Connie Arsenault - President

How many years have you been working with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours?
Yikes, 30 years of dog sledding! Guiding and Instructing professionally since founding Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours in 1983, ....27 years! You know what they say about time flying…and yes, still having fun.

What is your favorite part about your job?
The most favourite part of my job has been to dream of and create the most memorable, amazing experiences for our guests at Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours with respect to our entire crew of course.  When I was about five years young, after watching television only once, I wanted to be a movie or television producer, creating great and wonderful movies and stories to entertain everyone!  One thing I developed was a very intense, vivid imagination. I was forever trying to create reality movies through this gift with my imaginary camera.  I think they call us visionaries today!
I love dog sledding Snowy Owl style because it is very real and unique, not copied or fabricated in any way.  I especially enjoy sharing the pure, beautiful Canadian wilderness I grew up in!  The dogs, well they are the most wonderful, unconditional loving cast and without them there just wouldn’t be any experience or production for any of us to enjoy.  We love them back!  I also love watching our guests having the opportunity to transform into the characters of their position either as a Passenger with our crew or as a “Real” Sled Dog Driver and with such amazing, successful, positive results.....terrific ear to ear smiles and the best hugs ever! I don’t think I’ll ever tire of these awe-inspiring dreams which have certainly manifested beyond even my expectations! I’m sure as long as I’m able,  I’ll just keep passing them on and on....it’s my destiny,...... did I mention I love my job?!

Even though you guys love all your dogs, if you had to pick a favorite, which would it be and why?
My favourite canine personality is Shaman, our 6 year old wolf...somewhat hybrid. He has taught us all so much about respect and the important things in life associated with it.  He obviously carries a lot of grace in the example of freedom to live with the highest purpose of individuality as well as with family, the team or from his point of view...his pack.  Shaman has very high standards in helping each individual develop respectful, honest conduct in living life in general terms of survival and if we have any weakness in any of these areas, he’ll gladly let us know what they are.  I find every interaction with him to be very enriching and inspiring, especially on our “freedom” walks together!

Carlin Arsenault: Director & Senior Instructor

How many years have you been working with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours?
My whole life but professionally I have been guiding for 13 years!

What is your favorite part about your job?
This is a difficult question; there is so much I love about my job!  Of course the dogs are a big part of why I do this for a living but there is something that is honestly remarkable about my job.  I’m so honored to have the opportunity to teach people about “real” dog sledding and the connections we have with the dogs and the wilderness!  Over the years I have taken people on an adventure and experience of a lifetime where it has brought tears of joy to people’s eyes.  I have given people hope, serenity, adventure or simply just something to believe in and that is truly amazing!  I am often told by our guests “thank you for having this company!”  This comment alone tells me that not only are we giving people a dog sled tour but we are sharing our lives with them and giving encouragement to those who need it.  I believe we are all here to teach and I know that I’m here to teach people about these incredible dogs and the amazing sport of dog sledding!

Even though you guys love all your dogs, if you had to pick a favorite, which would it be and why?
Although each dog holds a special place in my heart I would have to say my favorite is Skookum – I love his enthusiasm and his character…I’m a sucker for the Siberian huskies!  He brings a smile to my face everyday!

#1 reason you think guests’ should go dog sledding with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours?
There are so many reasons I think people should join us for their dog sledding  adventure but if I had to pick one reason it would be our dogs and how much we love and care for them.  Our sled dogs are so amazing, well trained, happy, healthy, personable, beautiful and enthusiastic!  I do believe that the dogs are the most important part of the trip and our dogs love their job which is very visible!  We still use lots of the authentic, traditional huskies; it really enhances the original and Canadian experience!

"Hi, my name is Ethan Kimble and I am originally from Bobcaygeon, Ontario. Growing up I lived out in the country so I spent a lot of time in the bush and developed a love for the outdoors. I had three dogs growing up, Cedar, Rebel and Cheyenne. We called them "the girls." Once when I was little I was exploring the forest when I somehow lost my way. As panic began to set in, to my rescue came the girls! They found me and brought me all the way home. These girls taught me so much about love, respect and friendship and it was only a matter of time that I would find a place where I could use what those girls gave me.

I left Ontario at the age of 19 and moved to Canmore to do some "real" skiing . During my time in Canmore I started looking for an outdoor job, something that I could really enjoy. Low and behold, I found Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours. I have been working with them for 4 years now and earned a position of Management. The Arsenault's have spread their love and passion for this sport and their dogs to me and I don't see my self leaving any time soon. I hope to be with this company for many more years to come.

Like the rest of the staff here we are only able to relax and rest during the summer months. So when the winter has come to an end I enjoy mountain biking, camping, golfing, swimming and hanging out with the Snowy Owl dogs. I also find some time to head back home to visit family.

I hope to see you on the trail!"

Bill Ripley: Crew Chief & Senior Instructor

How many years have you been working with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours?
I started guiding for Snowy Owl in 1999 and this will be my seventh season in the last eleven years! 

What is your favorite part about your job?
The favourite part of my job is sharing an amazing experience
that I've been fortunate enough to enjoy since I was four. Dog sledding is a very special to me and I’m honoured to be able to share it with people from all over the world!

Even though you guys love all your dogs, if you had to
pick a favorite, which would it be and why?
It’s hard for me to pick one dog because I hold them all very near to my heart but if I had to pick a dog that stands out amongst the other to me it would be...

#1 reason you think guests’ should go dog sledding with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours?
I feel that if you have the desire to experience an adventure you will remember for the rest of your life you will find that here.  Snowy Owl offers lots of tour options that suite everybody and anybody with a wide variety of different husky breeds, mix that with our exceptional dog care there is no question that you will want to take part in a tour with us!

Lyndsay Daly: Senior Instructor

How many years have you been working with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours?
This is my fourth season with Snowy Owl, I am originally from Ontario but the dogs I love are worth the commute every season!

What is your favorite part about your job?
My favourite part about working with Snowy Owl is the relationships that grow between me and each of the dogs. I’m so proud to watch the younger dogs grow and excel, becoming more confident with each run they do. I love to see the shy dogs come out of their shell once you’ve gotten to know them. I also feel honoured to be able to watch the older more mature dogs running on the teams with their younger counter parts, because they can! I love the dogs and everything about them, mushing with them is just a bonus!!

Even though you guys love all your dogs, if you had to pick a favorite, which would it be and why?
If I had to pick a favourite dog it would have to be Laredo. My partner and I adopted Laredo about 4 years ago from Snowy Owl, and he has been travelling Canada with us ever since. He was one of their hardest working sled dogs, and his transition into "house pet" was pretty neat to watch. He loves his blankets and will snooze where ever you put them!  His favourite treats are cheese and ice cream…go figure!  And his favourite thing to do is still to RUN, he is the fastest dog I have ever seen....even for his age!  I guess you can say I have a soft spot for the veterans of the kennel!

#1 reason you think guests’ should go dog sledding with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours?
I know that all the other staff that works here at Snowy Owl love the dogs as much as I do…that is so important.  The care that these dogs receive is the best that I have ever seen and I have volunteered at a few other kennels, and know that my contributions to them have been very helpful. The dogs come first here at Snowy Owl and you can tell just by looking at them. This is the top reason why if you choose to go dog sledding, you should come with us!

Kevin Reid - Senior Instructor

How many years have you been working with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours?
This would be my second season as a tour instructor with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours.  Last year marked the first full winter that I worked with such a wonderful group of people and 160+ fabulous sled dogs! I never thought the addiction of traveling with a team of dogs in a winter wonderland would grip me so hard. It was while telling stories of my dog sledding adventures, during a trip through England last summer, that I realized I was hooked. This season I have gotten to know the dogs even better.

Even though you guys love all your dogs, if you had to pick a favorite, which would it be and why?
And while I know I'm not really supposed to pick favorites in the kennel, I would have to say that Bullet is one of my favorite dogs to work with. Like so many of the dogs in our kennel Bullet is quiet, hard working and loves to be around people. Bullet loves being a sled dog and shows it by giving 100% of his effort every time we take him for a run.

What is your favorite part about your job?
The best part of this job is having the opportunity to meet all sorts of new and excited people like you. My favourite part of guiding in the winter is seeing the expression on our visitors faces at the end of day of dog sledding. Excitement, laughter, personal satisfaction and joy are all in a days work for a dog sledding instructor. What could be better than that?

#1 reason you think guests’ should go dog sledding with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours?
If you are the kind of person who loves the outdoors and wants to try something new then you should consider joining us on a dog sledding tour. With Snowy Owl you get to spend lots of time with our beautiful touring Huskies and learn all about the sport of dog sledding from experienced, well trained and very passionate instructors. Oh yeah, and it's tones of fun too! So, Thank you for taking the time to visit our site I hope to see all of you out on the trails!

Hayman Hookway: Senior Instructor

How many years have you been working with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours?
This is my second season dog sledding...it’s for sure not my last!

What is your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part of the job is working in such a beautiful part of the world, this being the Canadian Rockies, with some of the best co-workers you can get.  My fellow mushers are amazing and of course the main co-workers who make it all happen, our fury canines!  I grew up in Tasmania, Australia, never having a dog in the family so this is kind of making up for so many years of being deprived of these amazing animals. Even "poop clean" is a new and fantastic journey every day.

Even though you guys love all your dogs, if you had to pick a favorite, which would it be and why?
It’s so hard to say who my favorite is but one name that comes into mind would be Lancelot. He is a 5 year old Alaskan husky. My reason for this is he is just always so happy. No matter what the weather conditions are like or if it’s the 4th tour of the day. He has such great enthusiasm and you can see this love he has for running and people, pass on to his fellow lead dog and musher. All the dogs find it a joy to run with him, including us guides or any guests. He loves to dance and have a chat, but only when common courtesy arises. He’s a true hardworking gentleman!

#1 reason you think guests’ should go dog sledding with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours?
I think that is great that you can go from getting off the van being very nervous and not thinking you could ever ride in a sled, even being too scared to approach or pet the dogs; to getting back on the van having not only ridden in the sled, but having driven your very own dog team, as well as having shared some of the love and connection that we have with these wonderful animals. Of course this isn't possible without our great staff team, starting at the office managers and drivers, going all the way through to the guides and dogs. I recently took a friend dog sledding and he said, "Words just can't justify how all these powerful dogs, generally perceived as being aggressive, are just so friendly and welcoming of faces new and old.

Denise Van Dalen: Kennel Manager

How many years have you been working with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours?
This is my first season with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours.

What is your favorite part about your job?
My favourite part of the job is coming back to work after my days off and seeing all the dogs again.  I can't believe how much I miss them after just a couple of days away!!

Even though you guys love all your dogs, if you had to pick a favorite, which would it be and why?
One of my favourite dogs is Hannah, a beautiful Canadian Inuit husky.  She is an absolute sweetheart with a real playful side, and she is always fun to talk to.

#1 reason you think guests’ should go dog sledding with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours?
I think Snowy Owl is the best choice for dog sledding in the Rocky Mountains because the dogs are so well taken care of and loved, and this shows in how eager and happy they are to get out on the trails.

Shona MacDonald: Office Manager

How long have you been working for Snowy Owl?
I have been working for Snowy Owl since September 2009.

What is your favourite part of your job?
The favourite part of my job is helping guests along with their dream of dog sledding! Whether it is joking around and getting guests ready for their tours, seeing the excitement on their face when they leave, or the even bigger smiles when they get back from their awesome tour! Its also great to see how happy our guests are when they have little things added on to their day – like sparklers for their birthdays, or everyone being in on the surprise for a proposal! Its also very heart warming to give guests the opportunity to complete things on their bucket list,  or to help them over come life’s hardships with a day of freedom and something amazing.

Which dog is your favourite?
I haven’t had the opportunity to get to know each and every dog as well as our instructing staff, but out of the dogs I have gotten to meet and get to know, King Louie would have to be my favourite. He is such a cuddle bug and a great wheel dog! He also loves to give kisses and loves it even more when he gets them back! I had the opportunity to have him (along with Halo!) as my wheel dog on staff day! He is such a hard worker and still acts like a puppy when we stop for a little break!

Why do you think guests should come dog sledding with Snowy Owl?
The fact that you get to learn how to drive your own sled, and actually accomplish doing this is AMAZING. Being able to direct the dogs (and actually have them listen) stop them, love them and treat them to rewards is great! Another thing that should always be taken into account is the treatment of all our huskies! This ranges from our huge feeding board (every dog has their own diet!), the clean and humane kennel/ housing, and the respect they receive is impeccable! The absolute adoration they get from all of us here at Snowy Owl as well as our guests is also incredible for them!

Tina Kehl: Transportation Manager

How many years have you been working with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours?
It is only my first season with this incredible family but I already feel part of theirs, part of the team; including the dogs! They’ve mastered the art of unconditional love. If you pay close attention, it’s impossible not to love and learn from them as soon as you will meet these amazing animals!

What is your favorite part about your job?
Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. With Snowy Owl I know from the bottom of my heart that every single person working day after day, love what they do for a living.  It’s not only hard work that makes this company so successful but to be passionate about delivering great customer service. That is what I admire most about Snowy Owl!

Even though you guys love all your dogs, if you had to pick a favorite, which would it be and why?
If I have to choose my favourite dog it would be Lightning. When we first met she was very shy towards me and it took a lot of patience from my side to gain her trust but now we are best friends!

#1 reason you think guests’ should go dog sledding with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours?
When you take up a mission with passion, there are no dreams too large. That is what Snowy has been doing for the last thirty years. Living their dreams!  With them you will be part of their dream and your very own!  They will take you to amazing places in your heart you never knew existed!

I hope to have the pleasure of driving you up to the dog sledding site where I will tell you more about the great adventure ahead of you!

Brett Mueller: Transportation Team

How many years have you been working with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours?
This is the first season I have worked for Snowy Owl. I feel like it has been a lot longer than 3 months, I really feel like a part of the family!

What is your favorite part about your job?
There is so much I like about this job; it’s hard to pick just one!  I have been providing transportation services for lots of different companies for a long time but I enjoy the drive to and from the dog sledding site.  The fact that I ensure a safe and informative drive for our guests is really enjoyable!   I love getting to meet new people all the time and look forward to informing them of their soon to be adventure!  I also enjoy getting the chance help all the instructors with the dogs after the last run is finished. I really look forward to coming to work and there aren't many jobs that I have had that have made me want to come to work in the morning!

Even though you guys love all your dogs, if you had to pick a favorite, which would it be and why?
Though I don't get much time with all the dogs I haven't had the chance to meet them all equally. In saying that, I would have to say my favourite dog is Megatron - he does such good work and has a lot of fun, plus he is really cute!

#1 reason you think guests’ should go dog sledding with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours?
I think guests should come dog sledding with us because we have alot of fun each and every day we are out doing what we do best! We all really take pride in our customer care, not to mention our four-legged friends as well.  I haven't met one person that hasn't had fun when coming on our tours!