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 flanked by Sweden’s highest mountains as you travel towards your finish line at Hemavan. This is an expedition race that will require self-sufficiency and proficiency in cold weather management. Experiencing temperatures as low as -35°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. This will be an adventure of a lifetime.
An Introduction to the Montane Arctic Spine
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 February 6th 2024, Akisko
- Finish: 09:00 February 14th 2024, Hemavan
- Time Limit: 192 hours
- Temperature: -5°C / -35°C
- Terrain: Arctic tundra
- Daylight Hours: 8 hours
- Airport: Kiruna
- Places Available: 25
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? Join us at one of our Arctic intro events to discover step by step knowledge of what’s required to take on this challenge. You can also book a call with the Race Director Phil Hayday-Brown or take a closer look at the route.
Speak to the Race Director
Checkout the Route
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Testimonials
Rob Brooks
The Arctic race will certainly be the most difficult challenge I've ever undertaken, but also the most exciting and potentially rewarding. It's such a beautiful unspoilt part of the world and I feel immensely privileged to have the opportunity to spend some time there.
I learnt many things on the Arctic training course, most notably the importance of being super disciplined and organized. Phil was a font of knowledge, never getting tired of answering our constant barrage of questions.
Arctic Spine Training 2022
Testimonials
Doug Braidwood
With Phil, I learnt the skills to make me feel more confident and comfortable in the Arctic conditions. And I had a lot of fun along the way! I think the race will be an amazing experience. A real challenge of self sufficiency and Arctic skills. Having dragged those pulks around for a bit, I have renewed respect for the effort involved. It's not just gliding on top of the snow!
Arctic Spine Training 2022
Testimonials
Alan Jackson
I thought the Arctic training week was brilliant. Using skis and pulling the `pulk` is not as easy as putting on a pack and running. Saying that it's easier to pull a pulk than put on a heavy pack for my weak core muscles!
Arctic Spine Training 2022
Testimonials
Rob Hopkins
The Arctic Spine training week was a fantastic opportunity for me to learn how to safely survive and travel through a freezing landscape. It was very remote and totally different from normal life. I would like to return soon.
Arctic Spine Training 2022
Race FAQs
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 is £3000.
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. £1000 will be due 140 days before race start and the final £1000 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.
Payment schedule
To secure your place in the race, you will need to make a deposit payment of £1000 on entry. The remaining fee is split over two further payments of £1000. 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 £1000 deposit in order to secure your place.
140 days to go
£1000 of the total race entry fee is now due.
100 days to go
Final payment of £1000 is now due.
Official sponsor
