Extreme dogsledging: Norway to Sweden: 5-13 April 2008

A Sponsored Arctic Dog Sledge on behalf of The Friends of the Scott Polar Research Institute

Organised through Across the Divide Expeditions (ATOL Protected 6475)

Our extreme event takes Dog Sledging to the next level. Covering 335km over difficult Arctic terrain, participants will battle against the elements with their trusty team of dogs. Because of the extreme nature of this event, we can only accept participants that have been on one of our previous Dog Sledging Expeditions.

Day 1: UK - Tromso

We board our flights for Tromsø. On arrival we are met by our Expedition Leader and Local Agent and take a short transfer to the kennels to meet the dogs and sort our equipment and kit. We have dinner in a traditional Sami tent and then check into our hotel in Tromsø, for a good night's sleep in preparation for the challenge ahead.

Hotel

Day 2: Tromos - Three Nation Border

After breakfast we transfer to Signaldalen where our dogs are ready. After final preparations, packing kit and a short instruction session we are away. Today we drive 30km until we reach the 3 nation border and our camp.

Transfer 1.5 hours
Sledging 30km
Camping

Day 3: Three Nation Border - Keinovoppio

From the Three Nation Border we continue into Sweden through spectacular mountain scenery. We continue past Keinovoppio where we pitch camp.

Sledging 45km
Camping

Day 4: Keinovoppio - Kamas

After breakfast we start our climb to 800m above sea level. Following the marked trail called "The Kings Way Trail" we pass a big lake up in the mountains called Rotojavri. Late in the evening we reach Kamas where there is a cabin we can use.

Sledging 65km
Cabin

Day 5: Kamas - Salmi

From Kamas we have one more uphill before we start driving down into the forest. We race downhill along narrow trails until we reach the lake called Koojavri. We follow the lake system to Salmi where we will find a nice place in the forest and put up the tents.

Sledging 65km
Camping

Day 6: Salmi - Jekkele

This is our longest day so we start early and continue down the lakes until we reach Torneriver where we stop at the famous Ice hotel for a quick peek. After a short break we continue down the river crossing a big lake called Sautosjavri before we reach the cabin at Jekkele where a sauna awaits us.

Sledging 75km
Cabin

Day 7: Jekkele - Soppero

After breakfast we drive the last kilometre to Soppero following the "Tobacco trail". In Soppero Britt Mari and Per Nils will welcome us with a warm sauna and a traditional Sami meal.

Total distance 55km
Cabin

Day 8: Soppero - Tromsø

After breakfast we board our mini bus back to Tromsø where we celebrate our achievements over the last week.

Transfer TBA
Hotel

DAY 9: Tromsø - UK

We board our flights arriving back the same day (subject to flight schedules).

Notes

The event will be tiring and physically demanding. As a result of the extreme cold (temperatures can fall as low as -30^oC) participants must be aware that the experience will require a reasonably high level of endurance. That said, we have put together a challenge that is fully achievable and which offers tremendous rewards to those that approach it with the correct preparation and spirit.

This route is subject to change due to weather conditions, permits and the overall fitness of the group.

Visas are not needed for UK passport holders. Other nationalities will need to make their own checks.

Cost

The cost of the trip is made up of two elements: (a) the Ground fees /air travel and (b) Sponsorship:

1. All participants will be expected to cover their own expenses for this event including a deposit of £350. These expenses are currently estimated at between £2500 and £2800 depending on the size of the group.
2. Additionally, each person must raise a minimum of £1000 in sponsorship for the Friends of the Scott Polar Research Institute.

Each applicant will therefore need to raise a minimum of £3500 in order to become a participant.

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