Boundary Waters Snowshoe Expedition 7-Day

Join us for a full week-long snowshoeing expedition following a historic route through the vast Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Northern Minnesota. We follow in the footsteps of the early fur trade trappers by means of snowshoe and toboggan during the day and sleep in traditional canvas “hot tents” at night. We use wood burning stoves to warm the tent, cook meals, and dry clothes each night. Even if the temperature drops to -40F outside, we can be comfortable with light layers in the tent. Local wildlife includes moose, otters, wolves, beavers, eagles, lynx, and more.

Our winter expeditions are fun and challenging. You will certainly hone your skills for extended travel in extreme cold and deep snow conditions. Some of these skills include:

• Dressing appropriately for conditions
• Maintaining proper nutrition and hydration
• Managing thermoregulation
• Selecting, harvesting, and processing firewood
• Using snowshoes
• Packing toboggans
• Axe and saw use
• Ice chisel use
• Winter cooking and baking
• Winter fire building and stove use
• Ice safety
• Winter survival skills

We meet Monday morning, January 30th at the designated location. Those of us driving from a distance can drive up Sunday and stay at a lodge for a small fee. In the morning, we will check our gear and head to the put-in to start our journey!

This is a loop trip with 7 days on the ice. We travel most days and plan for 1 or 2 layover days (itinerary may change due to weather or other variables). We will travel roughly 25 miles in total. There are lots of places to explore along our route such as frozen waterfalls, artifacts from the old logging days, and Native American pictographs. We will hike out Sunday, February 5th. Depending on where you're from, you can head home or spend the night relaxing at a local lodge. We can help arrange lodge stays. 

All meals on trail are included. If you have special dietary restrictions, please let us know well in advance.

Difficulty: Challenging

This trip is for experienced winter enthusiasts. You should be very comfortable camping and working in sub-zero conditions. You should be able to provide sufficient personal gear as per the provided gear list. Everyone will be provided a toboggan outfitted with tanks to hold your gear and some of the group gear. This is an expedition style trip and every participant will help with daily camp tasks such as tent set up and take down, collecting water, processing firewood, etc.

AS ALWAYS >>> A gear list and details will be available upon registration.

Price: $1,199

You can also pay a $350.00 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot.

This deposit will be put towards your final balance.

Included:

• Permits
• All meals on the trail
• Group tents
• Toboggans
• Packable wood stoves
• Group med kit
• Group kitchen
• Purified water
• Axe and saws

Not Included: (Rental gear is available if needed)

• Personal gear (clothing, sleeping bag, etc.)
• Snowshoes (rental available)
• Sleeping bag (-40F down bags available for rent)
• Mukluks/boots (available for rent)
• Transportation to/from the BWCA (carpooling options may be available)
• Rescue/trip insurance (recommended)
• Lodging nights of January 29th & February 5th (lodging can be added for a small fee, we can help)

Please send all questions to info@nowoutdoors.org