EXPEDITION ESCAPE THE ARCTIC | FEBRUARY & MARCH 2027 AND 2028
Lapland expedition
Helicopter drop into frozen wilderness, snow caves and pure Arctic silence.
KOEN DE LEEUW
Explained by our expedition leader
Interested in the expedition to Arctic Lapland?
KOEN DE LEEUW
Explained by our expedition leader
Interested in the expedition to Arctic Lapland?
The story of this expedition
You fly to Arctic Lapland. From there you head deeper into the High North, all the way to the helicopter. There the helicopter drops you in a vast stretch of frozen wilderness where no one lives. From then on you are off grid and self-sufficient, and you make decisions together with your group.
On foot you travel on snowshoes through vast taiga forests, over ridges and frozen lakes. You learn to navigate without landmarks, using map, compass and distance. The terrain changes constantly and demands constant focus: from hard snow to deep powder, from dense forest to open plains where everything turns white.
We cross several lakes and learn to judge whether the ice will hold you. Everything you need, you carry in your backpack. We also teach you to build a snow cave to sleep in. Outside it freezes hard, inside it stays around zero.
It freezes day and night, the wind can pick up suddenly and apart from your group there is no one. You learn to rely on your preparation, your gear and each other.
We choose late February and early March: a period with enough daylight and guaranteed snow, exactly what this expedition needs.
The story of
this expedition
You fly to Arctic Lapland. From there you head deeper into the High North, all the way to the helicopter. There the helicopter drops you in a vast stretch of frozen wilderness where no one lives. From then on you are off grid and self-sufficient, and you make decisions together with your group.
On foot you travel on snowshoes through vast taiga forests, over ridges and frozen lakes. You learn to navigate without landmarks, using map, compass and distance. The terrain changes constantly and demands constant focus: from hard snow to deep powder, from dense forest to open plains where everything turns white.
We cross several lakes and learn to judge whether the ice will hold you. Everything you need, you carry in your backpack. We also teach you to build a snow cave to sleep in. Outside it freezes hard, inside it stays around zero.
It freezes day and night, the wind can pick up suddenly and apart from your group there is no one. You learn to rely on your preparation, your gear and each other.
We choose late February and early March: a period with enough daylight and guaranteed snow, exactly what this expedition needs.
Self-sufficient,
but never alone
Once we start, we are off grid. We melt snow for water, cook our freeze-dried expedition food and set up our camps where the terrain allows. One night you sleep in a snow cave you dig yourself.
You learn to build a snow cave to sleep in, judge whether ice will hold you and stay warm when it is freezing hard, guided by an experienced X- Guide whom you meet well in advance during the preparation programme.
Veiligheid & begeleiding
Safety is the foundation of every Element X expedition. Our X Guides are professionally trained, hold WFR certificates and have years of experience in extreme conditions.
Every expedition has satellite phones, GPS tracking, a cold management plan, safety procedures, an evacuation plan and local support in Lapland.
Before departure we also carry out a thorough risk analysis and prepare everything down to the last detail.
Guided by experienced expedition leaders.
You step into nature, away from the
beaten track, but always with the certainty of experienced guidance
and safety first.
Veiligheid & begeleiding
Safety is the foundation of every Element X expedition. Our X Guides are professionally trained, hold
WFR certificates and have
years of experience in extreme conditions.
Every expedition has satellite phones, GPS tracking, a well-considered cold management plan, clear safety procedures, a detailed evacuation plan and local support in Lapland.
Before departure we also carry out a thorough risk analysis and prepare everything down to the last detail.
Self-sufficient,
but never alone
Once we start, we are
off grid. We melt snow for water, cook our freeze-dried expedition food and set up our camps where the terrain allows. One night you sleep in a snow cave you dig yourself.
You learn to build a snow cave to sleep in, judge whether ice will hold you and stay warm when it is freezing hard, guided by an experienced X Guide whom you meet well in advance during the preparation programme.
How we prepare you.
The preparation programme starts at least three months before departure and consists of an individual phase and a group phase.
Individual phase
Starts immediately after registration. You receive an inspiration pack with practical tips and exercises to prepare on your own. You gather your expedition gear using the packing list (do not buy anything yet: bring what you already have to the kick off, and we look together at what is still missing). And you share your medical information, because the best preparation is a plan for when things go wrong.
Group phase
Starts three to six months before departure with the kick off: a full day on which you get to know your group. We measure your strength, mobility and fitness and you receive training advice. Together we go over the route and the risks, you taste the expedition food and we go through the packing list. The day ends with a hike, an ice bath and a meal together, after which the WhatsApp group starts. Until departure you train regularly with your group, including a technical training tailored to the destination: navigation and moving on snow. Just before departure we do a final check of your gear, your fitness and your strength.
As seen in
You cross white plains and frozen lakes, through pine forests that run to the horizon, and you spend a night in a snow cave.
On this expedition in Lapland you have no signal and no distractions. Your days revolve around walking, staying warm, cooking and setting up camp.
You cross white plains and frozen lakes, through pine forests that run to the horizon, and you spend a night in a snow cave.
On this expedition in Lapland you have no signal and no distractions. Your days revolve around walking, staying warm, cooking and setting up camp.
Frequently asked questions
No, you do not need to be an ultra runner, but you do need to be motivated. Through our physical screening, your personal training schedule and the preparation programme we build your level up step by step to what this expedition requires. Through our preparation programme (screening, training plan and targeted training) we build your level up to expedition level in 3 to 6 months.
We work with polar and winter trained X Guides, a well-considered cold management plan, the right gear and an extensive safety framework (satellite communication, evacuation scenarios, risk analysis per zone). You are fully prepared beforehand to function safely and efficiently in the cold.
We provide the technical expedition and camping gear (snowshoes, stoves, sleep setup and more). You provide your personal clothing layers (base layers, insulation, outer layer) and footwear. During the preparation programme you receive a clear packing list and guidance on your choices.
Frequently asked questions
No, you do not need to be an ultra runner, but you do need to be motivated. Through our physical screening, your personal training schedule and the preparation programme we build your level up step by step to what this expedition requires. Through our preparation programme (screening, training plan and targeted training) we build your level up to expedition level in 3 to 6 months.
We work with polar and winter trained X Guides, a well-considered cold management plan, the right gear and an extensive safety framework (satellite communication, evacuation scenarios, risk analysis per zone). You are fully prepared beforehand to function safely and efficiently in the cold.
We provide the technical expedition and camping gear (snowshoes, stoves, sleep setup and more). You provide your personal clothing layers (base layers, insulation, outer layer) and footwear. During the preparation programme you receive a clear packing list and guidance on your choices.
Ready for the silence of the High North?
Limited spots. Taking an option is free and without obligation; your spot is only confirmed after the intake.
Jeroen Beeuwsaert
Owner | Beeuwsaert Construct
“The Arctic expedition was challenging, powerful and pure. Thanks to the preparation and the personal guidance I felt safe in an environment that was completely unfamiliar. The combination of extreme cold, the silence, the terrain and the helicopter drop made this an experience I will never forget.”
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