Dog Sledding under the Northern Lights in Alta: Command your own husky team
You drive the sled, the huskies set the pace, the lights move overhead.
A 4-hour dog sledding activity in Alta where you command your own team of huskies through the Gargia Valley pine forests while watching for the Northern Lights. The operator provides personalized training, warm gear, transport from Alta, and a stop at the historic Gargia mountain lodge with hot coffee and tea. Children from age 8 can participate with an adult. Solo riders must be at least 16.
What’s included
- Minibus transport from Alta to Gargia and back.
- personalized dog sledding training.
- your own team of huskies for the run.
- thermal suit, boots and gloves.
- hot coffee and tea at the Gargia mountain lodge.
- guide commentary on dog sledding and local history.
Times
Next departure: 4 Nov 2027
9 departing soon ›Before you book
Operated by Æventyr
Prices and times updated yesterday
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The experience
You start in Alta and ride a minibus about 30 minutes to Gargia, where the guides meet you with thermal suits, boots and gloves. The training comes first (the guides walk you through the commands and how to work with the team), then you're handed the reins of your own huskies. If you're going with one other person, you'll split the driving halfway through the run so both of you get time at the front of the sled.
The route cuts through pine forest on the frozen landscape near the mountain lodge, roughly an hour of actual sledding. The huskies do most of the work. Your job is to steer and call out the commands. The Northern Lights are never guaranteed (they depend on cloud cover and solar activity), but when they show, they're overhead while you're moving. After about 60 minutes outside, you retreat to the historic Gargia lodge to thaw out with hot coffee and tea while the guides talk through the history of dog sledding and the region.
The whole outing runs four hours door to door. You need at least moderate fitness to handle the cold and the physical demands of steering a sled, and children under 16 ride with an adult rather than driving alone. The operator needs a minimum of two people to run the tour, so book with someone or confirm availability before you commit.
Is this one for you?The minibus pickup from Alta means you don't need a rental car or a ride arranged separately, and the 30-minute drive is included in the price. Book this if you're staying in town and want the full Arctic experience without the logistics of getting yourself to the trailhead.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Norwegian.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 12 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
Can I drive the sled myself, or do I just ride along?
You command your own team of huskies for the entire run. If you're traveling with one other person, you take turns driving halfway through so both of you get time at the reins.
What happens if the Northern Lights don't show up?
The dog sledding itself is the main event. The Aurora is a bonus when conditions allow. Cloud cover and solar activity determine whether you'll see the lights, so there's no guarantee, but the tour runs regardless.
How cold does it get, and what do I wear?
The operator provides thermal suits, boots and gloves, so you stay warm in the Arctic winter. Dress in layers underneath and bring a hat and sunglasses if you have them, but the gear they give you handles the cold.
How do I get to Gargia from Alta?
The operator picks you up by minibus in Alta and drives you to Gargia, about 30 minutes each way. That transport is included in the price, so you don't need your own car.
Dog Sledding under the Northern Lights in Alta: Command your own husky team
4h · EN +1
from US$ 385 per person
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