Master Dog Sledding Positions on the Runners

How to Hold the Sled and Stay Balanced

Your grip on the sled is everything. Stand with your feet planted firmly on the runners, knees slightly bent to absorb the movement of the team ahead. Grip the handlebar with both hands, fingers wrapped around the top rail and thumbs underneath. Keep your arms relaxed but engaged. The sled will shift and buck as the huskies accelerate and change direction, and a rigid grip will tire you quickly and pull you off balance. Your body should move as one unit with the sled, not fight against it.

Never let go of the sled under any circumstances. Even if you feel yourself slipping or losing your footing, maintain your grip. Releasing the handlebar means losing control of the team entirely, and the dogs will continue running without a driver. A loose sled behind a pack of excited huskies becomes a runaway hazard. Your hands stay on the bar at all times, whether you are moving at speed or standing still waiting for the guide's signal to depart.

Braking and Slowing Your Team

The sled brake is a metal claw that digs into the snow beneath the runners. It sits directly behind you on the frame. To brake, push down firmly with your boot heel on the brake platform. The pressure you apply controls your deceleration. A gentle tap slows the team gradually; a hard stamp brings them to a rapid stop. Start with light pressure as you learn the feel. The dogs will respond to the sudden friction by easing their pace, and you will feel the sled resist. Practice this in open terrain before attempting it on slopes or near obstacles.

Speed control is ongoing. The huskies want to run, and they will accelerate whenever possible. Use small, repeated brake pressure to maintain a steady pace rather than waiting until you need a sudden stop. This is far safer and less startling for the dogs. On flat sections, you may only need the brake every few minutes. On downhill stretches, keep your heel resting lightly on the platform and increase pressure as gravity speeds you up. Listen to the guide's pace ahead and match it.

Hands gripping the handlebar, boot hovering over the brake

Commands the Dogs Actually Obey

Your husky team recognizes only a handful of commands, and they must be clear and consistent. 'Hike' or 'go' initiates movement from a standstill, spoken with authority and energy. 'Whoa' means stop completely, delivered as a single sharp syllable. 'Gee' directs the team to turn right; 'haw' turns them left. These words are not suggestions. The lead dogs listen intently for these calls, and the rest of the team follows their line. Say the command once, firmly, and pause to let them respond. Repeating commands in quick succession confuses the dogs and teaches them to ignore you.

Timing matters as much as the words themselves. Issue your turning command before you actually need the turn, giving the lead dogs time to adjust their heading. If you shout 'gee' when the turn is already upon you, the team will not have room to execute it safely. Practice the cadence with the guide during your first few minutes on the trail. Volume should be strong but not frantic. The dogs respond to confidence, and a panicked yell will make them nervous. Stay calm, speak clearly, and they will respond.

Cornering and Weight Shift on Downhill Slopes

Downhill cornering requires active body weight management. As the sled approaches a turn on a slope, lean your upper body into the direction you want to go while keeping your feet planted on the runners. If turning right downhill, shift your weight to your right hip and lean slightly forward and right. This helps the sled carve smoothly rather than skid sideways. The faster you are moving, the earlier and more pronounced your weight shift must be. Lean too late, and the sled will slide across the trail. Lean too hard, and you risk tipping.

Your knees are shock absorbers. Bend them more deeply as you navigate turns and rough ground, allowing your legs to flex and move with the sled. Keep your center of gravity low and centered over the runners. On steep descents, apply consistent light brake pressure with your heel to prevent acceleration. As you enter the turn, ease off the brake slightly to maintain momentum through the curve, then reapply it as you exit. The dogs will take the line you indicate, but the sled's physics are your responsibility. Feel the slope beneath you and adjust your weight continuously.

What to Do If the Sled Tips Over

A sled tip is not a disaster if you know how to recover. The most common cause is leaning too hard through a turn or hitting unexpected terrain. If you feel the sled tilting, your first instinct is correct: shift your weight to the opposite side immediately. In many cases, a quick weight transfer will right the sled before it fully tips. If the tip is already in motion, let yourself fall away from the sled rather than trying to cling to it. Release with your legs first, keeping your arms ready to protect your head, and roll away into the snow.

Once you are down, stay calm. The dogs will stop running when they feel the sled go slack, or the guide will call them to halt. Get to your feet quickly and check the sled for damage. Usually the handlebar is still accessible, and you can right the sled by lifting it back onto its runners. The guide will help if needed. Brush the snow from your arctic suit, take a breath, and signal ready to resume. Falling is part of learning to drive a dog sled, and it happens to every musher. The cold and the protective gear mean you are unlikely to be hurt.

Recovering After a Fall from the Runners

If your feet slip out from under you entirely and you fall away from the sled, the immediate priority is regaining control. Do not panic. The sled will slow or stop, and you are still connected to the situation. Your guide is nearby and watching. Get up as quickly as you can and run toward the sled if it is moving, or walk to it if the team has halted. Keep your knees bent to absorb impacts and protect your lower back. The Tromso terrain can be uneven under the snow, so watch your footing.

Once you reach the sled, check that your feet are secure on both runners and your grip on the handlebar is firm before signaling the guide that you are ready to continue. If you are shaken or winded, take a moment. The guide expects these stops during your first run. Your arctic suit, woolen socks, and winter boots provide excellent protection, and the slow pace of a guided tour means falls are usually low-impact. The recovery is part of the experience. Each fall teaches you how the sled behaves and what not to do next time.

Swapping Driver and Passenger Mid-Trail

During your four-hour adventure, you and your partner will swap positions so both of you get a turn mushing the team. The guide will signal when it is time to change. Slow the sled to a stop using the brake and bring the team to a complete halt. The passenger steps off first and moves to the side of the trail, staying well clear of the dogs' line of sight. The musher then steps off, and the two of you exchange places smoothly and quickly. The new musher takes both hands on the handlebar, positions their feet on the runners, and settles into the stance.

The guide will give a command to move, and the new driver takes over. This handoff happens efficiently so the dogs do not get restless or confused by a long pause. The dogs respond to the authority of whoever is on the sled, so the transition must be confident and clear. Your guide will be nearby throughout the swap to ensure both drivers are ready. By the end of your tour, both of you will have spent quality time driving your own team and will understand the physical demands and the focus required to do it well.

Before you book

Practical

1. Set the brake before you stop

   As you approach the halfway point, press down firmly on the brake pad with your boot to slow the team, then engage it fully to hold the sled still.

2. Secure the sled with both feet

   Stand with legs apart, one foot pressing the brake and the other anchoring you on the runners. Keep your grip on the handlebar until your partner is ready to move.

3. Release control to the waiting driver

   Once stable, step back slightly and guide your partner's hands onto the handlebar. Maintain light contact until they signal they have full control of the team.

4. Move smoothly from runner to passenger seat

   Shift your weight off the brake, step down to the side, and settle into the passenger position behind the new driver without jerking the sled.

5. Confirm the new driver has their footing

   Check that your partner stands balanced on both runners with a firm grip. Make eye contact and nod before they release the brake to move forward.

6. Signal the team to continue down the trail

   The new driver calls out the command to start. Both of you brace as the dogs surge forward and the sled glides back into motion across the snow.