Description
The Arctic Survival Challenge: Jämtland Winter Expedition
More than a holiday. A test of spirit.
This unique experience is set in the pristine wilderness of Northern Sweden, 150 km south of the Arctic Circle. A once in a lifetime challenge this expedition combines the exciting activities of snowmobiling, cross country skiing and husky sledding along with your ability to adapt to the Arctic environment.
The week is based in and around our remote, traditional log cabin.
Three nights are spent in the cabin while you aclimatize to the cold before venturing onto the survival phase of the expedition where you will build and live in a shelter and snow hole…a magical experience never to be forgotten.
If you’re lucky you may get to see the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. You can read more about this phenomenon here https://sweden.se/nature/top-places-in-sweden-to-watch-the-northern-lights/.
The Expedition Highlights
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Husky & Snowmobile Safaris: Take the reins of your own dog team through frozen forests and pilot powerful snowmobiles to mountain vantage points with views stretching all the way to Norway.
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The Survival Phase: This isn’t a resort stay. You will learn to build ‘A-frame’ shelters from pine and carve your own snow hole—a feat of engineering that will serve as your bedroom for the night.
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Authentic Off-Grid Living: Your base is a rustic log cabin near Raftlaven. No electricity, no distractions—just the warmth of a wood burner and the company of your “buddy.”
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Arctic Rewards: After the challenge of the survival phase, thaw out in a traditional wood-fired hot tub and Swedish sauna under the starlit sky.
Your 8-Day Itinerary
Phase 1: The Wilderness Base
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Day 1: Arrival: Fly from the UK via Stockholm to the remote beauty of Östersund. Settle into our “no-plug” log cabin.
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Day 2: Nordic Mastery: Master the art of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing through the silent forest.
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Day 3: The Husky Trail: Command your own team of sled dogs. Enjoy a traditional Swedish lunch cooked over an open fire in our private forest.
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Day 4: Mountain Safari: A 6-hour snowmobile expedition reaching 2,500ft ASL for breathtaking views of the Scandinavian mountains.
Phase 2: The Survival Challenge
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Day 4 (Night): The Tented Camp: Move into a traditional Scandinavian tent. You and your buddy will take turns stoking the log burner through the night.
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Day 5: Shelter Building & Ice Fishing: Construct a forest shelter using timber and pine thatch. Try your hand at ice fishing—your dinner might depend on it!
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Day 6: The Snow Hole: Use snow shovels to carve a domed snow hole. Sleep in a “cosy” environment, monitored by the glow of candles.
Phase 3: The Recovery
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Day 7: Steam & Celebration: Return to the cabin for a well-earned soak in the hot tub and sauna. Finish the week with a celebratory feast prepared by our Swedish hosts.
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Day 8: Departure: Return to the UK with stories that will last a lifetime.
Is This Trip For You?
This expedition is designed for the Intrepid Explorer. It is physically demanding, labor-intensive, and mentally rewarding. If you want to learn genuine survival skills—how to keep a fire going through the night, how to build a home from snow, and how to navigate the Arctic—this is your calling.
“The silence of the Swedish forest at night is something you never forget. Building your own shelter and sleeping in it isn’t just a skill—it’s a transformation.”
What Our Customers Say:
“Having joined the Arctic Survival Challenge a few years ago I can only say what a fantastic adventure it was and organised by a highly professional team. Even being a more senior member of the group age wise I found the experience very fulfilling although challenging. The group I shared this experience with were second to none with great team work and support from all. I would certainly recommend this or any part of the programme to anyone with a taste for adventure in a controlled environment. Do what I did and …. Just do it …” – Dave G
TRIP SUMMARY
This is our popular Arctic Survival Challenge.
Included is a Pre survival training presentation day in preparation for the expedition in Sweden.
Topics covered areas follows.
Presentation of how the weeks activities will unfold.
cold weather injuries.
Kit talk.
Q and A
Sweden 8 days/7 nights
Depart Saturday/Sunday
London Heathrow to Stockholm
Internal Flight: UK Airport to Ostersund with Scandinavian Airlines (LHR)
Return: Ostersund- to UK with Scandinavian Airlines (LHR
Please note: Flights are not included and can be purchased online with www.sas.uk
Coach pick up at Ostersund airport at 2230 and leaves the cabin to return to the airport at 1030 on the following Sunday morning.
Flying from London Heathrow to Stockholm then to Ostersund with Scandinavian Airlines. LHR to OSD
I wanted to share the story of how our winter course bagan.
My passion for the cold started during my time as a Royal Marines commando, training annually in Norway. For over twenty years now, we have returned to Sweden every winter for our survival season. In 2010, my close friend Hans and I decided to build our own remote, off-grid cabin to host our courses. It is a beautiful, quiet location that allows our participants to fully immerse themselves in the environment without distraction.
For much of our history, we dedicated 90 percent of our season to charity events. While I haven’t kept an exact tally, it has been a privilege to meet so many incredible people and raise significant funds for important causes.
We have always prioritised accessibility, keeping our prices consistent over the years to ensure everyone can experience this adventure. Because we own all of our equipment and facilities, we are able to cut out the middleman and pass those savings directly to you. We aren’t financially driven; our focus has always been on delivering quality and value rather than competing with louder, more expensive outfits.
Finally, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to the hundreds of people who have trusted us over the years. While we don’t actively solicit online reviews, our guestbook is filled with handwritten notes that mean the world to us.
We look forward to many more seasons ahead.
WATCH OUR ARCTIC SURVIVAL CHALLENGE FILM
Please download our terms and conditions pdf.
Take a look at our latest updates:
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Kit list
1 X PAIR OF WARM BOOTS
1 X FOOTWEAR (FOR INSIDE CABIN) crocs /trainers
ENOUGH PAIRS THERMAL SOCKS TO LAST THE DURATION
2 X COMPLETE SET OF THERMALS
ENOUGH SPARE UNDERWEAR FOR THE DURATION
1 X PAIR TROUSERS
1 X JUMPER FLEECE
1 X WATERPROOF JACKET or ski type jacket
1 X WATERPROOF TROUSERS
1 X PAIR GLOVES OR MITTENS
1 X PAIR LEATHER GLOVES (for cutting and handling hot pots etc)
1 X HAT
1 X TOILETRIES BAG
1 X TOWEL
1 X SUN AND LIP BLOCK
1 x HEAD TORCH (spare batteries)
1 x SUNGLASSES OR SKI GOGGLES
1 X WHISTLE 1 X COOKING POT ( if not eating ration meals in a bag)
1 X KNIFE FORK SPOON
1 X MUG (PLASTIC)
1 X PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT
1 x THIN SLEEPING BAG FOR INSIDE THE CABIN.
1 X RUCKSACK OR HOLDAL
1 X SMALL DAY SACK
1 X THERMOS FLASK 1ltr
1 X PILLOW CASE (for inside the cabin)
1 X CAMERA
1 X SET OF SWIMWEAR (for the hot tub and sauna)
1 X DRIVING LICENSE (for snowmobiles)
3 Days worth of rations for the survival phase, however 24 hr packs can be bought from ourselves)
1 X SENSE OF HUMOUR
SLEEP SYSTEM (for the survival phase if not hiring from ourselves)
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Travel from the UK to Sweden’s capital Stockholm where you then catch an internal flight taking you one hour north to Ostersund in the region of Jamtland. Upon arrival at Ostersund we are met by our Swedish colleagues, and travel for one hour by minibus to our cosy log cabin near Raftlaven. The cabin is wonderfully rustic with no electricity; fresh water is bought in and just a wood burner, a basic kitchen, dining table and beds.
Spend the evening settling in ready for tomorrows activities.
DAY 2
After a warm breakfast and allocated with a ‘buddy’ for the week we venture out to explore the surroundings on cross country skis, following tracks through the forest and along by the frozen river. Also there’s a chance to try out snow shoes too.
Later that evening it’s back to the cabin for dinner before going out again to start construction of the snow hole which will be home for one night later in the week.
DAY 3
Husky sledding day. After breakfast we meet up with the husky dog teams. After a short briefing each person takes control of their own dog team for a magical ride through the frozen forrest
And afterwards a delicious hot lunch and coffee is served up Swedish style over an open fire in our private forrest. Then its back on the skis bound for the cabin working up an appetite for dinner before heading out to add more snow to the snow hole.
DAY 4
Snowmobile safari day…get ready for an exhilarating ride! After an early breakfast we travel in the minibus for one hour to where we start our snowmobile safari. After an important safety brief, in pairs we set off to a nearby frozen lake to practice handling these powerful machines. Once everyone is happy we head off through the forests and up into the mountains. On a clear day from the vantage point (2500ft ASL) on the mountain top there is a magnificent view across the landscape to Norway.
On the way back down we stop for lunch either out in the wilds or at a mountain hotel (depending on the weather). From here its time to swap with your partner for the ride back. The safari lasts approximately six hours.
(An individual snowmobile is available at an additional cost at time of rental).
On return to the Intrepid Expeditions cabin its time to prepare for the survival phase. With bags packed for all that’s required for the following three days and nights we head out on skis in the darkness to the location where we erect a traditional Scandinavian tent complete with log burner.
Later in the evening we cook up our first night’s rations
before settling down to sleep. During the night we take it in turns with our ‘buddy’ to stoke up the log burner to keep us comfortable.
DAY 5
Shelter building. This is a very labour intensive day but also fun and rewarding. Once we have found a suitable place to build the shelter we start by clearing the area of snow. The ‘A’ framed shelter is then constructed with the surrounding trees. Once the framework is in place pine branches are used to thatch the roof. Inside, a shallow trench is dug in the centre for a fire.
Building the shelter takes most of the day. Once it is finished it’s time to light the fire and move in.
For those who wish there will be a chance to try ice fishing. With any luck you may catch your dinner!
It will then be time for dinner round the open fire in the shelter before it’s time for sleep. During the night we take it in turns with our ‘buddy’ to keep watch over the fire as we did the previous night.
DAY 6
Snow hole night. Today we continue to construct and finish the snow hole, tunneling into it with spades and ice axes carefully carving a domed ceiling. Two to three entrances will be made along with a ski pole in the roof for ventilation.
Inside is a cosy, relatively warm 0 degrees Celsius. Again we take it in turns over night with our buddy, this time for ‘candle watch’. Placing candles in the snow hole not only gives light but very importantly indicates sufficient oxygen is present inside.
DAY 7
Hot tub & sauna day. After breakfast in the snow hole we ski back to the cabin. With the survival phase completed it’s now time for some relaxation.
Our hot tub is lit and several hours later the water is ready to jump into. It takes a few hours to heat up so while that’s happening the time is your own. You can ski, snow shoe or ice fish if you wish.
Then in the afternoon its time to hop into the hot tub and chill out after your challenging week. There is also a traditional sauna heated with a log burner to relax in as well to have a well deserved rest.
In the evening we have a celebratory dinner in the cabin cooked for us by our Swedish colleagues. This a time to reminisce on a fantastic and truly unforgettable week.
DAY 8
Time to go home. Having packed we tidy the cabin to leave it as we found it before taking the minibus back to Ostersund airport to catch the flight to Stockholm and finally our connecting flight back to the UK.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
INCLUDED
Transfers from Ostersund airport and back within Sweden.
Accommodation and food
Sleeping bag, bivi bag, roll mat can be hired for the survival phase for £40.00.
Skis, snow shoes and huskies
Ice fishing equipment
Snowmobiles-one between two unless arranged otherwise.
Full driving licence or motorbike licence required.
NOT INCLUDED
Flights.
Personal travel insurance
Personal expenditure
3 days worth of rations for the survival phase, however these can be purchased from ourselves for £40.00 per pack for 24 hours worth of meals.
All other items not mentioned in the programme.
The snowmobile hire company will make you sign a £1500.00 waiver incase you damage a machine.
BORING BUT VITAL
PASSPORT, VISA & VACCINATIONS
All that is required is a current 10 year passport and current European health insurance card. Vaccinations: Tetanus is recommended.
LICENCE
A full driving licence or motorbike licence is required for the snowmobiles.
WEATHER
January-April: Temperatures vary from 0 degrees C to minus 30 C. Although the temperature is extremely cold the dry atmosphere means the air is crisp and exhilarating, and not like cold days in the UK.
The snowmobile hire company will make you sign a £1500.00 waiver incase you damage a machine.
Matt wood –
Clearly, I haven’t been on this year’s event( but I am coming on this last week as I enjoyed last year’s Feb event sooooo much)!.
It is hands down in my top three Exped / adventure trips I’ve been on in 30 years. The food, the views, the quality, the guidance, the instructing, the safety, the memories, the food ( oh I mentioned it again), the thrills, the excitement, the lights, it’s all 100% 1st Class. Thank you Nigle Daggers Hans and the support team.. Not long now!
Sue Harding –
What an Epic course. Attended from 28 th Jan to 4 th October2024.
Brilliant Instructor Nigel, he’s so informative, a realist, motivational with a great sense of humour!
We had instruction and guidance from Nigel then let loose to put our newly learnt skills into practice over the survival period.
Didn’t know there were so many types of snow! I’m now able to make a fire, cut dead trees and split logs, to name a few new skills. In a team of 8 we built a wooden shelter and snow hole to sleep outside Brilliant !
The Tent night was the most uncomfortable due to gales blowing the tent sides – noisy. Being on watch in the early hours isn’t much fun but we needed to check on the team members and keep safe in the low temperatures.
The cross county skiing and husky rides were the easiest along with hanging onto my hubby during the snow mobile trip. Could have driven solo but with my car crashing history thought better of it .
Overall this trip was excellent, learnt new skills, met great people and learnt a lot about myself .
John Harding –
I attended this years event having had to cancel last year due to a health issue.
It lived up to all expectations for both my wife and I.
Nigel who owns the business has a wealth of knowledge that, if you want to learn, he is keen to impart, encourage and give honest feedback.He has many years experience in this often harsh environment and is well placed to share his immense knowledge.
He’s sort of likable too though I wouldn’t say it to his face!
If you are reading this you are clearly considering going and frankly all I can say is just crack on and get it booked.
The week offers exceptional value for money and will most likely leave you yearning for more .
You will not walk away from the experience without learning about both yourself and new skills.
Get it booked now!
Stacey Clouting –
I completed the winter survival course in 2023 and it was truly an unforgettable experience that tested my limits and expanded my knowledge of survival skills in extreme conditions.
This course took place in the north of Sweden, where temperatures plummeted to an a rather chilly -29 degrees Celsius. It was an immersive experience, surrounded by haw frosted trees and so much snow! The cabin and surrounding area is quite remote which helps to set the scene for the survival week.
The course was well-structured and we learned essential survival skills such as building snow shelters, starting fires and how to cut wood safely. Nigel is an extremely experienced instructor who shared his extensive knowledge with enthusiasm, ensuring that we understood the importance of each skill.
One of the many highlights was the night spent in a quinzhee (a type of snow shelter we built ourselves). It was an exhilarating experience to sleep under the stars after enduring the cold while gathering firewood and cooking over an open flame. The camaraderie developed among participants was another rewarding aspect, as we all shared the same struggles and triumphs.
Other amazing parts of this trip were the husky sledding and snow mobiling in the mountains – both incredible experiences which just added to this amazing adventure.
I highly recommend this course. I met amazing people through this challenge. Just remember to pack your warmest gear and be ready for the experience of a lifetime!
Lynsey Elliss –
I attended a course in 2020, Nigel and the team are fantastic, such professionalism and skill. I was really impressed with the way in which they taught us new skills and prepared us the adventure ahead. Safety is paramount but a close second is fun.
I was taken ill on the trip Nigel and the team were amazing and took great care of me. I would highly recommend this trip and Snow and Paddles. I would go back over and over again!
Spencer Cole –
I went on this arctic survival course many years ago, from the very first moment I met these guys I knew it would not only be professional but also a shed load of fun…..and I wasn’t disappointed!
If this is something that you have on your bucket list I highly recommend going with these guys, it is truly an awesome experience & can’t thank Nigel & his team enough for a beautiful lifelong memory ❤️
Owen –
I participated in 2011 ( I think) and it was epic. A truly brilliant experience from start to finish. The cabin phase was cosy and comfortable. Snow mobile adventure was absolutely tremendous. Couldn’t have had more fun. Ending up in a remote village in the hills eating stew. Never had a better meal!
The survival phase was challenging but not too brutal so it was fun and interesting.
Nigel (Niggle) and crew were awesome and I hope to return one day.
Nigel –
I booked onto the Arctic survival course in 2019 and found the whole experience informative, exciting and challenging. Nigel and the team are very professional and the equipment is excellent. The cabin is very comfortable and warm. Building the shelter was great fun and really showed what you could achieve working as a team (with the right instructions and advice) as well as giving us somewhere to sleep for that one night.
Building the quinzhee ( a sort of snow hole for a group )was an amazing experience and surprisingly warm to sleep in.
In summary a great experience , great fun and I would recommend it to anyone.
Sarah Cairney –
I attended the Arctic survival course in January 2025. It really was the trip of a lifetime and the memories will be forever cherished. It was the perfect mix of excitement and fun with the husky sledding/ski mobiling and XC skiing. We even got to ski under the northern lights! The survival phase was great for learning new skills, team building and properly getting back to nature- I didn’t want to return to the cabin. The snow hole was comfortable to sleep in despite it being -20 outside! As was the tent. Nigel and Dave were the perfect instructors, making people feel safe while bringing so much knowledge and humour to the group. Don’t think about it, just book the trip of a lifetime, you won’t regret it
Greg –
6 STARS IF IT WAS AN OPTION!
Honestly, the environment itself is enough of a draw to pull you in, blissful. It’s so beautiful and peaceful and if you can ditch the social media you really make the most of this incredibly memorable experience. go outside in the evenings and take in the night sky – seriously! Our little group have already expressed the desire to do it again next year, we haven’t decided on doing the Survival again or just the Adventure holiday (same activities just without camping out and the survival lessons).
Nobby, is an extremely well experienced instructor with several high level Norway training courses in the arctic with his time in a well known specialist military unit. But don’t think that means its going to be dry and over serious, at the right times Nobby will express the serious nature of the lesson in a clear coherent format and is more than willing to take every kind of question, suggestion or to settle any fears. However, he is also one of the funniest people I have had the pleasure to meet and there are PLENTY of gags and fun to be had in between, seriously I haven’t belly laughed that hard for a VERY long time. Nobby is joined at regular times by your local Hans, a very chilled individual giving off a great calm energy – and Man can he cook!!! I didn’t go Hungry, I’m 6ft 6 and 120kg of metabolism, we took plenty of snacks and for the overnight survival Nobby had an excellent range of options, well worth a few quid – unless you want to eat bark and moss and go hardcore!
The activities are really well balanced and the timetable is well structured to make the very most out of it. We met some great characters along the way including a 92 year old husky sledger, 1,000 km in 5 days race winner! seriously… what the hell!…
Some people will fear the conditions, personally we had minus 33.4 Celsius at the lowest, being active and most importantly having and maintaining the right kit is best. The kit needn’t all be expensive or highly specialist, just make sure you’ve got good boots, 2 of my mates spent £86 and were comfy throughout, a good outer windproof waterproof jacket to thigh length (we paid £96), wooly hat (again nothing fancy required), good windproof cold weather gloves (keep your hands and feet in good material), good salopettes/ski trousers (Mountain Warehouse £65), otherwise go for a wicking layer to get moisture off your skin as a base, drop in wool and fleece layers (nothing fancy just 2-3 options), and you can adjust as you go. You get a good feel for adjusting your layers very quickly, being active makes a big difference as I say.
Electronics – the cold shuts them down pretty quick at times. I kept mine switched off and under my layers (same place to keep your gloves when they’re off your hands… thanks Nobby) to share heat and keep it warm, then just took it out at the key times. Taking battery packs to the cabin is fine, just wrap stuff up or keep in next to your body to make things last – you absolutely MUST HAVE access to a camera, there are so many things you will Not want to miss bringing memories back from. Just don’t overdo the electronics guys, enjoy the peace, do the extra stuff you get on offer the best are free, you most likely wont get the chance again.
The survival phase was great and my favourite part, obviously the safety briefings are essential so pin your ears back, listen to the “serious mode” Nobbster (Nobby/Nigel) and ask your questions if you don’t understand at first, his knowledge is crazy. Don’t do stoopid, stick to the rules, don’t wander off alone, and if you fall over skiing listen to the get up technique and dust yourself off (I have a tonne of practice from that and every time we had a good laugh haha). Be hardy, be stoic, keep it positive, active and lively if anyone looks like they’re a bit down. Go back with tales of heroism and adventure, not regrets of being the Debbie Downer and having worn a hole in your teddy haha.
Love you Nobby mate, see you next year in the snow again and up in Scotland for some canoe and wild camping on the rivers if the long haired general will release me, shame the city girl didn’t come!