Courses
Arctic Ultras Training Course
A practical, small-group training weekend for anyone preparing for an Arctic ultra race
6-15 places · £350 per person · Cairngorms and Monadhliath Mountains, Scottish Highlands
Led by Dr Mark Hines — adventurer, exercise physiologist and veteran of thousands of miles of Arctic and sub-Arctic solo expeditions and races
Course dates: 15th-17th January 2027
Location: Starting from Aviemore Train Station (midday)
Price: £350 for the weekend (course only, not including food)
Places limited to ensure quality of the experience.
For more information and to book, email Mark
You'll spend the weekend working directly with Mark, hiking in the Highlands, testing equipment, practising techniques and discussing your own approach to Arctic racing.
Expect practical instruction, honest discussion and plenty of opportunity to ask questions.
The Experience:
Making Progress
Learn how to travel efficiently in Arctic conditions.
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Pacing
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Clothing systems
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Managing effort
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Trail conditions
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Efficiency over long distances
Campcraft
Learn the practical skills that are critical (and sometimes unique) to this environment
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Liquid-fuel stoves
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Snow melting
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Cooking
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Fire lighting
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Camp systems
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Sleeping systems
Navigation
Preparing for the realities of big-distance, unmarked trails
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GPS
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Maps and navigation
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Track interpretation
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Route finding
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Trail hazards
Safety
Understanding the effects of extreme cold, and how to make protecting yourself second-nature
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Cold injuries
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Hypothermia
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Hydration
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Nutrition
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Sleep deprivation
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Emergency procedures
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Self-evacuation and evacuation
The Race
Put everything together.
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Race strategy
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Equipment choices
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Resupply
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Managing setbacks
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Making decisions when tired and cold.
The goal of the course is to ensure athletes are well-prepared for fast and light travel in the sub-Arctic and Polar regions, and multi-day ultra races in these environments, such as the Iditarod Trail Invitational, Arctic Spine Race, 6633 Arctic Ultra, Montane Arctic Ultras and more. For those who already have experience of such events, it will give a chance to test different equipment and perhaps to hear more about the science and strategy of racing in these environments. For those without any particular plans to race in the cold, the course will hopefully shed light on the different races and help you decide if it is for you, and which events in particular.
Being sniffed by wolves, charged by moose, inconvenienced by a wolverine, sharing trail with a huge wolf pack and two mountain lions, falling through overflow, floundering in deep snow, succumbing to minor frostbite and broken ribs - these are just a few of my own experiences from the Arctic and sub-Arctic. Progressing along as the northern lights dance directly overhead, like a waving curtain 100 miles tall, is sublime. The most common reason I hear that people are put off these events is the cold. In all my time in that environment, the total time I have ever felt cold amounts to a few days out of several months and several thousands of miles. The right gear and knowledge is almost all you need.
The aim of the course is to ensure you have the tools to feel confident in this environment, so you can race the way you want to; maximising your chances for success.
For more information and to book, email Mark
About the Instructor
Dr Mark Hines combines practical Arctic racing and expedition experience with an academic background in exercise physiology and biomechanics:
Iditarod Trail Invitational (300 and 1000-mile distances)
Yukon Arctic Ultra (multiple 430 mile finishes)
Solo sled-hauled the full Yukon Quest route on foot (1000 miles)
Solo adventures on fat bike in the Canadian Arctic and Iceland
Solo sled-hauling on the Arctic Ocean
Lectures and researches extreme environments physiology, as well as sports nutrition and biomechanics.
FAQs
Do I need Arctic racing experience?
No. The course is suitable for people considering their first Arctic or sub-Arctic event as well as experienced racers.
Do I need to be entered in a race?
No - if you don't have a race lined-up you might find that you're inspired once you hear about the different races available.
How many people attend?
Typically 6-15 (numbers are capped to suit the group and ensure we maximise the opportunities for a tailored learning experience)
Where is it held?
We meet at Aviemore station in the Cairngorms and head directly into the mountains for the duration of the course
Where should I stay?
Consider staying in a hotel in Aviemore before and after the course, depending on your travel arrangements.
What do I need to bring?
Rucksack, sleeping kit (sleeping bag, sleeping mat), stove, stove fuel, cooking pot, Thermos flasks or hydration pack, bivvy bag or lightweight tent, food, hot drinks and snacks, headtorch, clothing for winter conditions in the mountains.
Will I need to camp outdoors?
We expect to camp outdoors unless conditions are too severe / too different to the Arctic (to the extent that doing so would not provide the learning experience expected to prepare people for Arctic conditions)
What level of fitness do I need?
You need to be able to hike throughout the day whilst carrying a rucksack with your food and kit for the weekend. We will take plenty of breaks to use stoves, prepare hot drinks, and have discussions.
What happens if the weather is severe?
Winter mountain weather can be unpredictable. If conditions are not conducive to spending the bulk of our time outdoors, we will make use of bothies.
Can I attend if I'm interested in expeditions rather than racing?
Absolutely - there will be plenty of insights into fast and light travel and all the core skills needed
What sort of stove do I need?
You will need a liquid-fuel stove for the Arctic, so you should bring one to practice with. If you do not yet have one, contact Mark to discuss options and recommendations.
