Back in the early 1990s, Fjällräven founder, Åke Nordin, met Kenth Fjellborg, who was a pioneer among Sweden’s dog-sled racers and adventurers. Fjellborg had completed the Iditarod, running a team of 20 dogs across the harsh Alaskan wilderness over the course of three weeks. The race inspired Nordin and, from 1997 to 2006, Fjällräven Polar came to be a race akin to the Iditarod, declaring a winner at the end.
Problem is, the race didn’t mesh well with Nordin’s vision for Fjällräven and the brand’s core values of inspiring everyday people to discover the outdoors. The event was paused until 2012, when Fjällräven rolled out a new format. For the last decade, Fjällräven Polar hasn’t focused on racing at all. In fact, it isn’t even designed for dog-sled experts. It was—and still is—for curious, everyday adventurers.
“We’re focused education and inspiration,” says Sisun. “We believe that with the right equipment and the right knowledge, anyone can become an arctic explorer.”
Over the last 10 years, participants have faced myriad hurdles, everything from blizzards to below-freezing temperatures to the vast emptiness of the Arctic tundra. For a few lucky people, Fjällräven Polar is a unique opportunity to test their limits on the adventure of a lifetime.
“These challenges help transform people,” says MJ Smoot, Global Marketing Manager at Fjällräven. “It’s common to run into storms and have to adapt to weather conditions. Adaptability is a huge part of the trip.”
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What Participants Should Expect
For the 20 selected by the jury, Fjällräven Polar is an all-expenses-paid trip, including flights, gear, and food. You’ll fly to Swedish Lapland to start the journey, where you’ll get the necessary training and skills. This includes everything from setting up your tent and using your stove to staying warm, making water, and protecting yourself against the elements. You’ll also meet your team of six dogs who you’ll look after for the journey.