Finnmarksvidda
Always head north to learn polar travel the real way
The Finnmark plateau is the northernmost mountain wilderness in Norway, sitting at 300–500 metres above sea level. It lies well north of the Arctic Circle and is best known as the land of the Sami and their reindeer herds.
It has an inland climate — low temperatures, little precipitation. And it does not escape us that it is beautiful, with an adventurous tranquility few other places can match.
Duration: 7 days total, 5 full ski days in the field
Distance: Approximately 85 km on skis with pulks
Group size: 1 guide and a small team — we keep numbers low
Departure point: Alta (ALF)
End point: Karasjok / Lakselv (LKL)
Dates 2027: TBA — the trip runs at a similar time every year
Price: NOK 15,300 per person (deposit NOK 5,000)
EXPEDITION FACTS
Expedition Details
Two trips in one. We take you to the wildest part of northern Norway, we cross Finnmarksvidda — which is an expedition in its own right — and we do it in a way that sharpens your skills for bigger targets later.
Finnmark is Norway's northernmost county, and at the height of winter the plateau can fairly be compared with the most remote, coldest parts of the Arctic and Antarctica. In spring it is well visited. We go while the Polar Night still has its grip on the north and night temperatures can sink to -30°C, sometimes lower. In that cold, you feel the power of the Northern Lights overhead.
This is training, yes — but a bit of an expedition too, because that is the best way to learn. We keep groups small, so you get the real taste. Nothing here comes for free: the days are short, the temperatures low, the sled real. We work on camp routines, navigation, strategy, teamwork — and at the same time we take in the scenery, the polar night, and the peace of the open plains.
Whatever your next trip is, we want you ready for it. Learn the tricks of winter travel under real conditions and your chances of reaching future goals go up.
The distance is around 85 km over 5 full ski days — long enough for proper field experience.
Think of it as a mini Greenland crossing. You should arrive in reasonable shape. Read our training chapter for advice, read the equipment list carefully, and look forward to the most fun school you'll ever attend.
This Cool-School is part of our Polar Academy.
The Route
Day 1: Fly in to Alta (ALF) from Oslo around midday. We spend the day preparing — analysing the route and weather forecast, packing food, readying gear. The team sleeps together in a camping cabin / apartment.
Day 2: Final check, then we drive to our starting point and click into skis. After a few kilometres we reach Jotka Fjellstue and can't resist going in for a hot drink. Then we push on towards the open plains and pitch camp as the light goes.
Day 3: We ski south-east the whole day towards Iesjávri, the largest lake on Finnmarksvidda. Now we are properly out on the tundra, the landscape rolling away on all sides. Tents up again at dusk.
Day 4: We cross Iesjávri. From here we'll most likely leave the standard route to work on navigation and on reading natural indicators in the terrain. For good reason: this stretch most resembles the flat, open expanses of Greenland and Antarctica.
Day 5: The terrain gradually becomes more hilly as we pass Øvre Mollesjokk and head towards Ravnastua. How far we get depends on the strength of the team and what Mother Earth has in store. This is normally our last night in the tent.
Day 6: We descend through forest terrain with small mountain birches and arrive at our friend Sven's place — a wonderful lodge where we'll spend the last night, sit on actual chairs, and eat a well-deserved dinner.
Day 7: In the morning we drive into the Sami town of Karasjok and catch the bus to Lakselv and Banak Airport (LKL). From here we go our separate ways. We recommend an afternoon flight out of Lakselv. Early flights exist, but you'll miss breakfast and need a taxi to the airport — too early for buses.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
An experienced guide. All general equipment: tents, stoves, navigation, sleds, safety, security, and communications. Breakfast and dinner while in the field. And all the advice you can use in the build-up. Just call :-)
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Travel to Alta and return from Lakselv / Banak. Food, shelter and travel before and after the field portion. Personal equipment — clothes, sleeping bag, mattress, personal bags, skis and boots. Travel and cancellation insurance. Lunch in the field.
If you have allergies or intolerances, we'll ask you to contribute so we can be sure you have enough safe food. Any unforeseen delays, weather changes or route changes may also lead to extra cost.
MEALS
We include breakfast and dinner from the moment we leave town until we're back. Breakfast is Børge's enriched porridge plus coffee or tea. Lunch and snacks during the day are on you and are not included — we take many short stops to eat and drink small amounts often, rather than one big break. Dinner is Real Turmat / DryTech expedition food.
SIGNING UP / DEPOSIT / INVOICE
The Booking Form gives you a place in the queue. We then send a deposit invoice — non-refundable per our Travel Conditions. Once paid, your place on the trip is confirmed and you are on your way. Three months before the start, we'll send the final invoice with the remaining balance.