Our Polar shakedown trip is the best Polar training opportunity on the market. We cover everything from clothing and equipment systems, to cooking, packing a dogsled or pulk, safety systems, and traveling over the ice by dogsled or ski. Days are spent skiing and/or dogsledding in conditions similar to those you will find at the North or South Poles. Classes are scheduled throughout the day to maximize your learning, and to give you opportunities to ask questions. Evenings are spent making camp and learning how to survive comfortably in the extreme cold. Nighttime readings from the journals of Polar explorers add to the magic of the experience.

Once you arrive in the Polar region, there is no time to learn the essentials of survivng in the cold. People who have attended the shakedown trip are able to handle the stresses in a systematized manner allowing them the freedom to enjoy their expedition to the fullest. Those who don't have the necessary skills often feel cold, uncomfortable and overwhelmed for the duration of their expedition. In extreme cases, we have seen people on other expeditions drop out before they even left base camp!

If you are going to make the financial, mental and physical commitment to join a polar expedition, why not ensure that you have the best possible experience? Join our Polar Shakedown and make the most of your time on the ice! Back to top

Typical classes include: Tips for staying warm in the extreme cold; Threats of overheating; Personal comfort; Cooking meals; Stove basics; Sleeping systems; Tents; Packing techniques; Accident prevention; Skiing techniques; and much more! Back to top

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Includes:

• All lodging and food as outlined in itinerary
• All group equipment and some personal gear (skis system, sled system)
• Permits
• Communication and safety gear.

Does not include:

• Round trip airfare to Ely, Minnesota
• Personal clothing and equipment (see list below)
• Trip cancellation and baggage insurance.

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Upon registration, you will receive a comprehensive gear guide that explains the importance of each item as well as gear recommendations from our past participants.

• 1 pair skis and ski poles (supplied by NWP)
• 1 pair skins covering the full length of your skis (supplied by NWP)
• 1 pair snow pack ski boots (bring your own or let NWP supply this item)
• 1 pair extra boot liners (bring your own or let NWP supply this item)
• Sleeping bag (rated to at least -35° Celsius)*
• Bivy sack*
• 2 sleeping pads (thermarest or ridgerest style)*
• 1 wind jacket with hood
• 1 wind pants (breathable!)
• 1 insulated parka with hood
• 1 warm fleece jacket and pants
• 2 sets synthetic underwear, medium weight top and bottom- 2nd set optional
• 3 sets mitts: 1 regular, 1 overmitts, 1 spare regular mitts or gloves
• 2 pair liner gloves
• 2 hats: 1 lightweight balaclava, 1 ski type
• 2 neck gaiters
• 3 pair socks and sock liners
• 1 face mask
• Sun glasses and/ or mountain ski glasses
• 2 pr. anti-fog goggles
• 1 sturdy small backpack with waist belt and sternum strap
• 2 Thermos bottles or insulated water bottles
• 1 set eating utensils with bowl
• Pocket knife / multi-tool
• Personal toiletries
• 1 pee bottle (small plastic bottle)
• Face cream
• Lip protection-
• 4 carabiners & 5 meters of 6 mm rope

*items available for rent Back to top

This trip is for people who are in good shape, and who are eager to push themselves physically and mentally. You will need to have very good cardiovascular endurance and the ability to either pull a loaded sled or work with a dogteam for several hours at a time.Towards the end of the day you'll need to have the energy reserves to set up camp, melt snow for hot tea or cocoa, and help make dinner. This trip can encounter extremely cold conditions, and living in such cold conditions 24 hours a day can be very challenging. You do not have to be a world class athlete to participate in and enjoy this trip, but every ounce of training and preparation will help to make the trip more enjoyable and safer. Please contact us with further questions! Back to top

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