About the Course
Are you new to Arctic travel? Do you dream of exploring the wild northern landscapes but don’t know where to start? This course is designed specifically for beginners looking to build the essential skills needed to safely navigate and thrive in the Arctic environment. Whether you’re preparing for your own winter expeditions or planning to join one of our Wild Expeditions, this course provides hands-on experience in real winter conditions.
The first part of the course takes place in comfortable accommodations provided by a Sami family, where you will learn and practice essential Arctic skills in a controlled setting. The second part of the course transitions into wild camping, where you will apply these skills in a real Arctic environment.
Through expert instruction and practical field training, you’ll develop confidence in moving through the Arctic landscape, managing the cold, and making key survival decisions.
Trip Details
Duration: 7 days, 6 nights
Group Size: Maximum 7 participants
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly, no prior Arctic experience required
Physical Requirements: A Moderate fitness level is recommended; participants should be able to carry a loaded backpack and pull a sledge.
Accommodation: 4 nights in provided accommodation, 3 nights in the field (1 optional outdoor stay).
Key Skills Taught:
Forest Skiing – Learn the fundamentals of backcountry Nordic skiing, how to move efficiently through deep snow, and the importance of ski selection.
Packing for an Expedition – What to bring, how to pack efficiently, and managing weight vs. necessity.
Prevention and Treatment of Hypothermia – Understanding cold exposure, layering systems, and emergency response strategies.
Food Planning – How to calculate caloric needs, pack lightweight and high-energy meals, and manage nutrition in extreme cold.
Food and Water Sourcing – Identifying safe water sources, melting snow, and understanding food storage in subzero conditions.
Shelter Building – Constructing emergency shelters, understanding snow structures, and setting up a secure winter camp.
Location
The course takes place in the remote forests and tundra 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.
What’s Included
Professional instruction from Arctic travel experts
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
Emergency support and communication devices
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.
What’s Not Included
Travel to and from Ivalo, Finland
Personal insurance (required)
Additional snacks or speciality dietary items
Note for Vegetarians: We recommend bringing your own meals for the camping portion of the trip: 2 dinners and 2 lunches.
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.
Rental Kit Bundle
For those who do not have all the required gear, we offer a rental kit bundle for 80 euros, which includes:
Sleeping bag (suitable for Arctic conditions)
Sleeping bag liner (cotton)
Sleeping mat
Knife
Saw
Fire steel
Tarp
Click here to rent your kit.
Your Guide
Philip James Thompson
My connection to nature began early in Oxfordshire, where I grew up and spent most of my time playing outdoors. At the age of eight, after my family relocated to Tuscany, I began attending a summer camp where traditional bushcraft skills were taught, such as handling a knife, building a shelter, and starting a fire. It was at that moment that a passion for bushcraft and wilderness travel ignited in me—a passion that would shape my future in the years to come.
In 2005, after completing high school at the age of 18, I attended the Fundamental Bushcraft course with Woodlore in England, which deepened my commitment to bushcraft. During summers, I returned to Green Energy Camp to help out, and in the winter, I worked in Florence’s tourism sector. Eventually, I wanted to travel and explore more, finding short-term jobs along the way to support this passion.
This journey led me to Lapland, where I started working as a guide for resorts and outdoor companies, gaining hands-on experience in the industry. A few years later, I enrolled in a winter survival course that reignited my enthusiasm for traditional wilderness skills and inspired me to found Boreal Forest Expeditions.
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.