Trip Details
Duration: 7 days, 6 nights
Group Size: minimum 4, maximum 7
Location: Inari, Finland
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly, no prior experience required
Physical Requirements: A moderate fitness level is required
Languages: English, Italian (upon request)
About the Course
Gain the essential skills needed to travel safely and confidently in the Arctic winter. This course provides hands-on training in traditional methods of movement, cold management, and survival techniques, preparing you for winter expeditions in remote northern landscapes.
Based in a forest camp, you'll learn practical skills through expert instruction and real-world application, including:
Traditional Methods of Travel – Move efficiently through deep snow using backcountry Nordic skiing and snowshoeing.
Packing for an Expedition – Learn what to bring, how to pack efficiently, and balance weight vs. necessity.
Cold Management & Hypothermia Prevention – Understand layering systems, cold exposure risks, and emergency response strategies.
Food Planning & Nutrition – Calculate caloric needs, pack lightweight, high-energy meals, and manage food in extreme cold.
Food & Water Sourcing – Identify safe water sources, melt snow, and store food properly in subzero conditions.
Shelter Building – Construct emergency shelters for warmth and protection in Arctic conditions.
Designed for beginners and those looking to refine their winter travel skills, this course offers a solid foundation for safe and efficient movement in cold environments.
Location
The course takes place in the remote forests of Finnish Lapland, near Inari, Finland. This region offers a perfect training ground, with frozen lakes, deep snow, and pristine wilderness—ideal for learning the realities of Arctic travel.
Travel Options:
By Air: The nearest airport is Ivalo Airport, approximately 1.5 hours from the homestead. We provide a shuttle service for participants arriving by air. Rovaniemi Airport is the second closest to Ivalo.
By Train and Bus: Night trains connect Helsinki to Rovaniemi, providing a comfortable and scenic journey. From Rovaniemi, buses are available to Ivalo or Inari. Shuttle service can be arranged from these locations to the Sami homestead.
By Car: Free parking is available at the homestead for participants driving themselves.
Detailed travel instructions and shuttle timings will be provided upon registration.
Whats Included
Use of Nordic touring skis, poles, and boots
Group equipment (tents, stoves, safety gear, pulks)
All meals during the course
Transportation from Ivalo to the training location and back
Camp cookware and eating utensils – pots, pans, kettles, spork, bowl, and food thermos
Skiing boots designed for both travel and use as camp boots – these will be your primary footwear for the course.
Whats Not Included
Travel to and from Ivalo, Finland
Personal insurance (required)
Additional snacks or special dietary items.
What to pack
Participants are expected to bring their own personal clothing and gear. A full recommended kit list will be provided upon registration. You can also refer to our blog article for detailed recommendations on clothing.
For those who do not have all the required gear, we offer a Winter rental kit bundle, which includes:
Sleeping bag (suitable for Arctic conditions)
Sleeping bag liner (cotton)
Sleeping mat
Click here to rent your kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior skiing experience? No. This course is beginner-friendly, and we will teach you the fundamentals of backcountry skiing. However, good balance and basic fitness will be beneficial.
What temperatures should I expect? Winter temperatures in Lapland can range from -5°C to -30°C (-23°F), with wind chill making it feel even colder. Proper layering and cold management techniques will be covered in the course.
Will I need to carry all my gear? We use pulks (sledges) and backpacks, so weight is distributed efficiently. You will be carrying or pulling your own essential gear, but we train you to pack smartly to minimize strain.
How do I get to Ivalo? Ivalo has an international airport (IVL) with connections through Helsinki. From there, we provide transportation to the training area.
Is there a minimum age requirement? Yes, participants must be at least 18 years old.
What if I have dietary restrictions? We can accommodate most common dietary needs with advance notice. However, due to the remote nature of the course, participants with strict dietary requirements should bring their own supplemental snacks.
Do you have more questions?
Don't hesitate to reach out! Whether you're curious about the details of our trips or need advice on which expedition is right for you, we're always happy to help. Give us a call or drop us a message—I'll be sure to get back to you personally.