Arctic Bushcraft Week Course Finland Level 3 – NCFE Accredited,

Arctic Bushcraft Week Course Finland Level 3 – NCFE Accredited,

Eight days inside the Arctic Circle of Northern Finland, in the depths of winter, where you learn not just to survive but to thrive in the snow. The Arctic Bushcraft Week Course Level 3 takes you through the vast boreal wilderness, travelling on forest touring skis and snowshoes, ice fishing on frozen lakes and learning how to look after yourself in Arctic conditions. This course is suitable for anyone with basic bushcraft experience; you do not need any experience in the snow. It is a truly unique experience that you take part in just once in a lifetime.

You not only learn how to move through the polar region and take care of yourself, but you also visit a Sámi reindeer farm and spend a night in a heated tent as well as in a snow shelter, so you genuinely experience what it is like to survive in these conditions. We travel through a breathtaking landscape, explore the surroundings by snowmobile and, if the weather allows, witness the beauty of the northern lights. It is a course we are especially proud of.

What we will do

During this winter bushcraft course, we cover a wide range of Arctic skills. We travel through the wilderness on forest touring skis, go ice fishing on expansive lakes and learn along the way about everything nature has to offer, all set within a stunning winter landscape.

Our main accommodation consists of two spacious log cabins, where all meals are also provided. In addition, you spend one night in a heated tent and one night in a snow shelter. We also have a private Laavu, a traditional Finnish shelter in the forest, where we can stay for a night. Do not worry, though: if you would rather not spend a night at -30 °C, you can always fall back on the comfortable log cabins.

• Travelling on snowshoes
• Travelling on forest touring skis
• Ice fishing
• Using heated tents and stoves
• Making fire on snow
• Finding and collecting water
• Building snow shelters and quinzees
• Travelling by snowmobile
• Using pulks for transport
• Winter survival techniques
• Cold injuries and first aid in winter conditions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is this course suitable for?
The Arctic Bushcraft Week Course Level 3 is suitable for anyone with basic bushcraft experience. You do not need any experience in the snow or with Arctic conditions. We build the skills up step by step over the eight days, so you learn to travel and survive in winter in a safe and controlled way.

What will I be able to do after this course?
Afterwards, you can move independently through the polar region, for example on snowshoes and forest touring skis, and look after yourself in winter conditions. You will have learned how to make fire on snow, collect water, build snow shelters and quinzees, and how to recognise and treat cold injuries. That leaves you well prepared to apply the skills of winter travel and bushcraft in the boreal forest.

What is an NCFE accredited Level 3 course?
An NCFE Level 3 course is a nationally recognised, government-regulated vocational qualification in the UK, equivalent in standard to an A-level. These qualifications are designed to help you build practical, industry-specific skills and are widely accepted by universities, colleges and employers across sectors such as education, healthcare and business. An NCFE accreditation therefore means the course meets an independently assessed quality standard.

Where do I stay during the course?
The main accommodation consists of two spacious log cabins where all meals are also provided. In addition, you spend one night in a heated tent and one night in a snow shelter, with the option to spend a night in our private Laavu in the forest. Anyone who would rather skip a night at very low temperatures can always fall back on the comfortable log cabins.

What is included in the course price?
The price includes all food, all transfers to and from Ivalo Airport, all specialist equipment during the course and the use of snowmobiles. And if the weather cooperates, you experience the northern lights along the way. That way, during the course you only need to focus on learning and taking it all in.

What is not included in the price?
Not included are your flights to and from Finland, travel and cancellation insurance and your personal equipment. You arrange your own travel to Finland; we gather at Ivalo Airport. We strongly recommend taking out travel and cancellation insurance for the unlikely event that the course is cancelled.

What equipment do I need to bring myself?
You bring your personal equipment; the specialist equipment for the course is provided by us. After registering, you receive a comprehensive and detailed packing list well before departure. That way you know exactly what you need and arrive in Finland well prepared.

What language is the course taught in?
The course is taught mainly in English by John Boe, Fred Södergran and Sara Eenhoorn, so everyone can follow the instructions and explanations well. If you have any questions about this beforehand, please feel free to get in touch with us.

How do I get to the starting location?
We all gather at Ivalo Airport in Finland. You need to arrange your own travel to Finland, but once you are at Ivalo Airport, all transfers to and from the airport are included in the course. That way the journey from the airport to the accommodation and back is fully taken care of.