FAQs

Dog Sledding Adventure in Lapland

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Travel

  • You are responsible for booking your own travel to Umeå.

    Our eco hotel is in a small village in Västerbotten, about an hour's drive from Umeå.

    There are no direct flights to Umeå from the UK. You’ll need to fly to Stockholm Arlanda Airport first and then take a flight to Umeå.

    Alternatively you can take a day train from Stockholm Central or Arlanda Central (Airport) to Umeå Central which takes about 6 hours. 

    Arrival day transfer: 

    • 14 Jan - 20 Jan 2026 & 28 Jan - 3 Feb 2026
      Umea Airport at 16:20
      Umea Central Station at 16:35

    On departure day, we will drop you off at:

    • 14 Jan - 20 Jan 2026 & 28 Jan - 3 Feb 2026
      Drop off at Umea Airport:  11:30
      Umea Central Station: 11:45

  • Flights aren’t included in your trip, but we’ve listed some options that align with the group transfer to make planning easier.

    These aren’t official recommendations — just helpful examples. You can book any flight that fits the schedule, but transfers run on time and can’t be delayed, even if your flight is listed.

    We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers delays, cancellations, and missed connections.

    Suggested Flights:

    14 Jan - 20 Jan 2026

    Stockholm Arlanda [ARN] to Umea [UME] - SAS

    • Arrival: ARN 14:30 ✈ UME 15:30 | SK 034

    • Departure: UME 13:40 ✈ ARN 14:35 | SK 035

    Make sure your international flight gives you enough time for any connections.

    Not sure if your flight works? Just ask — we’re happy to help.

  • Think of the transfer like a train: it runs on time and can’t be delayed. 

    You are welcome to get any flight that arrives in time to make the transfer. However, to make planning easier, we’ve listed some flight times that align with the group transfer. These are not official recommendations though, just helpful examples. 

    Please note, if your flight is late or cancelled, you’ll need to make your own way to the start location, but we’ll support you with local transport information on the day.

    We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers delays, cancellations, and missed connections.

  • We do not provide specific recommendations for international flights to Stockholm Arlanda Airport, but there are plenty of options to choose from. Ensure your flight gives you enough time to connect with domestic flights.

    If you book a through flight with the same airline from wherever you are starting from, you will likely be able to connect in Stockholm to the domestic flights listed above without having to go through immigration.

    Alternatively book any flight to Stockholm but ensure your flight gives you enough time to catch your flight connection. In this case you will need to do a self-transfer in Stockholm. See "What's a self-transfer?" below.

    Please note that Gutsy Girls cannot book travel and is not responsible for your travel to Umeå and that this information is just provided as a guide to help you!

  • If you are flying internationally to Stockholm and then connecting with a flight to Umeå, you will need to check in separately for each connecting flight. Make sure you have enough time.

    You will need to collect hold bags and check them in again for the next flight.

    You must pass through security and passport control during each connection and you will need a visa if your connection is in a country that requires one.

    You should check before you book that you have time to connect through the airport.

  • Booking flights together with a flight consolidator or agent could provide you with some guarantee against cancellations or missed connections. Check the agent's policies before you book.

    If you book direct with two different airlines, your transfers will not be guaranteed.

    Missed transfers are rare, but we want to be upfront so you can plan with confidence.

    If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you’ll need to arrange your own transport to meet the group. We’ll support you as best we can — your host will be your main contact on the day and can help coordinate locally. You can also contact our bookings team, available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm UK time, though replies may be delayed outside of these hours.

    Even if you booked a flight from our Suggested Flights, group transfers run on schedule and cannot wait for late arrivals.

    In some locations, arranging a private transfer is straightforward — but in more remote areas, it can be limited and expensive. That’s why comprehensive travel insurance is essential, not only for delays and cancellations, but also in case you need to cancel your trip before departure.

    Make sure your insurance covers travel delays and missed connections — it could save you a significant amount if things don’t go to plan.

  • You should buy comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book your trip — not just before you travel. This ensures you’re covered in case you need to cancel before departure, as well as for any unexpected issues while you’re away.

    Your policy should include cover for:

    • Travel delays and missed connections

    • Trip cancellation

    • Medical emergencies and evacuation

    • Baggage and equipment loss

    • All activities included in your itinerary

    Travel insurance is a requirement for joining any Gutsy Girls trip, and it’s your responsibility to check that your policy includes the kind of adventure you've signed up for — especially outdoor or sporting activities.

    Booking your insurance early gives you peace of mind and protects your trip from the very start.

  • Yes — a group transfer is included on both the arrival and departure days. This is a shared transfer, running at fixed times to and from a designated location (usually an airport or train station).

    There is one transfer each way, and your flight must match the timing. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to make your own arrangements.

    On arrival day, we will collect you from:

    14 Jan - 20 Jan 2026
    Umea Airport at 16:20
    Umea Central Station at 16:35

    On departure day, we will drop you off at:

    14 Jan - 20 Jan 2026
    Drop off at Umea Airport:  11:30
    Umea Central Station: 11:45


    The group transfer is included in your trip package. There is no discount if you choose not to use it.

  • You can book trains at https://www.sj.se/en/. SJ releases the train tickets throughout the year. The below trains are based on the December 2025 schedule. These may change; email us at bookings@gutsygirls.co.uk if you can’t find these trains when tickets are released. Keep an eye on the SJ website for ticket release. 

    Arrival day recommended train:

    SJ High-speed train, SJ 3000, train 560

    • Mon-Sat - Depart 06:22 from Stockholm Central

    • Arrive Umeå Central at 12:37

    Departure day recommended train:

    SJ High-speed train, SJ 3000, train 585

    • Depart 14:20 from Umeå Central

    • Arrive 20:19 at Stockholm Arlanda Central (Airport)

    • Arrive 20:37 at  Stockholm Central (same train)

    Stockholm Central is the city of Stockholm’s main train station.

    Arlanda Central Station is located directly beneath SkyCity, the airport's central area, between Terminals 4 and 5. It’s a 20 minute train ride from Stockholm central station.

    You will have some time to spare in Umeå before and after the transfers; see “Should I spend extra time in Umeå?” for things to do.

  • Book your tickets on the Vy website (https://www.vy.no/en) - which is easy to use and has an English version. Alternatively you can also use https://www.sj.no.

  • Yes, the best option is to take the overnight train to Vindeln (NOT Umeå), which is only a 20 minute taxi journey to our base.

    If you take this option, you will not be able to avail of our single timed transfers (which are from Umeå and not timed to match overnight train arrivals and departures).

    We can arrange for a taxi to collect you (at an extra cost, see below).

    Train Times:

    Arrival day recommended train:

    SJ Night train, train 92 (departing the night before start date)

    Depart 21:55 from Stockholm Central

    Depart 22:21 from Arlanda Central (Airport) (same train)

    Arrive Vindeln Resecentrum at 08:12 (on arrival day)

    Departure day recommended train:

    SJ Night train, train 91

    Depart 20:26 from Vindeln Resecentrum

    Arrive 06:35 at Stockholm Arlanda Central (Airport) (the following day)

    Arrive 07:01 at  Stockholm Central (same train)

    When you arrive:

    • Start with breakfast at the hotel restaurant (135 SEK)

    • If the room is not occupied, you can check-in directly

    • If the room is occupied, you will have to wait until the previous guest has checked out and the room has been cleaned (this will be prioritised). You can leave your luggage at reception.

    • Take part in an activity if you wish (e.g. sauna, snowshoe hiking, fat-biking).  

    Extra costs (payable directly to hotel):

    • Taxi from Vindeln: 583 SEK per person/taxi (one way)

    • Breakfast: 135 SEK

    • Lunch: 135 SEK

    • Activity Options (please ask us if there is something else you’d like to do):

    • Sauna with cold bath: 585 SEK per setting

    • Snowshoe hike guided tour: 532 SEK per person

    • Snowmobile tour 1.5h: 898 SEK per person

  • The transfer takes approximately 1 hour.

  • Yes, private transfers can be arranged to Umeå at an additional cost. Please contact us in advance to arrange this.

    • To / From Umea: 1632 SEK per car (one way)

    • To / From Vindeln 600 SEK per person (one way)

  • If you have extra time, Umeå is worth exploring. It’s known for its contemporary art at Bildmuseet, rich local history at Västerbottens Museum, and Sami cultural presence. The city's dining scene offers a mix of traditional Swedish and international cuisine, complemented by a lively nightlife with bars and live music. You can find more information here: https://visitumea.se/en

  • We will connect you with others on the trip via WhatsApp, so you may be able to arrange to travel together. 

Accommodation & Food

  • The eco hotel is nestled in nature, surrounded by forests and the Umeälven river, it offers an escape with hiking paths, birdwatching, and possible sightings of moose. The hotel is sustainably heated by geothermal energy and located on a stone slope with stunning views of the river, mountains, and forest.

    The rooms provide a cosy retreat, each thoughtfully designed with natural materials and modern comforts. Each room includes plush beds, an en-suite bathroom with shower and fresh towels, a TV, Wi-Fi and a selection of tea and coffee. 

    For one night you’ll stay in an off-grid wilderness cabin. This is cozy and clean, but there is no electricity or running water and the toilet is in an outhouse. You’ll also be sharing a room with the other Gutsy Girls on your trip. You may also have to share a double bed with another Gutsy Girls, but with separate duvets. 

    For the last night we’ll head back to city life with a stay in a comfortable hotel in Umea before our flight home the next day.

  • Yes, towels and hairdryers will be available in the eco-hotel and our last hotel in Umea. They will not be available in the Wilderness Hut.

  • Whilst at the eco-hotel you can bring your laundry to the reception and our housekeeping will clean them for an extra cost. Your laundry will be ready for collection the following day.

    You will not be able to wash clothes at the Wilderness Hut.

  • The food on this trip is one of the highlights! Whilst at the Eco-hotel you'll experience delicious meals inspired by the best of Västerbotten's nature and traditions. Breakfast is provided each morning, while lunch is a mix of meals at the restaurant or in the surrounding nature. Dinners include three-course menus crafted from locally sourced ingredients, including wild game, farm-fresh produce, and berries.

    The restaurant partners with local hunters, farmers, and bakers, ensuring that each meal is sustainable and rooted in the traditions of the region. The restaurant is KRAV-certified, meaning they prioritise organic and eco-friendly practices, their menus reflect the changing seasons, offering the freshest ingredients available. 

    Whilst at the Wilderness Hut the food will be more basic, but still delicious and most importantly, warm!

    On the final night the leaving dinner will be in a restaurant in Umea. 

  • Yes, we can cater to all dietary requirements. Please inform us of any allergies or dietary preferences in advance.

Activities

  • This Lapland Dog Expedition trip is rated as easy to moderate. Although none of the activities are high impact and beginner friendly, the dog sledding expedition will take resilience and a positive mind-set.  Once at the cabin there’s no running water or electricity, and it’s a trip back out into the cold to use the outhouse toilet.  You will also have to share a room with at least one of your group too.

    You will also be doing consecutive days of activity.

  • This trip is beginner-friendly. Our guides will provide instruction and support throughout the experience. No previous experience is necessary, just a willingness to learn and try something new.

  • Snowshoeing is hiking over snow with snowshoes, which attach to your boots and distribute your weight to prevent sinking. Made from lightweight materials, they make snow travel easier. It's a great way to explore winter landscapes and provides a full-body workout, burning more energy than regular walking. Snowshoeing also improves balance and requires no prior experience, making it accessible to all.

  • On this adventure we’ll be backcountry style cross country skiing. We’ll be going off track and making our own tracks in the snow. It can be compared to hiking with skis on, you’ll get a little bit of glide and help from the skis, particularly on the downhills! 

    It's similar to snowshoeing, but you'll have the benefit of following the person infront's tracks and have a little bit more glide.

    If you have cross country skied before, the motion is similar, but you won't gain as much momentum and glide as you would in the track.

  • If you enjoy a moderate physical challenge, a night exploring the wilderness and learning new skills, and are comfortable with the colder weather and new activities over consecutive days, then this trip will be perfect for you. If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out to us for more information.

    • Dog Sledding Expedition:

      • After learning the basics of dog sledding and meeting your team of Husky superstars, you’ll hit the tracks for a half day trip to the wilderness hut that will be home for the night. This is an off-grid hut, which, whilst clean and cozy, has none of the home comforts you might be used to. Bunks are designed with double beds so you may need to share, however everyone will have a separate duvet. You will also need to help with preparing the dogs dinner for the night, as well as for your group of human companions! Then there’s the opportunity for a night time snowshoe.

      • After breakfast you’ll pack up and finish your trip, with another half day of dog sledding.

    • Snowshoeing:

      • You’ll enjoy a beginner-friendly snowshoeing trek that lasts about 5 hours. While the pace is comfortable, it requires a moderate level of fitness to fully enjoy the beautiful snowy landscapes.

    • Snowmobiling:

      • No prior experience is needed to operate a snowmobile, but a valid driver’s license is required. You can ride as a passenger if you prefer not to drive. 

    • Backcountry Skiing:

      • This adventure includes an introduction to backcountry skiing, perfect for beginners. We’ll be skiing on flat ground, so while it requires just a little balance, no prior skiing experience is necessary. This is a great opportunity to learn the basics of the sport in a stunning winter environment.

  • We recommend focusing on cardio fitness through activities like walking, cycling and swimming. 

    Balance and core strength are also important for cross-country skiing and dog sledding, so consider adding yoga, Pilates, or exercises like squats and lunges to your routine.

  • Not at all, there will be vegan and vegetarian options available. We do ask you to approach this experience with respect for the Sami people and their cultural heritage. Reindeer herding is central to their way of life, and while tasting reindeer is completely optional, we encourage all guests to respect the rich traditions of their indigenous culture.

Gear & Packing

  • For skiing and snowshoeing:

    • Snowshoes
      Hiking Poles
      Skis
      Ski Poles

    On the expedition:

    • Overalls (To keep you warm and keep you clean)

    • Winter boots

    • Thick mittens

    • Headlamp

    • Clear glass goggles (if needed)

    A winter clothing kit is available for hire, including polar boots, thermal trousers, a thermal jacket and gloves. The kit can be rented for an additional fee of £65, which can be paid at the time of booking or added later on.

  • During these winter activities it’s essential to wear layers so you can adjust to changing temperatures.

    • Base layers: Wool or synthetic materials. Avoid cotton as it gets cold when wet.

    • Outerwear: Windproof, waterproof jacket and soft-shell trousers or leggings.

    • Accessories: Warm socks, sunglasses, sunscreen, waterproof gloves, hat, and a buff.

    For snowmobiling you will also want a thick coat and thick warm trousers/sallopettes as it can get cold whilst travelling.

  • Yes! You can find a detailed packing list here.

  • A winter clothing kit is available for hire, including polar boots, thermal trousers, a thermal jacket and gloves. The kit can be rented for an additional fee of £65, which can be paid at the time of booking or added later on.

  • Yes, bring a small daypack (around 25L) for essentials like water, snacks, and extra layers. A lightweight dry bag is also recommended to keep things dry during activities.

  • We provide all the necessary equipment for snowshoeing, including snowshoes and poles. Tegsnäs skis (wooden skis) and poles are provided for backcountry skiing. For both activities you will need your own winter walking boots.

  • You will need sturdy and warm walking boots with good ankle support - these will be used for snowshoeing and backcountry skiing.

  • You will be given winter boots to wear during the dog sledding expedition. We recommend wearing thick wool socks underneath to keep your feet warm.

Other

  • Average winter temperatures typically range from -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F), though it can drop even lower during cold spells. In some areas, temperatures might remain below freezing for extended periods. This sounds cold, however, for most of the winter in Sweden it is a “dry” cold which tends to feel less cold than “damp” cold.

  • Most places in Sweden accept credit or debit cards, so there’s no need to carry large amounts of cash. If you'd like, you can bring a small amount of local currency for personal expenses.

  • There is no upper age limit for our adventures - we have women up to 70 years old join us. All we ask is that all our guests feel up for the challenge and want to get stuck in!

    The Gutsy Girls community is filled with fun, friendly and supportive women from 18-70+. We never ask your age, just that you are up for an adventure!

    As a rough guide, most Gutsy Girls guests are 24-60 years old, with around 60% in their 30s-40s. After a day learning to ride, mountain biking over the hills, hiking to peaks for incredible views or exploring remote locations by paddleboard and kayak, everyone’s ages become irrelevant as we bond over our experiences.

  • Absolutely! Many of our participants join solo, and it’s a great way to meet new, like-minded friends. We’ll connect you with other participants via a WhatsApp group before the trip.

  • Whenever possible we use female instructors and guides, however we cannot always guarantee this, simply because there are fewer female instructors available!

    Our first priority is to work with the most highly experienced and considerate instructors and guides, who are patient, friendly and as passionate as we are about building women’s confidence in the outdoors.

    Simply due to the ratio of men to women in the outdoors industry, sometimes this means our guides and instructors are male.

    We keep a close eye on the feedback our guides receive from our guests as we believe that overall this is more important than their gender. We sincerely hope that as more women are introduced to adventure sports and activities, the amount of female guides and instructors in our industry will increase.

  • If the weather affects the planned activities, we will adjust the itinerary as needed. Safety is our top priority, and we always have backup options for indoor or alternative activities.

  • The itinerary for this trip can be found on the Gutsy Girls website on the relevant page.

    Please note however that our itineraries are never set in stone and that our guides will often swap things around to make the most of the given weather conditions on each day and taking the current forecast into account. 

    Please be flexible with our guides who work hard to ensure we are able to have adventures and stay safe at the same time.

  • Our hosts are volunteers who are passionate about our mission and want to help more women get outdoors. They're not professionals in the sports or from the countries the trips are based in. Instead, they are there for you. Our guides on the other hand are employed by our local partners in-country and are there to teach you epic activities, lead your sessions and answer all your questions.

  • Tipping is not compulsory on our adventures, but if you've had a great trip and brilliant service, a tip for your guide or host is always appreciated. We recommend giving €20-€30, or whatever you can or feel is the right amount.