The Frozen 48 is a winter survival challenge where participants head into the boreal forest of northern Maine for 48 hours with minimal gear. It’s not easy. Many people have done a night in the winter woods without a tent or sleeping bag. It’s the second night that gets you. That’s where training, skill and efficiency really shine.

In early 2015 we’re running our Winter Woodsman course. It’s a great introduction to the skills of winter in the frozen north. Immediately following the Winter Woodsman (Saturday morning at 8) will begin the Frozen 48.

We’ve only offered this before in our immersion programs, and will offer it only once per year. Because we don’t want anyone to get themselves hurt, participation is open only to those with significant winter experience, such as alumni of our Winter Woodsman course or Boreal Snowshoe Expedition. If you’re interested but have limited experience, get out and get some experience. If you have the experience and want to participate, let us know.

One thing I love about winter is that it keeps the bullshit in check. There are a lot of crazy ideas and dogma out there about living outdoors, especially in the winter. But the snow and the cold do not abide untested theories. Getting out and doing it is the difference maker. As my friend David Bosum said while I was traveling with him in northern Quebec, “The action will answer all your questions.”