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dogsledding
A living Arctic tradition, arranged with trusted local partners
Dog sledding is woven into the fabric of northern Greenland, a way of travelling that predates roads, engines, and maps. The Greenlandic sled dog is a hardy, purebred working animal, kept only in the north and east of the country and bred for endurance across snow and sea ice. We don't run the teams ourselves; instead we connect you with trusted local partners and experienced mushers who have spent their lives with these dogs, so you experience the real tradition in safe, knowledgeable hands. We handle the planning and fit it seamlessly into your wider Greenland trip.
The traditional wooden sled and fan-hitch harness have carried Greenlanders across this land for generations.
Out on the trail, the only sounds are the runners on the snow and the soft rhythm of the dogs at work.
Dog sledding in Greenland, travel the Arctic the way it always has
For thousands of years, the Greenland sled dog has carried hunters across the frozen north, and it remains one of the most authentic ways to experience the Arctic. Gliding silently over snow and sea ice behind a working team, you connect with a tradition still very much alive today. Raw Arctic helps you reach the dog-sledding heartlands above the Arctic Circle, where this way of life endures.
Ancient Transport, a tradition thousands of years old
The dog sled is one of humanity's oldest forms of Arctic travel, brought to Greenland by the Inuit and used for hunting and transport ever since. Riding one today is a journey into living history, the runners hissing over the snow just as they have for generations. It is not a staged attraction but a genuine part of how the north still moves.
Photo by Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland
Meet the Dogs, the heart of every journey
The Greenland sled dog is a protected breed, kept pure for centuries and found only north of the Arctic Circle and in the east. Strong, hardy, and built for the cold, these are working animals raised within deep traditions of care. Spend time with the team before you set off and you will understand why the bond between musher and dogs runs so deep.
Qamutit - The Greenlandic Dog Sled
The qamutit is the wooden sled at the center of it all, lashed together by hand so it can flex over rough ice without breaking. Wrapped in furs and blankets, you ride low and close to the snow as the team pulls you across the white. Simple, time-tested, and perfectly suited to the terrain, it carries you into landscapes nothing modern could reach.
Photo by Alex Savu - Visit Greenland
Greenland’s official national dog sledding championship
Avannaata Qimussersua
Dog sledding is woven into Greenlandic identity, celebrated each year in regional and national championship races that draw mushers and teams from across the country. These events are a thrilling display of speed, skill, and the deep partnership between humans and dogs. Timing your visit around a race adds real spectacle to a winter trip to Greenland.
Photo by Gunnar Gunnarsson - Visit Greenland
A winter journey across the frozen north
A dog sledding trip is one of the most authentic ways to experience the Greenlandic winter. As the team finds its rhythm, you glide across frozen fjords and open snowfields into a stillness that's hard to put into words. It's an activity rooted in centuries of Inuit life, and far more than a quick ride. Because dog sledding runs only in the snow-and-ice months of northern Greenland, we arrange it through trusted local partners and weave it into your wider trip, so you can experience the real thing at the right time of year, in the right hands.
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What our guests say:
"Raw Arctic gave us absolutely amazing 10-days trip in Greenland. They’ve organised everything from the pick up at the airport through hunting, boat sailing, hiking, etc. They were also extremely helpful when our schedule got derailed because of unpredictable internal flights. They did it all with easiness, laughs, positive attitude and good energy. Special thanks to Isak and Salik for making this experience so flawless and unforgettable!"
Kinga Jaromin
Poland
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before a dog sledding trip in Greenland, from when and where it runs to what a day on the sled is like. If you can't find your answer here, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
What exactly is a “custom” tour with Raw Arctic?
Every itinerary is built from scratch around the dates, interests, group size, and budget you give us. Dog sledding sits within a wider trip we plan for you, so whether you want a short taster on the sled or a multi-day winter journey combined with Northern Lights and cabin stays, we shape the route, pace, and lodging around you. We don't run the sled teams ourselves; we connect you with trusted local partners and experienced mushers, and handle all the planning so it slots seamlessly into your Greenland adventure.
When can you go dog sledding in Greenland?
Dog sledding is a winter and early-spring activity, running roughly from the depths of winter through to April, when there is reliable snow and sea ice for the sleds. It is not possible in summer, when Greenland has no snow cover at lower elevations and the dogs rest through the warmer months. Conditions vary year to year and place to place, so the exact window shifts with the weather, and we will always advise you honestly on the best timing for the season you are travelling.
Where in Greenland does dog sledding happen?
Dog sledding takes place only in the north and east of Greenland, above the Arctic Circle and in the east, where the Greenlandic sled dog is traditionally kept. There is no dog sledding in or around Nuuk, so it is something we arrange as part of a trip that takes you to the right region. We work with established local partners in those areas, so wherever your wider itinerary leads, we can point you to where the tradition is genuinely alive.
What is a dog sledding trip actually like?
Trips range from a couple of hours to multi-day expeditions, depending on what you choose. You travel on a traditional wooden sled pulled by a team of Greenlandic sled dogs, with an experienced musher guiding the way across snowfields, frozen fjords, and sea ice. Some trips let you ride as a passenger wrapped up against the cold, while longer expeditions may involve helping at camp and learning how the dogs and equipment work. Expect cold, quiet, and a deep sense of being far out in the Arctic, it is an experience, not just a ride.
Is it suitable for everyone, and how should I prepare?
Shorter sledding trips suit most people, including families, as you are mainly a passenger, though you should be comfortable sitting in cold conditions for the duration. Multi-day expeditions are more demanding and better suited to those happy with rough conditions and long days outdoors. Whatever the length, warmth is essential: thermal base layers, heavy insulation, a windproof outer shell, plus a warm hat, insulated gloves, and proper winter boots. Our partners often provide additional outer layers for the sled, and we will let you know exactly what to bring when we plan your trip.
How are the dogs treated?
The Greenlandic sled dog is a working animal at the heart of a culture that has depended on these teams for thousands of years, and the partners we work with know their dogs intimately. We only connect guests with operators who care for their animals properly and work them in line with the conditions. If animal welfare is important to you, and it should be, we are happy to talk through how our partners look after their teams so you can travel with peace of mind.
What is your cancellation policy?
Because dog sledding depends entirely on snow, ice, and weather, conditions can change at short notice, and safety always comes first for both guests and dogs. If a trip can't run for safety or conditions reasons, we will work with you to rebook or arrange a refund through our partner. For guest-initiated cancellations, the specific terms and timelines are set out in your booking confirmation, so we recommend reviewing those when you book. If you have any questions about a particular date, reach out and we will walk you through it.
Start planning your dog sledding trip with Raw Arctic
Tell us when you're travelling and what you'd like your winter in Greenland to look like, and we'll handle the rest. We connect you with trusted local partners and experienced mushers in the north, take care of the planning and logistics, and fit the dog sledding into your wider trip, so all you have to do is wrap up warm and enjoy the ride.
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