ARCTIC DOG ADVENTURE \ FAIRBANKS ALASKA

Alaska, the last frontier, is an enchanting land filled with jaw dropping mountain scenery, untouched wilderness and vast silence that opens the heart. The best way to access the state’s remote areas is via Fairbanks, the largest city in Alaska’s interior. This countryside is best explored by dogsled, particularly Arctic Dog Adventure, founded by third generation musher Lisbet Norris, who revels in helping travelers experience “the mystique of the arctic.”

Norris is one of only two guides certified to lead dog sledding expeditions into the feral Alaskan wilderness. She can identify each of her Siberian huskies by name just by their back side, a testament to the deep connection between human and dog necessary to mush ethically. Her young dogs are eager pupils, trained by the older retired huskies in the art of mushing to participate on the expedition team. A select few join the company’s racing team, Anadyr, which participates in the Iditarod, a 1,000-mile dogsled journey known as earth’s “last great race.”

Norris’ overnight or multi-day expeditions into the arctic are the quintessential Alaskan experience, and participants can expect attention to detail: Alaskan style meals (including a fantastic vegetarian selection), aurora viewing, cozy cabins or heated tents, off-the-grid natural hot springs, and above all, a focus on providing “a challenging and empowering experience.” (arcticdogco.com)

CONTINENTAL DIVIDE DOG SLED ADVENTURES \ JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING

From world class skiing, beautiful lakeside dining and boundless exploration available in the surrounding Grand Tetons, there’s no shortage of options to enjoy the Jackson Hole Area, a haven for adventurers and vacationers alike.

Continental Divide Dogsled Adventures adds to this list as one of the area’s top destinations for dogsledding. Founded by third generation Wyoming cowboy Billy Snodgrass, Continental Divide upholds the adventurous spirit of the west by offering the perfect way to explore the hidden gems of this majestic mountain landscape, such as the jagged granite peaks of the Wind River range and the volcanic Absarokas.

“There are two ways to explore our winter landscapes: by snowmobile, or by sled dog,” said Victor Lazo, Snodgrass’s protégé who now runs the operation.

“Comparing the two gives some perspective on why there’s nothing like dogsledding. Imagine travelling at high speeds with the motor roaring on a snowmobile. The landscape becomes a blurry background. I’ve had guests describe dogsledding kind of like being inside a snow globe, snow falling as we silently traverse a winter wonderland. All you can do in that time is appreciate what would otherwise be an inaccessible landscape.”

With the option of being transported from Jackson Hole to their headquarters, the Togwotee Mountain Lodge, there’s no more convenient way to enjoy a half day tour with a pack of sled dogs that “go wild in excitement for a run as soon as they notice a harness in hand.” Guests, who enjoy a complimentary lunch, will explore the Bridger-Teton National Forest on a wild, two-hour ride through mountains, snow-capped groves and sparkling meadows. (dogsledadventures.com)

In French, Entre Chien et Loup translates to “between dog and wolf.” It’s a commonly used expression to convey that odd valley resting between the slopes of the familiar and the unfamiliar.

Three hours up the St. Lawrence River, one leaves the familiar urban setting of Quebec City for the lush boreal forests, and in the heart of the Saguenay Fjord Mountains, the dogsledding company Entre Chien et Loup strives to help guests connect with nature.

Here you’ll find a crossroads between traditional French Quebec hospitality and the expansive excitement offered by the North American wilderness.

“L’Anse-Sain Jean is a very wild and mountainous territory with a lot of character,” and the best way to tap into this unspoiled Canadian landscape is via Vanessa and Goulwen’s pack of 40, free roaming, malamute /wolf dogs. Vanessa’s method is to allow her dogs time off leash to develop cohesiveness and it shows by their endurance, good howling spirit and obedience to limited commands.

After a full or half-day excursion traversing untouched powder, frozen lakes and towering mountains, mushers, who enjoy lunch at Lac Enmuraillé, have the option of staying the night at “La Grangette,” a cozy French style cabin built by the owners with wood from the nearby forest. (entrechienetloup.ca)

KIRUNA HUSKY NATURE TOURS \ KALIXFORSBRON, SWEDEN

Over 700 miles from the capital city of Stockholm, Kiruna is the country’s northernmost city, known for its access to the Laponia, “Europe’s last true wilderness.” The town of Kalixforsbron is 15 km outside of Kiruna, the opposite direction of the mainstay tourist destinations, and that’s one of the reasons we love Kiruna Husky Tours, a family run company that does everything to make their dog’s lives great, from post-sled massages to recovery sock booties. Their dogs are always in good spirits and love to cuddle with guests. Beyond the cute stuff, these dogs offer a sledding experience to explore “untouched landscapes with almost no traffic, except the occasional reindeer herders.”

Guests are picked up from Kiruna town’s central area and taken to Kalixforsbron to meet the huskies, learn how to handle and harness them, and cozy up in winter clothing before heading out into the snow covered marshland. Far from civilization, this is also a prime location to witness the northern lights. The evening tour is perfect for mushers who want to steer a sled through the arctic night under the light show that is the Aurora Borealis, which will hopefully be dancing in the sky above through April.

Kiruna goes out with no more than eight guests at a time, so travelers get a real impression of the lifestyle and learn a lot about dog sledding. They treat their dogs like family and are free to roam the property 365 days a year. After a long day sledding, one can expect a warm fire, good stories, salmon soup and lingonberries. (kirunahusky.com)

SENJA HUSKY ADVENTURES \ VANGSVIK, NORWAY

Senja, Norway’s second largest island, is known for being an adventurer’s paradise. Winter activities include skiing untouched slopes, ice climbing, snowmobile driving, or simply searching for the highly sought-after northern lights. Add dog sledding to the list, and there’s a ton of reasons to journey North from Oslo.

Senja Husky Adventures is a family run dog sled kennel that offers yearround expeditions to explore the beautiful regions of Senja. If there’s no snow, the dogs will still revel in pulling a four wheeled sled alternative through the summer months. Because the kennel breeds its own team, it’s very common to meet some of their young puppies in training. This small company strives to treat their dogs like family and offer a personal and exclusive experience for anyone yearning to try dogsledding. If you’ve ever dreamed of dashing through powdery groves on a sleigh under the Aurora Bourealis, Senja is also a great option. (senjahusky.no)