A non-stop 293 mile expedition race along the Kunglesden Trail.
The Montane Arctic Spine is a non-stop, 293 mile (472 km) foot race along the Kungsleden Trail in Arctic Sweden, one of the most stunning winter landscapes in the world. Starting at Abisko, you will journey through snowfields, Arctic tundra and frozen woodlands often breaking trail as you go towards your finish line at Hemavan. This is an expedition race that will require self-sufficiency and proficiency in extreme cold weather management. Experiencing temperatures as low as -40°C and winds as high as 40 mph, you will need to be able to navigate in whiteout conditions while still racing. You will need to have grit, determination and skills to get through to the end. It’s no surprise that this race is gaining the recognition as one of the toughest in the world.
Arctic Spine 2025 Highlights
Discover what it takes to conquer the mighty Kungsleden Trail in Arctic Sweden.
Race Details
- Location: Kunglesden Trail, Sweden
- Distance: 293 miles / 472 km
- Start: 09:00 Feb 8th 2027, Abisko
- Finish: 21:00 Feb 17th 2027, Hemavan
- Time Limit: 228 hours
- Temperature: -5°C / -40°C
- Terrain: Arctic tundra
- Daylight Hours: 8 hours
- Start line Airport: Kiruna
- Event Days: 9.5
Get your Race Information Pack
Find out everything you need to know about The Montane Arctic Spine by downloading our free race information pack. It includes details about the race, the route, itinerary and summary of equipment requirements.
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What's Next?
Ready to take on the challenge of The Montane Arctic Spine? Book a call with Race Director Phil Hayday-Brown to find out more or take a closer look at the route.
Speak to the Race Director
Checkout the Route
Testimonials
Leif Abrahamsen (NOR)
"Beautiful, fantastic, more like an expedition than a race. You can't attack it like a race or you'd never get through."
Testimonials
Edward Sellon (GBR)
“You have to do more than just physically endure the miles. This is an expedition race and you've got to be able to survive on your own. The Kungsleden is iconic for a reason. It’s very special.”
Arctic Spine Challenger 2024
Testimonials
Kevin Leahy (IRE)
"It was -25 degrees and I was happily cruising across a frozen lake. When I looked up, I saw the Northern Lights for the first time. This is why I do this."
Arctic Spine 2024
Testimonials
Andrew Bond (GBR)
“The Arctic Spine location and route felt truly remote. More than any other Arctic event I’ve done."
Arctic Spine Challenger 2024
Testimonials
Rob Brooks (GBR)
“I signed up because I wanted the challenge of testing myself in an extreme but beautiful environment. The Arctic Spine team were fantastic.”
Arctic Spine 2024
Race FAQs
We believe this is an epic adventure that can be completed with the right skills and approach. If you have questions about whether you meet the required experience please speak to us. We can advise on a range of qualification options to get you to the start-line.
SOLO COMPETITORS
To participate in the Arctic Spine Race, candidates must possess prior experience in multi day extreme cold weather races or expeditions. Having your own equipment such as skis and sleds will be required and you must have had experience of camping in extreme cold conditions. Participants will need competent use of maps, compass and GPS and be able to cover a minimum distance of 40km per day, necessitating previous experience in long-distance multi day races.
We seek candidates with experience in races such as the Iditarod Trail Invitational, 6633 Arctic Ultra, or Yukon Arctic Ultra. Prospective entrants must undergo an approval process with our Race Director prior to entry. In the absence of race experience, please provide details of any relevant expedition experience
TEAMS
Whilst the above entry criteria and experience is requested, team entries (of 2, 3 or 4 persons) provide additional personal safety and are recommended for those who lack solo experience in extreme cold environments. If your teammates need to withdraw during the event, you may have the option to continue as a non-competitive team. However, you will not qualify for any ranked prizes or placing. This is subject to your personal experience and ability. This decision is at the discretion of the Race Organisers and their safety team.
PRE-EVENT QUALIFYING
All participants, regardless of their declared or approved experience will have to participate in a pre-event assessment course with pass/fail modules focused on the core winter safety components such as winter camping, travel, navigation, personal administration, preparing food, water and dealing with emergency situations. If your skill level does not meet the required standard and you fail the assessment course your entry may be reviewed prior to the race start. For example you may be placed within a team or you may be requested to participate in a shorter distance event. In a worst case scenario you may not be approved to participate in the race.
Payment schedule
The entry fee for the Arctic Spine race is £3,150. To secure your place in the race, you will need to make a deposit payment of £787.50 on entry. The remaining fee is split over three further payments of £787.50. Alternatively, you can pay in full when you enter.
You can use your debit or credit card to make your payments online. Stripe Payments handles the steps between you providing your card information and learning that the payment has been accepted. Some of the world’s largest companies, including Amazon and Shopify, use Stripe.
Deposit
Pay a £787.50 deposit in order to secure your place.
270 days to go
£787.50 of the total race entry fee is now due.
180 days to go
£787.50 of the total race entry fee is now due.
90 days to go
Final payment of £787.50 is now due.
Official sponsor
