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 friendly Swedish colleagues, and travel for one hour by minibus to our cosy log cabin near Raftlaven. The cabin is wonderfully rustic with no electricity; just a wood burner, a basic kitchen, dining table and beds. Then spend the evening settling in ready for tomorrows activities.
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.
Husky sledding day.
After breakfast we set off on cross country skis to the edge of Lake Sandviksjon (7 km) to meet up with the husky dog teams. After a short briefing each person takes control of their own dog team for a magical ride across the frozen lake. A delicious hot lunch and coffee is served up Swedish style over an open fire on Storon Island which has fabulous views across the lake. 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.
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.
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.
Snow hole.
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.
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 arrives on a trailer and is placed at the edge of the frozen river. We then bore a hole through the ice and fill the tub with water. The water is then heated by the inbuilt log burner. 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.
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.
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.
Average figures:
December - 9 C Sunrise 0908 Sunset 1434
January - 12 C Sunrise 0940 Sunset 1431
February - 11 C Sunrise 0830 Sunset 1559
March - 7 C Sunrise 0901 Sunset 1725
Passport, Visa & Vaccinations:
All that is required is a current 10 year passport and
current European health insurance card.
Vaccinations: Tetanus is recommended.
What is included in the price:
All flights.
Transport within Sweden.
Accommodation and food.
Skis, snow shoes.
Huskies.
Ice fishing equipment.
Snowmobiles-one between two unless arranged Otherwise.
Full driving licence or motorbike licence required.
Not included:
Personal travel insurance.
Personal expenditure.
All other items not mentioned in the programme.
