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If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to push your limits in the frozen wilderness, our recent Arctic expedition in Undersåker, Sweden, was a true test of endurance, skill, and adventure. South West Survival took a group of intrepid explorers deep into the heart of the Arctic to experience the raw beauty and unforgiving challenges of life in the extreme cold. From traditional Sami living to essential survival skills, here’s a glimpse into what we achieved on this unforgettable journey.
Living in a Goahti: Embracing Sami Culture Our home for the duration of the expedition was a traditional Sami Goahti – a tent-like structure used by indigenous reindeer herders. Nestled in the snow-covered landscape, the Goahti provided warmth and shelter, proving that ancient survival techniques still hold strong today. Living in this setting offered an authentic experience of how the Sami people have thrived in the Arctic for generations.
Reindeer Butchery: Honouring Tradition and Sustenance A key part of Arctic survival is understanding where your food comes from. Our group participated in a reindeer butchery session, learning the respectful and sustainable methods of processing meat in a way that wastes nothing. This experience was not only educational but also deeply humbling, connecting us to the traditional ways of life in the region.
Ice Fishing: Catching Our Own Dinner Survival in the Arctic means making use of every available resource, and ice fishing is a vital skill in these harsh conditions. Armed with augers and lines, we braved the frozen lakes to drill through thick ice, hoping to land a catch. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of pulling a fish from the icy depths and cooking it over an open fire, a true testament to self-reliance in the wild.
Bushcraft Skills: Thriving in the Frozen North From fire-lighting techniques to building emergency shelters, our team honed their Arctic bushcraft skills throughout the expedition. In sub-zero temperatures, knowing how to stay warm, dry, and safe is crucial. We practiced carving tools, foraging for resources, and even mastering fire-starting with limited supplies – skills that could mean the difference between survival and disaster in such an unforgiving landscape.
Outdoor Cooking: Feasting in the Frost Every evening, we gathered around the fire to cook hearty meals using traditional techniques. Whether it was reindeer stew, fresh fish, or foraged ingredients, each meal was a rewarding culmination of our daily survival efforts. Cooking in freezing temperatures presented its own challenges, but it was a valuable lesson in adaptability and resourcefulness.
Cross-Country Skiing: Traversing the Arctic Landscape No Arctic adventure would be complete without cross-country skiing, an essential skill for navigating vast snow-covered terrains. We covered miles of pristine wilderness, building endurance and refining technique along the way. The breathtaking scenery of Sweden’s winter wonderland made the effort well worth it.
Final Challenge: Downhill Skiing in ÅreTo cap off our expedition, we hit the slopes in Åre, Sweden’s premier ski resort. After days of rugged survival training, it was a thrilling change of pace to carve down the mountains, enjoying the exhilaration of speed and skill on the groomed slopes. It was the perfect way to end our Arctic journey, celebrating all that we had learned and achieved.
Join Us for the Next Arctic Expedition in January 2026! Feeling inspired? South West Survival will be returning to Sweden for another Arctic expedition in January 2026. If you’re ready to test yourself against the elements, master essential survival skills, and experience the adventure of a lifetime, secure your place now by clicking this link:
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The Arctic is waiting. Will you answer the call?
Was amazing! Definitely booking for the next one !