Dog sleighing in the wilderness

 

Have you ever dreamed of working with your own team of dogs?
Pack the sleigh with everything you need for a long journey?
Take part in a race?
Have you ever dreamed of communicating with animals and people in a unique and natural way?
Do you want to break personal boundaries and maximise your potential?

 

It's up to you. With our competance we'll help you achieve your goals. No previous experience needed.

About dog racing

You will participate in:

* learning how to know dogs, their strengths and their limitations
* all forms of necessary training for autumn and winter conditions
* instructing and preparing young dogs for work
* instructing and preparing the lead dog
* managing the kennel
* playing with the puppys
* building your own sleigh, or pulk, (a special sleigh used by the native sami), and learn how to manage and splice ropes
* the Finnmark race, (Finnmarkslopet), as an assistant                 
* leading the dog team through wild untamed mountains and spectacular, open wilderness                       
* camping outdoors and in log cabins whilst exploring upper Pasvik National park
* experiencing the varied routines of a dog sleigh environment and learn from many specialists

 

Certificate of compentace

If you aspire to reach the highest possible level, you may want to aim for Pasvik Folkehøgskole's Certificate of competancy. We will teach you everything about the fine art of managing dogs and sleighs. If you do, you will be able to organise, plan and carry out an entire journey by yourself,  from the beginning to the end, with an overnight stay in our beautiful, dense pine forest.

 

Life in the wilderness

We wish to give you the skill and knowledge so that you can travel in the wilderness, in safety and with joy and confidence, all the year round.

Amongst other things we will give you an insight into:

* canoing and kayaking - mastering the eskimo roll
* correct clothing and equipment
* using a map and compass
* unsafe snow and avalanches
* building tents, snow huts, provisional but functional shelters
* the use of portable gas fires (primus), to build and sustain a fire
* ecology and caring for nature
* achieving a hunter's license

You will have the opportunity to practise what you learn during long and short journeys, in all kinds of terrain, from coast to mountains and in wild, primeval forest.

You will also be involved in planning several journeys to places relevant to your studies and your vision.

Whatever gear and equipment for you may need for your stay here will be sent to you, if required!