Challenger

We believe this is an epic adventure most people can complete with the rights 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

Solo entrants must have cold weather experience from similar events such as the Rovaniemi, Yukon Arctic Ultra, 6633, Arrowhead, Iditasport, and have demonstrable cold weather skills and experience from their profession or past experience. Your participation will be discussed with the race organisers prior to your acceptance as a solo participant.

TEAMS

Whilst the above entry criteria and an experience statement is requested, team entries (of 2, 3 or 4 persons) are open to those who may lack the experience to participate as a soloist. Team entries provide additional personal safety to entrants and are recommended for those who lack solo experience in extreme cold environments.

PRE-EVENT QUALIFYING 

All participants, regardless of their declared or approved experience will have to participate in a pre-event assessment course with 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 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 the shorter distance event.

Yes. We welcome team entries of 2, 3 or 4 persons. Team entries provide additional personal safety to entrants and are recommended for those who lack solo experience in extreme cold environments. You can let us know if you want to participate as a team in the sign-up process.

Phil Hayday-Brown, Co-founder of the Montane Spine Races will be the Race Director for the Arctic Races.

Phil started his career at The John Ridgway Adventure School learning the skills that would take him to the North and South Poles. Racing to the magnetic North Pole when working in the High Canadian Arctic (Nunavut) he went on to help organise and take part in the first race to the South Pole since the 1911/12 famous race between Scott and Amundsen. In 2013, Phil completed an expedition to the Geographic North Pole, breaking an unofficial world record for the fastest team to the North Pole over the last 2 degrees. Other recent recces include Lake Baikal in Siberia and Greenland where Phil has been exploring new race opportunities for Spine.

We have provided more detailed information in the race pack but there are a number of accommodation options available to you. We do advise booking early.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS:

STF KIRUNA
logi@kiruna.fhsk.se

KIRUNA SCANDIC
kiruna@scandichotels.com

ICE HOTEL KIRUNA – JUKKASJÄRVI
info@icehotel.com

STF ABISKO
abisko@stfturist.se

N.B. it is worth becoming an STF member before coming out

We would always recommend that every competitor purchases appropriate insurance to cover your participation in a Montane Spine event and the costs of your entry fee, should you not be able to take part.

The race has enormous infrastructure costs, most of which are fixed, which unfortunately prevents the option of a full refund. We want to be as fair as possible though, so while your entry fee includes a non-refundable deposit, if you notify us before the deadline (see Terms & Conditions) 100 days before the race, you will get a partial refund. Please read the T&Cs before make your payment.

The total cost for The Montane Arctic Spine Challenger is £2500.

To secure your place, you can either pay in full when you enter or pay a deposit of £1000. The remaining fee can be split over two payments. £750 will be due 140 days before race start and the final £750 will be due 100 days before race start. See below for the payment schedule.

Payments can be made online via your debit or credit card.