I just got back from dog sledding. I must admit, it was more fun than I had anticipated. The site is about 30 minutes away from Whitehorse, which is basically a family owned type of dog sledding business. Once we were inside the dogs’ owner’s house, one would get fitted for some warm clothes; if they determine that what one is wearing might not be warm enough. I came prepared, the temperature was fine though, just ~0C. I did need boots however. So after we were all suited up, we headed out to the field, where there was may be close to a hundred dogs.
The group was given instructions on how to brake (which one needs, because those dogs can run!), how to turn and such, and how to not get close to the person ahead, as the dogs may try to fight, and then all the ropes would get tangled. Basically, the dogs’ default instinct is to run, unless one is stepping on the brakes which basically makes it impossible for the dogs to pull on the sled, so the dogs would stop. But, every once in while the dogs would try to run again to see if they’re free from the brakes. The other way for the dogs to stop, is if their owner tells them to. The third way (which didn’t always work) is if the sled tips over. Each one us had their own sled, and their own set of dogs. This is cool because we each get to drive our own sled. Some other dog sledding businesses would actually have you just sitting in the sled, and a guide would be driving the dogs/sled.
The number of dogs per sled depends mainly on the size of the person the dogs are trying to pull. Also, the sled is empty in our case, but it could be filled with supplies or camping materials, or another person. A regular dog sled day is a full day (7-8 hours) with a lunch break somewhere in the middle. However, a member of our group had a flight to catch, so we went for more like half a day, and we skipped on lunch to get some more time out there. And off we went!
At first it’s very stressful (like with anything else new, I suppose). However, you’d pick it up pretty quickly. We went through a frozen lake, where it’s open and easy to navigate. The dogs basically follow in the tracks of the leader (their owner). I was the sweeper in our formation. Let me tell you those dogs are strong. They can run, and they can pull quite strongly. The surroundings are just unreal. We were on a frozen lake away from everything. The guide said that a lot of people would get brought here (or in other similar areas) in the middle of nowhere, and they would camp alone; for the guide to come back for them in a week or two to pick them up.
On our way back, the guide opted to take us through the woods. Now, that was fun. It’s a bit more difficult as now there are trees that you have to navigate through, and you would have to turn more often, so one needs to be quick on the brakes and on shifting one’s weight around, to not tip over. I was lucky to not tip over, only because I was the sweeper. As I would see someone ahead of me tip over, while taking a curve too fast, so I would immediately adjust my speed! Also, some of the turns are very close to trees and bushes, so you kind of need to move your body to the side, or protect your face from branches. There were a couple of instances where the people ahead of me got thrown off their sled, while taking a turn a bit too fast, and the dogs just kept running with the tipped-over sled. It was funny to watch. I had a GoPro mounted on my chest. I’ll upload snippets of the videos some day.
Eventually we made it back to the ranch, and the owner and his wife had some snacks, fruits, and drinks for us to have. Overall, I was happy with the experience. The owners were very friendly and hospitable. (I’ll link up their contact info, if I can’t find their business card!).
I’m back at the hotel, I’ll get some rest now, so I can stay up for my third and final night of aurorae viewing here in Whitehorse.
