Day 1: Arrival and Welcome
On the first day, you will either arrive in Kuopio or Joensuu, where we will warmly welcome you. Alternatively, you can travel to the lodge on your own. After checking in and settling into your cozy room, you will have the opportunity to meet our team in person. We will end the evening with a relaxing dinner in the cozy atmosphere of our lodge – the perfect start to your adventure.
Day 2: Introduction to our Kennels and First Theory Lesson
After a hearty breakfast, your day begins with an exciting activity: you will assist in the morning feeding at one of our two kennels, where you will get to know our dogs and their unique personalities. You will also learn interesting details about their care and the daily work involved.
After lunch, we will start a theory session: you will receive an introduction to our vehicles (ATV, troll, or – depending on the weather – sled). We will show you how to fit a harness on the dogs and safely attach them to a vehicle. Your guide will provide valuable tips on handling the teams. Afterward, you will accompany your guide on a training run, where you can witness the dynamic and fascinating cooperation between the dogs. Upon return, you will help unharness the dogs and reward them for their performance. In the evening, we will discuss the upcoming hike to the Aittokoski forest cabin over a cozy dinner.
Day 3: Hike to the Aittokoski Forest Cabin
After breakfast, we will pack our backpacks with the essentials. Our transfer driver will take us to the starting point for our hike and deliver the remaining luggage and food directly to the cabin, allowing us to hike unburdened. Together with a few dogs, we will hike along the Karhunpolku, the famous Bear Trail, through breathtaking nature. Along the way, we will take a break and enjoy our lunch. In the afternoon, we will reach the quaint Aittokoski forest cabin, where you can relax in the wooden sauna. We will spend the evening enjoying a rustic dinner in the cozy cabin – a true highlight in the heart of the wilderness.
Day 4: Crafting and Return to the Lodge
After a traditional cabin breakfast, you can relax, take a short walk with the dogs, or simply enjoy the peace of nature. Then, we will focus on a hands-on workshop: you will learn how to splice tug lines and create sections for sleds from wire rope – valuable craftsmanship for working with sled dogs. After a hearty lunch, we will begin our return journey to Eräkeskus, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge in the evening.
Day 5: Intensive Training
Today is dedicated to training. After breakfast, we will take the dogs on different routes, depending on the dogs’ training levels. A special highlight: Today, you will drive your own team. You will experience the harmony and teamwork of the dogs from a new perspective.
If you feel unsure, you can always ride with your guide.
After returning, we will take care of the dogs as usual: you will help unharness them and reward them for their great performance. Before dinner, we will heat up the beach sauna for you, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s events before we celebrate the end of the week with a festive farewell dinner. As a memento of this unforgettable week, you will receive a small farewell gift.
Day 6: Departure
After breakfast, your stay with us comes to an end. Depending on the arrangement, we will organize your transfer to your departure point, or you can start your journey home with your own vehicle. We will say goodbye with our best wishes and hope that your time with us has provided you with many unforgettable memories.
Want to book? Simply send us an email at office(at)eraekeskus.com with your preferred date! We look forward to your inquiry.
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