Prior to any of the expeditions there will be a training weekend held at Newlands adventure centre in English Lake district. All the activities will be run by Snowball expedition's guides.

The weekend is an essential part of the expedition build up and must be attended by all members. It is also a chance to meet your guides, train with your team and be completely clear about what you are stepping into.

The training has been designed to give a solid grounding in all the relevant skills needed for your particular expedition. Though each expedition is fully guided, the Arctic environment can change very quickly and can be extremely harsh. Expect the unexpected. If and when a storm comes or a polar bear enters the camp area the guides need to know that everybody is aware of exactly how to react.

In the UK we will learn all the necessary skills, individually and then as a team. These skills will be revisited once out in the Arctic, in sub-zero temperatures.

Instead of just being guided on expedition you become part of a team which makes the whole experience worthwhile. Preparation is everything

Training Summary - some areas of the weekend have been left out allowing for the element of suprise.

Friday – Arrival day.
20.00 hrs - There will be a pre training briefing and introduction. This will outline the weekend’s activities and will also give you the chance to meet your guides as well as your other team members.

Saturday
08.30 hrs – Modules will be set up during the day, covering the following topics:
Polar navigation & communication

• Global positioning system (GPS)
• Communication and technical equipment
• Aerial flight maps of the Arctic Region
• Long-range marine radio
• Satellite phones
• Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
• Map reading and compass awareness
• Arctic Photography basics
• Signalling
• Route Planning
• Emergency procedures

Clothing techniques and management

• Understanding layering
• Ventilation
• Care of your equipment
• Correct fitting session and ordering

Camp craft

• Pitching and storm-proofing a tent
• Securing an area against Polar Bears
• Finding a suitable camp area
• "The Red Fort" cooking session

Cold weather injuries and medical information

• SBX medics will give hands on lecture about cold weather injuries
• Personal stats taken by SBX medic
• Evacuation procedures
• Casualty evacuation exercise

Excercise
A team-work exercise will compete the day, featuring aspects from all areas covered in the modules. This will measure the strengths and weaknesses within the team and will also be combined with an important part of polar travel – having fun!

Team meal
19.30 hrs - The evening will be dedicated to enjoying a team meal in Keswick centre. A chance to practice that previously learnt skill – "The Red Fort" cooking session.

Sunday
08.30 hrs - Final exercise involving your guides leading you on a route in the mountains combining practical skills with problem solving. Expect the unexpected!

Final debrief and departure
12 noon – A debrief will be held covering the final exercise and all areas of the weekend.

Remember – thorough preparation for an expedition can be the difference between success and failure. Your guides will be keen to meet you and make sure you are fully trained and prepared for your experience.