We’ve been clear in our information package and have tried to be up front about what our expeditions are like. But we’ve realized now that we have to make it SUPER clear as to what you’re getting yourself into.
Our 2+ week expeditions are NOT for the faint at heart. Our trips are designed as TRAVEL expeditions. This means that we will be snowshoeing everyday. Sometimes a rest day is not possible but we do try to get one or two per trip. But it will NOT be a set day. It is all about getting our goal accomplished and that might mean resting on day 3, or on day 8 if the conditions dictate. Because if there is a warm front rolling in and conditions are about to get way harder, then yes, let’s push for another day or two so that we can rest while conditions are less good for travelling. It is all about efficient means of travelling to reach our goal!
A TRAVEL expedition means waking up sometimes at ungodly hours (depending on conditions that might mean getting up at 3AM to be walking by 5! But more likely a 5 or 6 am wake up to be walking by 8). Because sometimes the conditions are best in the morning and if it means more efficient travel, then let’s giddy up!
A TRAVEL expedition means walking through intense headwinds, deep snow, navigating slush, thin ice and sweat dripping, back breaking portages. Because we thrive on the idea that we are travelling through the wilderness, whatever is thrown at us.
A TRAVEL expedition means that our schedule is not set in stone and we MAY need to extend the trip by a day or two in order to make the expedition goals. So DO NOT book your flights the afternoon of the day the expedition is supposed to finish. We are a team, and if we decide that having an extra rest or need to push the end date back as a group, then we wouldn’t want to have you miss your flight!
A TRAVEL expedition means taking pleasure in enjoying your surrounding and taking in the beauty all around you, WHILE TRAVELING! Sometimes people think that in order to enjoy the area you have to be stationary. But there is great pleasure in taking in the beauty each step you take. So learn to enjoy walking while taking it all in. Even if you’re sweating, and your facial hair is frosting, and your thighs are burning. It’s like walking and talking- you get used it and then hopefully realize that actually it’s freakin’ incredible!
A TRAVEL expedition means that we will be working! Like walking through deep snow for 6 hours and then having to do all of the camp chores setting camp each night and tearing it down in the morning. From the time you wake up until the time you flop down in the tent for dinner, you will be in survival mode. Constantly faffing with your gear and making sure that you are taking care of yourself so as to not get frostbite, injured or dehydrated.
A TRAVEL expedition is PHYSICAL! That means that you will be pushed physically more than you have been in a very long time. You will discover muscles you didn’t realize you had and they will all ache at the same time. If you do not train for the expedition you will be the weakest link and you will not get out of the trip what you had paid for. You will enjoy yourself 100 fold if you come into this trip with the feeling that you feel physically fit and ready for the challenge. Though we never leave anyone behind (of course not!), and we do say that snowshoeing is for everyone, you do need a physical fitness level that is not fresh off the couch! We’ve had marathon and triathletes exclaim that this is the hardest physical and mental challenge they’ve ever faced. A combination of endurance training and strength training is necessary.
A TRAVEL expedition is MENTAL! This is one that is hardest to prepare for. But you need to realize that pushing yourself physically harder than you have maybe in your life will cause some mental anguish. You MUST adapt an attitude of flexibility, tenacity and willingness to accept help. We are all going to have highs and lows out there. And it is up to you to try to maintain a positive attitude that is not going to bring the group down with negativity. The group will always help you! But you need to be willing to look on the brightside when things are feeling grim. Having tough moments out there is a part of the expedition life. The best part is that rarely does it happen to everyone at the same moment. So there is always someone to lift the other when they are down. As long as you are here for the right reasons, we will get through it together.
A TRAVEL expedition is remote. We are travelling for a minimum of two weeks. That means that in the middle of the expedition, an evacuation of any kind is a serious undertaking. We can’t just have people say, “I’m done.” and expect an easy out. That is the time when you get to dig deepest and get through the day one moment at a time. Sometimes the only way to evac someone will be a helicopter. That will be at your own expense. So you need to take this commitment seriously and realize that you can skip out early for a want of some comforts. You are in it for the long haul (literally- your toboggan will be heavy.)
While this page is not meant to scare you away from joining us, believe us, we want you to come! We do want it to be very clear what you are signing up for. These trips are not a typical “guided tour”. While we are your guides, we are there to keep you safe, keep you well fed and keep the expedition moving smoothly, you are an active, integral part of the expedition TEAM. You are expected to haul your share of group equipment, and give everything you’ve got to the team. The success of our expeditions have always been because we create a team environment where we foster a give what you can attitude. And you can always dig just a little deeper to give just a little more- And this is where the MAGIC happens on our trips.
When you think you’ve reached your limit, and then you dig just a little deeper, you realize that you’ve just levelled up and found a new limit. And guess what? Beyond that limit is a new one! These expeditions are designed to help you find that you are more capable that you give yourself credit for. But we need you to be on board.
So if this all sounds exciting and somewhat scary to you, then join us! The power of a team that is all on the same page is an incredible, life changing experience. And we want to be a part of that with you.
If we’re being honest, it’s the people who are a little (or a lot) nervous and unsure if they can hack it that turn out to be the best expedition team members. If you are done reading this and feel more confident than ever, you might want to check your ego at the door.
Haven’t been scared off and are ready to go for it? Head back to our Expeditions page to find the best trip for you!
P.S. Not all of our expeditions are so heavily concentrated of the travel. We do offer beginner friendly expeditions that have a more leisure oriented agenda. Check out our 1-week offerings to dip your toes into the wild world of winter exploration.
