Polar Expedition

Embark on a true polar expedition across the Finnmark Plateau in Norway, a 7-day journey through one of Earth's most pristine wilderness environments. Designed for medical and non-medical professionals alike, this is not a traditional classroom course but an immersive expedition-style experience combining adventure, survival, and leadership development. Led by Dr. Paddy Mitton, a seasoned polar expedition medic with six Antarctic seasons and extensive mountain guiding experience, participants will navigate the Arctic tundra above the treeline and potentially encounter reindeer herds and the aurora borealis.

Throughout the expedition, each participant takes the helm for a full day as expedition leader, making real-time decisions while guiding the team across the plateau. Daily integrated medical scenarios and evening group discussions sharpen field medicine expertise under expert tutelage. The course covers essential polar survival techniques, navigation skills, strategic planning, critical decision-making, and expedition medicine practice in a true remote environment. Days follow a routine of early starts, 6–8 hours of skiing in intervals with breaks, camp setup, and team activities in the Arctic setting.

The expedition spans 9 days total: arrival and preparation in Alta (2 nights at Engholm Husky Lodge), 6 nights camping on the plateau in self-made camps, and a final night in a cabin before departure. All food from arrival through breakfast on the final day is included, along with guides, skis, boots, pulks, camping equipment, and transfers from Alta. Participants must have completed basic first aid training and ideally some previous expedition experience; medical background is encouraged but not required. This is an ideal stepping stone for those who have completed an expedition medicine course and wish to gain hands-on experience and leadership credentials in wilderness and expedition medicine.