Our polar expedition preparation courses

Do you dream of taking part in an adventure, or even a polar expedition? Don't forget the essentials that will turn your project into an unforgettable experience. We have developed three levels of preparation courses in the Jura, ranging from first steps to self-sufficiency, to support you in your polar adventure and give you the necessary theoretical and practical grounding. A true rite of passage, these courses have been designed thanks to our long experience in polar expeditions, ranging from sporting adventures to the most difficult and committing expeditions. To complement this field-based approach, we offer technical introductory or skill-building snowkite courses in Norway. We support you in your progress and introduce you to this fascinating environment; you will then only have to draw on our offerings to select the expedition of your dreams… In this article, you will find our main polar courses.

Why take a polar expedition preparation course?

While there is an attraction to polar environments and a certain aura around the world of polar expeditions, the decision to take part in an adventure at these latitudes calls for real preparation.

Preparation above all for one's own safety and that of the other participants, but also learning the rules of living, organisation, risks, travel in a polar environment and life at camp, becoming familiar with the appropriate gear and equipment, the routines…

Armed with all this, we will be able to set off, make the most of it and take pleasure in our adventure.

Our courses have been thought out and designed by specialists, polar guides, and drawing on our long experience of the most committing expeditions.

3 levels of preparation courses are possible in our rite of passage, ranging from level 1 "first steps", level 2 "self-sufficiency", to level 3 "point-to-point travel". After a discussion about your wishes, your physical and technical level and your objectives, we will know how to steer you towards the level of course that suits you. These 3 courses are not a compulsory path; we discuss it together beforehand according to each person's experience and objectives.

Written summaries are sent to each participant after their course, recapping all the points covered but also individualised advice on physical and mental preparation, as well as advice on the gear and equipment specific to polar environments and according to each person's project.

Our level 1 & 2 polar introduction courses

Polar expedition preparation course © Olivier Bourcet

The level 1 course, lasting 3 days, is designed to provide the essential, must-have basics for taking part in your first polar adventure. A clever balance of theory and practice allows participants to approach conditions in a polar environment, the characteristics of an expedition, travel techniques, the organisation of the bivouac and life under the tent.

The level 2 course, also lasting 3 days, allows you to reinforce the knowledge acquired during the level 1 course, but the educational aim will be to be capable of operating independently by the end of the course: travel in expedition conditions, bivouac, team spirit, orientation and organisation should be mastered.

These two courses take place in the Jura in a wonderful setting where the often difficult weather conditions are close to the situations you may encounter in polar environments.

Discover our level 1 and 2 polar courses Guaranteed departures on 10 January, 3 February, 7 February, 14 February and 21 February 2025 | Price €980

Our level 3 skill-building course, or short polar expeditions

Secret Planet Adventure School course © Olivier Bourcet

We have set up two trips that allow us to develop our polar skills over 5 and 6 days, in France and in Finland. While these programmes were first designed to bring us pleasure and beauty, we have conceived them as true theoretical and practical introductions to self-sufficient polar expeditions.

These so-called level 3 courses, lasting 4 to 5 days of self-sufficient point-to-point travel, are aimed at those who wish to test their ability to reproduce over several days the routines and skills acquired in the level 1 and level 2 courses, and/or those who want training, a kind of dress rehearsal before setting off on their expedition.

Point-to-point travel in the Jura mountains 
Guaranteed departure on 14 January 2025 | Price €1350

Ski-pulka raid on Lake Inari
Guaranteed departures on 8 and 15 March 2025 | Price €2950

Our introductory snowkite course in Norway

Snowkite at Hardangervidda © Michael Charavin

Supervised by Mika, one of the most renowned polar-expedition snowkiters, we head to Finse in Norway for an intensive 8-day snowkiting adventure, including 6 days of practice. Depending on the dates, this trip is aimed at beginners or at those with some experience.

In a magnificent place offering fine wind conditions, we set out each day on star-shaped routes. All our energy is focused on kiting, and we spend our days outdoors, in sessions lasting several hours that follow one another every day. The "intensive" nature of such a trip guarantees a large volume of practice and allows for rapid progress.

Discover our introductory snowkite course
Guaranteed departure on 7 February 2025 (introduction) | Price €2950