Bushcraft Courses

Arctic Experience with Lars Falt 2009

Arctic Survival in Lapland, Sweden

Around the northern hemisphere runs a vast forest – the Taiga. An almost continual belt from North America to Eurasia, the Taiga covers much of Sweden, Finland, inland Norway, northern Kazakhstan and Russia (particularly Siberia), most of inland Alaska and Canada as well as northern parts of the US. The Taiga is the single largest community of trees and associated animals – or 'biome' - on the planet. Characterised by coniferous trees such as pine and spruce as well as animals such as lynx, wolf, bear, wolverine and reindeer this is an awe-inspiring wilderness.

The Taiga borders the Arctic Tundra, experiencing long, severe winters with up to six months of the year where temperatures average below freezing. The cold of the Arctic winter can be unforgiving, making this place daunting, even lethal, if you do not have the necessary knowledge to live in harmony with the surroundings. Despite the Arctic being one of the most inhospitable places on our planet, it is also one of the most beautiful and exciting. During the Woodlore Arctic Experience you have the opportunity to learn the fundamental skills of Arctic Bushcraft, allowing you to experience this environment at it's best.

The Arctic Experience takes place in northern Lapland, approximately 200km north of the Arctic Circle on the banks of the Kalix River. This is home to the hardy Sami people, who have traditionally made their living in this harsh place by reindeer herding.

You will be instructed by Lars Falt, a man of world-renown in the field of Arctic survival and an old friend of Ray's. Lars is Sweden's foremost expert on Bushcraft and was responsible for Swedish military survival training for over forty years. In 1980 he established the Swedish Army's Survival School. As well as his military instructing, Lars has worked with indigenous peoples from Siberia to Canada. He is the author of 8 books on survival and outdoor skills. This is a rare opportunity to learn from one of the masters.

This course will contain comprehensive instruction in Arctic skills both ancient and modern. You will construct emergency shelters as well as learn how to live in heated Lavvu (Lappish tipi). You will learn to use traditional skis to access the deep snow of the forest's interior but also learn to drive snowmobiles. You will be taught local trapping and fishing techniques and then put them into practice. Using available natural materials, you will learn to light fires to keep yourself warm. Maybe most importantly, you will gain great experience in how to dress appropriately and operate safely in this environment.

For this course you will need to travel to Kiruna, Sweden where you will be met and transferred by coach, then by snowmobile to the wilderness camp. You will be based in traditional log cabins, be well fed on local foods and have the opportunity to enjoy the exhilaration of a wood-fired Scandinavian sauna and snow dip!

The setting of the wilderness camp has a magical feel about it. Each log cabin can take up to five persons, has a stove for heating and is lit by lanterns. The dining hall/lecture cabin has a large wood-burning stove and is also lit by lanterns. There is no electricity! The camp is surrounded by pristine Taiga with excellent opportunities to witness the Northern Lights.

We strive to ensure that this experience of the North Country is a comfortable one – certainly it will be an unforgettable adventure that will allow you to approach 'the North' with a new-found confidence.

The course price includes all return transfers from Kiruna to the wilderness camp, with full board accommodation and all specialist equipment.

We invite you to look at our photo gallery for more images from this course.

Course Dates, Locations & Prices

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