Expedition Training in Saltfjellet
Our Expedition Training Programme is ideal for those new to Arctic winter conditions who are looking to build on their outdoor experience. This course offers you the chance to learn essential polar skills in a breathtaking environment. Guided by an experienced team, you will gain confidence as you learn basic techniques such as navigation, route selection, winter camp essentials, expedition preparation, and basic skiing techniques, all while surrounded by the pristine beauty of Saltfjellet National Park. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, ultra-marathon runners eager to explore new horizons, or anyone keen to experience the Arctic for the first time, our course ensures you are well-prepared and fully supported. Embrace the adventure and discover the wonders of Saltfjellet in this welcoming and educational experience.
For more information on Saltfjellet National Park click here.
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Monday 3-7 Feb 2025
Scheduled Start 0900hrs
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Our meeting place is conveniently situated at our starting point. The accommodation is a self-service cabin, 500m from the train station.
UTM 33W (East, North)
520524, 7402030
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16.000 NOK (Sixteen thousand Norwegian Krone, pp)
Cost does not include your travel, food, accommodation or personal insurance.
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Max. 8 people
Whilst this 5-day course is a microcosm of the expedition experience, it is not without the challenges or rewards. The challenges of the environment, and how both we and the landscape respond to the winter conditions are elements that makes these experiences as unique as they can be demanding.
The course is split into 2 parts: A 2 day learning component, used for acclimatisation and to get used to our expedition equipment, complimented by a 2 night/ 3 day expedition around Saltfjellet National Park. As you have travelled far to get here, we wish to get you outside as much as possible, being as hands on as possible. An overview of the itinerary is available in the schedule section.
Our aim is to provide you with a memorable experience with skills and knowledge you can build on and take on your next adventure. Much of our focus will be on how we traverse the landscape, how we make a secure camp and how we provide for ourselves. Fundamental components of any trip that we take for granted in easier climates.
An Arctic expedition in February can pose numerous challenges. The extreme cold, with temperatures often plunging well below freezing, demands specialised equipment and vigilance against cold weather injuries. The limited daylight hours, due to the near-polar night (Mørketid) conditions, necessitates good navigation and an ability to understand the landscape. Harsh weather conditions, including blizzards and strong winds, can arise, reducing or restricting our ability to travel. But the effects of nature are also there to be appreciated, and skills used to challenge these demands.
We loan you many of the large specialised items you need to survive (see the Equipment section/ List), to make your travel easier and your experience a secure one.
If you are lucky enough you may witness the remarkable wildlife that calls this region home. Keep your eyes peeled for elusive creatures such as reindeer, elk, wolverines, lynx and arctic foxes (although this is rare).
As night falls, prepare to be dazzled by the mesmerising display of the Northern Lights. Far away from the glare of city lights, Saltfjellet National Park offers unparalleled opportunities to witness the ethereal dance of green and (sometimes, if you are lucky) pink hues across the Arctic sky.*
*We can’t guarantee Northern Lights of course but it’s a great month to see them and if the skies are clear….
An overview of your experience.
Training Schedule
The total outbound journey time from the UK is approximately 8-9hrs from the scheduled departure of your first flight and stepping off the train in Lønsdal. Which may require travelling a day in advance of our scheduled start.
Our scheduled start time is 0900hrs on Monday 3 Feb 2025.
The cabin is extremely quiet this time of year and they have a large capacity. However, you may book your stay at Lønnstua in advance, if you wish to ensure you have appropriate accommodation arrangements in place for when you arrive, and for the duration of your training.
See the travel section at the bottom of the page on how to get to Lønsdal and arranging your accommodation.
A note on guiding…
As part of a restriction on the definition of a guide, we are not allowed to involve ourselves directly with the booking of any pre-arranged travel or accommodation. As far as we are concerned this is part of the experience, and will also afford you the opportunity to experience the travel component as you see fit. If you wish you can extend your time in Norway or visit the neighbouring countries beyond our time together.
You are also responsible for arranging your own food and any insurances, which we can discuss in greater detail at an appropriate time.
Arrival
As this is a mixed training and tour experience, we will try to not bore you to death by Powerpoint! The idea is to be as practical as we can be with our approach, and maximise our outdoor time.
We will familiarise ourselves with Lønnstua and have a summary of the surrounding area & facilities.
We will talk through some safety basics, then do some light acclimatisation work. To make yourself as comfortable as we can on the skis we will take you out throughout the day (and a short evening tour), both with and without the pulk.
This will be interspersed with some demonstrations on the key expedition items such as the tents and stoves.
Day 1
Ski - we shall go through the ‘tube’ (under the rail bridge) and find an easy ski area to take our skis and pulks.
We will transport our camping equipment to this area and setup a small basecamp. Later we will work with our stoves, develop our routines and use this to provide us with lunch/ refreshments.
During the afternoon we will work on layering, making gear adjustments and orientating ourselves to the area and gain a sense of where our expedition will take us.
In the evening we will pack our pulks, ready our supplies and study the maps.
Day 2
The area presents us with many opportunities to have the most fulfilling expedition experience. What we decide to do is up to us, but for most, a comfortable ski day in these conditions is in the region of 15-20km. This usually equates to travel mostly during the daylights hours.
Short breaks will be every 1-2hrs dependent on the groups need.
It is important to remember that we are above the Arctic Circle in a mountainous environment in winter, so it goes without saying that our progress and position may be affected by the weather!
Day 3-5
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We shall ascend up to higher ground, where after a good days skiing we shall establish our first camp. This will likely be toward the western edge of an area called Steindalen. The exact position of this camp is not fixed and we will decide based upon the conditions we experience. A priority is to always seek an amazing view when choosing a campsite location!
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After a hearty breakfast followed by breaking down camp, we will explore our new area whilst looking to put our skills to the test. As a group we will assess viable routes and look for the best lines to traverse the terrain. For our nights camp we will to position ourselves approximately 12km from our origin point.
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Breakfast and break camp followed by a nice easy ski back to base. A good opportunity to capture lots of memories (weather permitting).
Once we have returned to base we have ample time to pack down the group equipment and debrief the expedition, admire our images and reflect on the trip.
Expedition Equipment
What do I need to bring?
What is required and what is loaned.
What equipment is provided as part of the experience?
To save you the hassle of carrying all of these items, we will loan you most of the large or specialised equipment you need for the duration of your experience.
Tent & Sleeping Equipment
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Tent (shared either in groups of 2 or 3), shovel, snow pegs
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Sleeping Bag (sufficiently rated, expedition quality)
1 x Sleeping Mat (Per Person)
Ski Equipment & Pulk
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Skis, skins and ski poles. Boots are also provided and due to the anticipated cold will be provided 2 EU sizes above your regular shoe size.
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Your pulk (sled) will be appropriately sized to store all of the necessary equipment for the expedition safely.
Also supplied is your harness and the trace.
Stoves & Fuel
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If a stove is required the supplied equipment will either be a winter gas or liquid fuel stove, dependent on your ability and competence
The stove is supplied with a stove board, pot and correct fuel.
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The fuel supplied will either be winter gas or a petroleum based liquid fuel such as 4-stroke.
Travelling to Saltfjellet
Travelling to this area of Northern Norway is easier than you may think. An example of your journey will be something like:
Fly from your origin to to Bodø via Oslo Gardermoen
Walk (30 minutes) or take a short taxi journey to the Bodø Train Station
Train from Bodø to Lønsdal Stasjon there are usually 3 trains per day (F7 to Mosjoen or Trondheim)
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The train takes approximately 1h47m from Bodø Stasjon to Lønsdal Stasjon. The trains are operated by SJ Nord and the schedule can be viewed at entur.no.
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The principal accommodation we shall use is DNT Lønnstua.
33 beds at the accommodation, 15 of which can be booked.
3 buildings on the site, wood etc.
Available whole year round, but extremely quiet in February.
You need a special DNT Key to access the cabins. Which the guides already have.
Group bookings can be made in advance by contacting:
Tel: +47 75521413