The Ultimate Guide to Husky Sledding 2026
Drive or ride a team of Siberian or Alaskan huskies through snow-covered forest and tundra. Available from gentle 1-hour introductions to multi-day wilderness expeditions with overnight stays. Let the dogs do the work — experienced mushers will teach you commands, and the sound of paws on packed snow through silent Arctic forest is something you never forget.
Season: December to March
Available in: 5 destinations worldwide
Best Destinations for Husky Sledding
- Rovaniemi — Aurora: 7/10, $130/day
- Murmansk — Aurora: 9/10, $80/day
- Iqaluit — Aurora: 8/10, $250/day
- Alta — Aurora: 9/10, $160/day
- Inari — Aurora: 8/10, $120/day
What to Expect
Husky Sledding is one of the most popular activities in the polar regions. Sessions typically last 2-4 hours, with operators providing all necessary equipment and safety briefings. Most tours operate in groups of 4-12 people, though private experiences are available at a premium.
Typical Schedule
- Pickup from your hotel (30-60 min before activity)
- Safety briefing and equipment fitting (15-20 min)
- Main activity (1.5-3 hours depending on tour type)
- Warm drinks and snacks (most operators include this)
- Return transfer to hotel
What's Usually Included
- All necessary equipment and safety gear
- Thermal suits/outer layers (most operators in Scandinavia)
- Hot drinks and sometimes snacks
- Guided instruction
- Hotel pickup/drop-off
What to Bring
- Thermal base layers (merino wool recommended)
- Warm hat and gloves (backup pair)
- Camera with charged battery
- Hand warmers
Costs
| Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Group tour (2-3h) | $80–180 |
| Private tour (2-3h) | $250–500 |
| Full-day experience | $200–400 |
| Multi-day expedition | $500–2,000+ |
Tour Operators
- Tromsø Villmarkssenter (Tromsø, Northern Norway) — $150-350
- Bearhill Husky (Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland) — $120-280
- Svalbard Husky (Svalbard, Norway) — $200-600
- Harriniva Hotels & Safaris (Finnish Lapland) — $130-400
- Lapland Safaris (Finnish & Norwegian Lapland) — $100-300
Best Time of Year
December to March. Peak months offer the best conditions combined with aurora viewing opportunities — you can often combine husky sledding with northern lights viewing on the same trip.
Safety
Husky Sledding operators in all major polar destinations maintain high safety standards. Always:
- Listen to your guide's instructions
- Wear all provided safety equipment
- Inform guides of any medical conditions
- Stay within designated areas
- Follow weight/age restrictions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior experience?
No. All tours cater to beginners with full instruction provided. More advanced options exist for experienced participants.What's the minimum age?
Varies by operator and activity type. Generally 6-12 years for family tours, 16-18 for more extreme experiences. Check with your specific operator.Should I book in advance?
Yes — 2-4 weeks ahead during peak season (December-February). Popular operators sell out.Can I combine this with northern lights viewing?
Absolutely. Many evening tours are timed to include aurora viewing. Your guide will point out any aurora activity during the experience.Explore all Husky Sledding destinations on PolarTourist.