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Arctic hiking course

Duration: Saturday - Friday

Course size: 4-16

Prize: 1345 €/ person

Dates 2023: See you next year!

Meeting point: Market Square at the middle of Joensuu city                                                                                                                                 

This course is a collaboration between Karu Survival (FIN) and Bushpappa (NL) you can do bookings also thru Bushpappa web-shop


The Arctic hiking course instructs you in the basics of hiking and surviving in cold winter conditions. During the course you will learn to plan, prepare, equip and execute your trip in a safe way. Skiing and moving in a winter environment is a focus of the week, as well as learning to pack your gear in a traditional Finnish "pulkka"(sled). You will learn how to set up a tent as well as what to do if you need to build an emergency shelter. The course emphasizes safety and it is the guideline of the week. After this course you will have the needed skill set to undertake trips by yourself or take part in longer, guided expeditions.

This course is executed with a combination of indoor classes and lectures as well as outdoor workshops. The course ends with a 3 day, 2 night skiing trip in the nearby area where we will emphasize base camp set up, equipment maintenance and safety during the trip.

Who is the course for?

Arctic hiking course is intended for anyone who is interested in developing winter hiking skills and who wants to expand their existing skills. No previous experience is required but participants should have a basic understanding of outdoor skills and some experience of summer hiking. During this one-week course, you will learn comprehensive arctic hiking skills that are required in winter, under the guidance of professional and clear instructors. The course teaches you the skills to move around independently in the outdoors in winter and to develop your skills on your own.

The Arctic hiking course is held in the North Karelia region of eastern Finland. You will stay the nights in a cabin, a 4 season tent or a temporary shelter depending on the day's program.

 
 
 

You will learn the following skills during the week:

  • Physiology and performance in the cold

  • Clothing and layering system 

  • Nutrition, water and risks

  • How to plan winter hiking trip 

  • Tents and base camp setups

  • Equipment 

  • Moving around 

    • Skis  

  • Staying the night in temporary shelter 

  • Making fire 

  • First aid 

  • Preparing food with cooking kit

  • Hazardous situations and safety

PROGRAM

DAY 1. Hiking in cold environment

DAY 2. How to prepare for cold and first aid

DAY 3. Moving in cold and camp setup

DAY 4. Winter hiking trip day 1

DAY 5. Winter hiking trip day 2

DAY 6. Winter hiking trip day 3

DAY 7. Home coming

 

The course includes:

·       All food enjoyed during the course

·       All equipment and material required during training

·       Personal guidance

·       First and last nights in indoor accommodation

·       Transportation from city of Joensuu

 

Please note:

Participants must have valid insurance as well as a sleeping bag, sleeping pad and appropriate clothing for the season.  Participants will stay the night in cabin, heated tent and a temporary shelter built during the course, weather permitting. In the cabin accommodation is arranged in one sheared room in own sleeping pads. Participants must be in a normal state of health.

More detailed instructions will be sent before the course begins.

Additional service:

  • Arctic sleeping bag 50€ / week

  • Winter sleeping pad 20€ / week