Keeping Bearhill Authentic: The Evolution of a Shared Passion
By Veronika & Valentijn, Co-Founders of Bearhill Husky
Bearhill Husky has always been more than just a business.
It began in 2003, when Veronika and I started our kennel—built on a shared love for mushing and a vision for a life shaped by dogs, snow, and nature. From day one, Bearhill has grown through both of our hands, our decisions, and our values.
And like anything alive, it has evolved.
We’ve reinvented ourselves more than once. We’ve faced challenges that nearly stopped us in our tracks. But each step has been a learning experience—and through it all, we’ve kept moving forward, together.
A Turning Point
In the years leading up to the pandemic, Bearhill followed a fairly predictable course. The demand for high-quality sled dog tourism was growing, and our model adapted to meet it. For all intents and purposes things were going well, and the future was looking stable and bright.
Then, like in any good movie plot, we experienced a dramatic shift in the second act when the world shifted in 2020, and we found ourselves rethinking not just how Bearhill operates—but why it exists in the first place. What emerged from that reflection wasn’t just a revamped business model, but a new identity.
More Than a Kennel
From the outside, Bearhill might look like a single, centralized business. But under the surface, it’s something far more dynamic—a cooperative-style community of mushers, kennels, and passionate individuals working together.
Today, we collaborate with a select group of partner kennels, each with its own dogs, stories, and dreams. These are not employees. They are fellow mushers—self-reliant, committed, and part of the Bearhill family.
Bearhill provides the trails, infrastructure, logistics, and marketing. But the magic? The soul of the experience? That comes from the people—and the dogs—who bring it all to life.
Many Dogs, Many Hands
Let’s be honest: neither of us ever wanted to own 300 dogs.
We believe it’s hard—if not impossible—to give that many animals the individual attention and love they deserve. Yet across Bearhill’s extended family, we now support about 350 dogs. The difference is, they’re spread across many hands, each cared for by a musher who knows and loves them.
This model also creates real relationships and lasting bonds. For some of our partners, working with Bearhill pays the bills. For others, it funds their dreams of expedition or racing. Either way, it creates balance and dignity—something we care about deeply.
Passion First, Always
At Bearhill, quality matters. Every tour is more than a ride—it’s a conversation, a learning moment, a bond. We want our guests to feel the love we have for these dogs.
To see the trust and loyalty built between the dogs and the musher. The teamwork and empathy for one another. The tranquil joy and serenity of being on the trail, together.
That’s why we created a Code of Conduct—a shared agreement among all our partner kennels. It’s not about rigid rules; it’s about shared standards; and like Bearhill itself, it’s a living document, one we update and improve together.
Profit Isn’t the Point
Could we make more money by centralizing? Sure. Would it be easier? Probably.
But that’s not who we are.
We’d rather share the rewards with our partners. We’d rather support small kennels, honor traditional mushing values, and create space for people—and dogs—to thrive, not just survive.
Meet the People Behind the Dogs
Whether you’re meeting Emmi at our main kennel, Kim in Santa Claus Village, or Kenneth, who supports both—what you’ll find is the same: real passion.
These aren’t hired hands. These are people living the life—building something meaningful with us, not for us.
Always Evolving
Bearhill isn’t just a place. It’s a living, breathing community shaped by purpose, integrity, and shared adventure.
We are always learning, consistently adapting, persistently striving to be better. It’s that spirit that keeps Bearhill authentic—for our dogs, our team, and every single guest who joins us on the trail.
Thank you for being part of our story. If you’re curious to learn more about our people, dogs, or experiences, explore our website, follow us on social media, or better yet, come visit us on the trail.
