Running with the pack in Revelstoke

I have known Eric and Connie Marsden, who operate Revelstoke Dogsled Adventures, for many years. I recently had the opportunity to go out dog sledding with them for the first time. Eric and I have similar backgrounds in the dogsledding world; we got our start guiding tours, caught the bug for running dogs and then tried to figure out a way to make it a permanent part of our lives.

Eric and Connie Marsden of Revelstoke Dogsled Adventures with daughter Lotti. Photo: Nicole Fricot

Connie and Eric met in 2009. A year later, Eric got nine sled dogs and eight years after that they now have a kennel of 27 dogs, not to mention, Lotti, an adorable human yearling of their own.

I have worked in a lot of dogsled kennels and have been fortunate to work for a lot of people who genuinely love their dogs. Most people get into dog sledding for the right reasons: because they love and appreciate these amazing creatures. I think Eric and Connie exceed this. The love, care and appreciation they have for their dogs is hard to describe. The dogs are just an extension of their family. Even Lotti, at the age of one and a half, is very much a part of the daily dogsled life as it’s the only life she’s been fortunate to know.

Eric Marsden with the dogs. Photo: Nicole Fricot

My passion for dog sledding began almost 20 years ago. I had moved to Alberta with no idea what I was going to do for work. Someone I knew mentioned to me that I should be a dog musher guide. I had no idea what that meant, so naturally, the next day I went to apply for this job that I had no idea about and … the rest is history. I would go on to spend the next ten years guiding tours and racing. I had the opportunity to live in Alaska, the Northwest Territories, Whistler and a variety of places in Alberta. I also raced in Western Canada and lots of the US. I will just interject if you are wondering: no I have not run the Iditarod but one can still dream. Dogsledding is something I have never stopped thinking about. It just gets under your skin. Dogsledders by nature are generally characters who tolerate being outside even in the most inclement weather, and aren’t opposed to hard work.

Just like sled dogs, we are a breed of our own. We just might have a slight preference to dogs over humans.

Writer Heather Hood with the old Thermos in a sock hack. Photo: Nicole Fricot

Arriving at Eric and Connie’s kennel brought on that familiar camaraderie you get with people who share the same passion for dogs. My friend and I only had a few hours for our tour but it was important to Eric that we take the time to meet each dog individually, learn its history and to ensure each dog got lots of attention. I appreciated how friendly the dogs were and the importance to Eric and Connie to be continually socializing them. One of litter was born on a stormy night and they all had weather-themed names. The overall blend of the kennel is the most perfect motley crew. The dogs are primarily fed wild game and poultry; Eric and Connie have a connection with local game butchers and people with poultry birds who provide them with meat that would otherwise go to waste.

After we finished in the kennel we headed off to the trail. On the way there, Eric and Connie told me about a few of their racing experiences and some impressive wins they’ve had with their dogs. As we arrived at the trailhead, the sun started to peak out from the clouds. They gave us a rundown of where the dogs would be placed in the team and a few safety rules. We hooked the dogs up to the sled, as each one was hooked up the energy, noise and excitement of the dogs became elevated. As soon as we took off the dogs were silent and all we felt was the power of the dogs pulling us in the sled.

The dogs jump in anticipation of the ride to come. Photo: Nicole Fricot

There is nothing quite like being out in the middle of nowhere on a dogsled, quietly moving through the beautiful landscape, pulled by these animals who love what they are doing. We stopped a few times to let the dogs take a break and to praise them.

On our return trip, Connie and Lotti were waiting for us on the trail, so we stopped the sled for Lotti to get in. She was crying, but as soon as we started moving she was silent, sat back and partook in the wonderment of the moment with us.

Photo: Nicole Fricot

The experience was perfect and one I will not forget. If you haven’t had the opportunity to go dogsledding or have never been to a dog sled kennel, I would encourage you to give it a try sometime. Even better contact Eric, Connie and Lotti to take you out. You will not regret the memorable experience they will leave you with.