Arctic Challenge
Sign up and train for the Arctic Challenge 2026 and raise vital funds to help save lives from heart disease and stroke because Her Heart Matters.
You've got this!
Limited entries available. Register now.
The Challenge because Her Heart Matters
Your mission is….to survive in a stark and stunning environment like no other.
Do you have what it takes to travel 350 km north of the Arctic Circle, learn to navigate across frozen lakes and to camp out in -20°C with the Northern Lights as company?
The Cause
We are taking just 14 participants in this all female group of arctic adventurers to raise funds and awareness for a special reason – because Her Heart Matters!
Cardiovascular disease in women has been under-researched, under-diagnosed and under-treated for too long and we need to change that. Will you join us?
How do I join?
The total fundraising target for this trip is €6,500* (which includes flights, internal transfers, accommodation, guides, training, food and equipment hire).
*Of the €6,500 that you raise, €3,500 goes to the Irish Heart Foundation.
Pay a €250 deposit to secure your place!
Valerie Ritchie just donated €21.20- Yvonne Delaney just donated €53.00
- Ciara Dorrington just donated €26.50
- Matt Luczkowiak just donated €100.00
- Anonymous just donated €1020.00
- Yvonne Cohen just donated €31.80
- Ann Downey just donated €21.20
- Michelle Sliney just donated €53.00
- Michelle Kenny just donated €50.00
- Mary just donated €53.00
- Eavan Kneafsey just donated €53.00
- Gabrielle White just donated €21.20
- john daly just donated €53.00
- Joe Dennehy just donated €31.80
- Karen Healy just donated €26.50
- Liz Horgan just donated €20.00
- Gemma Ahern just donated €53.00
- Michelle White just donated €20.00
- Carol O Kelly just donated €53.00
- Oorla Rafter just donated €26.50
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment do I need?
We provide all specialist equipment: Down sleeping bags, sleeping mats, jackets, mitts, skis, snow shoes, poles and more.
What training will I get?
Two days training in advance of the expedition is included. You’ll have the opportunity to meet the guides and get hands on with some of the kit. We’ll also advise you on a fitness plan.
How do I join?
The total fundraising target for this trip is €6,500* (which includes flights, internal transfers, accommodation, guides, training, food and equipment hire).
*Of the €6,500 that you raise, €3,500 goes to the Irish Heart Foundation.
Itinerary
| Day 1
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Depart Dublin Airport for Tromsø, Norway followed by bus transfer to Kilpisjärvi, Finland
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| Day 2
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Morning: Cold weather & safety briefing, introduction to ski skills. Lunch in our cosy cabin.Afternoon: Introduction to snow shoeing. Arctic survival skills training.
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| Day 3
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Morning: Workshop: Avoiding cold weather injuries. 3 – 4 hour return ski journey to an open shelter and lunch cooked on a fire pit.
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| Day 4
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Morning Briefing and introduction to pulk systems. 4 hour ski journey across a vast, frozen lake – team pulk hauling practice.
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| Day 5
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Morning: Packing and prep for overnight expedition.Afternoon: Arrival at campsite – set up camp and enjoy camp dinner (hopefully under the Aurora).
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| Day 6
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Decamp after breakfast – ski out.
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| Day 7
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Relax, optional activities: ski or snow shoe with us. Option for National Park visitor centre, jacuzzi, sauna, ice-hole dip!!!
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| Day 8 | Depart for Dublin Airport. |
