Winter Survival
Winter Survival Course:
Thriving in the Harshest Season
Imagine you're deep in a snow-covered wilderness, far from modern comforts, with temperatures plummeting and a storm on the horizon. Could you keep yourself warm, find food, and stay alive until help arrives—or better yet, thrive in these conditions?
Thrive In Extremes
"Some days it snows, some days it melts and everything is wet. This Course was difficult and challenging, but I feel prepared now. This was an amazing experience I wouldn't have learned on my own without the help of amazing instructors - 2023 Student - Trent Williams
Our Winter Survival Course is designed to teach you the essential primitive skills needed to turn a potentially life-threatening situation into a test of resilience and resourcefulness. Through hands-on training and real-world scenarios, you'll learn how to:
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Build life-saving shelters: Construct a Mors Kochanski super shelter with a clear tarp to stay warm in sub-zero temperatures.
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Start and maintain a fire: Master friction fire methods and techniques for keeping your fire going in snow and wind.
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Find food in winter landscapes: Learn to trap, fish, and forage for edible plants, even in the coldest months.
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Navigate rugged terrain: Develop advanced navigation skills using natural markers and maps in snow-covered conditions.
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Handle emergencies with confidence: Gain wilderness first aid skills tailored for icy environments.
Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a survivalist, or just someone eager to learn how to face the challenges of winter, this course equips you with the knowledge to turn adversity into opportunity. Step into the wild this winter and discover the strength and ingenuity you didn’t know you had.
Beyond Survival
The Winter Nomad Survival Course is about more than just surviving—it's about learning to thrive in the heart of winter's challenges. This immersive experience equips you with the essential primitive skills to stay warm, find food, and navigate snow-covered landscapes with confidence. From building shelters that defy the cold to mastering fire-starting techniques and gathering sustenance from the frozen wilderness, you'll gain the tools to turn harsh conditions into an opportunity for self-reliance and growth. Embrace the season, and discover how to live as a true winter nomad.
Winter Nomad 2025
When & Where:
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Mid Winter Course - Thursday January 17th- 19th (Vernon, Utah)
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Late Winter - Thursday February 21st - 23rd (Vernon, Utah)
Course Cost: $750
Please arrive by 8:45 am and check in at the Main Tent. You will be directed to a camp spot to set up. Be ready to start classes by 9:45 at the group fire.
Meeting location will be provided in the email sent upon registration. Please review the pinned address and ask any questions ahead of time as there is little service the day of the course.
What To Expect
We will spend time in the main camp and the surrounding areas throughout this course. Students can choose to camp in tarp shelters or their own super shelter, though most prefer to set up a tent. Be ready to start learning by 9:00 am. Each day we will be hiking around and harvesting materials to learn new primitive skills. Students can expect to be learning in snow, and muddy conditions. Part of our daily learning may occur on hikes while other learning may take place around main camp. Be prepared with proper clothing if we aren't around the fire.
Weather conditions can go from sunny to snow and even rain and students should expect to be travelling and living in these weather conditions. Expect that you may get wet or muddy and water crossing may be present. Even though this is a winter course snow may or may not be present depending on the year. Temps can drop to single digits and students should wear recommended clothing.
Food
Food is not provided. Please bring your own food for the trip. We recommend having plenty of food and snacks.
Water
Water will be provided. Students should carry 2 water bottles with them for the course. 20 oz or 40 oz Recommended. Preferably carry at least 1 stainless steel single wall water bottle for boiling in the fire. Double walled Insulated bottle will explode if heated in fires!
Emergencies
Each instructor will carry a basic med kit for first aid use. Students may bring their own first aid kits as well or use ours if needed. Instructors are WFR certified and are able to act accordingly in emergencies.
Instructors will have a Garmin Mini In Reach on them at all times in case of a severe medical emergency situation.
Gear List
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50 ft of Tarred bankline or 550 para cord
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1 fixed blade knife
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1 tarp (small ground tarp & one 6x8 tarp for shelter)
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1 Wool Blanket (Queen Size or larger)
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1 bandannas
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1 Ferro rod & lighter
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1 20oz or 40oz “single wall” stainless steel water bottle for boiling. (insulated double wall bottles will explode!)
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Headlamp or flashlight
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1 compass
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Personal medicine & Hygiene
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Watch
* Bring your own personal camping gear (Tents, sleeping gear, food, chairs, stoves, cooking gear, ect.)
Clothing
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2 pairs of hiking rated socks (1 wool pair)
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1 set of thermals
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Sherpa lined leather gloves (used for handling hot pots and coals in fire)
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Closed toe shoes or snow boots
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Sunglasses
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Long sleeve shirt
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Wool shirt
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Hat or beanie
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Rain jacket or wind layer
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Warm coat
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Bandanna or shemagh
Thrive In Winter
Throughout this course, you will learn to harness the natural resources around you. Instructors will guide you in:
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Fire Crafting: Discover various techniques to create fire from the land, using natural materials and traditional methods. Learn about fire safety, management, and its crucial role in warmth, cooking, and signaling.
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Shelter Building: Master the art of constructing shelters using snow, branches, and other local materials. You’ll design and build a safe, insulated refuge that can withstand harsh winter weather. Learn to build a super shelter
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Survival Skills: Acquire essential survival skills, including foraging for food, making snow shoes, bucksaws, load carriers, and recognizing winter hazards. Understand how to read the environment to make informed decisions that ensure your safety.
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Thrive in Winter: Engage in discussions and activities focused on mental resilience and adaptability. Learn how to cultivate a positive mindset and effectively cope with the challenges of winter survival.
This course is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and anyone looking to expand their survival skill set. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, you'll leave with invaluable knowledge and practical skills to help you not just survive, but thrive in winter environments.
What's Covered?
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Wilderness Camps & Super Shelter
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Shelter Heating & Beds
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Bow drill Fire - Off The Land
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Water disinfection without a filter
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Primitive traps and snares
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Wild Edible Plants
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Wild Medicine
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Natural Cordage
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Primitive Hunting Tools
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Wilderness Kits &
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Primitive Packs
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Buck Saws
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Knife Skills
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Heat losses and staying warm
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Survival Ski Shoes (Snow Shoes)
