The Arctic Survival and Safety Course
September
September 2021
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. 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 Polar Circle and the scenery is breathtaking, wild and challenging.
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. The price for one of the add-ons (after the training) are 450 Euro (3 days).
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. The price for one of the add-ons (after the training) are 450 Euro (3 days).
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. 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.
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. 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.
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
skills, knowledge, psychology and experience
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 wilderness we think 4 things are important to have: SKILLS (practical things that you know how to do), KNOWLEDGE (understand how things work), PSYCHOLOGY (knowing yourself and understanding how group psychology works) and EXPERIENCE. So on that journey we take you: discovering and developing yourself! This 9-day training is packed with activities and you will be quite busy: You join workshops to practise skills. You will attend to talks and gain knowledge. Next to that you go individual or with a teammate into the wilderness. To be alone in nature for a longer time is an essential element of this training. To give you useful experiences, we take you to different wilderness areas like mountains, remote valleys, forests and uninhabited islands. You can join this training every month. Remember that each season has its challenges and things you can learn.
HOW IT WORKS
Arctic wilderness, basecamps and solo missions
This Arctic Survival & Safety Training is organised around our base in northern Norway, 100 kilometres north of the Polar Circle. It is easy to reach with a coastal ferry from Bodø Airport. The area is named Steigen (2500 inhabitants, 1000 km2 wild nature). It is a perfect place for a training and offers a lot of possibilities. In front of the coast there is a huge archipelago with numerous islands. The coastline offers high and steep mountains and is a great place to get more experience and practise skills. The wilderness is pure and challenging. Dense forests, swampy valleys, small trails, steep waterfalls, wild rivers and quite some caves. It is easy to get lost or experience that remote atmosphere. After your arrival we will brief you and make plans for the coming days. Those plans are always based on weather forecasts and things we like to achieve. You will stay in several basecamps that we build up together (tents, shelters, bivaque, and sometimes a quinzee in winter time). During the training you will also sleep sometimes alone in wild surroundings. You will explore different types of terrain where you go with your teammates or alone. There are options to book more experience trips after the training and we take you to new areas or you can book an additional on-your-own-challenge.
NAvigation, knowing where you are going
Not to get lost is an important issue in the wilderness. During the survival and safety training we provide you skills that help you to know where you are and where to go. We will practice these skills in different environments like mountains, forests and even at sea. Read more about it below.
Reading maps
Interpreting landscape
Navigation
Reading maps
reading maps
Maps can 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 in combination with a map? How to find a route that takes to you preferred destination? How to calculate the time to get somewhere. We will explain the essentials.
Interpreting landscape
reading 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? We like to talk about this with you.
Navigation
NAVIGATION
How to use the compass in the outdoors? What are common mistakes. Is it still needed if you have a GPS or an electronic chart. How to determine the north without a compass? There is a lot to learn if you use other methods to find the right direction without a compass.
practical skills so you will be okay!
Out in nature it is important that you have all kind of practical skills to stay comfortable and safe. We teach you a set of essential skills like fire making, using tools, cooking and for instance catching fish. It is important to practise a lot to learn and to reach a level that it becomes a part of you. So, you will be quite busy and most of them are a daily routine.
Fire making
Building shelters
Using tools
Ropes and knots
Primitive cooking
Catching fish
Fire making
How to make a fire
From ancient times you probably know the importance of fire and fire-making. It keeps us warm, you can use if as a signal, keep animals or insects away, dry your clothes 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?
Building shelters
building shelters
Shelters. How to make one in case you lost all your equipment or tent? A snow hole or quinzee (in winter time), 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? Let's built some to get experience and inspiration. It is great fun!
Using tools
USING TOOLS
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 or axe? How to improvise with materials you find in nature? We like to tell you a lot about improvising and the use of tools.
Ropes and knots
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? Let us practice a lot!
Primitive cooking
primitive cooking
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 you take with you and what to do if some items are lacking? You can practice a lot during your stay.
Catching fish
catching fish
The sea, rivers and lakes can be a good resource for food. We think it is important to have good fishing skills. We teach you some valuable fishing skills. The techniques at sea are different from those in fresh water. We also teach you how to clean, filet and prepare the fish. If you like we can also introduce you in smoking your catch.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP
A main ingredient of this course is learning how to be prepared. We provide you knowledge about a lot of different aspects like: equipment, finding good spots to stay overnight, dealing with all kind of situations and much more. Take a look at the items below.
Trip preparations
Where to camp
Equipment
Trip preparations
HOW TO Prepare for a trip properly
How do you prepare for a day-hike or a long multi-day hike? What are important things if you go into the mountains? How does your packing list looks like? What do you check before you leave. How to make a plan? Trip preparation has a lot of aspects and we like to share our thoughts!
Where to camp
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 find a safe place that also offers supplies like wood and water. We like to discuss strategies with you.
Equipment
what equipment and clothing to choose
There is no bad weather, just bad clothes. A popular saying. Partly true, bud 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? 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? We love to talk about gear and teach you things.
knowledge to keep you safe and healthy
No matter if you stay a short time or a longer period in the wilderness it is vital to be safe and healthy. So we give you essential knowledge about weather, medics and how to find food in nature in case you run out of supplies. Take a look at the items below.
Meteo
Medics
Food from nature
Meteo
ACTUAL weather and weather forecasts
Weather is an important topic if you are in wild surroundings like mountains, sea and open areas.. 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? We are happy top tell you our experiences.
Medics
How to deal with medical situations
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? There is a lot to learn about this.
Food from nature
how to find food in nature
Be prepared. So take the right provisions with you, but you can add something to that? Can you recognize 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...? What if you run out of food? Depending on the season we show you what to look for in nature.
get to know yourself
Who are you? Do you know yourself when things get tough. We have a lot of tell about comfort zone, fear, pressure from others and much more. For us this part of the training is very important. We think the key to survival and making no mistakes is: psychology. Check the topics that we like to discuss below.
Facing yourself
Fear or danger
Ego
Instinct
Facing yourself
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?
Fear or danger
distinguish 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.
Ego
WHAT ABOUT EGO
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.
Instinct
how to develop instinct
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....?
other topics about psychology
Both sides of reality
Peer pressure
The art of being alone
Both sides of reality
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?
Peer pressure
peer pressure and how to deal with it
Peer pressure is a serious topic and can cause all kind of problems. We give you tools how to deal with it including leadership tactics. There are easy ways to not get trapped. We like to introduce you in the psychological aspects.
The art of being alone
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 psychological thoughts about this topic.
GETTING EXPERIENCE IN THE ARCTIC WILDERNESS
Skills and knowledge is not everything. Experience is an important thing to get. Take a look below how we try to that that as we take you to different places and settings.
On shore
At sea
Alone and in a team
On shore
Get more experience on SHORE
During this training we take you to different places where you can have new experiences. We take you to the mountains, to pine and birch forest, to swampy valleys and to places where you have to cross streams or hike up a waterfall. In the colder months you can gain new experiences in terrain covered by ice and snow.
At sea
Get more experience at SEA
Most of the planet is covered with water. So, we think it is important that you have experiences with that. So we take you to the islands and teach you about swimming, currents, tides and much more. We will be using boats and kayaks for that purpose.
Alone and in a team
EXPERIENCE TO BE ALONE AND IN A TEAM
During this training you will be sometimes alone in nature and you have to solve the things you might encounter. There are also moments that you have to deal with challenges together with one or more teammates. This will give you a broad experience about what it is like to be in nature.
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 (some)experience in the outdoors. So, you have camped already in tents or maybe 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. Just contact us if you want to discuss soemthing.
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. You can find detailed information about the climate and temperatures here.
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 on this page 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.
IS THERE TIME TO RELAX?
Yes there is, especially in the evenings. But in general the training is quite stacked with activities. You will be quite busy. This is a training and not a vacation trip. You can book some extra days (after the course) in which you go in nature to relax, give yourself some (physica) challenges or gain more experience. Look at the add-on options on this page,
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