The Arctic Survival and Safety Course
January
If you want to learn to be confident and safe in wild surroundings, then this Arctic Survival & Safety Training is something to consider. During your stay with us, you will learn to be on your own, and we provide skills & knowledge to undertake these kinds of adventures. Skills and knowledge are not the only things needed. You need also to gain a lot of experience in the outdoors. We take you to a variety of areas, like valleys, mountains, forests, highlands and at sea. to get this experience. To learn even more, we hope for different types of weather. So, you get the chance to learn to deal with good, bad and nasty weather. This course is intended for people that have solo projects in mind or want to lead a small group of less experienced people, You will learn a lot, but there is also time for fun and to relax. We organize this training in every month and in all seasons. This survival and safety training takes place in Arctic Norway, north of the Arctic Circle and the scenery is breathtaking and challenging.
Overview and facts
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GOALThe goal of this training is to get you to a level where you feel safe and comfortable (as far as possible) in different environments. How far you get by doing this training depends on where you are now. We can help you grow, and it is you that need to learn skills and gain experiences. So this training is about getting to know yourself in different situations. |
general information
Here you can find all important information about this trip. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
You can also check our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for general questions.
You can also check our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for general questions.
DATES AND BOOKING INFORMATION
NAME
The Arctic Survival And Safety Course
DATES
23 January 2021 - 31 January 2021 (9 days)
The Arctic Survival And Safety Course
DATES
23 January 2021 - 31 January 2021 (9 days)
COSTS (WHAT IS INCLUDED)
COSTS
The costs of joining this course are 1425 Euro.
INCLUDED
Included are all transports during the trip, guiding, workshops/lessons, use of kayaks, use of tents, use of fishing rods and use of materials related to the course. Also one overnight stay in a cabin or similar accommodation is included.
NOT INCLUDED / SHARED COSTS
Flights and transfers to the starting / ending point are not included. Daily expenses like food and drinks are shared among the participants and the staff. Usually these costs are around 10-15 EUR per day. You can also bring some food from your home country.
ADDITIONAL NIGHTS IN ACCOMMODATION
If we (like to) stay more in cabins or cottages, we share these costs as well. Our decisions how to stay overnight are based on weather forecasts, conditions, temperatures and what we like as a group. The cabins are around 30-35 EUR per person / per night. You can find more information about our accommodations below.
The costs of joining this course are 1425 Euro.
INCLUDED
Included are all transports during the trip, guiding, workshops/lessons, use of kayaks, use of tents, use of fishing rods and use of materials related to the course. Also one overnight stay in a cabin or similar accommodation is included.
NOT INCLUDED / SHARED COSTS
Flights and transfers to the starting / ending point are not included. Daily expenses like food and drinks are shared among the participants and the staff. Usually these costs are around 10-15 EUR per day. You can also bring some food from your home country.
ADDITIONAL NIGHTS IN ACCOMMODATION
If we (like to) stay more in cabins or cottages, we share these costs as well. Our decisions how to stay overnight are based on weather forecasts, conditions, temperatures and what we like as a group. The cabins are around 30-35 EUR per person / per night. You can find more information about our accommodations below.
LOCATION AND ARRIVAL INFORMATION
LOCATION
This course starts at our base, a small fishing village named Helnessund, in the municipality of Steigen (Nordland) in the north of Norway. It's located 50 km north of Bodø and can be reached by ferry daily. This fast ferry (hurtigbåt in Norwegian) takes you in approximately one hour from Helnessund to Bodø. Check the timetable for departures in the FAQ.
AIRPORT
To fly to Bodø you usually take a connecting flight from Oslo. There are multiple flights daily between Oslo and Bodø with different airlines such as SAS, NORWEGIAN, WIDEROE or WIZZ Air.
TRAVELING BY TRAIN IN NORWAY
If you want to travel economically friendly we can recommend you a 17 hours train ride from Oslo to Bodø. Check vy.no for more information about traveling by train.
OUR ADVISE: TAKE YOUR TIME
We would like to recommend you to arrive one day before the start of this course and take some time to acclimatize yourself. It's also good to reduce the travel and work stress.
We can give you suggestions for (budget) hostels or hotels in Bodø if you like. An overnight stay in Bodø after the course has ended is also a good idea. In case of bad weather ferries can be cancelled or delayed.
This course starts at our base, a small fishing village named Helnessund, in the municipality of Steigen (Nordland) in the north of Norway. It's located 50 km north of Bodø and can be reached by ferry daily. This fast ferry (hurtigbåt in Norwegian) takes you in approximately one hour from Helnessund to Bodø. Check the timetable for departures in the FAQ.
AIRPORT
To fly to Bodø you usually take a connecting flight from Oslo. There are multiple flights daily between Oslo and Bodø with different airlines such as SAS, NORWEGIAN, WIDEROE or WIZZ Air.
TRAVELING BY TRAIN IN NORWAY
If you want to travel economically friendly we can recommend you a 17 hours train ride from Oslo to Bodø. Check vy.no for more information about traveling by train.
OUR ADVISE: TAKE YOUR TIME
We would like to recommend you to arrive one day before the start of this course and take some time to acclimatize yourself. It's also good to reduce the travel and work stress.
We can give you suggestions for (budget) hostels or hotels in Bodø if you like. An overnight stay in Bodø after the course has ended is also a good idea. In case of bad weather ferries can be cancelled or delayed.
LEVEL AND EXPERIENCE
LEVEL
For this course you need to be in a (basic) good shape. You will be outside in nature a lot. Most people are not used to that and that makes it for some a quiet tough experience in terms of getting tired (but there is enough time to rest and sleep to recover from that). During the training you will be also doing (for instance) hikes on your own and be on your own overnight in wild surroundings. As this might a be new experience it can be tough. The activities like hiking or snowshoeing (during winter) are not extreme long, but for those who want a more physical challenge that can be arranged. In general bad weather, rain or snow (in the cold months) can create more tougher days in the outdoors. We keep in mind what you like and want to learn and experience. So, the program and the level can be adjusted a bit.
EXPERIENCE
You need some basic outdoor experience (for instance hiking), carrying a backpack, sleeping in tents and preparing food in the outdoors. The rest we will teach you and give you new experiences to learn from. We always focus on the goals and reasons you joined the course.
For this course you need to be in a (basic) good shape. You will be outside in nature a lot. Most people are not used to that and that makes it for some a quiet tough experience in terms of getting tired (but there is enough time to rest and sleep to recover from that). During the training you will be also doing (for instance) hikes on your own and be on your own overnight in wild surroundings. As this might a be new experience it can be tough. The activities like hiking or snowshoeing (during winter) are not extreme long, but for those who want a more physical challenge that can be arranged. In general bad weather, rain or snow (in the cold months) can create more tougher days in the outdoors. We keep in mind what you like and want to learn and experience. So, the program and the level can be adjusted a bit.
EXPERIENCE
You need some basic outdoor experience (for instance hiking), carrying a backpack, sleeping in tents and preparing food in the outdoors. The rest we will teach you and give you new experiences to learn from. We always focus on the goals and reasons you joined the course.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
Most of the days you will stay overnight in a mix of tents, under a tarp, a self-made shelter or a snow-hole (in winter time). One night you will stay in a (mountain) cabin. Maybe more nights if we encounter heavy weather.
Most of the days you will stay overnight in a mix of tents, under a tarp, a self-made shelter or a snow-hole (in winter time). One night you will stay in a (mountain) cabin. Maybe more nights if we encounter heavy weather.
GEAR AND PREPARATIONS
PACKING LIST
This trip is organized north of the Arctic Circle. So you need warm clothing, good shoes and outdoor gear like sleeping bags and more. You can find a detailed packing list here.
On this packing list you can find all the gear and equipment you will need and other practical information.
RENT GEAR FROM US
In case you do not have all the gear and you do not want to buy, then you can rent equipment from us, for example backpacks, sleeping mattresses and more.
This trip is organized north of the Arctic Circle. So you need warm clothing, good shoes and outdoor gear like sleeping bags and more. You can find a detailed packing list here.
On this packing list you can find all the gear and equipment you will need and other practical information.
RENT GEAR FROM US
In case you do not have all the gear and you do not want to buy, then you can rent equipment from us, for example backpacks, sleeping mattresses and more.
REMARKS
THE ARCTIC
Remember we are in the Arctic and here the weather rules. Only short term plans are realistic. We make our decisions on what is possible and when to do it based on weather forecast and conditions. A bit flexible mindset is a good thing to have here in northern Norway.
INTAKE
After you have booked we do an intake (video-call) where we discuss the things you want to learn and focus on. This helps us to streamline the train to your personal ambitions. Of course you can also discuss things with us before booking. Just contact us and we schedule a call.
Remember we are in the Arctic and here the weather rules. Only short term plans are realistic. We make our decisions on what is possible and when to do it based on weather forecast and conditions. A bit flexible mindset is a good thing to have here in northern Norway.
INTAKE
After you have booked we do an intake (video-call) where we discuss the things you want to learn and focus on. This helps us to streamline the train to your personal ambitions. Of course you can also discuss things with us before booking. Just contact us and we schedule a call.
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
You can find detailed information about the climate and temperatures here.
MORE ABOUT THE DESTINATION
If you want to learn more about the region Steigen click here.
THE DNA OF THIS COURSE
Let us tell you a bit more about the ideas behind the course and what you can expect. To be on the safe and comfortable in the outdoors we think these 4 things are most important: skills (practical things that you know how to do), knowledge (understand things how they work), experience (that you know how it is in reality) and thoughts about psychology (yours and group psychology). So on this journey, we take you during the training. Discover and develop yourself! And learn about being in nature alone and as part of a group.
During this 9-day training, you join workshops (skills), attend to talks and go individual or with a teammate into the wilderness. To get real experiences, we take you to different wilderness areas like mountains, remote valleys, forests and uninhabited island near the coast. You can join this training every month. Remember that each season has its challenges and things you can learn.
During this 9-day training, you join workshops (skills), attend to talks and go individual or with a teammate into the wilderness. To get real experiences, we take you to different wilderness areas like mountains, remote valleys, forests and uninhabited island near the coast. You can join this training every month. Remember that each season has its challenges and things you can learn.
FAQ
WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE DO I NEED TO JOIN?
To get the most out of this course it is important that you have already have experience in the outdoors. So, you have camped already in tents or under a tarp, or even build a shelter. You have already experience (good and bad) with outdoor equipment or clothing. You have been already in the outdoors for some serious hikes or other trips. Great, then you have experiences and we can talk about that and take you further to a higher level of knowledge, skills and insights. We can guide you to the next level, but you have to walk the path and see how far you can get in this course.
IS IT POSSIBLE YOU HELP ME WITH MY PROJECT?
That is the idea! We like to assist you with a project that you are working on, for instance a trail you like to hike, a charity project or that you just want to gain more self confidence.
WHAT IS THE GENDER/AGE OF THE PARTICIPANTS?
People of all ages are joining our courses, a bit more then 50% percent are females.
WHAT IS THE MINIMAL AGE?
The minimum age is 18 years old.
WHICH SEASON IS THE BEST?
That is a tough question. 80% of the things we teach you can be used in all seasons. Of course if you plan a trip with snow conditions and you want to prepare for that, then it is best to do the training in the cold season.
CAN I DO A SOLO TRAINING?
Yes you can, no problem. It has advantages, but also disadvantages (you learn less about working in a team setting). Contact us to discuss your project. In the section General Facts you can find the prices for a solo training.
IS THERE ALSO A BEGINNER LEVEL COURSE?
Yes! If you like to do a course more focused on general skills and less about being on your own or outdoor psychology take a look at our other (beginner level) courses. Contact us if you have doubts and want to know which course fits you best.
HOW IT WORKS
This Survival & Safety Training is organised around our Base in Arctic Norway, north of the Polar Circle. After your arrival, we will build up several basecamps (tents and shelters) in different scenic areas in the municipality of Steigen (2500 inhabitants, 1000 km2 wild nature). Some camps are in valleys, and others are in the mountains or on islands close to the shore. This course consists of experience trips where you go with your teammates or alone in wild nature and workshops or talks where we teach you things. During your stay, we also stay overnight in (mountain) cabins in the Arctic wilderness. Our decisions on how we stay overnight (tents or cabins) are based on weather forecasts and how we (and you feel). The experience trips are a great way to practise skills and get to know more about yourself. During the training, there are some optional challenges where you are on your own mission and can you can practise the survival, bushcraft and navigation skills we have been teaching you.
SKILLS
We have planned a lot of outdoor activities and other exciting things during the 9 days that you stay with us. We do not have a day-to-day program, because our plans are based on weather forecasts and what we like to do as a group. And isn't that whats adventure is all about? We aim to have a good combination of sweat during during daytime, and a beer or coffee with some locals and good meal afterwards. We love slow travel and some time to relax, before taking the next challenge or dive into a new adventure. Take a look at the plans we have for this expedition and what you can learn and discover.
how to make a fire
From ancient times you probably know the importance of fire and fire-making. It keeps us warm, and you can use it for making food. Do you know how to light a fire in a proven way? Can you find the best wood to burn? Do you know other functional purposes of a fire? What do you have in your backpack to light a fire? |
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HOW TO read landscape
If you use your eyes and look around you there are a lot of potential answers, but can you interpret them? Is it clear for you where to go and what to avoid? Wild rivers, valleys covered with snow, frozen lakes and steep mountains, what is the story that they want to tell you? how to cook
You probably know how to prepare a simple meal at home. But in the outdoors it is different. What are the necessary ingredients to take with you? What are proven recipes to stay warm, strong and healthy? What kind of stove and cutlery should I take with me and what to do if some items are lacking? |
Knowledge
We have planned a lot of outdoor activities and other exciting things during the 9 days that you stay with us. We do not have a day-to-day program, because our plans are based on weather forecasts and what we like to do as a group. And isn't that whats adventure is all about? We aim to have a good combination of sweat during during daytime, and a beer or coffee with some locals and good meal afterwards. We love slow travel and some time to relax, before taking the next challenge or dive into a new adventure. Take a look at the plans we have for this expedition and what you can learn and discover.
what equipment
There is no bad weather, just bad clothes... A popular saying. Partly true... Bad weather exists. And bad equipment and clothing too. So how do you choose clothing, shoes and other gear? Is it true that proper gear comes with a high price? In what should you invest most of your budget? |
weather /meteo
Weather is an important topic if you are in the wilderness. So you need some basic and hands-on knowledge. Do you know a bit about how it works with low-pressure systems? How to interpret a weather forecast. What can you see when you look at the sky. How do you act when the shit-hits-the-fan? |
how to develop instinct
If you use your eyes and look around you there are a lot of potential answers, but can you interpret them? Is it clear for you where to go and what to avoid? Wild rivers, valleys covered with snow, frozen lakes and steep mountains, what is the story that they want to tell you? |
THe psychology of things
To master skills is an important thing! You can learn quite some stuff from us during this course. But there is another critical topic to have knowledge of, and that is you. So in this course, we reserve quite some time to talk about peer pressure, the comfort zone, fears, panic and ways you can deal with that kind of things.
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