Meet 70 Huskies and Enjoy a short ATV Tour with the Huskies

Dog hugs come with Arctic mud. This Kiruna kennel visit gives you close contact with 70 Alaskan Huskies, a look at daily sled-dog care, and a short ATV ride alongside a pre-season training session. I like the hands-on time with the dogs and the chance to see how the kennel prepares for winter, rather than simply posing for a quick photograph. I also like the relaxed coffee and snacks by an open fire, which add a friendly human touch.

The main caution is the price: at $192.31 per person, this is not a cheap dog visit. You should also expect active, energetic animals, forest trails, possible mud, and an ATV ride limited to children aged eight and older. For dog lovers, the private format and extended contact may make the cost worthwhile. For anyone seeking a fast photo stop, it may feel expensive.

Key points to know before you go

• Seventy Alaskan Huskies: You meet the dogs individually and can cuddle or play with them if you wish.
• A real kennel visit: The guides explain how sled dogs live and how the team works through the cold northern winters.
• ATV training session: You help prepare eight to ten dogs, then ride on a powerful ATV alongside their pre-season training.
• Fire-side refreshments: Tea, coffee, and sweet snacks are served over an open fire after the activity.
• Private experience: Only your group takes part, which allows more personal attention than a large public outing.
• Seasonal and weather-dependent: The activity runs from June 15 through October 31, 2026, and poor weather can lead to cancellation.

Meeting 70 Alaskan Huskies near Kiruna

The visit begins at Alttavaaravägen 10, about as far from a standard city sightseeing stop as you would expect from a northern Swedish kennel. You meet the full group of roughly 70 Alaskan Huskies and learn more about the individual dogs, their work, and their place in the kennel.

This first part is the heart of the experience. You are not simply looking at a row of dogs from behind a fence. You can spend time with them, cuddle them, and play with them if you are comfortable with their energy. The dogs are described as enthusiastic, so prepare for friendly jumping, eager noses, and plenty of fur on your clothing.

I would take the word energetic seriously. This is not a quiet petting session with sleepy house dogs. Sled dogs are powerful working animals, and the fun comes from seeing their excitement up close. Wear clothing that can handle dog hugs, dirt, and a little mud.

The size of the kennel also gives the visit some meaning. Meeting one or two dogs can be pleasant, but seeing a large working group helps you understand that sled-dog care is a daily operation. The dogs have different personalities, and the guides take time to introduce you to them rather than treating the animals as a single blue-eyed blur.

Learning how a northern sled-dog kennel works

The kennel team explains the daily life of a sled dog in northern Sweden. You hear about the cold Arctic winters and the work involved in caring for the dogs throughout the year, including the period before the main sled season.

That context matters. A sled-dog operation is not just a winter activity company that brings out dogs when snow arrives. The animals need exercise, feeding, training, harness work, and close attention in other seasons too. This visit gives you a better sense of that year-round routine.

The experience provider, Snowdog, is an Arctic adventure company with an international team. Craig is named in the feedback, and his warm, helpful approach receives particular praise. The staff are described as friendly, experienced, and willing to add extra moments with the dogs when possible.

Because this is a private activity, only your group participates. That can make a real difference at a kennel. You can ask questions, spend more time with a dog that catches your attention, and follow the explanations without trying to hear over a large crowd.

Still, the exact flow depends partly on the number of people in your group. The activities generally take between 1.5 and 3 hours, while the overall tour is listed at about three hours. If you have a tight connection or another fixed booking, allow room around the stated duration.

Preparing a team of eight to ten dogs

After meeting the larger group, you help prepare a smaller working team of eight to ten Huskies. This is where the experience shifts from animal meeting to kennel work.

You assist with getting the dogs ready for a training run. The supplied information does not promise that every participant will perform every task, so expect to follow the team’s instructions. The aim is to show you how the dogs are prepared and handled before training, not to turn you into a professional musher in an afternoon.

The harnesses are an important part of this section. You see the dogs move from friendly kennel companions into focused working animals. That change is one of the more interesting parts of the visit because it shows the purpose behind their training and care.

After the run, the Huskies receive a chunk of meat as a reward for their work. This small detail helps complete the routine. You see the preparation, the exercise, and the treat afterward, rather than only the exciting middle section.

The activity is also a good fit for people who want something more active than a standard kennel tour but are not booking a full dog-sled trip. You are involved in a training session without needing snow or a full winter program.

Riding the ATV beside the training session

The ATV section is short, but it gives the visit its unusual feature. You sit with the team on a powerful ATV and follow the dogs during their training session along the forest trails.

This is not described as a long independent ATV excursion. You are riding as part of the kennel’s pre-season dog training, so the dogs and their work remain the focus. The appeal is watching the team exercise in a setting where snow is not required.

The ride is only suitable for children aged eight or older. Children of any age can join the kennel portion, but the ATV rules are stricter for safety. The activity is also not suitable for people in poor health, so consider your comfort with a moving vehicle, uneven forest trails, and an active kennel environment before booking.

You should also dress for conditions rather than the calendar. The operating period runs from mid-June through the end of October, but northern forest weather can shift. Bring clothes and shoes that can take mud, dog contact, and outdoor time.

The ATV ride may be the least flexible part of the visit. The dogs must be handled safely, and the route depends on the training session and conditions. That is a good reason to approach this as a working kennel visit with an ATV element, not as a standard motor tour.

Coffee, sweet snacks, and an open fire

After the dog work and ATV ride, tea, coffee, and sweet snacks are provided over an open fire. This is a simple addition, but it improves the pace of the activity.

Outdoor animal visits can be intense. You have been surrounded by excited dogs, handled equipment, and spent time on forest trails. Sitting down with a hot drink gives you a chance to talk with the staff, ask follow-up questions, and watch the kennel settle after the training session.

The fire-side break also helps explain why the tour takes up to three hours. You are not paying only for a brief meeting with the dogs. The time includes introductions, kennel information, preparation, training, the ATV ride, rewards for the dogs, and refreshments.

The refreshments are basic rather than a meal. Snacks are included, but you should not plan on them replacing lunch. If you need a full meal, arrange that separately in Kiruna.

What the $192.31 price really buys

At $192.31 per person, the cost is high for a three-hour activity. A simple kennel visit would not justify that price for everyone.

The value improves if you care deeply about sled dogs and want access to the working side of a kennel. Your fee covers private transportation, the kennel visit, the ATV training session, and snacks. You also get direct contact with a large group of dogs and time with staff rather than a brief public demonstration.

The private format is especially important. Only your group participates, so you are not sharing the visit with a large busload of people. That can make the experience feel more personal and may give you better opportunities to ask questions and interact with the dogs.

The price also reflects the operation behind the visit. Caring for 70 Alaskan Huskies is a substantial daily responsibility, and the activity gives you an inside view of that work. I would see the fee as payment for a close animal experience and a small working-kennel lesson, not simply an ATV ride.

Still, value depends on what you want. If your priority is a long ATV journey, this is not the right purchase. If you want a full dog-sled ride on snow, this is also a different product. The strongest reason to book is the combination of kennel access, dog contact, training, and private attention.

Timing, transport, and practical planning

The meeting point is Alttavaaravägen 10, 981 92 Kiruna, Sweden, and the activity ends back there. Private transportation is included, though the provided information does not specify a pickup service from your hotel, so confirm the transport details before arrival.

The regular opening period is June 15 to October 31, 2026, with hours listed from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday. If those set times do not suit your schedule, you can contact the operator to ask about another start time.

The activity is offered in English, and a mobile ticket is available. Confirmation is sent when you book. The kennel is near public transportation, but check the exact route and arrival time rather than assuming the stop is directly beside the meeting point.

Weather matters. The company may cancel if conditions are poor and will then offer another date or a full refund. Otherwise, the booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason, so avoid booking until your schedule and transport plans are firm.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can take part. The specific limits remain important: the ATV ride is for children aged eight and above, and the activity is not appropriate for people in ill health.

Who will enjoy this Kiruna kennel visit

I would recommend this to dog lovers who want more than a photograph. You get time to meet the dogs, learn about their routine, watch them work, and see the care that goes into preparing a team.

It also suits families with children of different ages, provided you understand the split between activities. Younger children can join the kennel visit, while only children aged eight and older can take part in the ATV ride.

The private setup works well for a small family group, friends, or anyone who prefers a quieter visit. The staff’s friendly approach is one of the experience’s most praised features, and one group even received help getting to the train station afterward. That extra helpfulness cannot be guaranteed, but it gives you a useful sense of the company’s personal style.

You should think twice if you dislike jumping dogs, mud, outdoor conditions, or close animal contact. The dogs are not presented as calm, decorative pets. They are working Huskies with plenty of energy.

Should you book the Snowdog experience?

Book it if meeting a large sled-dog team is a top priority and you want to understand kennel life, not just watch a staged display. The chance to meet 70 dogs, help prepare eight to ten for training, ride alongside them on an ATV, and finish beside an open fire creates a varied three-hour outing.

Skip it if you mainly want a long ATV adventure, a snowmobile-style thrill, or a full winter sled ride. At $192.31, the price requires genuine interest in the dogs and the kennel’s work.

For the right person, this is a warm, personal experience with plenty of animal contact and a clear sense of place in northern Sweden. Just wear clothes you can get muddy, leave room in your schedule, and expect the Huskies to be the ones running the show.

FAQ

Where does the husky and ATV experience start?

It starts at Alttavaaravägen 10, 981 92 Kiruna, Sweden.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours. The activities themselves generally take between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on the number of people.

How many Huskies will I meet?

You will meet 70 Alaskan Huskies.

Can I cuddle and play with the dogs?

Yes. You can meet the individual dogs and cuddle them if you wish. They are energetic, so prepare for active dog contact.

How many dogs take part in the ATV training session?

A small team of eight to ten dogs is prepared for the training session.

Can children join the experience?

Children of all ages can join the kennel experience. The ATV ride is only appropriate for children aged eight or older.

Is the experience suitable for people in poor health?

No. The ATV portion and activity are not appropriate for people of ill health.

Are food and drinks included?

Tea, coffee, and sweet snacks are provided over an open fire. A full meal is not listed as included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the activity?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Otherwise, the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed.