Saija - Husky Adventure (Adult Trip) - Dog sledding Trip

Accommodation

If a wild nightlife is your thing then stop reading now!
This remote lodge was built in traditional Finnish style during 1991/92. Constructed entirely from wood and located on the shores of Lake Jokijarvi, it is the ideal place for combining active days with relaxing nights.

There are just 19 wooden built cottages here. Each one has its own entrance, toilet, shower and electric sauna.

Generally, the ground floor hosts the living area (with TV), the shower, toilet room and sauna. Beds are provided on the upper mezzanine level (with spaces for up to 4 people) or in a separate downstairs bedroom.

It’s a very short walk from the cottages to the main building which houses the cosy and characterful restaurant. This is where you will be served home cooked Finnish dishes and specialities. Porridge is almost always on the breakfast menu. Tuck in because it’s delicious, warming and releases energy slowly throughout the day. It’s almost compulsory in Finland.

On the site itself, there is a husky farm, an original smoke sauna and a Finnish Kota (traditional cabin) for groups and special events. 25kms of managed cross-country ski trails lead almost directly from the main building into the surrounding countryside. You can rent cross-country skis for €10 per day and venture out on your own with a trail map. Please don’t worry about losing your way as there are three very well marked trails which are easy to find and difficult to lose!

Wilderness Cabins
On our wilderness husky safaris, you will spend a night at the Harjajarvi wilderness cabin. Regardless of its remote location, the cabin is warm and cosy despite having no electricity or running water. Nevertheless, this is what wilderness safaris are all about, escaping the last vestiges of everyday life and experiencing a totally unspoilt environment. The cabin does have a sauna providing the perfect opportunity to wind down while dinner is being prepared by your guide.

Itineraries

Flights, Arrival and Transfers
You will be met on arrival and transferred to the lodge. After settling in, it’s a short walk over to the main building for a welcome meal.

Husky Safari Training Run
After breakfast you will have an introductory meeting with your guide who will tell you all about the facilities at the lodge and the days ahead. You will be provided with your safari equipment and taken over to the husky farm to meet the dogs. You learn about the huskies and receive instruction on managing your team and sled. Then, the moment you have been waiting for arrives. You leave on a training circuit of around 13kms driving your own team of 4 to 6 dogs along Narnia-like trails.

It’s difficult to explain the contrasting emotions as you encourage your dogs on this first safari. There’s the thrill and excitement as you leave the husky farm and venture into the wide open spaces of Finland in winter. On the other hand, the silence is so intense that it is also an amazingly tranquil and peaceful experience.

We could go on and on about it but there’s really only one way to find out.....try it for yourself!

Full Day Husky Safari
This holiday is all about building up to the overnight safari starting on Wednesday. Hence, after yesterday’s training run we step it up today on a full day safari. You will drive your team through snow coated forests, across frozen lakes and along ice covered rivers. You will have lunch around an open fire and by the time you arrive back at the lodge you will have travelled between 25 and 35kms. An early night is the perfect preparation for the big one tomorrow.

Overnight Dog Sled Safari
The huskies love to run and their howls of excitement make it plain that they are as anxious as you to be on the trail. By now you will be used to the “swish” of your sled cutting through the snow, the panting of the dogs and their reproachful looks when you let them do all the work on the inclines. They expect you to provide some momentum by pushing off with your feet when the going gets tough. Anything less can be rewarded with a somewhat disdainful lack of effort from your team.

You are entirely responsible for the care of your team when you arrive at your overnight base. They must be fed, watered and made ready for the night before you enter the cabin to help prepare dinner.

You will be awoken early by the dogs and after breakfast your adventure continues. Once again, you will have lunch around an open fire before the final leg of your journey brings you back to the lodge. After a shower, dinner will be waiting in the main building where you can discuss your endeavours with other trail partners.

Free Day or Optional Activities
We’ve left today free so you can try some of the other Nordic winter sports available here. Why not go snowmobiling, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing?

Departure, Transfers and Flights