Our tours are generally quite demanding, as we travel over very varied terrain: from long lakes to narrow, winding paths in the forest to climbs in the mountains at 1,000 metres, everything is included. This quickly raises the question for many guests: am I fit enough for this?
We have put together the following guide to help you answer this question. This is a guideline; if you are unsure about any of the points, just talk to us and we will decide together.
Fitness Requirements for all multi-day tours:
On all tours, you should have at least average fitness, and on Next Level Adventure tours and Wilderness Expeditions, above-average fitness.
You should...
- ...be able to run approx. 60-100 metres even in deep snow.
- ...have good balance and sure-footedness so that you can quickly jump back on after pushing the sled.
- ...be able to carry 10-20 kg of equipment (e.g. bag, cool boxes, dog food).
- ...be able to climb into an upper bunk bed (some cabins do not have a ladder or only have one step to pull yourself up).
How can I test myself to see if I am fit enough for a dog sledding tour?
Of course, these are all things that are difficult to imagine or try out at home, so we have put together a few everyday situations that are similar to those on the tour:
- Being able to push a bicycle for 100 metres while running.
- Being able to put on socks while standing without falling over (or at least being able to sit on the floor to put them on but get up again without help).
- Being able to run up a staircase without a handrail with at least 20 steps without any problems.
- Being able to squat down and stand up again without any help.
Most frequently asked questions about fitness-levels for dog sledding tours
Is there an age limit?
Yes. Please check the respective tour page for the age limit. If you are above the age limit but have the necessary fitness level, please contact us and we will discuss your participation in the tour together.
Read about our tours: Husky Safari, Next Level Adventure, Husky Expedition
Is there a weight limit?
Weight alone usually says little about your fitness, which is why we are fans of the body mass index (BMI), which is calculated from weight, height, gender and age. You can determine your BMI yourself below.
If you are at the upper limit, please contact us and we will discuss which tour is best suited for you.
Pre-existing conditions or chronic complaints
If you have any pre-existing conditions or similar, please discuss this with us before booking and consult your doctor in advance to clarify whether you can participate in the tour. Your doctor will usually be better able to assess whether it will affect you than we can. Feel free to use the following text as a basis for your consultation with your doctor to describe the requirements of the tour:
On the multi-day tour, guests spend approximately 5 hours a day on the sled, and longer in difficult weather conditions. The tour route offers varied terrain, including lakes, forests and mountains. There are several ascents where guests jump off the sledge, run alongside it to push it, and then jump back on. Similarly, in the event of heavy snowfall or snow drifts, it may be necessary to push the sledge and run through the deep snow. Guests help with harnessing and unharnessing the dogs and with activities around the cabin (fetching water, carrying cool boxes, bags, wood, etc.).
- Please note that we are travelling in one of the most remote nature reserves in Europe. The nearest hospital is about 3 hours away from us.
What happens if something changes in my fitness/health status before the tour?
When you book, you agree that your details are accurate and that you will inform us of any changes. If we discover upon arrival that the information provided was incorrect, we reserve the right to exclude you from the tour. Therefore, please contact us in any case, and we will always try to find a solution that is in the best interests of both parties.
- We always recommend taking out travel cancellation insurance to cover your costs in the event of illness or injury before the tour.
Does the month make a difference?
In December, we usually have heavy snowfall and have to cross snowfields more often, which requires more work on your part. January to Mid February are the coldest month around here. Tours from late February to early April usually have easier trail conditions. To get a detailed overview of the differences between the months, please take a look at our month-by-month guide or contact us.
Do you have any questions?
No problem at all, we are happy to help and answer any question you might have.
We want you to have the best experience, so feel free to contact us!
THERE IS A HUSKY TOUR FOR EVERYONE
Regardless of whether you just want to get a taste of what it’s like to go dog sledding or you want to go straight into the biggest adventure, we have the perfect tour for everyone.
You don’t need a week to get a taste of the mushing life! Join our day tour and drive a team of huskies around our beautiful local trails.
Get ready for the ultimate multi day winter adventure as we teach you how to care for and drive your own team of alaskan huskies.
Elevate your skills as a musher on a breathtaking journey that reaches higher peaks and covers more ground than the Husky Safari.
