Trek the Arctic Circle Like a WWII Soldier with Ex-U.K. Special Forces

By Mike Richard Published April 21, 2021

arctic — Ariane Chan

For some, travel almost always involves a classic fly-and-flop style getaway with short flights, tropical islands, and neon fruity drinks. For others, it can mean a brutal, week-long ski trek along former World War II military insertion routes through some of the harshest terrain on the planet. For the latter — for the precious and crazy few who appreciate doing a hard thing for the sheer pride of knowing they did it — there’s Arctic Warrior 2020.

Trident Adventures has revealed little about its upcoming Arctic Warrior 2020 trip. We know one thing for sure though: It won’t be easy. In short, the journey is an eight-day, round-trip, hut-to-hut ski expedition from Sweden to Norway and back. The experience starts long before the actual trip with an intense training program in either Morocco or the Brecon Beacons mountains of Wales. The trip itself starts more than 100 miles into the Arctic Circle in some of the driest, coldest, harshest conditions in the world. Daily challenges are likely to involve shoveling snow holes, fording icy waters, ice-breaking drills, and lots and lots of hiking and cross-country skiing.

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What truly sets this expedition apart from any other, however, is the team leadership. The group will be led by elite Arctic warfare experts who formerly served in the U.K. Special Forces. They’ll school members in extreme outdoor survival skills and also take the group on a tour of British Special Operations Executive (SOE) training bases used in World War II. Trident Adventures even promises that those who survive will be rewarded with cold beer and a sauna. With little light pollution and crystal clear skies year-round, the surrounding landscape also provides the perfect opportunity to catch the Northern Lights.

Pricing for Arctic Warrior 2020 has yet to be announced, though it’s expected to depart sometime next spring. The trip includes all necessary training, accommodations, and some food. Team safety gear, support, and patrol medics are also provided. But, team members will need to find transportation to and from the Arctic, their own ski equipment, and plenty of personal travel insurance. Hey, no one said this was easy.

If this once-in-a-lifetime trip isn’t disco enough, why not conquer the South Pole on the epic, 12-day Ski Last Degree journey?

Contributor

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…

Outdoors

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Making the most of Yellowstone this Summer

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No need to worry about timed entry
One of the best parts about Yellowstone National Park is that they don't require timed entry reservations like Yosemite National Park or Glacier National Park. Summer is still pretty busy, so be prepared for crowds, but the park is 2.2 million acres in total, so there's a fair amount of space to spread out. Still, you will need a park entrance pass to get through the gate.
Make your reservations in advance
Campgrounds do require reservations in advance, so make sure that you book dates before you go. If you plan to do any fishing or boating in the area, make sure that you also snag yourself a fishing or boating permit. You will also need to submit your boat for an inspection.
Expect terrible cell service
Personally, I don't know why you'd want to be on your phone with Yellowstone out your window, but keep in mind that cell service is limited here. I recommend downloading maps and the NPS app beforehand, as well as any road closure information. These closures can be sudden due to the unpredictability of Yellowstone's weather, so prepare in advance by packing a warm jacket, rain gear, and layers when you go.
Be responsible, especially around wildlife
While driving, be sure to observe posted speed limits and use the pullouts to watch wildlife, making sure that all four of your tires are fully to the right of the white line. This will allow other cars to pass easily. Seeing wildlife up close is amazing, but remember to stay a minimum of 25 yards away from all wildlife, and 100 yards away from bears, wolves, and cougars. Elks are also dangerous, so don't even think about holding your baby near one.

Travel

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“With multiple large-scale projects underway, we’re strategically focusing our efforts to ensure success at every step,” said Todd Bennett, President and COO of Deer Valley Resort. “This winter’s terrain expansion — more than doubling our skiable acreage — is a once-in-a-generation transformation, and it deserves our full attention."