Dogsledding in Maine

If you want to participate in the sport of dog sledding, the winter outdoors-person must first locate a musher who offers trips to the public. While not readily abundant, there are commercial mushers scattered throughout the Maine snow country. Six to eight dog teams pull the musher, rider, and all appropriate gear needed for the trip. Each participant must do his or her part in getting the team ready to go, as well as lending a helping hand at the finish. Trips are ordinarily a half day or several nights out on the trail. All of the effort is quickly rewarded when the dogs lean into their harnesses and the musher yells the anticipated command "Let's go"!

Ski-joring, a sport where one or several dogs pull a skier, can make for an exhilarating cross country ski ride through the northwoods landscape. The dogs wear a typical dog sled harness, while the skier wears a special belt with a line incorporating an expandable bungy. The line is secured to the belt by a quick release mechanism necessary for safety purposes. Although getting started and stopping can be challenging, lots of practice will make this activity a favorite winter experience for the cross country skier and dog owner. Unfortunately, appropriate spots for ski-joring are scarce in that cross country ski centers usually prohibit dogs and snowmobile trails are simply too dangerous.