• A Mushing Adventure in Finnish Lapland (Video)

• Meet the Sled Dog Stars: The Remarkable Companions of Our Arctic Mushing Adventure

• Winter Wonderland: Mushing and Magic in Finnish Lapland

• Ultimate Guide to Mushing Gear: Essential Tips for Staying Warm in Finnish Lapland (Video)
• Explore Finnish Lapland: How a Dog Sled Team Powers Through the Arctic
• Dog Sledding Adventure in Lapland: Living Off the Grid in Finnish Wilderness

?️ Check out all my Videos on YouTube: ?️

• Summary of my Blog
• Essential Tips for Staying Warm in Finnish Lapland
• Exploring the Sleddog Route in Finnish Lapland