The Arctic Survival and Safety Course
SEPTEMBER
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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 & thoughts to undertake these kinds of adventures. Skills and thoughts are not the only things needed. You need to gain experience in a variety of areas, like valleys, mountains, forests, highlands and at sea. 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. You can learn a lot, but there is also time for fun and to relax. We organise this training every month and in all seasons. Costs are 1425 Euro (9 days).
EXPLORe AND DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF THE ARCTICThis survival and safety training takes place in Arctic Norway, north of the Arctic Circle and the scenery is breathtaking. You will explore fjords, islands, mountains, valleys and forests. During the course we use kayaks and boats to get out on sea and into the fjords. On shore we will explore in mountains, valleys and forests. On some of the places we visit during this course you can find the remains of the Viking age.
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FOR WHOM
This training is designed for people that want to learn how to be alone for a more extended period in remote and wild environments. We like it if you have a project or trip in mind that you want to do in the future so that we can focus on that. Minimum age is 18 years and suitable for all genders. Read further on this page to check if this training is something for you.
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GOAL
The 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.
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LEVEL
This training is on an intermediate level and requires that you have some previous outdoor experience and you are physical in a healthy (good) condition and are mentally mature enough to be on you own in situations that can be outside your comfort zone. We always do an interview (video call) before we confirm your booking. We do no mind steep learning curves if you are ready for that.
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METHOD
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.
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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
11 September 2021 - 19 September 2021 (9 days)
The Arctic Survival And Safety Course
DATES
11 September 2021 - 19 September 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
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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.
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HOW IT WORKS
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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, tarps, self-made shelters 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.
optional challenges to give you confidenceDuring 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 & KNOWLEDGE
We tell you a bit more about the things we think that are essential to know and practice. Some topics are workshops (that takes 1 or 2 hours or more), some are talks (in the evening or any other good moment) and some skills we practise on-the-go when we are in the mountains or at sea.
ESSENTIALS OF FOOD PREPARATION
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?
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THE ART OF 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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FOOD FROM NATURE
Be prepared if you are travelling through remote areas. So take the right provisions with you, but you can add something to that? Can you recognise edible plants, berries and mushrooms? Are you able to collect seafood and catch fish? Which experiments should you better avoid? What about hunting and traps...?
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WHERE TO CAMP AND WHERE NOT
You are exploring magnificent untouched scenery, but every day has its end. What is an excellent place to make a camp? How do you prepare for fast-changing weather patterns? When to start to look for a spot? How do you look for a place that offers supplies, like wood and water?
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TO UNDERSTAND THE MAPS
Maps provide a lot of information, but only if you understand or better, have the skills to visualise. What does a map tell you and how to plan a trip? How to use a compass? How to find a route that takes to you proffered destination? How to calculate the time to get somewhere...
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HOW TO READ THE 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?
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NAVIGATION FROM THE COLD GROUND
Wilderness hiking is unique, and often there are no trails. So what do you do not to lose track? Follow the moose might be a good idea, but there are some eye-opener insights to share. When was the last time you used instinct instead of thoughts....?
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GEAR AND EQUIPMENT
A full 300L backpack full of so called must-haves doesn't take you that far. So what are the real essentials? The worst-case scenario or not. How to pack for that or not...? We have some rational thoughts about what to carry and what not. How do you choose?
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SHELTERS
Shelters. How to make one in case you lost all your equipment? A Snow hole, something with a tarp or a shelter made out of things you find in nature. Branches, leaves and mosses. What are your options and how to decide? What tools do you need? Lets built some...
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MEDICS AND STAYING HEALTHY
If you are in remote areas, it is essential to stay on the safe side. Do you know how to avoid survival situations? What are the basics to help yourself when you have an injury. What medical kit do you bring? How do you stay clean and proper? How to build a toilet?
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ROPES AND KNOTS
Ropes are one of the most versatile pieces of kit that you can take with you. Can you make some essential knots? How can rope make your life better, and how can you use it in rough terrain? What kind of rope should you take with you?
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CLOTHING, SHOES AND PROTECTION
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?
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COMMUNICATION AND ELECTRONICS
Electronics are all around us in daily life, and we rely heavily on them. What are essential instruments in nature? How do things like an EPIRB, GPS, VHF or tracker work? How do you keep them working in a harsh, wet and cold environment? What about battery packs and solar energy?
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WEATHER AND 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?
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TOOLS & REPAIRS
If you have been travelling for a more extended period, you might have the experience that things break all the time. What essential repair stuff do you take with you? How can you repair things? Can you sharpen your knife? How to improvise with materials you find in nature?
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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.
FACING YOURSELF
On the edge of your comfort zone and outside you can learn a lot about yourself if you allow that. Do you know what a comfort zone is? Can you make an image of your comfort zone? What are the scenarios when things get tough?
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THE BOTH SIDES OF REALITY
Look at this picture! This is Arctic Paradise. That is what you have dreamed of and want to show your friends. But it is just one face of nature. Do you know how to prepare your mind for the real thing? Are you able to retire from your mission? Can you go back?
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THE ART OF BEING ALONE
To be on your own and at the same time, be happy and confident is a skill that only you can develop. During this training, there will be times that you are on your own. Before that, we share our thoughts about this topic.
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TO DISTICT FEAR FROM DANGER
One of our favourite topics is to distinct fear from danger. During the training, we will teach you some techniques and share some experiences we had.
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