This year is the peak of the 11 year solar maximum. The northern lights are predicted to cover the sky on a regular basis, allowing the best chance to see them. We are teaming up with biologist and science communicator Rob Nelson and seasoned winter adventurer Jonas Stenstrom to embark on an unforgettable trip in the far north of Sweden. For 5 days, you’ll be challenged by the elements and awed by the beauty of the northern sky. You’ll also forge unbreakable bonds with 8 fellow adventurers—connections that will likely last a lifetime.

Together, we’ll master the skills of winter survival, honing techniques that today’s adventurers rarely use. Alongside your like-minded explorers, we’ll tackle team building challenges in the snow. This journey is about more than survival—it’s about discovering a deeper connection with the wild and to those members of the group.

While we’ll start with some of the snow survival basics, this does go beyond that. It’s considered an intermediate trip because of the sheer remoteness of Sweden’s far north—a land not easily reached until airplanes started to fly there. But never you fear – Sweden’s airports are friendly, its people welcoming, and its language familiar… everyone speaks English and Swedish!

Your adventure begins the moment you set foot off the airplane in this icy wilderness, and we can almost guarantee it’ll leave you transformed.

WHAT WILL WE DO?

The goal of the activities is to give you a glimpse into arctic life and give you an array of incredibly useful survival skills that aren’t taught in school. By the time you leave, you’ll have the confidence to embark on more journeys or maybe team up with the others you meet on the trip.

The schedule changes a bit based on who is there and availability of other guides in the area day to day, but we’ll do the following main things: 

Day 1: Your journey begins as you arrive in the rugged frontier town of Kiruna. You’ll meet your fellow explorers. After a quick stop at a Swedish food dispensary, where you can grab a few extra provisions for the days ahead, we set our sights on the world-famous Ice Hotel, a breathtaking palace of frozen artistry rising from the snow, east of town.

As the daylight fades, we’ll travel deeper into the wilderness near the Abisko research facility, where the untouched beauty of the north awaits us. Here, we’ll share a hearty dinner, a feast to fuel the days to come. Then we will settle into our Swedish cabin.

Day 2: We set out snowshoeing through the pristine dwarf birch forest, heading to a secluded spot where we’ll learn the essentials of winter survival. We’ll start mastering winter dress, handling knives, fire-building, and winter shelter construction. We’ll also cover basic knots and ropes, key tools for survival.

As night falls, we’ll ascend a nearby mountain to learn all the tricks of taking stunning Northern Lights photos as we hopefully witness the breathtaking Aurora, a shimmering display across the Arctic sky!

Day 3: At the edge of Lake Torneträsk, where the mountains embrace the crystal-clear waters, the true spirit of the area awakens. Our 20-minute hike to the remote sauna leads us through another wild area.

As the steam rises, we’ll delve into the lore of the birch, uncovering its secrets, and explore the mysterious fungi of the far north, including the legendary Amanita muscaria. Later, with knife in hand, we begin the timeless art of carving. You will have the opportunity to carve a traditional Swedish woodcraft—connecting with skills passed down through the ages.

Day 4: Cross Country Skiing and Reindeer Excursion; Glide through the snow-covered wilderness on cross-country skis, tracing the ancient paths of the Sami people. Experience their deep bond with the majestic reindeer, creatures that have roamed these lands for centuries. Under the guidance of skilled hands, we’ll attempt to craft our own baskets from resilient birch bark.

As darkness falls, we return to the research station, where the Northern Lights will once again set the sky ablaze—a fitting finale to a day steeped in culture, history, and the beauty of the far north.

Day 5: We gather for a final morning debrief, warming our hands with traditional winter teas and reflecting on the natural history of the land. Before we part, you’ll collect your own winter survival kit—a testament to the skills you’ve mastered—containing fire-starting materials, a knife, a basket or carved utensil, and handmade rope crafted with your own hands.

We then journey back to Kiruna, carrying with us both the skills we learned but also the converstations and relationships formed.

(If possible, plan to depart after 1pm so we can make the most of our last morning together.)

When is the trip?

We’re offering two incredible journeys this year. The first trip is open to all adventurers, welcoming anyone eager to experience the wilderness. The second is a unique, exclusive course designed specifically for science communicators, focused on team building and forging deeper connections in this space.

• Trip 1 : Feb 4th – Feb 8th 2025
• Trip 2 (Science Creator Workshop): Feb 8th to Feb 12th 2025

Why This Year?

The sun goes through cycles of activity every 11 years. Right now we are approaching a solar maximum which translates into the best and brightest auroras you’ll be able to see. If you want to see the northern lights in all their glory, this is the time to go!

HOW MUCH IS IT?

The course fee is $2,000 USD, which covers everything from the moment you land in Kiruna, Sweden—guides, excursions, accommodations, and meals are all included. Your only responsibility is securing flights to and from Kiruna. Since Sweden is a bit of a trek, consider spending an extra day or two exploring the beautiful city of Stockholm. Daily flights to Kiruna are available through SAS. While we’ll provide everything you need during the course, be sure to bring some extra money for any souvenirs or personal items you’d like to take home from this unforgettable experience. 

IS THIS TRIP FOR ME? 

This is the kind of journey most only dream about. Is it a luxury trip with every need catered to? Absolutely not. Is it an adventure where you’ll experience nature in its rawest, most authentic form? Without question.

There are two core missions for this journey: to teach you how to travel, thrive, and endure in the harsh beauty of winter landscapes, and to offer you an escape from the modern world – with a select few who share your adventurous spirit. Together, we’ll master bushcraft skills and lay the foundation for a lifetime of wilderness knowledge. Yet, the most valuable thing you may take home won’t just be the skills you’ve learned—it will be the profound connection you forge with your fellow adventurers, a bond as lasting as the wilderness itself.

Can I Join the Group?

We’d love to connect to see if you’re a good fit!

Step 1:

Fill out this simple application form so we can chat about your goals and find the trip best for you.

Step 2:

If we asses this is a good fit, here are the steps you’ll take.

1. Kirstynn, who coordinates our trips, will help you with logistics planning.
2. We require a 1/3 trip deposit to cover your spot as we’re booking accommodation for the crew early. Another 1/3 deposit is due by Dec 15th.
3. Fill out this release form by Dec 15th. It helps us figure out dietary requirements, makes sure you understand the risks on the trip.
4. Look over the packing list. We listed everything you need and a bunch of “good to have” items. 
5. Book your ticket and let us know your arrival time.

What Others Have said!

Don’t just take our word for it from our past trips in the US. Alex summarized her experience like this:

“This was truly an incredible experience. I came home rested, refreshed, and immediately planning my next outdoor adventure. I feel more confident in my ability to not just survive but also thrive in outdoor experiences. I also came back with some new friends 🙂 Please, please keep doing these, and if you expand to new levels or other locations, you can bet I’ll be at every one!” – Alex Dainis, PhD

Want a few quick trip primers?

• You’ll have free access to our Survival Basics Course and the Knots Basics Course after you sign up. Additionally you’ll have access to our “How to Create Outdoor Videos” course which details how to take photographs of the Northern Lights and make other amazing films!
• Try to tie these 5 knots and see how you go.
• Watch the first trip here in 2018 which inspired this trip.
• Download this Aurora APP to get excited about this year’s solar activity.