Dogsledding in Swedish Lapland
WHILE VISITING THE 406-year old Sámi market in Jokkmokk, I got to tag along with Matti & Stina and their 38 Siberian huskies across frozen Lake Skabram.
As we raced along at full speed, oftentimes a dog or two needed to poop while in motion. Each time one “went,” it did a quick over-the-shoulder glance back to make sure we — its passengers — weren’t hit by flying poo. I had no idea Siberian huskies were that courteous.
Originally from Jämtland in central Sweden, Matti Holmgren moved north to Jokkmokk to study ecology, and his passion for the outdoors has kept him in Swedish Lapland over the last 20 years. Stina Svensson is from Skåne (the southernmost part of Sweden) and moved up to join Matti in 2004 after successfully dating him online.
The couple now lives year round in Jokkmokk, and they make their living running Jokkmokkguiderna with 38 pure-breed Siberian huskies and two pet border collies.
[Editor’s note: To see more of Lola’s sled dog photos, check out her gallery.]