In the heart of the snowy Wisconsin winter of 2025, we’re teaming up with renowned survival expert and wilderness guide, Greg Weiss, deep in the snow-covered expanse of Cornucopia, WI. Our mission? To master the art of winter survival while embracing the bonds of our newfound friends on the course. Think Bear Grylls, but with camaraderie and minus the whole “survive-alone-in-the-wild” bit.

This isn’t just about roughing it—it’s about reconnecting with the primal skills that have sustained humans long before the age of modern technology. Together, we’ll learn how to thrive in the cold, forge bonds with fellow adventurers, and revel in the wonders of the northern winter.

While this course may be considered a bit intermediate, we’re kicking things off with a solid foundation at Level 1. That means nights spent in cozy accommodation and daylight dedicated to honing essential survival techniques. For those craving an extra challenge, our final night offers the chance to sleep in a snow cave of your own making, a rite of passage for any winter warrior.

Check out the video below to get a sneak peek at building that snow cave that you’ll be mastering in the icy wilderness (assuming there is enough snow).

WHAT WILL WE DO?

The exact schedule changes a bit based on who is there, but we’ll do the following main things: 

Day 1: Travel to the retreat via Duluth, MN. We’ll depart Duluth sometime between 3-6pm Please try to arrive sometime in the morning if possible. Debrief and Introductions when we get to base-camp (dependent on when people arrive).

Day 2: Blade work. Skills demos. Prep snow shelters. Winter & survival mindset and physiology. Winter dress. Working with knives. Nature hike. Skill demonstrations, fire building basics and shelters; expedient and longer-term. Basic knots and ropes

Day 3: More fire building, signal fires, travel in snow, finish snow cave shelters, winter food, water, and cooking outdoors. Trap Building. Mushroom basics. Opportunity to sleep outdoors in snow shelters or tents.

Day 4: Morning debrief. Winter teas, and natural history. Collect your winter survival kit. (go away with a zip-lock bag of fire starter material, knife, cook can/pot for making tea, shelter tarp or emergency blanket, etc.) Travel to Duluth. Plan to depart after 1pm from the airport.

WHERE DOES THIS COURSE FIT IN?

Level 1: Earth Skills. Start a fire. Build a snow cave. Know your knots. Intro to Blades and Rope. Basic travel and sleeping in winter conditions. 

Level 2: We’ll live outside, but you’ll have everything you need. We’ll prepare for what you might need to do in Level 3.

Level 3: You live and breath the wild while on this. You have access to water, but you’ll need to find and make your own shelter and learn to hunt for your own food.

Level 4: You are given warm clothes and a knife. You’ll learn to survive in the winter with nothing else on you.  

HOW MUCH IS IT?

The course cost is 800 USD. That will cover everything you need after you get off the plane in Duluth, Minnesota. All you’ll need to do is get flights to and from there or plan to meet us in Cornucopia, WI. We’ll cover lodging and meals while you’re on the course. 

IS IT TOO ADVANCED FOR ME OR MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY? 

This trip does include significant time outside so it’s not really appropriate for kids under 12 or 13 (you know your kid better than I do). It’s good to be cautious. Here are a couple questions to ask first. Have you ever camped? If no, maybe the winter course isn’t your first option. If, however, you are interested in spending more time outdoors and learning from the experts in a fun way, this is a fantastic course. Even a seasoned camper or hiker will love this course because you’re getting the expert knowledge from the locals here in Northern Wisconsin. We’ll mix in various bushcraft skills as well. Plus, if you haven’t already taken a level 1 course, you’ll need to it progress to the other levels in the future. 

HOW DO I COME?

This course is limited to 8-10 people. There is an application process but it’s really easy to start. Take 5 minutes and fill out this form:

Trip logistics are being handled via Greg, Kirstynn and Rob. If you’re interested here are the steps you’ll take.

1. After you fill out the application, we will get ahold of you to chat about any questions you have and ask a few logistical questions.
2. You can send in a 1/3 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot. Another 1/3 deposit is due Dec 15th and the final amount due before you come.
3. Fill out this release form by Dec 15th. It helps us figure out dietary requirements, makes sure you understand your risk and is our release form.
4. Look over the packing list. Greg listed everything you need and a bunch of “good to have” items. 
5. Book your ticket and let us know when you’re coming.

Trip Reviews!

“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 (which we might see this far south this year) and make other amazing films!
• Try to tie these 5 knots and see how you go.
• Watch this video on Chaga, we shot it on the course last year.