Snowmobiles and Husky Sleds

Finally managing the holiday we'd yearned for, Will and I took a trip to the snowy city of Tromso in Norway. Anticipating mountains like meringue, cold arctic winds and the necessity to wear a minimum of four layers of clothing at all times - and we were not disappointed! It is 69.4° north after all.

Towards the end of the holiday, we had decided to try our hand at snowmobiling. This was booked in advance through Lyngsfjord Adventure (http://www.lyngsfjord.com/en/winter-adventures/snowmobile-safari.html) at a cost of 1695 NOK each, or a very pricey £180. However, Norway is dear in more ways than just its reindeer, and for the length and quality of the excursion, this is favourably comparable to the cost of most other activities on offer.

The location for our safari was the Lyngen Alps and the scenery was just stunning. Taking a snowmobile allows you to travel greater distances in much shorter time than in snowshoes or skis; we travelled around 16km up a valley between two mountains, to a lake at around 850m about sea level, and then back to the base for traditional soup, bread and Twinings tea.

The team at Lyngsfjord are definitely kitted up to cater for all kinds of visitors. All clothing, protective gear and other equipment was provided as part of the price, and the snowsuits, while reminiscent of toddlers' outfits, were warm, windproof and extremely welcome. The trek itself was also flexible, varying from easy to really quite challenging and, as a couple of pairs on our expedition proved, it is not difficult to tip over the skidoos. However, through a bit of balance, clinging on with your legs and not going too slowly (!) round the corners, the snowmobiles were easy to handle - and this coming from someone who's never used a motorbike, quadbike or anything like that.

The following day (after an evening watching the Northern Lights...) we were at the Villmarkssenter for their husky sledding (http://villmarkssenter.no/vinterprogram/hundekj%C3%B8ring/). The sledding on its own costs 1490 NOK per person, or around £160. Again, the centre provided all necessary kit, including reindeer skins to keep the sled snuggly warm!

One of the most remarkable things about this experience were the dogs themselves. At no point were we warned about them and there really was no need, as the huskies were friendly and hungry for pats (or gloves!) The centre has around 200 Alaskan huskie-crosses with names like Nordpolen, Vaffel, Pepsi and Monster. At the time of our visit, they also had six adorable 1-month-old puppies, that visitors were encouraged to hold and play with - although discouraged from taking home with them...

For our sledding ride, we had a team of six dogs, which we drove ourselves out into the snow. With just two commands (go and stop, or "kommien" and "stor" (NB. I cannot spell in Norwegian, and apologise for this)), we had all the tools required. We did not need left or right, as, perhaps a little sadly, the dogs knew the route and simply followed the sled in front. That said, it didn't detract from the enjoyableness of the excursion or the quality of the photographs.

In one day, you definitely get plenty from the snowmobiling, however I think I would like to have tried the husky sledding for longer. It would've been nice to escape from the sled-caravan and take the dogs onto the virgin snow, out into the wilderness towards the mountains. However, I can understand that within the constraints of a morning ride, this is not always possible.

This is for you if...

If you like a bit of an adventurous holiday, whilst knowing that nothing can really go too wrong. You are surrounded by experts who lead guileless tourists around every day and are trained to cope with any problems that may arise. All transport, gear and instruction is provided, so you don't need anything special, just a bit of spirit!

Recommendations

When sledding, always request to drive your own sled. If you don't, a guide will drive while you sit in the sled, which while still fun, wouldn't be quite so challenging! Definitely go to the Lyngen Alps for snowmobiling, as they are further out of the city and much more wild. And try to stay awake on the coach journey out there - it is about 90minutes of fabulous scenery (so I'm told...)

Norway Norway, man-ah man-ah...

What: Snowmobiling & husky sleddin
Where: Tromso, Norway (near Gatwick...)
Who: With Will, courtesy of the Villmarkssenter and Lyngsfjord Adventure
When: 4-5th March 2012
Why: Huskies. Sleds. Snow. Mobiling.