At this time of year, our attention is naturally drawn to one man, his sleigh and his nine reindeer accompanying him around the world. However, Santa will forgive us taking a closer look at a similar activity taking place at the moment across northern Scandinavia, where dog-sledding participants are guided by their trusty canines through the rough Norwegian countryside.
![[The Norwegian says that she has come to trust the dogs with her life]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/23/17/93434675-0-image-a-2_1734974913189.jpg)
Living in Tromso, deep within the Arctic Circle, Ida-Helene Sivertsen and her 10 Siberian huskies have undertaken a strenuous training schedule, clocking up over 2,500kilometres ahead of the dog-sledding season. Growing up as a dog lover, Sivertsen admits that competitive racing in this winter sport was always likely to appeal.
![[The Northern Lights form a shimmering backdrop during Ida-Helene's training treks]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/23/17/93434677-0-image-a-3_1734974954685.jpg)
She initially borrowed dogs from friends and, sometimes, from competitors, but has steadily established her own team. Sivertsen’s love for dogs has only blossomed as a result. It’s just as well, since she has 10 in her care all year round. Ida-Helena Sivertsen on the snow trail with her team of beloved Huskies.
![[The dog sledder admits she has a better bond with the dogs than with her family at times]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/23/17/93434683-0-image-a-4_1734975022876.jpg)
The Norwegian says that she has come to trust the dogs with her life. The Northern Lights form a shimmering backdrop during Ida-Helene's training treks. ‘Here, above the Arctic Circle, dog sledding is massive,’ she tells Mail Sport. ‘Many people do it for tourism but most big kennels and those who have a team go to competitions and do racing.
![[The scenery is spectacular as the dogs pull Ida-Helene through a tunnel of snow]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/23/17/93434685-0-image-a-5_1734975069147.jpg)
