Husky sled rides shortened in Rovaniemi as unseasonal warmth puts dogs at risk

Winter tourism operators in Rovaniemi have been forced to shorten husky sled rides and relocate routes due to unusually warm weather, with some excursions converted into kennel visits to protect the dogs’ welfare, Yle reports.

The early spring heatwave—described by operators as three weeks ahead of schedule—has made conditions unsafe for sled dogs, which struggle in temperatures above 5°C (41°F). “Right now, it feels like mid-April in a normal winter—if we can still talk about normal winters,” said Juha Kämä, operations manager at Apukka Adventures. His company has cut sled rides from seven to three kilometres, avoiding thawed or waterlogged sections where bare ground is emerging.

Lapland Safaris has also closed parts of its snowmobile trails due to softening ice and slush, redirecting customers to rubber-wheeled vehicles on firmer terrain outside the city centre. “We haven’t had cancellations,” said safari operations director Jyrki Karonen. “We’ve adapted by moving activities farther out.”

Artificial snowmaking has extended the season for both firms, with compacted snow bases holding up through Easter. However, the practice increases costs and energy use. “Of course, there are environmental downsides,” Karonen acknowledged, “but snowmaking ensures safer, more responsible conditions than soft, natural snow.”

Tourists like Indian visitors Aishvarya Misra and Sumer Kohli, who experienced a shortened sled ride on Monday, found the weather pleasant—but wished the excursion had lasted longer. Operators remain cautious, prioritising animal welfare. “We’re managing with adjustments so far,” Kämä said, noting that while bookings from other cancelled tours have offset some losses, the unseasonal thaw has disrupted planning.

Rovaniemi’s sledding season may now end after Easter, though northern Lapland typically retains snow into early May. Operators say they are preparing for earlier winters and faster spring melts, with increased reliance on snowmaking to adapt. “The season is shifting,” Kämä said. “We’ll need to be flexible.”