Lapland: the Husky Trail

27 March - 3 April 2010
10 April - 17 April 2010
17 April - 24 April 2010
26 March - 2 April 2011
2 - 9 April 2011
9 - 16 April 2011
16 - 23 April 2011

Drive your very own team of huskies 250km across the Arctic

Ever dreamed of driving your own team of spirited huskies across frozen wastelands with civilisation left far behind? Well now you can!

Join us and spend six days sledging through rolling highlands and deep forest, into the heart of Lapland on an experience you will never forget, crossing the Swedish border, journeying through wild and untouched nature before arriving at the Icehotel in Jukkasjarvi.

Sleeping in native Sami tents, watching the Aurora Borealis and tending your dogs will help you gain a true feeling for living as the Laplanders do.

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart UK and arrive at Tromso Airport, Norway. Transfer to Villmarkssenter.
Here you will meet 130 energetic Alaskan Huskies, some of whom will be with you for the next six arduous days of sledging. You will help prepare the equipment for the expedition before ‘getting your head down’ in a lavvo - a Sami tent with an open fire.

Day 2

An early three hour transfer (7am) to Helligskogen in the high mountains where your tough journey begins.
Climb aboard your sledge and experience the force of six spirited huskies as you manoeuvre them across ice and snow, over mountains 800 metres (2,625 feet) above sea level and through wintry forests – all the while with only the bracing air for company.
You will camp tonight in the forest, where you will help set up the tents, feed the ravenous dogs and their ‘mushers’.
Distance sledged – 30km (19 miles)

Day 3

Having given the huskies their breakfast and broken camp, remaining in Norway today you will experience Isdalen, an ice valley. This is a strenuous trail which will certainly keep the adrenaline flowing. Your reward will be some of the most beautiful scenery on the challenge.
Tonight’s camp will be close to a river.
Distance sledded – 60km (37 miles)

Day 4

Sledging across demanding mountains and wild landscapes, you enter Sweden and the homeland of the Sami, or reindeer people – a distinctively different Scandinavian ethnic group, mentioned by Tacitus as long ago as 98AD.
Although the weather will be tough, with temperatures possibly below freezing and strong winds, the sun doesn't set until about 9pm providing you with the most amazing sunset.
Distance sledded – 50km (31 miles)

The Northern Lights

Day 5

Remaining in Sweden, this is another testing day driving your sledge through high mountains and forests, dodging the occasional reindeer!
You will again camp by a river and refresh your aching limbs around a blazing fire.
Distance sledded – 50km (31 miles)

Day 6

This is a shorter day to allow you to boost your energy for the final arduous push tomorrow. We travel from Vosko to Voulus crossing various lakes.
Tonight’s camp is closer to civilisation than you have been for the past few days.
Distance sledded – 40km (25 miles)

Day 7

Today we push on to Kiruna and visit the Icehotel in Jukkasjarvi (there is a small entry fee) where you will stop for about an hour before the six hour car journey back to Tromso.
This evening you will be able to re-live your dynamic and awe-inspiring expedition across the frozen wastes, at our presentation dinner.
Distance sledded – 20km (12 miles)

Day 8

Transfer to airport and return to UK.

Please note that while we make every effort to stick to this schedule and the accommodation stated, this is subject to alteration.

Fitness levels

This wonderful challenge aims to attract people with a reasonable level of fitness to participate in an exciting and memorable event. This experience will physically and mentally test you. It will give you a tremendous sense of achievement and at the same time benefit those people whose lives are affected by epilepsy.

Costs of the challenge

Registration fee: £399
Additional minimum sponsorship required: £ 2,995, of which £1,546 goes directly to Epilepsy Action
Insurance fee: £45

If you would prefer to pay the registration fee in installments, please call the fundraising department.

Eighty per cent of the minimum sponsorship money is to be paid to Epilepsy Action no later than 11 weeks before departure. The remaining 20 per cent is due within six weeks of completing the event.

What do I do next?

If you would like more information about this event please contact the events team by telephone on 0113 210 8800 (UK) or +44 (0)113 210 8800 (international), or by email to events@epilepsy.org.uk.

Organised by Global Adventures Challenges