Mini Expedition Experience Finse
Even the idea of going on a long expedition can feel overwhelming. The commitment, the unknowns, the time away - it's not always easy to take that first step. That's why we created the Mini Expedition Experience.
Step out of your comfort zone - in a safe and accessible way!
This four-day expedition offers a real, hands-on introduction to polar travel. You'll learn the essential skills, experience the rhythm of expedition life, and understand what it means to travel as a fully self-sufficient team - all without the pressure of a full-length journey.
We've designed this experience to be accessible, manageable, and rewarding. It's a space to slow down, learn by doing, and decide for yourself if a longer expedition might be right for you in the future. The pace is steady, the environment is supportive, and there's room to learn and grow.
What to expect?
We work in small groups, with a focus on individual attention and group dynamics. We will be fully self-sufficient, carrying our own gear, preparing our own meals, and setting up camp in the snow — just like on a full expedition, but with the time and space to learn and build confidence. To make thins even more accessible, all the special expedition equipment and group materials are provided! This includes tents, pulks, sleeping systems, cooking gear, and safety equipment.
About the location
The expedition takes place in Finse, a remote mountain village in Norway with a long-standing connection to polar history. Once used as a training ground by explorers like Amundsen and Shackleton, Finse still offers the isolation, conditions, and terrain that make it an ideal setting to learn the basics of expedition travel — with the added safety of staying relatively close to a base. It's very accessible by train from Oslo and Bergen.
What kind of experience do I need?
You don't need any previous experience to join this expedition. The mission of Polar Exped is to make the Arcic and Polar regions accessible to everyone, and this is our most accessible expedition. We will be camping in the snow, cooking our own meals, and melting snow for water - all the things we do on a full expedition, but without the pressure of needing to cover long distances.
I don't know how to ski. Can I still join?
Absolutley! Day one will be focussed on getting comfortable and efficient on the skis. The terrain is relatively flat and we will take our time to get used to snow travel. Back-country skiing is different from traditional (downhill/resort) skiing and quite easy to learn the basics. It's more about gliding efficiently through the snow, rather than making sharp turns.
Benefits
We want to set you up for success, that's why with Polar Exped - you'll get much, much more.
Joining our expeditions comes with a lot of unique benefits. Discover some of them here.
Training Plan
Preparing your body and mind for the expedition is the first step towards success. The better you've trained the more enjoyable your experience will be.
We will discuss your current fitness and experience, help you do a realistic assessment and set up a training plan.
Gear Assistance
Having the right gear is important. We will go trough the gear you already have and provide advice on what you need and where to get it.
We don't send out generic copy/paste gear lists and hope for the best, instead we'll make sure you have exactly what you need.
Deals with brands
We're working together with some of the leading equipment brands, manufactures and stores to make sure you can use the best gear possible.
In many cases we can offer you a special discount.
Planning & Preparation
Roald Amundsen, first man to reach both the North and South Pole said:
"Adventure is just bad planning". We live by those words. You can count on us to take care of all the preparations so you can just join without worrying about anything.
Safety First
Being outside is not without risks, but our focus is keeping everyone safe. Planning, Gear, Education & Experience. Those things combined make for a successful expedition.
For additional safety we travel in small groups of max 5 participants.
Friends & Partners
We want to offer you the best possible experience on our expeditions. Because we value high quality equipment, clothing and customer service, we use and collaborate with some of the leading brands and manufacturers.
Our expeditions are also covered by the STO Garant's guarantee scheme, which is recognized by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM). You can find more information about the guarantee
What's included?
We try to include as much as possible so you don't need to worry about anything. This list might not be exhaustive. If you have any questions - let us know. The following is included:
- Use of premium quality ski's, poles and ski boots
- Pulk, harness, straps, polar bedding, mattress
- Strong and capable Hilleberg Keron winter tent
- Warm mattress & winter sleeping bag (-20°)
- Group satellite communication and tracking
- Group safety equipment and first aid kit
- Personal gear assitance
- Carefully selected expedition food plan
You will need to take care of:
- Personal clothing (we will help you get the right gear)
- Travel to Finse (by train)
- Personal (S&R) and travel insurance
- Meals & snacks according to your food plan
Available to rent/borrow
We own some gear that you can borrow/rent at minimal cost (mostly cost of cleaning). Things like a down jacket and more. If we don't have your size, we know where to get it.
If you're interested in joining us, we invite you to schedule a call with us. This is a chance for us to get to know each other and see if this expedition is the right fit for you. Leave us your details, and we'll guide you from there!
* The date is an estimate and can change depending on the weather and other factors.
This offer is covered by the STO Garant guarantee. You can find the conditions for this guarantee scheme on STO Garant's website (www.sto-garant.nl/en/downloads).