Arctic Winter Survival Skills

10 Days

Overview

Do you have what it takes to survive in the Arctic? We’re offering you the chance to find out! Much more than just an “Arctic Wilderness Experience”, our experienced instructors will be teaching you the real skills you need to survive on your own in the challenging winter conditions of the Polar Urals.

You’ll learn a variety of Arctic Survival Skills including;

  • Snowmobiling techniques you’ll need to drive through the huge variety of landscapes here in the Arctic. We’ve got forests, mountains, tundra and rivers for you to test your new skills on!
  • Selecting and setting up a safe campsite for the night
  • Fire lighting skills
  • Safe handling of an axe, knife skills, traps and how to hunt
  • Ice fishing skills
  • Polar medical skills including first aid, management of frostbite, burns and trauma
  • Signalling and rescue techniques

Price is based on double occupancy: a single supplement of 200 will apply if you are a single traveller and are not happy to share a twin room.

Full information here

Itinerary

· Arrive at Salekhard airport and transfer to the hotel. · Check-in and arrival briefing about what to expect in the days ahead · Our local guides will check that your gear is suitable for the expedition. · Afternoon tour of Salekhard. · Group arrival dinner
· After breakfast, transfer to our base in the small village of Kharp. · Your first skill - snowshoeing or snowmobiling to base camp. · At base camp, your training begins as you set up and organise the camp, get water and make a fire.
· A mixture of theoretical and practical classes. · Explore the basics of the concept of surviving in the Arctic.
· Classes on making a fire in the cold, choosing a safe place to camp, finding water, handling an axe, knife and saw, and other essential skills for your survival.
· A really unique opportunity to learn from the Indigenous people for whom this region is home. · Learn about how they select and arrange their camps, see how they make clothes and sledges for transportation, and how they find food in the wilderness.
· More time with the Nenets today, expanding upon your camp knowledge. · A mixture of theory and practical lessons.
· The basics of tracking, hunting and fishing.
· You should now be confident now to set up a camp to spend the last night in the wilderness as true survival experts!
· Break down the camp · Transfer back to Salekhard and check in to our hotel. · A trip to the local banya. · Dinner with the group.
· Transfer to Salekhard airport after breakfast to catch your flight.

The Trip Cost Includes:

  • Accommodation: 2 nights in Salekhard hotel (twin-share), 7 nights in wilderness cabin with tent camping optional
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Local English-speaking Guide
  • All transfers in Salekhard
  • Vehicles and fuel on expedition
  • Camping equipment (sleeping bags, mats, tents)
  • Arctic safety/security equipment
  • Permits
  • Flights from Moscow or St Petersburg to Salekhard

The Trip Cost Does Not Include:

  • Personal expenses such as drinks, tickets, phone calls, etc.
  • Travel Insurance
  • Individual clothing, backpack, cold-weather clothing (contact us for advice – rental of clothing is possible)

Frequently Asked Questions

What clothing do I need to bring?

Temperatures here can reach -64°C and you’ll be outside on snowmobiles so the right clothes are really important. We recommend that you have either wool or synthetic base layers (not cotton!) with fleece mid-layers. Outer layers should be rated to withstand polar temperatures, and you’ll need bib-style pants so that the wind doesn’t get under your jacket on the snowmobile. If you’re having difficulty sourcing outer layers then we recommend that you hire them from us – this will also save space in your luggage!

You’ll need a swimsuit for the banya if you wish to visit during your trip!

Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag?

Sleeping bags are included in the cost of your trip, as are tents, camping and fishing equipment where applicable.

Can I add additional days or activities to the tour?

This course includes a trip to the Banya in Salekhard – this is a mixed banya and you should bring swimwear for this option.

We’re always happy to discuss any further customisations to trips. Please email or call us with additional queries.

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

When camping we’ll be cooking for ourselves and can cater to any dietary restrictions. Please inform us at the time of booking so that we can ensure we are able to source the required ingredients. Please be aware that meat and fish will be served at mealtimes.

Do I need any prior Wilderness Survival experience?

This course is intended for those who are just starting their journey into wilderness survival skills. No prior experience is necessary, but if you already have some of the skills needed then we can simply accelerate to the more advanced tactics for surviving in the Arctic.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Arctic Winter Survival Skills
From $2,000.00
/ Adult

Trip Facts

  • snowmobile
  • 2 - 6 people
  • moderate
  • hotel, camping, homestay
  • snowmobile riding, ice fishing, camping
  • -10°C to -50°C