Hello, my name is Matthijs Huijing from the Netherlands and I’m very excited to start my journey as a dog sled guide in the amazing landscape of Svalbard. I originally studied public administration, but I couldn’t imagine myself working in an office. At university, I took a minor in Arctic and Antarctic Studies and this is where my obsession with the polar regions began. Shortly after my minor, I had the opportunity to join an expedition ship from Svalbard to the sea ice. It was then that I knew I didn’t want to be a scientist, but that I wanted to be a guide. When I considered what kind of guide I could become, there was one that was clearly the most magical of them all. To become a dog musher in the high Arctic, learning the skills that all the great explorers used to discover the polar regions. This opportunity is a dream come true for me. It combines my passion for the Arctic wilderness and working with incredible sled dogs. I am eager to learn the art of dog sledding in this remote and pristine environment, sharing unforgettable experiences with guests and developing a deep bond with my dog team along the way. I can’t wait to explore the icy trails of Svalbard and create memories that will last a lifetime.
