Winter Arctic Survival Expedition - Sweden

After a phenomenal course last year (see our gallery on Flickr), we keen to return to this amazing area and now have dates (below) for winter 2011. We have added even more new activities (see below) to make this course the most comprehensive Arctic course available and easily the best value!

Learn survival skills in one of the world's most extreme environments - the Arctic. In winter this region is transformed by thick ice and snow, the polar night is long and temperatures can plummet to -50°C. The region may be challenging but it is also extremely beautiful with incredible landscapes frequently illuminated by the 'northern lights'. It is the home of impressive large mammals such as reindeer, moose, wolverine, wolves and hibernating bears as well as numerous small mammals and fascinating birds. As with many environments the secret to thriving here is working with the conditions rather than against them.

Our expedition will be in the Laponia area of northern Sweden, well within the Arctic Circle. This area is officially designated "the world's largest unmodified nature area which is cultured by natives...the reindeer herding Sami people".

We will conduct our survival training close to a well equipped wilderness cabin learning a comprehensive range of arctic survival skills within a framework of safety.

Dates
19-27 February 2011 (dates includes days travelling to and from Sweden)

Cost and inclusions

£1200 (You may reserve a place by paying a deposit of £300, with the balance due two calendar months before the course). Group discounts are available - ask us for details.

The price includes transport from Lulea Airport to and from the site, all accommodation, all food, training, equipment used on the course and Certificate of attendance. It does not include personal kit such as outdoor clothing and sleeping bags, though there will be some hire options available. Flights are not included.

Course content

You will learn some key survival skills for the winter Arctic environment with the focus being on hands on experience:

• Cross country skiing
• Ice fishing
• Dog sledding
• NEW Introduction to snow mobiling
• Ice breaking - an optional exercise to learn how to cope if you fall through ice!
• Emergency Snow shelters (e.g. snow trench, quinze)
• Axe use
• NEW Firearms safety / Practical use of Rifles and Shotgun
• Fire lighting in the cold using matches and primitive techniques such as sparks and fire by friction
• Trapping
• Game preparation
• Avoidance and management of cold injuries
• Flora and fauna identification and plant uses
• Hygiene routines
• Water acquisition
• Tracking
• NEW Improvising Essential Equipment
• Survival Equipment Selection
• Emergency Signalling
• Making snow shoes
• NEW Emergency Aid (Managing Bleeds and Burns)
• Correct clothing

These represent a unique range of essential skills that make this course both comprehensive and great value!

N.B. All activities will run at the instructor's discretion and based on local weather conditions at the time.

Instructors

The Survival training will be led by Toby Cowern, our guest instructor with over 16 years of Arctic experience. Wildwood's chief instructor, ecologist, Leon Durbin will also be instructing in some bushcraft techniques on the course.

Requirements:

The course does not require any survival or Arctic experience, and although this is an advantage the course is suitable for beginners.

You must:

• be over 18 years old;
• have some outdoor experience (e.g. hill walking, camping, adventure sports, bushcraft etc.)
• have a reasonable level of physical fitness
• have a sense of humour!

Client quotes:

"I feel I have come away not only knowing more about bushcraft and survival in the Arctic, but also more about how the country works and how people live. I found all the info given was clear and concise and we always had opportunity to ask questions or go over something if didn't understand first time around. I never felt like it might have been an inconvenience and nothing was too much trouble. You were never forced to do something you weren't happy with either. A good all round spectrum of subjects was covered. I liked the fact that we had a say what subjects we particularly wanted to do and how far we could take them. Would of liked longer as by end of first week you are just beginning to get into your routines and getting a feel for the environment and then you have to tear yourself away :(( It was set in a very good and beautiful location. Accessible, and close enough to help if required but remote enough to feel that Arctic wilderness experience and I have to say being in the Taiga forest is quite cool :)) Skiing down the frozen river to the cabin is also a great touch. It provides yet another new experience. I thought the dog sledding was a fantastic start to the experience and a real welcome surprise. It breaks people in gently with a genuine Arctic experience. I also loved having the opportunity to sleep outside and how amazing that would be if the Northern lights were on form. The ice fishing was also indeed a great joy, dare I say it but, particularly when we caught fish. Being able to master the Pike scissors was also memorable for me. Although I didn't have the sauna, I did think that was a great idea for the end of the trip teamed with a traditional meal, which was delicious and viewing the Northern lights slide show and photographs. A perfect end to a perfect trip. An all round fantastic experience. I felt I learnt a lot about a lot. Very well organised and I'm sure this will continue to be a very successful course. A very huge thank you. " - L. Pick

For bookings or further information contact us or phone 01444 482619

All photos on this page are either © Patricia Cowern or Wildwood Bushcraft (hover mouse to find out which)