The basics
Dog sledding is one of those things that a lot of people assume you can only experience in the Arctic. UnderDog New Zealand has been practising the northern tradition in the Southern Alps since 2013.
They can be found carving trails at Cardrona’s home of cross-country skiing, Snow Farm, with a mixed kennel of Alaskan malamutes, Alaskan huskies and Siberian huskies – all with different levels of cuteness and racing experience.
Giving it a bash
Assuming that I’d be hanging off the back of a sled with an instructor, it was a pleasant surprise to discover that I’d be navigating my very own pack of four dogs.
Before learning how to actually command a pack of dogs, there was mingling to be done with the family of 20-odd sled-draggers. Huskies are known for their gentle nature and these beauties definitely backed that up.
UnderDog owner Fleur Perano is extremely passionate about the sport and introduced each member of the pack individually; from a bashful Siberian who wears socks at the start of the season due to sensitive paws, to a large grey Alaskan with piercing blue eyes and famous for starring in a Taylor Swift music video.
My team on this occasion was made up of the film star Dickens, Taku, Mckenzie and Dodge. Each dog was led to the sled and attached in a diamond formation. They’re fizzing. The remainder of the pack are meanwhile howling and barking in the distance. It’s the sound of FOMO. Each sled is equipped with a pair of planks at the rear which serve as your standing area when executing an almost tip-toe ballet stance.
In between the planks is a slide mat that helps you keep control of the dogs and the sled. Fleur warned that the gang-line between the sled and the dogs should be kept tight at all times, like when towing a trailer. By not doing so the sled has the ability to fishtail and the dogs will soon realise that they’re in control.
There was also a warning that the dogs may creep close to the ledge of the trail, an instance in which you should remain calm and just ‘‘keep going’’. Announcing ‘‘ready’’ prepares the dogs to leave, and with a stern ‘‘let’s go’’ they take off at a flying pace.
‘‘Woah’’ is the magic word to stop. The course varies, careening down icy trails that require heavy use of the slide mat to keep distance from the dogs, and the occasional uphill section where some pushing is needed to help the dogs.
The trail is also shared with crosscountry skiers so it’s well groomed and easier to fly around than the back country.
The dogs travel at such a pace that the cold air becomes cutting and I regret my decision to forego gloves. The experience came to an end by rewarding the team with treats and rewarding myself with some final pats.
Why you should try it
Dog sledding is something everyone should try at least once. This is dreamcome-true kind of stuff and should at least be on the bucket list of every dog lover.
Helping the dogs uphill by scooting one foot increased the heart rate and worked up an appetite for some more downhill action. It’s a thrilling experience.
Risk rating
There is always some risk when travelling at speed on snow.
UnderDog gives clear safety instructions to each participant about safety, though of course it’s up to the participant to listen properly.
A guide snowmobile is on hand at all times in front of the pack should anything happen. Obvious risks with cold weather come into play, including hypothermia, so appropriate clothing should be worn.