Polar Training Plus
Polar Training Plus
Whether you are training for the toughest polar expedition or simply looking to learn some new cold weather camping skills our Polar Shakedown Training and Polar Training Plus Seminar offer the best way to build your confidence and skill set. Our expert guides have organized and guided over 100 combined polar expeditions making them among the most experienced guides in the industry.
Polar Training Plus
Building upon what is covered in our Polar Shakedown Training, our Polar Training Plus Seminar dives deep into the essentials of polar expedition travel and prepares you for expeditions that are longer, harder and often unguided. Preparation is emphasized with lessons in route planning, equipment modification, menu planning, nutrition and emergency preparedness. Everyday skills such as navigation, cooking, personal maintenance, field repairs, and communication are also covered. This training culminates with a mini self-guided expedition where you'll put your newly practiced skills to the test followed by an in depth one-on-one review with your guide to create an individualized plan for further skill development.
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive in Ely or Longyearbyen. A PolarExplorers guide will check your kit to ensure you have everything you need. Over a hearty dinner you'll have an opportunity to meet the other members of the training and discuss the upcoming days. After dinner your PolarExplorers guide will review his or her own personal kit and explain the use, maintenance, modifications and packing technique for each item.
DAY 2-4
After breakfast we'll hit the trail! For three days and two nights you'll experience what its like to survive (and thrive!) in extremely cold temperatures. We'll have a combination of formal and impromptu classes that cover a variety of topics ranging from packing a sled, to managing your temperature, to selecting the best tent site and making camp. After 3 days of camping we'll head back to the lodge for some additional indoor training before you embark on your own for a three day self-guided mini expedition to put your new skills to the test.
Qualifications
This training 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 pull a heavy sled for several hours at a time, with only a short break in between "marches".
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 adventure, but every ounce of training and preparation will help to make the trip more enjoyable and safer.
Please contact us with further questions!
Equipment
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. Please contact us for more information about your personal gear and group gear for this expedition.
Several items on our equipment checklist are available from our store.
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