amazing dogsledding adventures

CONTENT

Maps & Travel ....................................................................................................................................... 3

About The Silent Way ...................................................................................................................... 4

Your Day in the Wilderness .......................................................................................................... 5

Meals & Accommodation ........................................................................................................... 6

Tour Programs 2004 .......................................................................................................................... 7

Dogsledding Tour Tariff & Programs ................................................................................ 8-17

Custom Tours .............................................................................................................................. 18-19

Gear, Checklist Winter ......................................................................................................... 20-21

Frequently Questions & Answer ............................................................................................. 22

Booking Information .......................................................................................................................23

www.silent-way.com

www.dogsledding-adventures.com

Made by:STORUMANS TRYCKERI AB 2003www.storumanstryckeri.se

Frontcover photo: C-G Gustafsson, Andreas RydbackenBackcover photo: C-G Gustafsson

Amazing Dogsledding Adventures

Photo: Andreas Rydbacken

Maps & Travel

The Silent Way is located in south LaplandSweden, between two small towns called Storuman andTärnaby, Surrounded by beautiful scenery by the foot ofthe mountain “Gardfjället”, lays the little village Umnäs.

How to get to Umnäs - LaplandThe easiest way to come to us at The Silent Way is bytravelling by air.You should let us know in advance what means oftransportation you wish to arrive with, so we may helpyou to make your trip to Lapland as easy as possible.

By Air (International)You must arrange for your own international airfare toStockholm, Bromma or Arlanda airport in Stockholm isthe nearest international airport.

By Air (Domestic)From Stockholm most of our foreign visitors travel by airfrom Arlanda airport to our local airport, Storuman. Wecan arrange your domestic ticket to Storuman where youwill be picked up by car for transfer to Umnäs. You canpick up your ticket at Arlanda airport (domestic terminal3) at Skyways air company counter, with a bookingnumber. Booking number provided by us via e-mail,phone or fax prior to your departure. DOMESTIC AIRFARE

About SkywaysSkyways alliance with SAS. Skyways is located interminal 3 at Arlanda Airport, Stockholm.Skyways Holding AB, box 915, 195 86 Arlanda StadTele: + 46-8-59513500, fax; + 46-8-59513590http://www.skyways.seArlanda Airport in Stockholm

3

Our experience is beneficial on any tours.Dogs at The Silent Way are very sociable and kind. Theylove to be patted almost as much as they like you to puton their harness and pull you wherever you wish... maythat be challenging stormy weather... through cold winterdays... while northern light dance for you... warm andbeautiful sunny days when the mountain is kind.Small and large groups, conference groups, customisedindividual tour... we tailor to suit your requirements. Onour mountains tours we work with small groups, thatmeans more dogs for your team and more personalservice.We offer complete free rental clothing and boots. You canbe sure you’ll stay warm. We’re the experts on coldweather comfort.

HistoryMr. Robert Janns came to Umnäs in 1870 as a colonistwith his spade and dig hopes in this new land in Lapland.It was harsh times settling down as a farmer with only asmall family breeding cows, sheep, goats and hens.Since that time a lot has happened. This farm has hostedfive generations of the same family, all of whom hasmaintained strong roots and traditions. CatrineAnderback, your hostess is the grand grand granddaughter of Robert. Now days, our beloved andhardworking Alaskan Huskies and Icelandic horses arewhat keep ”The Silent Way” alive and our days full ofexcitement and adventures.

The Silent Way on the InternetLog on to http://www.silent-way.com orhttp://www.dogsledding-adventure.com for the latestinformation and complete information on all our activitieshere at The Silent Way.

Your hosts:Catrine Anderback & Kenneth Gjemmestad

About The Silent Way

WelcomeTo The Silent Way, Lapland - Sweden. Experience theNorthern light, Mountains and Forests. Come closer tonature, the great expanses of wilderness.Our tours is high quality tours, we mush in small groupsthere all our guests mush their own team of dogs. Ourguests get around 5-8 dogs.We travel in Europe’s biggest nature reserve –Vindelfjällens Nature reserve.

The Silent Way is quality marked by Natures Best.Natures Best is the first national ecotourism qualitylabel in the Northern HemisphereBest for the visitor, best for nature.

www.naturesbest.nu

Why The Silent Way.All the nature you can imagine... dense forests... proudmountain birch... wide stretched mires... bare whitemountains with deep valleys... pure clean lakes withtrout’s and char and beautiful social dogs...On our tours you’ll mush a team of our friendly Huskiesalong beautiful wilderness trails every day. Each eveningyou’ll enjoy a new cosy wilderness lodges with greatLapland meals. You’ll be accompanied by our expertguides who provide complete dogsled training, sharestories and tails about the winter mushing, fishing,

wildlife, northern lights, and more. Oursledges are hand made at ”The

Silent Way” by Kenneth, yourleadmusher, who knows what is

the best to use on ourmountain tours.

www.silent-way.com4

Kenneth

Catte

Your day in the wilderness

YOUR DAY IN THE WILDERNESSAs a guest you will enjoy the expert help of ourprofessional guides who will take care of you in everypossible way. You will be in charge of your own team of5-8 dogs. For those who are more athletic could chooseto go on cross-country skies and be pulled along by 2dogs (skijoring). However, please note you should haveextensive skiing experience for skijoring. The tour leaderwill manage a team of 8 to 12 dogs and carry most of thefood and equipment. Your personal belongings some dogfood and equipment will be in your own sledge. We travelbetween 30 to 55 kilometres each day. The day beginsaround 7.30 when we feed the dogs. After that we willhave a nice breakfast. Around 10.00 are the sledgespacked and it is time to embark the tracks. After about 15- 30 kilometres we will find a suitable place to stop,where we and the dogs have a nice lunch and rest. Afterlunch we proceed again for another couple of hours untilwe reach the lodge where we

will stay for the night. The dogs get their reward after ourdinner and the evening is rounded off with a warm drinkand a sandwich before snuggling into our sleeping bags.During the day you can enjoy the vast expanses of thisgorgeous landscape. We travel very quietly and if we arelucky we can spot mountain birds, eagles and animalssuch as reindeer and elk which are common and, of allSweden’s wild creatures, these are the ones you’re mostlikely to spot. The shyer creatures such as lynx,wolverine, bears and wolves we often see tracks from in

www.silent-way.com

the region we travel. The terrain we travel through variesimmensely. From dense forests and mountain birchcovering the ground to open highlands with breathtakingviews and deep valleys with lakes full of white untouchedsnow. The light, the colours, the smell of nature and thesilent are something you have to experience because thiscan not be explained by words alone.

5

Meals and Accomodation

The first and last day you stay in our village Umnäs andsleep at the cosy and small hotel or a lodge. On ourmountain tours we will be sleeping in good and cosylodges, one of the lodges have electricity. All mountainlodges are comfortable, nice and warm, whit beds andwooden stoves.The meals are home made Swedish food. You canexpect all meals to taste exceptional good. We canguarantee you will not be hungry on our tours. You maylet us know if you have special food and dietrequirements.

Breakfast and dinner are prepared in lodges whilst lunchnormally are held outdoors, and the fact that we areusing dogsleds means that we can take a little extra withus to make our trip even more comfortable. We willcollect water from nearby fresh mountain streams andlakes by chopping a whole in the ice.

BreakfastOn tour: Porridge, blueberry soup, bread, butter, jams,cheeses, sausages, juices, milk, coffee and tee.Additional in village: herring, assorted cereals, ham,eggs, and others upon request.LunchOn tour: All lunches are warm such as souvas (smokedfried reindeer meat) with bread, noodle soups with bread,assorted pasta and sauces.Additional in village: omelettes, game stews, hamburgers,etc.

DinnerOn tour: Meat soup with bread, game stew with rice andvegetables, marinated elk meat with rice and vegetables,pasta with vegetables and sauces, pasta with grind meatand sauces, chicken stew with rice, and other local gamespecialities. Additional in village: Game steaks, fish suchas trout, char, salmon, etc.

Drinks.On tour: Fruit syrups, tea & coffee, juices, red and whitewine, fresh mountain water.Additional in village: The hotel has a pub, and servers allkind of beverages in the restaurant.

www.silent-way.com6

Dogsledding Tour Program 2004

Scheduled tours”Happy New Year Adventure” ............... 7 days ....................................... 27 Dec – 2 Jan ...................... 4 guests“Crystal lodge to lodge” ............................. 7 days ....................................... 21 Jan – 27 Jan .................... 4 guestsTraining & Competition ............................... 16 days .................................... 28 Jan – 12 Feb ................... 2 guests“Sunshine Awakening 1 ” ......................... 7 days ....................................... 17 Feb – 23 Feb ................... 4 guests“Sunshine Awakening 2 ” ......................... 7 days ....................................... 26 Feb – 3 Mars ................... 4 guests“Northern Silence” ........................................... 8 days ....................................... 8 Mars – 15 Mars ................ 4 guests“16-days Expedition” .................................... 16 days .................................... 20 Mars – 4 April .................. 3 guests“Sound Of Silence” ......................................... 10 days .................................... 16 April – 25 April ................ 4 guests“Spring Adventure” ......................................... 8 days ....................................... 28 April – 5 May .................... 4 guests

If you book as a group, it is possible to be 2 to 4 guests more on each tour.All the tours are included 2 days for arrival and departure.

Custom Tour ProgramsPrivate tours ............................... Jan 1 - May 15Conference Groups ................... Jan 1 - May 15Half Day Tours ............................ Jan 1 - May 15Full Day Tours ............................ Jan 1 - May 15

Six to eight days ........................ Jan 1 - May 15Eight to fourteen days ...............Mar 1 - May 15Sixteen days ...............................Mar 1 - May 15

www.silent-way.com 7


Tour NameCrystal Lodge-to-LodgeDuration7 Days & 6 NightsTemperaturesDay -5 to -25°C and Night -10 to -30°CArrivalWed 21 JanDepartureTue 27 JanMushing Days4 Days & 3 NightsIce fishing1 Day & 1 NightVillage Days2 Days & 2 Nights

Musher’s Note:Mountains and vastness with the sun light going downaround 4 pm, crystal white snow reflecting the moon,stars, and northern light (and your head torch). Yourexperience will not be short of spiritual moments on thisexceptional natural wonder tour.The tracks and the mountains are untouched and we willhave the mountains for ourselves.

ArrivalWhen you arrive in Lapland, Storuman airport, we willpick you up by car and drive the 100 km to Umnäs. Thefirst thing we will do in Umnäs is to go and say hello tothe dogs. After that we will have dinner at host home orsomething lighter like sand-wich. We also take a look onwhat gear and clothes you need to borrow from us. Wetalk about the tour and how to mush the sled and dogs.The first night you will sleep at the hotel or lodge.

Happy New Year Adventure & Crystal Lodge to Lodge

Tour NameHappy New Year AdventureDuration:7 Days & 6 NightsTemperatures:Day -5 to -35°C and Night -15 to -40°C.Arrival:Fri 27 Dec 2003Departure:Fri 2 Jan 2004

Musher’s Note:On this year “Happy New Year Adventure” we will makeday tours in our beautiful nature. If its not to cold we willmake a two-day trip with one overnight in the mountains.Add the New Year celebration to your dog mushingadventure; experience the northern light and the silenceof the dark in a fairy tale surrounding. We will celebrateNew Year at the hotel with a nice gala dinner and party inthe evening. Most local speak some English, and you willhave plenty of opportunities to meet them this New Year!Your base camp is a nice and cosy Russian timber lodge.See pictures at: www.dogsledding-adventures.comThe day after New Years eve we will have a rest day, youcan choose to rest the whole day in front of a cosywooden stove in your lodge, take a look at the snowmobile museum and the museum from old days or rent asnow mobile for a half day.

Dogsledding days:You will mush the dogs for 4 days on different tracks inour beautiful area. The sledges are empty that meanshigh-speed dog mushing. It’s a special and excitingfeeling to mush 5-6 dogs with an empty sled but it is noproblem for a new beginner to do this tour. If it’s not tocold, under –25 °C, we go two days out on the mountainswith one night in Överstjuktan lodge.

This New Year youwill never forget!

www.silent-way.com8

Photo: C-G Gustafsson

Crystal Lodge to Lodge & Training and Competition

Mushing day 1You eat breakfast at the hotel around 7.30. Around 9.00 aclock we will meet at the hotel. We go to the dog yard forpacking the sledges and learn to harness the dogs. Nowwe will have a major lecture time in “how to drive” a teamof dogs. After that it is time to pull the anchor, stand onthe brake and GO FOR IT! Överstjuktan is ourdestination; the distance this day is 55 km long. The dogsand we will have out door lunch after half way. We willtravel over three big lakes, through pine forests,mountain birch forests and one mountain plateau. Whenwe arrive to Överstjuktan we help each other to bringwater, chop wood, make fire, feed and take care of thedogs. We eat dinner and sleep at Överstjuktan lodge, theonly lodge with electricity.

Mushing day 2We will get up around 7.30 and go out and feed the dogs.After that we have a nice breakfast before we pack ourbags and sledges. We harness the dogs and are on ourway around 10.30. This day we mush to Ammarnäs, 35km. We start this day with a big lake and than we start toclimb up on Guvertmountian. We will have outdoor lunchbefore we go down to Ammarnäs valley. The first thingwe do is to take care of the dogs. Ammarnäs is a littlevillage with settlers and Laplander people. Here we stayat the hotel in Ammarnäs, if you like we take a sauna andshower before dinner. Overnight at the hotel.

Mushing day 3We feed the dogs around 8.00 before we go and eatbreakfast. This day we go to Tärnasjön, 40 km fromAmmarnäs. Halfway lays Serve lodge, here we haveoutdoor or indoor lunch depending on the weather. Whenwe arrive to Tärnasjön we help each other like the daysbefore. Overnight and dinner at Tärnasjön lodge.

Ice fishing day/rest day 4This day we stay in Tärnasjön lodge. You can choose todo ice fishing or rest. In the afternoon we take a saunathat we heat up with wood and take a wash off (or a bathin the snow). We have breakfast, lunch, dinner andovernight at Tärnasjön lodge.

Last day on the mountain day 5We will go out to the dogs around 7.30 before eatingbreakfast. We pack the sledges for the last time and areon our way to Solberg, 34 km, where we will be picked upby car. Half way we have Syter lodge and the opportunityto eat indoor if we have bad weather. After a nice showerat the hotel in Umnäs we eat dinner at hosts home andremember all things that happened during yourDogsledding adventure. Last overnight for this time atUmnäs Hotel.

DeparturedayBreakfast at the hotel. Pack your bags and say goodbyeto the dogs. We will eat lunch at our home,write the guestbook and mark the mapsover the tour (if you like).We drive to Storuman airport andhope we meet again.


Tour NameTraining and CompetitionDuration16 Days & 15 NightsTemperaturesDay -5 to -25°C and Night -10 to -30°CArrivalWed 28 JanDepartureThu 12 Feb

Musher’s Note:This tour is for our guests that have been here beforeand like to do something really special with the dogs.

Tour program:You will first join us at the tour “Crystal lodge to lodge” toremind your self how to drive the sledge, feed the dogsand so on. During the tour you will mush the dogs thatyou will have under the training and competition.After the tour you will train the dogs with a competitionsled and we talk about how to do the race. You will trainyour team by your selves so the lead dogs start listen toyou.After the training days we take the car and go to Femundin Norway to do the “Femund race”.www.femund500.comThe Femund race is a classic long distance Dogsleddingrace and known to be beautiful and nice, one of the mostfamous one up here.On this adventure you will come close to the dogs andyou and your dog team will “be like one”.

This is a lifetime experience!

Sunshine Awakening I

Tour NameSunshine Awakening IDuration7 Days & 6 NightsTemperaturesDay -5 to -20°C and Night -10 to -25°CArrivalTue 17 FebDepartureMon 23 FebMushing Days4 Days & 3 NightsIce fishing1 Day & 1 NightVillage Days2 Days & 2 Nights

Musher’s NoteFebruary is the time when the sun is starting to stayup longer, from 7.00 to 17.00 and the snow is firm andsettled. We will also start to feel that the sun start to getwarm. We can enjoy longer days. The nights are full ofstars and Northern Light. We still have the mountains forour selves and the nature is showing one of its best faces.

ArrivalWhen you arrive in Lapland, Storuman airport, we willpick you up by car and drive the 100 km to Umnäs. Thefirst thing we will do in Umnäs is to go and say hello tothe dogs. After that we will have dinner at host home orsomething lighter like sandwich. We also take a look onwhat gear and clothes you need to borrow from us. Wetalk about the tour and how to mush the sled and dogs.The first night you will sleep at the hotel or lodge.

Mushing day 1You eat breakfast at the hotel around 7.30.Around 9.00 a clock we will meet at the hotel. We go tothe dog yard for packing the sledges and learn to harnessthe dogs. Now we will have a major lecture time in “howto drive” a team of dogs. After that it is time to pull theanchor, stand on the brake and GO FOR IT!Överstjuktan is our destination; the distance this day is55 km long. The dogs and we will have out door lunchafter half way. We will travel over three big lakes, throughpine forests, mountain birch forests and one mountain

www.silent-way.com10

plateau. When we arrive to Överstjuktan we help eachother to bring water, chop wood, make fire, feed and takecare of the dogs. We eat dinner and sleep atÖverstjuktan lodge, the only lodge with electricity.

Mushing day 2We will get up around 7.30 and go out and feed the dogs.After that we have a nice breakfast before we pack ourbags and sledges. We harness the dogs and are on ourway around 10.30. This day we mush to Ammarnäs, 35km. We start this day with a big lake and than we start toclimb up on Guvertmountian. We will have outdoor lunchbefore we go down to Ammarnäs valley. The first thingwe do is to take care of the dogs. Ammarnäs is a littlevillage with settlers and Laplander people. Here we stayat the hotel in Ammarnäs, if you like we take a sauna andshower before dinner. Overnight at the hotel.

Mushing day 3We feed the dogs around 8.00 before we go and eatbreakfast. This day we go to Tärnasjön, 40 km fromAmmarnäs. Halfway lays Serve lodge, here we haveoutdoor or indoor lunch depending on the weather.When we arrive to Tärnasjön we help each other like thedays before. Overnight and dinner at Tärnasjön lodge.


Sunshine Awakening I & II


Last day on the mountain day 5We will go out to the dogs around 7.30 before eatingbreakfast.We pack the sledges for the last time and are on our wayto Solberg, 34 km, where we will be picked up by car.Half way we have Syter lodge and the opportunity to eatindoor if we have bad weather.After a nice shower at the hotel in Umnäs we eat dinnerat hosts home and remember all things that happenedduring your Dogsledding adventure.Last overnight for this time at Umnäs Hotel.

DeparturedayBreakfast at the hotel. Pack your bags and say goodbyeto the dogs. We will eat lunch at our home,write the guestbook and mark themaps over the tour (if you like).We drive to Storuman airport andhope we meet again.

Tour NameSunshine Awakening IIDuration7 Days & 6 NightsTemperaturesDay -5 to -20°C and Night -10 to -25°CArrivalThu 26 FebDepartureWed 3 MarMushing Days4 Days & 3 NightsIce fishing1 Day & 1 NightVillage Days2 Days & 2 Nights

Musher’s NoteSunshine Awakening II has exactly the same tourprogram as Sunshine Awakening I, so please have alook at the tour program “Sunshine Awakening I”.

February/Mars is the time when the sun is starting to stayup longer, from 7.00 to 17.00 and the snow is firm andsettled. We will also start to feel that the sun start to getwarm. We can enjoy longer days. The nights are full ofstars and Northern Light. We still have the mountains forour selves and the nature is showing one of its bestfaces.

Tour NameNorthern SilenceDuration8 Days & 7 NightsTemperaturesDay -5 to -20°C and Night -10 to -25°CArrivalMon 8 MarDepartureMon 15 MarMushing Days5 Days & 4 NightsIce fishing1 day & 1 NightVillage Days2 Days & 2 Nights

Musher’s Note:March is a beautiful month for dogmushing. The tracksare getting harder and we will go faster with the dogs.The sun is starting to warm us up and the chances to seethe Northern light is still very good. On this tour wemaybe will meet some people in the mountains, but wewill still feel that we have the mountains for our selves.

ArrivalWhen you arrive in Lapland, Storuman airport, we willpick you up by car and drive the 100 km to Umnäs. Thefirst thing we will do in Umnäs is to go and say hello tothe dogs.

After that we will have dinner at host home or somethinglighter like sandwich. We also take a look on what gearand clothes you need to borrow from us. We talk aboutthe tour and how to mush the sled and dogs.The first night you will sleep at the hotel or lodge.

Mushing day 1You eat breakfast at the hotel around 7.30.Around 9.00 a clock we will meet at the hotel. We go tothe dog yard for packing the sledges and learn to harnessthe dogs. Now we will have a major lecture time in “howto drive” a team of dogs.After that it is time to pull the anchor, stand on the brakeand GO FOR IT!Överstjuktan is our destination; the distance this day is55 km long. The dogs and we will have out door lunchafter half way. We will travel over three big lakes, throughpine forests, mountain birch forests and one mountainplateau.When we arrive to Överstjuktan we help each other tobring water, chop wood, make fire, feed and take care ofthe dogs.We eat dinner and sleep at Överstjuktan lodge, the onlylodge with electricity.

Mushing day 2We will get up around 7.30 and go out and feed the dogs.After that we have a nice breakfast before we pack ourbags and sledges. We harness the dogs and are on ourway around 10.30.This day we mush to Ammarnäs, 35 km. We start this daywith a big lake and than we start to climb up onGuvertmountian. We will have outdoor lunch before wego down to Ammarnäs valley. The first thing we do is totake care of the dogs. Ammarnäs is a little village withsettlers and Laplander people. Here we stay at the hotelin Ammarnäs, if you like we take a sauna and showerbefore dinner. Overnight at the hotel.

Mushing day 3We feed the dogs around 8.00 before we go and eatbreakfast.This day we go to Dalovardo, 50 km from Ammarnäs. Wemush on the Vindelriver almost all the way up toDalovardo, the river lays in a big beautiful valleysurrounded by staggered mountains, the area is

Northern Silence


forbidden for snow mobiles. In this big valley we oftensee mountain grouse or willow grouse (ptarmigans)golden eagle, tracks from wolverim and lynx. Halfwaylays Vitnjul lodge, here we have outdoor or indoor lunchdepending on the weather.When we arrive to Dalovardo lodge we help each otherlike the days before.Overnight and dinner at Dalavardo lodge.

Mushing day 4We get up around 7.00 to give the dogs their breakfast.This day we go to Tärnasjön lodge; we have two tracks tochoose. If its very nice weather and the snow is good wego the long way – up against the Norwegian border onthe high mountain plateau. This track is 55 km toTärnasjön. If its not so good we will take the shorter onethrough a valley, this is 30 km long.Overnight and dinner at Tärnasjön lodge.



DeparturedayBreakfast at the hotel. Pack your bags and say goodbyeto the dogs. We will eat lunch at our home,write the guestbook and mark the maps over the tour (ifyou like).We drive to Storuman airportand hope we meet again.

Tour Name16-days ExpeditionDuration16 Days & 15 NightsTemperaturesDay -5 to -15°C and Night -5 to -20°CArrivalSat 20 MarchDepartureSun 4 AprilMushing Days14 Days & 13 NightsVillage Days2 Days & 2 Nights

Musher’s NoteThis is the longest tour of the season, the tour is forguests how have been dog mushing or done some otherextreme winter activities before. This is an expeditiontour, which means that we will face all weather andcondition that the nature will give us, you have to helpwith everything, take care of your own team, do cooking,dishing, bring water, cleaning after the dogs and so on.

We start in the North of Sweden – Nikkoloukta, andmush all the way through the Swedish mountain range tothe south of Lapland, Umnäs, where we live. The tour isaround 550 – 600 km. Exceptional it is that you will getto know your team and your self more than on any othertour, which will leave you with a sense of wisdom andbelonging you can cherish for life. We will discoveropenness like nowhere else and creating a whole newperspesctive of things. This is the most beautiful tour wedo, this the tour you will never forget. This is for you thatreally like to do something special! Take also a look atthe custom tour program, 16-days at page 19...

16-days Expedition


Sound of Silence

Tour NameSound of SilenceDuration10 Days & 9 NightsTemperaturesDay +5 to -20°C and Night -5 to -25°CArrivalFri 16 AprDepartureSun 25 AprMushing Days7 Days & 6 NightsIce fishing1 day & 1 NightVillage Days2 Days & 2 Nights

Musher’s Note:This is one of the longest tours of the season. Exceptionalit is that you will get to know your team more than anyother tours, which will leave you with a sense of wisdomand belonging you can cherish for life.Sound of Silence tours arose because this time of theyear is the time when the wilderness awakes from theearly winter. You will witness the birds coming back fromthe south and tracks from wolverim, lynx and perhapsfrom an early awoken bear. The sun is up longer by nowand you will enjoy the warm feeling from this while youare mushing. Hence, our routes are also longer, thetracks are smoother and harder, and the dogs runs faster.

ArrivalWhen you arrive in Lapland, Storuman airport, we willpick you up by car and drive the 100 km to Umnäs. Thefirst thing we will do in Umnäs is to go and say hello tothe dogs.After that we will have dinner at host home or somethinglighter like sandwich. We also take a look on what gearand clothes you need to borrow from us. We talk aboutthe tour and how to mush the sled and dogs.The first night you will sleep at the hotel or lodge.

Mushing day 1You eat breakfast at the hotel around 7.30.Around 9.00 a clock we will meet at the hotel. We go tothe dog yard for packing the sledges and learn to harnessthe dogs. Now we will have a major lecture time in “howto drive” a team of dogs.After that it is time to pull the anchor, stand on the brakeand GO FOR IT!Överstjuktan is our destination; the distance this day is55 km long. The dogs and we will have out door lunchafter half way. We will travel over three big lakes, throughpine forests, mountain birch forests and one mountainplateau.When we arrive to Överstjuktan we help each other tobring water, chop wood, make fire, feed and take care ofthe dogs.We eat dinner and sleep at Överstjuktan lodge, the onlylodge with electricity.

Mushing day 2We will get up around 7.30 and go out and feed the dogs.After that we have a nice breakfast before we pack ourbags and sledges. We harness the dogs and are on ourway around 10.30.


This day we mush to Ammarnäs, 35 km. We start this daywith a big lake and than we start to climb up onGuvertmountian. We will have outdoor lunch before wego down to Ammarnäs valley. The first thing we do is totake care of the dogs. Ammarnäs is a little village withsettlers and Laplander people. Here we stay at the hotelin Ammarnäs, if you like we take a sauna and showerbefore dinner. Overnight at the hotel.

Mushing day 3We feed the dogs around 8.00 before we go and eatbreakfast.This day we go to Dalovardo, 50 km from Ammarnäs. Wemush on the Vindelriver almost all the way up toDalovardo, the river lays in a big beautiful valleysurrounded by staggered mountains, the area isforbidden for snow mobiles. In this big valley we oftensee mountain grouse or willow grouse (ptarmigans)golden eagle, tracks from wolverim and lynx. Halfwaylays Vitnjul lodge, here we have outdoor or indoor lunchdepending on the weather.When we arrive to Dalovardo lodge we help each otherlike the days before.Overnight and dinner at Dalavardo lodge.

Mushing day 4This day we go over an extremely beautiful area. It is ahigh mountain plateau in the beginning and than we goout on beautiful lakes before we start to do the excitingdown hills to Bäverholmen. This day is 50 km; we willhave outdoor lunch after half way.At Bäverholmen it is a little “lodge village” with arestaurant, shower and sauna. Here we will eat dinnerand overnight.

Mushing day 5Now we have one of these days with unbelievablewonderful views again. We go back to Dalavardo thesame way as we came to Bäverholmen.It is always nice to get back to Dalavardo again it is abeautiful place.



Sound of Silence


DeparturedayBreakfast at the hotel. Pack your bags and say goodbyeto the dogs. We will eat lunch at our home,write the guestbook and mark the maps over the tour (ifyou like).We drive toStoruman airportand hope we meet again.


Tour NameSpring AdventureDuration8 Days & 7 NightsTemperaturesDay +5 to -15°C and Night -5 to -25°CArrivalWed 28 AprilDepartureWed 5 MayMushing Days5 Days & 4 NightsIce fishing1 day & 1 NightVillage Days2 Days & 2 Nights

Musher’s NoteIf we are lucky, we will be able to mush in shorts and T-shirt. This time of the year, the snow is melting and wewill take the last breath out of the snow, and need tochange the routes as we mush along. The sun goesdown at 9 pm and you will truly get a suntan if that iswhat you wish too. Bright warm sun mushing across largemountains... what more can we say, we love this job!

ArrivalWhen you arrive in Lapland, Storuman airport, we willpick you up by car and drive the 100 km to Umnäs. Thefirst thing we will do in Umnäs is to go and say hello tothe dogs.After that we will have dinner at host home or somethinglighter like sandwich. We also take a look on what gearand clothes you need to borrow from us. We talk aboutthe tour and how to mush the sled and dogs.The first night you will sleep at the hotel or lodge.

Mushing day 1You eat breakfast at the hotel around 7.30.Around 9.00 a clock we will meet at the hotel. We go tothe dog yard for packing the sledges and learn to harnessthe dogs. Now we will have a major lecture time in “howto drive” a team of dogs.After that it is time to pull the anchor, stand on the brakeand GO FOR IT!

Överstjuktan is our destination; the distance this day is55 km long. The dogs and we will have out door lunchafter half way. We will travel over three big lakes, throughpine forests, mountain birch forests and one mountainplateau.When we arrive to Överstjuktan we help each other tobring water, chop wood, make fire, feed and take care ofthe dogs.We eat dinner and sleep at Överstjuktan lodge, the onlylodge with electricity.

Mushing day 2We will get up around 7.30 and go out and feed the dogs.After that we have a nice breakfast before we pack ourbags and sledges. We harness the dogs and are on ourway around 10.30.This day we mush to Ammarnäs, 35 km. We start this daywith a big lake and than we start to climb up onGuvertmountian. We will have outdoor lunch before wego down to Ammarnäs valley. The first thing we do is totake care of the dogs. Ammarnäs is a little village withsettlers and Laplander people. Here we stay at the hotelin Ammarnäs, if you like we take a sauna and showerbefore dinner. Overnight at the hotel.

Mushing day 3We feed the dogs around 8.00 before we go and eatbreakfast.This day we go to Dalovardo, 50 km from Ammarnäs. Wemush on the Vindelriver almost all the way up toDalovardo, the river lies in a big beautiful valley

Spring Adventure



Spring Adventure

surrounded by staggered mountains, and the area isforbidden for snowmobiles. In this big valley we often seemountain grouse or willow grouse (ptarmigans) goldeneagle, tracks from wolverim and lynx. Halfway lays Vitnjullodge, here we have outdoor or indoor lunch dependingon the weather.When we arrive to Dalovardo lodge we help each otherlike the days before.Overnight and dinner at Dalavardo lodge.



Last day on the mountain day 6We will go out to the dogs around 7.30 before eatingbreakfast.We pack the sledges for the last time and are on our wayto Solberg, 34 km, where we will be picked up by car.

Half way we have Syter lodge and the opportunity to eatindoor if we have bad weather.After a nice shower at the hotel in Umnäs we eat dinnerat hosts home and remember all things that happenedduring your Dogsledding adventure.Last overnight for this time at Umnäs Hotel.

DeparturedayBreakfast at the hotel. Pack your bags and say goodbyeto the dogs. We will eat lunch at our home,write the guestbook and mark the maps over the tour (ifyou like).We drive toStoruman airportand hope we meet again.



CUSTOM TOURSTo book a custom mountain tour you have to be a groupof 3 guests, the maximum size of a group on themountain is 8 guests. All our tours is guided tours. Welike quality, no masstourism.

Six to Eight DaysExperience the mountains and the forest over a period ofsix to eight days with dog sledding. Come closer to thenature and enjoy the feeling of the wilderness. We driveat a good speed and you will be able to enjoy thegorgeous nature. You will mush your own team of 5 - 8dogs with your personal belongings in the sledge. Thedogs love to pull and will take you silently through thewilderness. Before we leave we will go through theequipment and the planned route. After this briefing wewill greet the dogs, pack the sleds and we will teach youhow to put harness on the dogs.On this trip you will learn all the basics rules and all thecommands a musher has to know. Believe us that afterthis trip you will have many friends with four legs. All the

Custom Tours

CustomToursDay ToursOn these tours you can choose to mush with your ownteam of 4-8 Alaskan Huskies or relax on a comfortabledogsled through the wilderness of Lapland. It is yourchoice if you want to stop for ice fishing. These are theonly tours suitable for children under the age of 15.We also have conference groups here at The Silent Way.We can organise very large groups up to 120 guests,sometimes bringing in as many as 10 dogsleds and 120dogs.

Half DayStart from the kennel 11.00 in the morning. On this tripyou will experience the charm and mystery of the forest inLapland. We drive approximately 15 kilometres before westop for small but nice refreshment. You can also chooseto ice-fish on this trip. The type of fish you will catch hereis called perch. The dogs will drive us home after anexiting day out in the beautiful forest.

Full DayStart from the kennel 11.00 in the morning with course forthe mountains. On this day trip you will experience thereal wilderness and the beauty of the mountains. Wedrive approximately 25 kilometres before lunch stop. Aftera nice meal you can choose to too fish on the ice. Youdrill a hole into the thick ice and will hopefully catch freshwater fish as trout or char. After we have been out in thefresh air for around 5 hours the dog will pull us back tothe starting point. We will be back at around 17.00 in theafternoon.Lunch menuSouvas - a dish from the Laplander people, light smokedmeet from reindeer - with home baked soft bread. Weprepare the food over open fire. Or hot sandwiches withSwedish smoked juniper sausages and Swedish cheese,alternative cheese and tomatoes. We prepare thesandwiches over open fire in a pan. Cold or hot drinksare included. After the food we serve coffee and tea.


dogs are friendly to people and they like to be petted andtalked with. The dogs are all named and obey theirnames when you call them.We will drive 30 to 55 kilometres every day, with stop fora deserved, nice and relaxing lunch in the middle of eachday. Your guide will drive in the front with a big sledgecontaining all the equipment you need for a wildernesstour like this. If the weather allows it and if you want to,you can choose to stay one night in a tent. The rest of thenights we will stay in mountain lodges along the selectedroute. The lodges we stay in will have good standards.

Eight to Fourteen DaysThese tours are for those of you who want to have aunique natural experience. We can promise you that youwill meet any challenges you must desire on a trip likethis. You will come very close to the nature and will feelvery close togetherness with the dogs you mush. On thistrip we will move very silently through national reserveand the chances to spot a large wild animal or theirtracks such as lynx, wolverine, wolves and a bear justawaked from his winter hibernation is quit good. Beforewe leave the kennel we will go through the equipmentand the planned route together. After this briefing we willgo to the kennel to greet the dogs, pack the sledges andwe will teach you how to put harness on the dogs. On thistrip you will learn all the basics rules and all thecommands a musher has to know. All the dogs are

Custom Tours

friendly to people and they likes to be petted and talkedwith. The dogs are all named and obey their names whenyou call their names. All days except for one day we willdrive 30 to 55 kilometres each day with a nice, relaxinglunch break at noon time. We will mush at a good speedbut have time to enjoy the gorgeous landscape and lookfor tracks after wild animals in the untouched snow.

Sixteen daysThe 16 days (custom tour) in the Swedish NorthMountain track crossing the Artic Circle:Nikkoloukta, Kebnekajse, Ritsem, Padjelanta Nationalpark, Mavas, Laismountian, Vindelmountian naturereserve, Umnäs.On this trip we will follow the mountain trails fromSweden highest mountain - Kebnekajse. Sweden’shighest peak is the glacier-capped northern peak forMountain Kebnekajse at 2111 meter (6924 foot). We willdrive through nature parks and nature reserve at thisunforgettable trip.You will be accommodated in mountain lodges and twonights in hotel. On this trip you will really have a feelingthat you are on a wilderness expedition. We will mush thedog through variable scenery and will be in close contactwith the nature. If the weather conditions are good for thedogs we will follow the old King track. If it is too muchsnow down in the deep valleys, we will follow theNorwegian border. This is a tour for you who want toexperience a real long dog sledding trip with unknownchallenges.Because of the nature of a trip like this we would like toknow if this is your first challenge as a musher or if youhave common experience from other tours in thewilderness. We can guarantee up to 14 days away fromall the noise and demands you have living in a modernsociety.

Private toursThis tour is made for you that like to be out alone or witha friend on your Dogsledding adventure. This means thatyou can tailor made your tour specific for your wishes.When we are out on the tour we can make changes asyou wish. Here you also have theopportunity to mush bigger teams.All our tours are guided.



www.silent-way.com

GEAR CHECK LIST WINTERAs you will be outdoors every day it is important to havethe right clothing and footwear with you. If you do notown anything suitable you are most welcome to borrowthe right equipment from us. You are also welcome toborrow a warm and comfortable sleeping bag.The Silent Way uses only the best equipment availableand provides our clients with the warmest, most durableand technically adapted clothing for winter in themountains. We provide our clients with most of the “outerlayers” of clothing; you need to bring the “inner layers”. Ifyou have your own equipment or outer clothing that youwould like to use, please bring it along and we willevaluate together which items are more appropriate touse.Developing a winter clothing systemYour clothing must work as a system that wicks awayperspiration, insulates you from the cold and protects youfrom the wind. The preferred system is made up ofseveral layers. This allows you to easily adjust yourclothing to changes in the weather and changes in yourheat output.

The First layerClothing next to your skin must wick perspiration awayfrom your skin to keep you dry and warm. Capilene andwool is excellent. Polypropylene is good. Cotton areinappropriate as they are poor wicking layers.

The Second layer (or layers)This layer provides insulation and retains your body heatwithout restricting movement. Pile, polar fleece, andsynchilla are great. Wool is heavier and will hold moisturelonger but maintains most of its insulating ability evenwhen wet.

The Third layerThis must offer protection from the wind. The more windproof often is the less breathable. Gore-Tex is a goodchoice as it is very windproof.

The Fourth layer• This offers extra insulation. A down filled parka or

thinsulate over-pants are good examples.The Silent Way can provide the following• An expedition down filled parka with a generous hood

and fur ruff insulated bib over-pants with full side zippers• Warm boots (with double liners warm to -50 C),

gloves, head gear• Sleeping bag system, with fresh cotton liner• Headlamp and batteries

With much of our recommendations we offer two choicesof materials - wool or synthetics such as polypropylene.Both have their advantages. Synthetics are lightweight,wick moisture away from the skin efficiently and dry outfast. But when wet we feel that synthetics lose much oftheir insulating ability. Wool is heavier and will holdmoisture longer but maintains most of its insulating abilityeven when wet. Maybe we are old-fashioned but we likeat least one layer of wool over every part of our bodies.

You need to bring• Towels and face cloth• Duffel bag max 60 litre to store your clothing in

for transportation• 1 warm windproof hat that covers your ears well• 2 pr. light weight fleece gloves• 2 pr. light weight liner socks

(apilene, polypropylene, wool or silk are excellent )• 2 pr. warm wool or fleece socks sized to fit

over the liner socks• 2 pr. capilene, polypropylene or silk top and

bottom long underwear• 1 midweight fleece top or light weight wool sweater

(100 weight fleece)• 1 pr. pile or fleece pants (200 weight fleece or pile)• 1 warm pile or fleece jacket

(200 or 300 weight fleece or pile)• 1 windproof jacket (with a generous hood and sized

large enough to fit the midweight top and pile jacket)• 1 pr. windproof pants

(large enough to fit over your pile pants)

Gear Checklist WInter

20

www.silent-way.com

Gear Checklist WInter

• Undergarments toiletries (lip balm is good to bring)• Camera and film (we suggest you have a case or

pouch of some kind to carry your camera in)• Sunglasses that block out most ultraviolet rays and

sunscreen and skigoggles.Tip:• Tie small pieces of ribbon or nylon cord through the eye

of each zipper pull on all zipper heads to enable you tooperate zippers with mitts on.

• Comfortable, warm cloths for the eveningsIn-lodge:• Footwear - something to get you out of your boots

(mukluks with insulation, lightweight insulated boots)• Spare hats - a wool stocking cap makes a good spare;

a lightweight hat or headband is often useful

If you have any questions or concerns about any itemson this list please do not hesitate to contact us. There willnot be any opportunity to purchase more items ones youare in Umnäs. Please e-mail us if you have questions.

21



www.silent-way.com

- How long have you been in the sled dog business?The Silent Way has existed for 9 years, and we have been inthe dogsled business for 15 years, combined with wildernessguiding experience. People from all walks of life from all aroundthe world have been enjoying our tours.

- Who actually conducts the trips? What are theirqualifications and experience? What medical training havethey had?Our guides are Swedish, Norwegian, English and Frenchspoken, experienced in backcountry winter survival, first aidand dog handling, and carries a NMT mobile phone forevacuation or emergency first aid assistance, along with theassistance of a GPS. Kenneth, our mushing leader, hasfourteen years of mountain guiding experience, with ten yearsmushing experience. When trips are more than 4 guestsbooked Dominique who has been mushing for 15 years in thesame area assists us. Besides that we have Catrine and Malte,who are our other key personnel here at ”The Silent Way” withmore than 20 years Ranch expedience.

-How many dog teams do you have operational at onetime? How many teams will be going on this trip? Howmany people per sled? How many guides?All our trips feature one person per sled. A fully booked tripconsists of 4 guests and 1 guide (perhaps one assistant).Under typical conditions each guest drives a 5-8-dog teamwhile the guides drive 8-12 dogs. You can also book as onegroup. In that case we take maximum 8 guests with two guides.

- How much are guests involved in harnessing?We encourage maximum involvement.

- What kind of dogs do you use?Alaskan huskies; all are of them are racing stock forcompetitive racing.

- Do you ever have dogfights?We have worked very hard to eliminate fighting from our kenneland consider a fight extremely unlikely.

- Are the dogs socialized well? To children as well?All dogs are individuals; some are very friendly while some aremore reserved. Our dogs have very little contact with smallchildren and are therefore not well suited for them. The dogsare very friendly but their size is large.Thus, a happy dog and a small child is not a good mix.

- What about weather conditions?We will be in full operation unless the temperatures is -35°C

degrees or colder. And unless there isvery stormy wether. However, this very

rare and we stand by for weatherimprovements which alwayschange quickly.

FaQ

- What kind of meals are provided?Hearty, healthy home country cooking. Mouth watering stewswith meat from the local forests. Please let us know if you haveany special dietary requirements. We will do our best toaccommodate you.

- How much time will we be on the trails?You will spend arrival and departure day in Umnäs village.When we are on the trails, we usually mush 4-8 hours per day.

- How many miles will be covered each day?Distance can vary depending on conditions. We mush fromlodge-to-lodge. In average conditions we will mush 30-55 kmper day.

- Is experience required?What kind of physical ability is needed?No experience is required, except otherwise specified in theprogram. Good health and average physical ability combinedwith a willingness to learn are all that is necessary. Whendriving a modern dog sled you stand on the runners. There isno requirement to run behind or walk in front. You can alsochoose to be pulled by two dogs while you are on ski(skijoring).

- What is skijoring?Instead of a sledge you will ski on cross-country skies beingpulled by two huskies. There is an emergency release built in tothe skijoring equipment should the need to separate from thedogs arise.

- Will there be pre-trip training available?You will receive proper instructions and training for each tour.Don’t worry; we will accommodate the tour according to yourskills. You can also receive answers to any questions you mighthave before your trip via e-mail.

- Do you have adequate liability insurance?Yes, the owner/operator/guide carries liability insurance,however participants must recognize there are risks inherent inthese sports. You should also have personal travel insuranceprior to departure.

- Have you ever had an accident thatinjured a guest?No.

- Do you have all necessary permits?Yes.

22


www.silent-way.com

BOOKING INFORMATION”The Silent Way” accepts direct bookings orbookings from travel agents.Book a tour by e-mail or faxEmail: [email protected]: +46 951 52043

Please include the following information:Name of desired tour(for Dogsledding please indicate if you wish to have yourown dogsled or skijoring)How many peopleFull name, gender and age of each tour memberContact information: E-mail, Phone (home and work),Fax, and full addressFood allergies and/or preferences, and physicallimitations/concernsHow did you learn about ”The Silent Way”?Additional information or questions

Book a tour by phoneTel & Voice mail: +46 951 52043Mobile: +46 102580049 (Kenneth Gjemmestad)Mobile: +46 736447966 (Catrine Anderback)You can reach us daily from 09:00 to 20:00You may also leave a message on our voice mail 24hr ifwe are not available and we promise to get back to youshortly

AvailabilityMaximum eight sledges are available on tours.

Group Rates & DiscountsIf you wish information on group rates and travel agentdiscounts,please e-mail us at [email protected] telephone us at +46 951 52043

PaymentAll payments should be paid in US$, Euro or SEKequivalence 20% deposit (by transfer or cheque) isrequired two week after your booking has beenconfirmed by us via e-mail or phone.An additional 30% (by transfer or cheque) deposit isrequired 10 weeks before the tour date.The remaining 50% (Cash, Cheques, or Credit Card:Visa, American Express or MasterCard) should be paid infull after your arrival at ”The Silent Way”

Money Transfer (SWIFT)Payment Made out to:”The Silent Way” Nordic Wilderness AdventuresBank Name & AddressNordea, Box 7063, 103 86 StockholmSWIFT Code - NDEASESSAccount Number - 38060001833

Cheque/Money orderPayment made out to:”The Silent Way” Nordic Wilderness AdventuresCatrine AnderbackUmnäs 48, 92397 Lapland, SWEDEN

Cancellation PoliciesThere are sometimes good reasons for cancellation ofreservations. We have provided a list of what we consider“good” reasons or “acceptable” reasons for cancellation.All prices includes/excludesIf you cancel before 8 weeks prior to our engagement,you will receive only 25% of your 50% deposit.If you cancel within 8 weeks of our engagement, we willretain the entire 50% deposit.You will receive full reimbursement of all deposits if wemust cancel for any reason.If illness is a factor, the necessary certificates will berequested from a qualified physician.

All Prices includesDomestic airport transferFull accommodation all the daysHotel Accommodation(double room or what’s best for the group)Lodge Accommodation (group room sharing)Individual huskies TeamLectures / training - Guide(s)Gear and clothingTaxes & MOMS (25%)

All prices excludesInternational and domestic air fareTravel insuranceBar-drinks Gratuities and items of personal nature

If you have any other questionsfeel free to contact us.

Booking Information

23

PR

OD

UK

TIO

N: S

TO

RU

MA

NS

TR

YC

KE

RI A

B 2

003

amazing dogsledding adventures

Documents