Join us to experience firsthand how to live and travel the old ways in the open-air classroom of the northern woods. This journey unfolds in the woods and mountains where the Northern peoples lived and thrived.

The trip begins on foot traveling with homemade toboggans and snowshoes. We will review basic winter safety (prevention of 
                   "Wall Tent" base camp
frostbite and hypothermia) and first aid. We will show you the comforts of natural winter clothes made from wool, hide and fur. You will see firsthand how mukluks fit into a traditional binding. Camp will consist of heated wall tents with bough floors. We will also be building different shelters that you can use very comfortably with or without a sleeping bag.

The frozen north is abundant with life once you know where to look. We will be studying the habits of moose, deer, rabbit, beaver, muskrat, otter, mink, martin, weasels, birds, and all who present themselves. On stormy days we might sew mukluks, make winter tools, or craft a bow from spruce with just an axe.

 Glen with "hooped" Beaver pelt

 The rivers, lakes and streams are the winter roadways that we will be traveling as you learn firsthand how to read the ice for safe passage. By week's end you will have a working knowledge of winter life and travel so you may live safely and comfortably in the beauty and bounty of winter.

The base camp Wall Tent will have a small wood stove in it to provide us with a warm place to have meals and sleep at night and dry out your gear in the even it gets damp during the day's hikes

Daily activities will vary from snowshoe excursions, to learning to “read” the ice, to setting up Beaver traps and snares.

For those more adventurous (optional), we will teach you how to build an overnight outdoor shelter where you can spend a night in –20^oF temperatures - without a sleeping bag, and still be warm and cozy

Ice Fishing techniques as well as learning how to set a gill net “under the ice” will be covered. 

This is quickly becoming one of the most popular classes we offer!
Register for the class