Each year we look for team members to join us for our flagship polar expeditions. This is a chance to become part of the Ice Warrior Squad (IWS). No previous experience is necessary. With a comprehensive training programme you can aspire to take part in one of Ice Warrior's extraordinary Arctic expeditions, becoming an accomplished and experienced polar explorer.

This is not an adventure holiday. Nor is it a tourist operation. It is a chance to take part in a bone fide expedition where you are an integral part of the whole process.

What does it involve?

Participation in an Ice Warrior Expedition is arduous in the extreme, both physically and mentally.

Initially there may be continual darkness as the start date might be on the edge of the Arctic Winter. This means enduring temperatures of – 50 Celsius coupled with very large wind chill factors. The mode of travelling is by foot and ski and you will be expected to haul a sledge carrying equipment and provisions across treacherous and difficult terrain such as rock, snowfields, sea ice, ice ridges, and leads of open water. And we will be travelling through known polar bear territory. Although the teams are made up of numerous people, weather conditions often dictate long periods of ‘solitary' travelling – so you need to be happy in your own company. Except for possible re-supplies, the team will be self-sufficient and in the event of injury or accident members will be expected to help each other survive and affect rescue, if necessary.

What is the entry process and what are the likely costs?

On our application form you will be asked to answer two very broad questions. Having looked at your answers we will then invite as many people as possible to an informal interview with Jim - either face-to-face or by telephone.

The interview gives us a chance to see if you have what it takes and gives you the chance to ask any questions you may have.

If you are successful at the interview and we will let you know immediately, you will be invited to join the Ice Warrior Squad of trainees and begin a comprehensive training programme where your competence in all areas of the syllabus will be measured and discussed throughout. Once you have completed your training and are deemed competent you are then invited to join an Ice Warrior Expedition Team and be a part of one of our flagship expeditions. We do reserve the right to exclude IWS members from an expedition who do not reach a satisfactory level of competence but do everything to ensure this does not happen. 

The budget for the specific Ice Warrior Expedition you will be in training for will be published nearer the time.

So how do we pay for the expedition?

This is an expedition not an adventure holiday and therefore we ask you to get involved with every aspect of planning and achieving the polar expedition and everyone is expected to contribute to the effort to raise sponsorship (failing to do so will jeopardise your position). This is all part of the Ice Warrior ethos and so here we ask you to go and seek personal sponsorship from your own community, friends and contacts - as much as you can! (There are different target amounts according to the specific expedition you are on). Whatever you as an individual raise goes into the team “pot” from which your training staff and leaders are paid and 10% is donated to the infrastructure and running costs of Ice Warrior.

In addition to this, Ice Warrior is constantly seeking and securing corporate financial sponsorship for the whole project and we hope with our increasing public profile and interest shown by TV companies, to secure full funding in this way. 

When it comes to the specific expedition you are chosen for (which will not be announced until after your Basic training) whatever amount the team has been able to raise as individuals is added to the corporate amount raised and set against the total cost of the expedition. If there is a deficit then this will be split equally between the team members. If there are more than enough funds then the rest is ploughed back into other Ice Warrior activities such as the Education Road show, scientific studies and our charitable beneficiaries.

Requirements

• You must be able to commit to the training programme.
• Participants will be required to play a full and active role in raising funds for the expedition.
• You must currently have a level of fitness which will allow you to continue training and achieve the physical condition necessary to complete the expedition. Please note it is endurance and not physical fitness that counts.
• In addition you must be in good health and have no physical ailments that could preclude you from completing the challenge. You will be required to sign a declaration about your health and are advised to have a full medical check up before attending the selection weekend.

What to do next

If you feel that you have what it takes and you would like to embark upon this life-changing journey please download the file at the top of this page and follow the instructions carefully.

After we have received this you should here from us within 7 days - so please contact us if you don't.

A Few Testimonials

"THANK YOU for an amazing weekend - truly the most amazing thing I have ever done and with amazing people". Pauline S.

"I have spent many a weekend in the hills but none like this. You will definitely be better prepared for anything after this weekend and it was an enjoyable experience that I will long remember." Denis

"The weekend is as much a mental test as a physical one. It's hugely enjoyable finding out how you function when you are cold, tired and hungry. So often we curse our sat nav for making us drive effortlessly down the wrong road in complete warm and safe comfort. When you have a map and compass in your hand there is no one else to blame if it goes wrong. It's a weekend of making new friends, teamwork, personal growth, exploring your own limits - it's tough fun.  I most enjoyed the dynamic of the team, everyone had different roles, strengths and even these changed over the time we spent together. A couple of times I asked myself why had I come on the weekend but I'd do it again at the drop of a hat! " Craig

" The selection weekend was hard work but superb fun. It was fantastic to be in the company of like-minded people with whom I shared mutual goals and who didn't think I was a barking mad eccentric (as people generally do!!) Ice Warrior is the most difficult, arduous mission I have ever set myself, and the fund-raising aspect is every bit as daunting as the physical task ahead. There's nowhere to hide from your weaknesses and the only solution is to face them head-on and steam-roll straight over them! 
I am more determined than ever to rise to the many challenges involved and I have no doubt whatsoever that I will do so, but I just know it's going to be really, really painful!" Heidi

“I have really enjoyed the weekend. Thank you for letting me take part.” Jo

“Good range of skills and personalities which meant everyone learnt a lot.” Oliver N.

“I really enjoyed the weekend and have been glad of the experience even if I don’t make it…I’ll apply again for the next one. It’s been great.” Andrew G.

“Even if I don’t get on the squad, then I will have thoroughly enjoyed this experience anyway” Liz R.

“I’ve had a fantastic time on the weekend. The people have been so friendly and I’ve made some great memories.” Neil S.

“This weekend without doubt awakened a huge appetite within me” Seb. K

"I am writing to thank you for a most wonderful weekend. It was an absolutely amazing experience". Olga

Application Form