Wolf & Lynx Tracking in White Wilderness, Sweden

  Sweden

Dates: February 2010 for 1 week

Description: Follow the tracks of Wolves and Lynx in the beautiful region of Siljan, Dalarna, Sweden.
Participants learn about the art of tracking, reading signs in the nature and also about the plight of the mythic wolf.

The Goal

To track wolves and lynx in their different territories and learn about these magnificent animals with an expert guide.


The Programme

A rare opportunity to spend time in the deep Swedish wilderness with an expert tracker, wolf researcher and wildlife photographer in the midst of winter, when the wilderness is white and the tracks are clear.

This programme is for those who want to throw themselves into an unforgettable, once in a lifetime wilderness adventure, tracking and learning about the rarest predators in our world today. You will track through the snow either on skis or snow shoes - allowing you to access wilderness areas in their territories. You will enjoy crackling fires in the snowy outdoors every day whilst hearing the sound of snow falling on the pine trees.

Schedule:

Day 1: Arrival
Unpacking at your lodge cabin outside Mora. Shop for food for the week. Rent skis and snow-shoes. The cabins are 10 minutes from Mora in a natural setting, as it is winter they are fully functional with modern amenities.

Day 2-5: Wolf and Lynx Tracking - 2 Nights Out in Tipis
Spend the days tracking in the white wilderness, going to areas where the wolves have their territory. There will be evening presentations about wolves and the research that is ongoing in the region. The tracking will take you through the deep forests and you will track with skis or snow shoes - a relative fitness standard is needed to take part. There will also be Lynx in the area and both tracks will be followed. Tracking will end around 3pm each day when it starts getting dark.

Day 6: Rest
Evening grill in the tipi next to your cabin

Day 7: Home

Your guide, Pär Johansson, has extensive knowledge of the local area and is currently working with Wolf Research with the Swedish authorities. He will make presentations on wolves and lynx at nighttime, so that you come away from this programme with detailed knowledge on the plight of the wolves and lynx and how they live in today's world. All the photos on this webpage are courtesy of Pär Johansson.

Dates:

Monday 1st February to Sunday 7th February 2010

There are 8 places available on this programme. Either you can join as a group of friends, students or work colleagues.

Facilities

You will be collected on Saturday 30th January from the Mora train station and taken to your cabin. The cabin is located in a natural setting near a beach on beautiful Lake Siljan. The cabins have two rooms with 4 beds, a large communal area, kitchen, fridge with toilets and showers. If you would like to live more privately then this can also be arranged at an extra cost. There is also a large communal/gathering room which holds a big cosy fireplace, and this is where Pär will give presentations on wolves and lynx at night time. These will be done in English. Accommodation in the tipis will be much more rustic but very atmospheric. They will be heated either by fire or by portable gas heaters and you will need to bring your own camping mats, sleeping bags, pillows etc. In the event of severe weather conditions, you will stay in your cabins.

The transportation on a daily basis will be with a rented minibus. In the forest the best way to track is with nordic skis. If this is a problem, there is also the possibility to hire snow-shoes. You will make a picnic for lunch and you would be outdoors all day long. On the last day, you will be dropped off at the train station in Mora.

Requirements

Due to the fact that you will be outdoors all day long and moving through the snowy terrain on snow shoes or nordic skis, you will need a medium standard of fitness. Applicants should have a keen interest in wildlife conservation. Under 18s can join the programme, as long as they are accompanied by an adult and are able to track in the snow all day. You will receive detailed information on the equipment that you will need to bring for this winter programme, after you have booked.

How to get to Mora

You will have to arrange to travel to Mora, which is approximately 2-3 hours north of Stockholm. International flights all arrive into Arlanda Airport, Stockholm, and from there, you can take a train to Mora. RyanAir, the cheap fare airline also flies to Skavsta and Vasteras Airports, about 100 Kms away from Stockholm from various parts of the UK - check www.ryanair.com for prices. For more details on travelling to Mora, or to Sweden, please email Andreas.Kornevall@workingabroad.com and we would be happy to advise. Please note, it is mandatory for you to take out travel and medical insurance for the duration of the project.

General information on Dalarna, Sweden:

Dalarna offers vast areas of untamed wilderness which many large animals such as elk, bear, wolf, wolverine and lynx, call their home. There is plenty of enchanting scenery and first-class salmon and trout fishing. The beauty is dramatic, with waterfalls measuring up to 112 metrers (Njupskar, the largest in Sweden). The waterfalls are spectacular in winter, when a massive shield of glittering ice envelops the falling water.

Climate

January and February are the coldest months of the year - expects lots of snow and temperatures potentially down to -20 degrees celsius. You will generally get about 6-7 hours of daylight a day. A detailed list of what to bring will be sent once you have booked - but just as an idea, you should bring sturdy boots for walking on the snow and ice, a down filled waterproof outfit, hat, gloves, and scarf (or scarves!). Long underwear is perfect to wear under clothing every day. For snoe shoeing or nordic skiing, winter sports clothing is good such as insulated skiing gear.

Highlights: Tracking wolf and lynx in remote Swedish white wilderness, sleeping out in tipis and in wooden huts with expert tracker and wildlife photographer

Cost in US$: 900 USD

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Sweden Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 7

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Year Founded: 1997