The Taiga Architect: Hike, Build Igloo & Dine

Forget the glass igloos - real Arctic memories are carved from the snow itself. This 5-hour immersive expedition is designed for those who want to do more than just watch the landscape.

Your journey begins at the morning. Under expert guidance, your team will engineer a Quinzhee style snow shelter. You will learn the physics of "structural snow" as we mound and pack a dome that can withstand the Arctic winds.

While the snow "sinters" (hardens), we put on snowshoes and head into the wild. We’ll traverse hidden trails and frozen landscapes, spotting wildlife tracks and enjoying the silence of the late-winter tundra. Upon our return, the real work begins: hollowing out the heart of your shelter.

The reward? As you put the finishing touches on your dome, the smell of woodsmoke fills the air. We conclude the day with a hearty, chef-prepared lunch over the flames. You’ll leave not just with photos, but with the genuine skills of a Northern Architect.

Highlights:

• Engineering Challenge: Hands-on construction of a functional snow shelter.
• Wilderness Trek: A guided snowshoe hike through the pristine Kiruna/Abisko region backcountry.
• Survival Skills: Master the science of Arctic insulation and learn how to put up own bonfire.
• Chef-Prepared Feast: A full, hot wilderness lunch served fresh by the fire.
• The Ultimate Photo Op: Dine inside or beside your own hand-built snow home.

What's included:

• Professional Gear: High-quality thermal overalls, heavy-duty mittens, and safety helmets.
• Tools: Big shovels, snow saws, and excavation shovels.
• Hike: Snowshoes
• Food: Full lunch, hot lingonberry juice, tea/coffee, and high-energy snacks.

What's not included:

• Your own warm/winter clothes - and you'll need them during snowshoe hike + as the replacement clothing in case of getting too wet during building igloo
• Camera equipment - our guide will take pictures of you, but if you need more, you've got to bring your own!

Before you book:

• Please note that this is a quite demanding physical activity with being outside for most of the time. For these reasons it's not suitable for people with:
• limited mobility
• claustrophobia
• high blood pressure or any other conditions, in which physical activity is health-risky
• We encourage whole families to take part in the activity! If you have children younger than 12 years, please contact us first - we may find solution best for everyone!
• In the season 2025/26, due to lack of quality vegetarian products available in Kiruna, we cannot offer vegan/vegetarian option for the food prepared during this activity.