Arctic Challenge 2009
THE
ARCTIC CHALLENGE
21 -
This
challenge takes place in a wilderness setting with a variety of trails from the
tundra lowlands to the high mountain area around Kebnekaise and Abisko national
park. We
will sled through the forests and across the lakes & tundra north &
Our
wilderness base camp relies on oil lamps and candles to provide the light and
warmth comes from fires fuelled by native wood, which really add to the rustic
feel of our shelter each evening. Remember
to keep
your eyes peeled for the famous Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)!
This
challenge will be different from any other as there are so many elements to
consider; basic self-sufficient lodgings; unpredictable weather conditions; as
well as being in charge of your very own team of huskies and caring for your
team each morning and night. This is
a challenging event but of course we have the best support for you in the form
of professional local guides all of whom have many years of experience working
with huskies. In addition to this we
will have a doctor and a representative from Classic Tours.
This assures us that you will get great instruction and safe supervision
allowing you to concentrate on completing the challenge itself.
Day
1: Saturday 21 February
Kiruna
to Kauppinen (approx. 20 mins)
Fly
from
Day
2:
Sunday 22 February
Kiruna to Jäkäläjärvi
Approx. 35kms / 4-6hrs
This
morning we meet our excited team of dogs and there will be group instruction on
handling these magnificent animals. This
will include harnessing and feeding them before we set off on our challenge.
Today we sled across large frozen lakes (e.g. Sautusjärvi) and today’s
sledding is designed to allow you to get a feel for how the sled moves and how
your weight on the sled affects the direction you take.
We sled to our first overnight camp at Jäkäläjärvi.
Depending on final numbers, some of us may spend the night camping next
to the lodge this evening, an extra challenge!
Day
3:
Monday 23 February
Jäkäläjärvi
to Övre Soppero
Approx. 35kms / 4-6hrs
We
mush to Övre Soppero. The terrain
today is a mixture of forest and frozen lakes.
In the distance we have fantastic views of the snow covered mountains of
the area. On arrival at Övre
Soppero we are welcomed by a saami
family as we stay the night in a saami village on the shore of the River Lainio.
We will enjoy dinner and overnight here (sauna available).
Day
4: Tuesday 24 February
Övre
Soppero to Jäkäläjärvi
Approx. 40kms / 6hrs
By
now we’ll really beginning to work well with our team as we mush back towardsJäkäläjärvi.
The first 20kms is on a completely new trail before we rejoin the tobacco
trail we travelled on our way into Övre Soppero yesterday. For
those of us who didn’t sleep under the stars on Sunday, you’ll get the
opportunity to do so tonight! Our
accommodation is again a mixture of lodges and camping this evening.
Day
5: Wednesday 25 February
Jäkäläjärvi
to Wilderness Lodge
Approx. 50kms / 7hrs
We’re
coming close to the end of our challenge as we head back towards our base camp.
By now each team should be working really efficiently and each person
should be confident with their sledding. The
terrain is similar to previous days. Our
destination this evening is the wilderness lodge. We’re rewarded this evening
with a new activity, perhaps trying our hand at ice fishing before dinner (sauna
available).
Day
6: Thursday 26 February
Wilderness
Lodge to Kauppinen
Approx. 25-55kms /
4-7hrs
Today
is our final sledding today, which we assure you, is always a sad day as you
will have bonded with your team of huskies.
We have the choice to either take it fairly easy or increase the
challenge today and sled further than we have all week.
Either way, upon arrival at base camp at Kauppinen, we say a sad farewell
to our dogs that have helped us over the challenging terrain for the last few
days. The lodge tonight has showers
and another sauna which will be a welcome sight after a challenging week!
Day
7: Friday 27 February
Kauppinen
to Jukkasjärvi to Kiruna
After
breakfast, we enjoy a treat for all our hard work; a guided tour of the world
famous Ice Hotel. The Ice Hotel is
rebuilt every year from ice harvested from the local River Torne each winter.
After a tour of the hotel, we transfer to our hotel in Kiruna. Tonight we
celebrate the end of the challenge with a farewell dinner.
Day
8: Saturday 28 February
Kiruna to
After
breakfast it’s a short transfer to the airport for our flight home.
Classic Tours are happy to be
in partnership with
If you require any further information regarding any aspect of the challenge, how to help, book, make a donation or just to make a general enquiry please email any of the below