One of the absolute loveliest ways to experience a winter landscape is by dog sled. Whether you're just riding along or driving yourself, you'll be treated to close contact with nature and a feeling of being in the here and now. This time, we'll be settling into the sled and enjoying the day.

We managed to book a truly magical day for a dog sledding tour. The sun is rising as we leave Skellefteå to head to Husky Tours just outside Jörn. The journey takes an hour and even though the sun is low, it's light – which isn't always the case up here. We are let in through the gate by Peter Tech, who recently moved here with his family and dogs. He previously ran his business in Germany, but over the years there has been far too little snow there, so moving was the best option, perhaps above all for the dogs.
The dogs in the kennels have noticed our arrival and the lovely Siberian huskies and Alaskan huskies are barking and getting eager. They know it's time to get out, ”please choose me” is probably what they're saying.
If we could read their thoughts. As a visitor, you can choose here whether you want to ride in the sled or if you want to drive yourself and perhaps even get a mushing license. I choose to just ride along this time.

Seven dogs are harnessed in front of the sled, each with a role to play. At the very front are the lead dogs, who the driver, the so-called musher, communicates with. Behind them is the swinger position, where dogs being trained for the lead role are often placed, and at the very back of the line, we find the wheel position, where the strongest dogs are placed. The positions in between are team positions, and the number of dogs behind the sled varies. We set off, the start is fast, the dogs are eager. When we enter the deep snow, things go a little slower and the journey becomes almost silent. It's magically beautiful, Peter says:
– When I first came here and looked at the house, I knew straight away that I had found my home. The journey from Germany with 24 dogs in tow was last autumn, and now they are all settling in. There are several nice routes in the area to get out on, and Peter plans to eventually expand his offerings for customers to include various types of activities such as swimming and food. The possibilities are
The interest in dog sledding in all its forms is great, and making it possible for guests to book is something Visit Skellefteå is working on.

But I wasn't quite ready for the force with which the dogs take off, but a trip as a driver becomes more active in a different way.

It's time for us to turn back, Peter gives the dogs the command and they start working to turn our team around. Around two hours is a good amount of time for the dogs to run before it's time for a break. I ask the silly question if they don't need water. But water is too cold for them; instead, it's more suitable to eat something fatty and energising. When it's freezing, the dogs at home are given lukewarm soup to drink in the morning – simply too much energy is used if they have to warm up a cold drink. As mentioned, you can travel by dog sled in many different ways; I've driven before and it was really fun. However, I wasn't quite prepared for the power the dogs pull with, but a journey as a driver becomes more active in a different way. And the feeling of here and now becomes even clearer. When we return to the farm, it's time for lunch, potato soup heated over an open fire and freshly baked bolani – a type of Afghan flatbread with cheese and spinach. After we've eaten, things have calmed down in the dog kennels and we go in to pet the dogs. They are incredibly cuddly. Everyone wants a bit of love. It's a nice end before it's time to head to the airport and back home. In the car, Bo Wikström from Visit Skellefteå tells us about a dog sledding company that specialises in slightly longer dog sled trips with French groups. The groups usually go out for two to three days and stay overnight in mountain cabins.
– managing to book such a tour isn't entirely easy as groups get priority. But the concept is appealing. However, a good start would be a husky sled tour through our winter landscape.

BOOK DOG SLEIGH
All providers work slightly differently, so if you have specific needs, please call and ask. Most are happy to accommodate children; some have age restrictions if you want to drive yourself. You can also sometimes borrow clothing on-site. Dress warmly! Enjoy

Huskytours Jörn
Offering dog sledding among other activities, 1,5 hours for 1,200 SEK. Those who want even more can book a Husky Week. www.huskytours-north.com/s