Tourist Tabea Flotron navigates an Alaskan sled, escorted by a pack of Malamutes, captured in a photograph by Erik Trinidad.
Strap on a sled and embark on a frozen adventure as a musher, not just a passenger, in the chilly territories of Quebec and beyond. Many may think it's as easy as hopping on board while a musher leads the charge with a pack of snow-loving dogs, but as I discovered with Aventuraid, it's a whole new ball game when you're wearing the boots and the dogs are responding to your commands.
Cold as a Quebec winter's night, I found myself in the frosty landscapes of Girardville, trembling in my winter gear, trying to inspire my canine team to follow my lead. "On y va!" I yelled, fumbling with my French, expecting the dogs to obey my American accent but met with blank stares from my husky companions. It turns out that when you're in the heart of French Quebec, the dogs only listen to the right dialect.
"On y va!" I repeated, hoping that the dogs would finally take notice. I nudged them, pushing myself into the snow to display my resolve, and my dogs finally began to move.
Navigating through the snowy wilderness was no walk in the park; it required the formation of a connection with the dogs and an understanding of the art of mushing. "It's like horse riding," noted Swiss tourist Tabea Flotron, who was leading her own pack of huskies. "You observe the dogs' movements and react."
Easier said than done, as I quickly discovered. The dogs' agility and speed called for swift decision-making, as they hurled me across the trails and forced me to adjust my weight to maintain control over the sled.
The experience was exhilarating, but also exhausting, especially when we ventured off the open plains and onto narrow forest trails laced with sharp curves. Chasing after a runaway sled or navigating steep slopes proved to be challenging tasks in the deep, heavy snow.
Bringing the sled to a halt called for the application of heavy pressure on the brake, a piece of equipment located at the back of the sled. However, balancing on a moving sled while fighting for control of the brake proved to be quite the challenge. My knees usually ended up taking the brunt of the pressure.
When managing these majestic creatures, remember that they are athletes built for the harsh winter conditions. They relish the opportunity to run, and their happiness is evident when they are in their element.
My attempts to motivate my dogs with a playful "Rroorror!" were met with confused looks from my lead dog, Hawk. I quickly learned that my barking was intimidating and vanished the temporary voluntary leader's confidence. I soon learned to use positive reinforcement to regain his trust, showering him with phrases of encouragement like "Très bien, Hawk!"
Taking care of the dogs' needs was essential in building a strong team bond. Each night, we sought shelter at camps, where we provided them with hot meals, oven-roasted on the ice-covered lakes, and scrumptious dog chow.
Camping in the remote winter wilderness provided an additional challenge. We reveled in the thrill of chopping firewood and warming up hot water for food. We even wondered if water, with temperatures hovering around -22°F (-30°C), could freeze instantly upon contact with the frigid air.
Despite the challenges of the experience, it proved to be a rewarding journey. The connection I formed with the dogs, the sheer exhilaration of navigating the snowy wilderness, and the breathtaking landscapes made it an unforgettable experience.
"If I had to choose the best and worst part of this job, it's the same answer," Julien shared, the twinkle in his eyes revealing his deep affection for the dogs. "They make it all worthwhile."
Places to explore across the globe:
Fairbanks, Alaska
- Cotter's Sled Dog Kennel: Delve deeper into the world of dogsledding with an outfitter led by 20-time Iditarod racer Bill Cotter.
Lapland, Sweden
- our website Adventures: Explore the icy wilderness with a nine-day dogsledding adventure that includes an overnight stay at the famous Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi.
Erik Trinidad is no stranger to traversing the globe, seeking out the world's finest flavors, high-octane adventures, and enigmatic curiosities. Follow his escapades on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @theglobaltrip.
Essential Tips and Techniques for Dogsledding in French Quebec:
- Become Fluent in French: Brush up on your French language skills to communicate effectively with local mushers.
- Understand the terrain: Navigate challenging trails by learning to read the land and react swiftly to any obstacles that arise.
- Master the basics: Learn the basic dog commands, including "marche" (go), "halte" (stop), and "tourne à gauche" or "tourne à droite" (turn left or right) to ensure smooth and efficient mushing.
- Build rapport with your dogs: Establish a trusting bond with your lead dog and the entire team to encourage responsiveness and improve overall performance.
- Prioritize Safety: Safety should always come first, especially when working with animals. Ensure both you and the dogs are comfortable and secure during the entire experience.
Erik Trinidad ventures to Fairbanks, Alaska to immerse himself in the world of dogsledding at Cotter's Sled Dog Kennel, led by 20-time Iditarod racer Bill Cotter. In Lapland, Sweden, he embarks on a nine-day dogsledding adventure with Adventures, culminating in an overnight stay at the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi.
For those seeking a dogsledding adventure in French Quebec, mastering the basics and becoming fluent in French are essential. Understanding the terrain and learning to read the land, reacting swiftly to obstacles, and establishing a trusting bond with the dogs are key to ensuring smooth and efficient mushing. Prioritizing safety is paramount, as both you and the dogs must feel comfortable and secure throughout the experience.
