Arctic Challenges
We offer a number of arctic challenges
Let us help you choose which is right for you
We offer 4 arctic challenges and adventures that are ‘expedition style’; two in Norway and two in Finland. They range from novice to experienced. All of them involve being self-contained, living in tents (some cabins), pulling pulks, and moving on cross-country touring skis. You need to be well-equipped, well organised, prepared to cope with sub-zero temperatures, and robust. The arctic environment is a wonderful place, and one to be enjoyed.
It is not necessary to be a cross-country skier or have previous winter camping experience, although it is advantageous. Whilst you are on cross-country touring skis, and pulling a fully laden pulk (a fibreglass sled) weighing approx 30kg, the pace at which you are travelling is slow. It is a walking pace at best. It is a shuffling motion aided by ‘skins’, or ribbed soles on the base of the skis preventing backward motion (or slipping). The skiing skills you need under these conditions, therefore, are easy to pick up.
The four arctic expedition challenges are:
- Norway – Arctic Challenge (Svalbard) – this takes place on Spitsbergen (part of the Svalbard archipelago), usually in May.
- Norway – Arctic Adventure, Finnmark – this takes place on Norway’s mainland, in the Finnmark region, Jan – Mar.
- Finland – Arctic Ski Expedition – this takes place in the Urho Kekkonen National Park (UKK, East Lapland) in Feb/Mar.
- Finland – Arctic Wilderness Expedition – this takes place just below the UKK National Park (East Lapland) in Feb/Mar.
Some general information about these arctic expedition challenges are:
- 3 of them are point-to-point routes.
- The only circular route is the Arctic Wilderness Expedition.
- All are on cross-country touring skis and pulling pulks.
- All have expert local Guides.
- Mind-blowing arctic trips that require little or no previous skiing or winter camping experience.
- Itineraries that have built-in resilience and are conducted at a sensible pace to allow you to enjoy the environment to the fullest.
Norway, Svalbard Arctic Expedition (78° North)
Trip length – 11/12 days UK – UK
Group size – 4 – 10 (excluding the Guide)
Location – Spitsbergen, Svalbard
Husky support – Yes (usually), but not guaranteed
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This arctic expedition is the more remote, extreme, and committed of the four. It is based out of Longyearbyen (Svalbard), which lies on the 78° north latitude line. It is the most northerly settlement on earth! A settlement is classed as one that has a population of at least 1000 permanent residents.
Two nights are spent in Longyearbyen preparing and getting familiarised with the kit. Then there’s a fast-speed boat journey to the drop-off point on Spitsbergen. The group then progresses up onto the plateau where the vast glistening white arctic environment comes to the fore. No one lives here. You may see some wildlife including Polar Bears. The equipment used is top-notch; it has to be in this environment.
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This is certainly a full-on expedition, completely self-contained. The group may or may not be accompanied by Huskies. It will depend on the availability of suitable dogs in Longyearbyen. This Arctic Expedition is the most serious of all of them primarily because of its remoteness and length of time in the environment but it is certainly achievable by anyone ready to give it a go and is well-equipped.
Is this for me? If you are adventurous, robust, fit, perhaps have taken part in other adventurous activities before, and accepting of the harsh cold conditions that may present themselves, then this is definitely for you.
For more information, go to our Arctic Challenge webpage. It is possible to do this as a charity challenge. Details of the fundraising options are on the same webpage.
Norway, Arctic Adventure, Finnmark
Trip length – 9 days UK – UK
Group size – 4 – 8
Location – Finnmark Plateau, northern Norway
Husky support – Yes
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An ideal expedition for first-timers; the real deal and yet not extreme. This area (the Finnmark plateau) is considered to be some of the best cross-country skiing terrain in the world. The trip does not cover a huge distance (around 80km), instead preferring to explore, and enjoy more of the surroundings including some ice fishing. In doing so, it allows more time to take in the beautiful environment and get some photography done. There are two nights in a wonderful Lodge, and the final night is in a Cabin close to Alta.
It is pretty much a given that the group will be accompanied by some Alaskan Huskies as they live at the start point. These dogs will be fit and strong; you’ll love these gorgeous, lovable, and hard-working animals.
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Is this for me? If you are perhaps wary of the Svalbard Arctic Expedition (above), then this may be a better choice. You still need to be adventurous, robust, reasonably fit, and accepting of the cold conditions. Given this is on the mainland, emergencies are easier to deal with here as it is accessible by snowmobile.
For more information, go to the Arctic Adventure Finnmark webpage. It is possible to do this as a charity challenge. Details of the fundraising options are on the same webpage.
Finland, Arctic Ski Expedition
Trip length – 9 days UK – UK
Group size – 3-6 (likely a pre-formed group)
Location – Urho Kekkonen National Park, Finland
Husky Support – No
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This arctic ski expedition takes place in the Urho Kekkonen National Park, 200 km north of the arctic circle. Having arrived in Kuusamo and transferred north, the exit for this trip is via Ivalo (not Kuusamo). Due to the distances skied on this trip, it is preferable if clients have some previous experience in cross-country skiing. This is the more committed of the two Finland expeditions, with longer distances and a fixed endpoint.
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The group spends 1 night in a hotel before being transferred to the start point and beginning the expedition. The group is completely self-contained, with no Husky support. Accommodations are traditional teepee tents or shelters so in general terms, the group is out in the wilderness for the duration. There is a rest/spare day towards the end to cover numerous eventualities. The area is lightly wooded and has open fells. There will be some prepared tracks but also some periods of forging your own tracks. If you are fit, then skiing these distances should not present a problem.
Is this for me? If you have some cross-country skiing experience and are robust, fit, and accepting of the harsh cold conditions that may present themselves, then this is definitely for you. Given the small group size, this trip suits, but is not limited to, pre-formed groups.
For more information, go to our Finland Arctic Ski Expedition webpage.
Finland, Arctic Wilderness Expedition
Trip length – 7 days UK – UK
Group size – 5-6
Location – East Lapland, Finland
Husky Support – No
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This arctic expedition is specifically designed for complete novices to both cross-country skiing and the arctic environment. It has a start/end point (circular route) but what happens in between is entirely down to the group’s ability. There are no set daily distances and no set camping sites. Most if not all of the trails will be unprepared, and the group makes its own tracks.
Whilst this may not appear to be a full-on arctic expedition, the only real difference is the distance covered. Everything else is the same, so due regard must be given to the potentially severe conditions that may be experienced. It is completely self-contained and is not accompanied by Huskies.
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There is an element of ‘survival’ on this trip. Open fires are used to cook the food (wood is collected from the forest) and to heat/boil water. Groups are small, only 5 – 6. The group spends just 1 night in a hotel before being transferred to the start point and beginning the expedition. Accommodations are traditional teepee tents (heated!).
Is this for me? This undoubtedly will suit novices and pre-formed groups of between 5 – 6. It will suit charities. It will suit anyone who fancies an arctic adventure but perhaps is not willing to commit to something more serious.
For more information, go to our Finland Arctic Wilderness Expedition webpage. The options regarding fundraising options are also there.
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