DAY 1 LONDON - OSLO - ALTA

We board our flights to Alta in the far north of Norway, via Oslo. In Alta we are met
by our expedition leader and taken to our lodge. Here we receive additional
equipment and clothing necessary to allow us to participate in the extreme
conditions. Our Expedition leader will then brief us on safety issues associated with
dog sledding and cabin life. Dinner is taken at our lodge followed by an early night.

Transfer 30 min
Gargia Hotel

DAY 2 GARGIA – SOULUVOMBI

After breakfast we are briefed on how a dog sleds works and how to use the ice
brake and snow anchor. We then put the theory into practice and some time is
spent getting used to the basics of sledding. This is followed by a session where we
are introduced to the dogs, shown how to harness them and attach them to the
sleds.
Once everyone is ready we leave for our next location, Souluvombi. We travel
through forest to reach higher ground before descending through forest again to
arrive at the lodge. After we un�]harness our dogs we put them onto their stakeout
lines for the night and are shown how to feed and care for them.

Sledding 30km
Souluvombi Cabin

DAY 3 SOULUVOMBI – MAZE

We begin with an early wake up call as we need to feed the dogs in time for them to
digest their food before working. With everything ready and packed, the dogs are
harnessed and the group sled towards Maze where our cabin awaits us. Having
settled the dogs for the night, we have dinner in the cabin.

Sledding 25km
Maze Cabin

DAY 4 MAZE – NEDRE MOLLISJOKK

After an early breakfast, we feed the dogs and pack ready to sled to Mollisjock. The
terrain is mountainous and above the tree line and there are many up and downhill
sections today.

Sledding 60km
Mollisjokk Cabins

DAY 5 NEDRE MOLLISJOKK – JOTKA

Today we follow the Jiesjokka River all the way to Jiesavri Lake and Jotka. Jiesjavri is
the biggest lake in the Finnmark area and sledding across this vast frozen lake really
does give the feeling of being in total wilderness, miles from anywhere.

Sledding 35km
Jotka mountain lodge

DAY 6 JOTKA – GARGIA

From Jotka it is down hill all the way back to Gargia where a hot tub and a sauna are
waiting. Depending on the time of year there is the option of heading off to the Ice
Hotel in the afternoon for a drink or two. There is also the opportunity to book an
optional snow mobile tour in the afternoon. We return to the lodge in Gargia for our
celebratory dinner.

Hotel
Sledding 55km

DAY 7 ALTA – OSLO - LONDON

After breakfast we are transferred to Alta airport for our flights back to the UK
arriving the same day (subject to flight confirmation).

How do I take part in the Concern Dog Sledding Challenge?

Step 1: you will need to register on line and make a personal donation/deposit of €350 to secure your place.
Step 2: you are required to raise a minimum in sponsorship for our work overseas of €4700. (On receipt of a completed application form and deposit, Concern will provide you with a Trek Manual and Fundraising Pack.)

Are there any limitations for participants?

Anybody above the age of eighteen years at the date of departure can take part in the Concern Dog Sledding Challenge. All you need is an enthusiastic approach to both your training plan and fundraising programmes, and if you follow our guidelines then there is no limit to what you can achieve.

What do the funds raised cover?

• Return flights and transfers to and from our destination
• All accommodation in hotels and cabins
• All food (and plenty of it)
• Overland travel to and from the start point of the trek
• Professional expedition leaders (Across the Divide Ltd) and local guides to show you the trekking route in a way only they can
• Help and advice from Concern staff to make the trek as enjoyable as possible for you

Will I be able to raise the sponsorship money?

With a little planning and a lot of enthusiasm and effort, raising the minimum target should not be a problem. Fundraising is more than half the challenge and should prove to be a very enjoyable and rewarding experience.

How fit do I need to be?

You need to be of a high fitness level to take part in the Dog Sledding Challenge. The terrain can be demanding, so training before the event is necessary. A suggested training schedule is included in the Trek Manual; however the most important thing is to bring a positive mental attitude.

Do I need to bring any specific kit?

There will be specific kit which will be needed and you will be advised of this at a later date.

What about the weather?

It will be cold in the Artic Circle so do not expect to get a sun tan anywhere except on your cheeks.

Who will be going on the challenge with me?

You will be joined by a group of individuals from various backgrounds, ages and fitness levels. You'll get a chance to meet your fellow participants a couple of months before the event, and by the end of the trip they will be like a second family! You'll be amazed at the camaraderie that develops over the course of the trip.

What else to I need to know?

You will need to obtain your own travel insurance but Concern can help organise this through Across the Divide. Full information relating to visas, insurance, and flights will be confirmed on receipt of your completed application form.