General FAQ
What is Fjällräven Polar?
Fjällräven Polar is a 300km dog sledding expedition across the Scandinavian Arctic. It is Fjällräven’s annual event developed to show that with the right knowledge, equipment and support, anyone can enjoy nature in Arctic conditions, regardless of previous outdoor experience.
When is Fjällräven Polar 2024?
The Fjällräven Polar 2024 expedition will be from 2nd – 8th April 2024.
Where does Fjällräven Polar take place?
The expedition starts Jukkasjärvi area of Swedish Lapland, around 17km east of Kiruna. Participants will travel north through Sevujärvi, Kattuvuoma, Råstojaure and Pältsa – one of Europe’s largest areas of permafrost – before finishing at the edge of the Norwegian fjords in Signaldalen.
If I win a place on the expedition, do I need to bring any equipment with me?
Fjällräven will provide you with all necessary clothes and equipment for this adventure of a lifetime. You only need to bring any personal medication, toiletries and the clothes you travel in.
Will Fjällräven pay for my travel costs to and from Fjällräven Polar?
Yes, Fjällräven will pay for all travel costs to and from Fjällräven Polar, as well as all expenses during the expedition.
Application process
Who can apply for a spot at Fjällräven Polar 2024?
Fjällräven Polar is for anyone who wants to apply. It doesn’t matter where you are in the world. However, this is a challenging event, mostly because of the conditions, so you should have a reasonable level of fitness. You must also be over the age of 18, be able to speak English, and have an open and flexible, learning mindset.
What are the key dates during the application process?
Global launch event and applications open: Monday 30th October 2023, 16:00 CET
Register for the global launch event here.
Challenge 1 released: Monday 30th October 2023
Challenge 2 released: Monday 6th November 2023
Challenge 3 released: Monday 13th November 2023
Applications close: Sunday 19th November 2023
Winners announced: Monday 11th December 2023
Fjällräven Polar Expedition: 2nd–8th April 2024
Why do I need to use Instagram to apply?
We previously used Facebook for the application, but Instagram makes it easier to post a variety of creative content to respond to all three challenges. If you do not have your own Instagram account, it is easy to set one up. Find step-by-step instructions here: https://help.instagram.com/155940534568753. And don’t forget to set your profile to public!
Will you share the content I post on Instagram?
All creative content posted by those who have filled out the application form with their Instagram handle and who tag their content with the hashtag #FjallravenPolar2024 will be shared in our content flow on the Fjällräven Experience Hub. This allows Fjällräven to highlight and share your creative efforts.
Do I need outdoor experience to apply for Fjällräven Polar?
No, you do not need specific outdoor experience to apply. However, you need to be reasonably fit – fit and open minded enough to be able to manage a pack of sled dogs and take on a multi-day expedition in Arctic climates which can include extreme weather conditions, such as -30°C temperatures, wind and snow.
Is there a lower / upper age limit to apply?
You must be 18 or older to apply. There is no upper age limit.
What is the jury looking for when it comes to content?
The jury would love to see you be as authentic as possible. Creativity comes in many shapes and forms, so feel free to express yourself, as long as you respond to all three challenges. You can find more information about the challenges in our How to Apply article.
Can I withdraw my application if I decide I don’t want to go?
Yes, you can withdraw your Fjällräven Polar application by deleting any of your posts on Instagram. Your application is not considered complete unless you post responses to all three challenges on Instagram and tag the post with the correct hashtags.
How will participants or the winners be selected?
After the application ends on November 19th, the jury will select the final 20 winners for Fjällräven Polar 2024. The jury consists of a diverse group made up of Fjällräven Polar alumni, ambassadors, and employees who will review each application from multiple perspectives. The jury will look at the following criteria:
- Completion of application form and all three challenges
- Staying true to the challenge
- Capacity to inspire others, including creativity, reach and distribution
How will I know that I have won?
If you are one of the 20 people selected for the Fjällräven Polar 2024 expedition, you will find out during our winners announcement event on December 11th. If you can’t make it to this event, we will contact you via phone or email to confirm your spot.
What happens if I’m chosen for Fjällräven Polar?
First of all: Congratulations! You’ll soon be on the path to becoming an Arctic explorer.
Rest assured; we will take care of everything before the expedition in April. You will be contacted by our expedition team who will start arranging your travel, clothing, equipment and pre-expedition briefings.
Join the adventure of a lifetime
Fjällräven Polar Stories
How to dress for Arctic conditions
As the age-old phrase goes, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes. But how do you dress for more extreme conditions – say, 200km above the Arctic Circle? Find out here.
