At Eden Dogsledding, it’s all about the dogs.  This might sound self-evident for a place which offers dogsled tours all winter;Dog-Sledding-On-Wheels spring, summer, and fall; and mushing lessons year-round.  However, there is a different feel to this world where canines are king—a difference which many people find is the most memorable part of their visit.  Eden Dogsledding was founded over ten years ago by dog sled sprint racer Jim Blair, with the vision of providing an exceptional home for his Alaskan Huskies, and an exceptional introduction to the world of dogsledding for visitors.  In both areas, Jim has been a pioneer—devising new strategies so that dogs and people can learn from each other.  In most musher’s kennels, the dogs are chained to their houses, unable to interact with other dogs or people except when they’re hitched to a sled.  With dozens of dogs, each with their own canine instincts for interacting with tooth and claw, this seemed like the only option.  But Jim wasn’t happy having his racing teammates on the end of a chain.  It just didn’t feel right.  So Jim began creating an environment where dogs could be free to be dogs—a hierarchical pack like that of their wolf ancestors, with the run of several large fenced paddocks and a heated barn.  The pack raised dogs were friendlier, more confident, and more willing to work with inexperienced humans.  Jim calls these huskies the “Un-Chained Gang.”
Today, dogsledding enthusiasts, wannabe mushers, and curious visitors from the near-by ski resorts of Jay Peak, Smugglers Notch, and Stowe all travel to Eden Dogsledding to meet the Un-Chained Gang and try sledding for themselves.  Every visit begins in the learning center with an introduction to your team.  Guests meet their team’s lead dogs and learn about the personality traits which enable them to direct the other dogs.  As the guests harness and hitch up each dog, they discover how every pair of animals works together, and the decision making process which lead their placement.  Animal psychology blends with the making of new furry friends as the pack eagerly begs for pats and scratches—and a place in the team.

Nothing quite compares to the first moments of a dogsled tour.  Every husky in the Un-Chained Gang howls with excitement, waiting for the sled’s brake to be lifted.  Then with a scarcely heard “alright” from the musher, the team is off, and all is suddenly silent, everyone focused on the path ahead, the joy of running, and the thrilling speed.  The strikingly close mountaintops cradle woodland trails which open to spectacular views-glittering with snow in winter, or lush, green, and wildflower studded in summer.  The large network of trails wind through thousands of acres of preserved wilderness, and are all designed and groomed for dogsledding.  A stop at a small log cabin to warm up with hot cocoa is a highlight of many tours.  It is the dogs, however, who are always most memorable—and any visitor is sure to leave with a greater appreciation for the capabilities, the strength, and of course the personality of “man’s best friend.”  At Eden Dogsledding, they wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

Submitted By: Carrie at Eden Dogsledding

 

 

Jim Blair is Your Host and Head Musher
Eden Dog Sledding & Dogsledding-on-Wheels
http://edendogsledding.com

Eden Mountain Lodge
http://www.edenmtnlodge.com

1390 Square Road
Eden Mills, Vermont 05653
(802) 635-9070
Toll Free 866-635-9070