17-19 of january 2026
Metsjövidda Challenge
The Metsjövidda Challenge is organized by Team Petter Karlsson Sleddogs. It is a challenge under racelike conditions where mushers can evaluate routines and team qualities before going to long distance races. The trail covers the Swedish mountains with a distance of 259 or 320 km respectively.
Live tracking
Route
The challenge starts in Slussfors form the kennel of Petter Karlsson Sleddogs. The teams will cover 120 km before they reach the Checkpoint of Danasjö I, which has a depot with water, straw, a veterinarian and also a possibility to drop dogs. From Danasjö, the teams will make an 80 km loop before arriving to Checkpoint Danasjö II. From Checkpoint Danasjö II, the teams then covers the 120 km back to Slussfors. The total distance of the challenge is currently estimated to 320km, with a cut down possibility to 259 km.
The rules
For this challenge there will be some rules in place to ensure the safety of all dogs and people. All teams will have to carry the mandatory gear, see list below. Note that you will need to use your equipment for resting/sleeping on checkpoint. A veterinarian will check every dog in each team on Checkpoint Danasjö.
Mandatory Equipment:
GPS with the accurate trail
Map with the trail (will be provided)
Compass
Vetbook
Water cooker
1 liter fuel
Bowls
Snowshovel
Axe or big knife
A dog coat for each dog
Extreme bivibag
Insulation mattress
Sleeping bag
First aid
Extra set of clothes with under and outerwear, gloves, hat, socks, boots. Packed in a waterproof bag.
Headlight with extra batteries
Light stick and matches (must be carried on the body)
Trash bag
8 booties /dog out from each checkpoint
Emergency dog food. 500g/ dog that is in the team at the start.
Emergency food for musher min 500g, to be used earliest 24h after leaving previous checkpoint.
How to follow
If you want to follow this adventure, follow our Facebook page (Team Petter Karlsson Sleddogs) or Instagram (@petterkarlssonsleddogs) accounts for updates!
All teams will also have GPS trackers on their sleds, you can follow the teams here:
(Link will be provided closer to the race)
Teams will start Saturday the 17th of January at 09.00 in the morning. You are very welcomed to watch the start at the kennel (spectators area is next to the tipi tent).
the prizes
This year, all participants will receive generous prizes from our sponsors, including our favourite Winterpad, dog coats and food.
Many thanks to AXAECO, NEXTMUNE and ROYAL CANINE for your support!
The sponsors
THE TEams
320 KM CLASS
will be announced soon
254 KM CLASS
will be announced soon
THE TEams
320 KM CLASS
Petter Karlsson
Team Petter Karlsson Sleddogs
Roger Crespo Antó
Team Petter Karlsson Sleddogs
Elias Gundelach
Team Petter Karlsson Sleddogs
Hannah Cohen
Team Petter Karlsson Sleddogs
Julie Lubin
Onalaskan
Stephane ROBERT
Team Wild Eternity
Judith Drevon
Team Wild Eternity
Isabelle Travadon
Blau Fontaine Team
Bettina Riolon
Blau Fontaine Team
Jörn Johannesen
Lars Hoffmann
Cold-Nose Huskies
Raphael Illien
Team Lappland Nature Dreams
Karina Berschneider
Team Petter Karlsson Sleddogs
Torbjörn Öhrström
Team Petter Karlsson Sleddogs
Marco Wyss
Team Marco Wyss
259 KM CLASS
Lars-Johann Hovind
Team Hotdogs Husky
Axel Plagnard
Blau Fontaine Team
Julie Travadon
Blau Fontaine Team
Maria Lindkvist
Apply for your starting place
If you would also like to test your team under race-like conditions before the racing season, you can apply here for a starting place in the Metsjövidda Challenge 2026. The application deadline is 27 December 2025.
Metsjövidda veterans will be given preference.
Metsjövidda History
Once again, the Metsjövidda Challenge by Petter Karlsson Sleddogs was a resounding success! Eight teams...
It is 8:30 AM, the sun slowly rises over the mountains behind Petter Karlsson’s kennel....