Keen to try out regional winter activities, I found a company, Discover Latvia, that organizes dog sledding tours, and gave them a ring after a particularly snowy week in January. What better place than northern Europe to give this sport a try? And I was in luck – they had a group going out! I eagerly waited for the day to arrive and, despite some warmer temps and rain in Riga, was assured that there would be plenty of snow where we were going.
A friendly tour operator by the name of Rihards picked us up at a nearby hotel along with two Irish girls vacationing in Riga. During the hour and a half drive, Rihards regaled us with funny stories and fascinating facts about Latvia, keeping us thoroughly entertained. We drove deep into the countryside, passing frozen rivers on which men were ice fishing and villages so small they don’t show up on most maps. When we eventually pulled up to the camp, the daylight was already starting to fade.
Rihards explained what would happen on the ride, demonstrating how to drive the sled and keep command of the dogs. I opted to sit in the sled, as “baggage,” with the hopes of taking photos and video along the way. I would soon realize how misguided this idea was. The young dogs, which appeared to be Husky mixes, were VERY excited, barking fervently and jumping straight up into the air. They wanted to RUN!
Once I was situated in the sled, I realized that it was about a foot too long for my legs, leaving me with nothing to brace my feet against. But before I had a chance to ask someone at the camp about it, our dogs were released and we hurtled down the icy path at break-neck speed! I hooked my heels on the rim of the sled and held on for dear life.
The first part of the course snaked through the woods and included a few nail-biting 45-degree turns which our dogs handled with aplomb. We also deftly crossed a steep and rocky creek bed before coming to a wide open field. We left the camp in second place, but soon overtook another team which had veered off course and were being helped by the staff. Amazingly, we managed to stay upright for the entire five kilometers!
Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate as well as the dogs, sleeting for the duration of the ride. By the time we crossed the finish line, I was absolutely soaked and had make-up running down my face. Fortunately it was almost dark by that point so no one could see. After waiting for the other teams to return, we warmed up by the campfire and drank cups of hot wine. Rihards also brought along three varieties of tasty pirags: cabbage, mushroom and black currant. Then it was time for a quiet ride back to Riga.
To give you a little taste of what the experience was like, here’s a video from Discover Latvia. The dogs really do get that excited!
We departed Riga at 2:30 pm and returned around 7 pm. Rihards was very quick to answer all of my emails, and sent photos and video of my ride a few days later. Discover Latvia charges between 60-90 euros per person for the dog-sledding tour depending on the number of participants. The price is a bit steep, but it’s definitely a unique experience!
Have you been dog sledding? If not, is it something you’d like to try?
That looks like so much fun! I’ve always wanted to try it, but just haven’t found the opportunity so far. From your experiences, it looks like an action camera might be a good way to take video, with it attached to a harness on the chest perhaps?
Yes, you’re right, this would have been the perfect time to use a GoPro. If only I had one!
How fun, Heather! I would love to go on a long dog sled ride!
Corinne, it was a lot of fun, but more challenging than it looks! Five kilometers was a good distance, it took us about 20 minutes. I was told that it’s a good leg workout for the person actually driving the sled!
What a lovely experience!!!
It was so much fun, Agness!
this is amazing! i always thought i had to get really north to do something like this! im hoping that the next time i get to riga i can do different, more adventurous activities like this. i tend to do the same thing whenever im there. i eat, drink, and walk around. maybe you’ll still be around when i make it back next time 🙂
I also thought I’d have to go much further north to try it, but Latvia is full of surprises 🙂
I don’t plan to move anytime soon so definitely let me know the next time you’ll be in town!
Heather you’re really putting Latvia on the map! Like Megan I had no idea you could go dog sledding in Latvia, I assumed you had to go further up north! I’ve been lucky to go dog sledding a few times, and it’s always such a fun experience, and as you mentioned, it’s pretty satisfying when you manage to stay upright for the journey, because those dogs are quite strong to handle, eh? Although they are pretty well trained so it makes it easier for the likes of us!
I’m trying, Shing! I’ve fallen madly in love with my adoptive home and want to share it with the world!
I was pleasantly surprised to find dog sledding in Latvia and lucky to get to try it considering how warm this winter has been. The snow is already gone 🙁
The dogs are amazingly strong! They pulled us along like we were nothing but a sack of potatoes. We didn’t even need to worry about the sharp turns on the course because the dogs knew exactly what they were doing!
Love this post, Heather!!! I went dog sledding in Canada and it was one of the COOLEST experiences I’ve ever had…my lead dog even tinkled on my snow pants afterward to “show me who’s in charge”, according to the owner, lol. A shockingly great workout, too, despite the cold!!!
LOL! Our dogs just gave us some “drive by affection” afterwards, running back and forth in front of the tent at break-neck speed. It’s amazing how fast they can run!! And I definitely felt it in my core the next day after holding myself upright in the sled. It was WAY more fun than a Pilates workout 🙂
From the dogs and sled to the ‘tepee’ amid the pines, it’s amazing how much Latvia–at least this little scene–resembles Canada:) Your description of hoping to take photographs from a husky-drawn sled is too much fun! I don’t think I could hack the ride but I’d definitely be up for some pirags at the FINISS line.
If only Latvia had Canada’s snowfall! But alas, ours is already gone and I’ve been told by locals not to expect anymore for the season. I’m glad I went dog sledding when I did!
‘Looks like so much fun. And those dogs do yap away, it makes it all the more exciting! I would love to go dog sledging. Is it all the year round or only in the “winter” months LOL!
That’s a good question, Victoria. I’m not sure if it’s available year round. I know some places have special vehicles the dogs can pull on regular ground, but I’m not sure this place does. In my conversations with Rihards, it seemed like there was a good chance our ride would be cancelled if there wasn’t enough snow.
Ah, what a shame. I have a feeling that by the time we get to Latvia, the weather would be warm-ish!
Next year perhaps!