Applications for the 2027 edition open on September 29.
Twenty people from around the world, 300 km across the Scandinavian Arctic tundra on dog sleds, and temperatures that can drop to -30°C: Fjällräven Polar returns in 2027. No prior Arctic experience is required; applications to secure one of the 20 available spots will be open from September 29 to November 3, 2026.
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In 1997, Fjällräven took a group of participants to the Scandinavian Arctic tundra for the first time, launching a dog-sledding journey destined to become one of the brand’s signature events. Thirty years after that inaugural expedition, Fjällräven Polar returns in 2027, once again inviting people from around the world to step away from their daily lives and test themselves against one of the planet’s most fascinating and challenging environments.
From March 31 to April 5, 2027, twenty participants will travel approximately 300 km across the Scandinavian Arctic, each driving their own sled and learning to navigate an environment where temperatures can drop to -30°C. No prior Arctic experience is required, and a spot cannot simply be purchased; participation requires applying and passing a selection process. Applications will open on September 29, 2026, and remain open until November 3.
From a race to an adventure open to everyone
The idea behind Fjällräven Polar dates back to the early 1990s, when Åke Nordin, the founder of Fjällräven, met one of Sweden’s leading mushers who had just returned from the famous Iditarod—the grueling dog-sled race that traverses Alaska for approximately 1,700 km.
That encounter gave rise to a question: why not offer ordinary people the opportunity to have a similar experience, making it more accessible through the preparation and assistance of professionals?
The first edition of Fjällräven Polar thus kicked off in the Scandinavian Arctic in 1997. For nearly a decade, the initiative retained the characteristics of a true competition before Fjällräven chose to radically alter its format. The competitive aspect risked overshadowing some of the elements most central to the brand’s philosophy: discovery, learning, and sharing.
After a hiatus of several years, Fjällräven Polar returned in 2012 with a completely revamped format: no longer a race, but an experience designed for curious and motivated individuals—even those without specific outdoor experience.
Since then, hundreds of participants have had the opportunity to experience the Arctic under widely varying conditions—braving blizzards, extreme temperatures, and long days on the snow, while also enjoying sunny days and boundless landscapes. It is an experience difficult to replicate elsewhere. The 2023, 2024, and 2025 editions alone attracted a combined total of over 61,900 applications from around the world.
300 km across the Arctic tundra
The 2027 edition will kick off in the Jukkasjärvi area of Swedish Lapland, approximately 17 km east of Kiruna. Before setting out, the twenty participants will undergo specialized training to prepare for the journey and acquire the essential skills needed to live and travel safely in the Arctic environment. Each participant will also be assigned a team of six dogs, for which they will be responsible throughout the expedition.
From here, the approximately 300 km journey begins, traversing tundra, frozen lakes, and mountain forests—passing through Sevujärvi, Kattuvuoma, Råstojaure, and Pältsa (one of Europe’s most extensive permafrost areas)—before finally arriving at Signaldalen, on the edge of the Norwegian fjords.
During the expedition, participants will have to care for the dogs, feed them, set up camp, cook outdoors, and spend the night in tents or under the Arctic sky. They will also need to learn to adapt to weather conditions that can change rapidly.
Most daily activities will therefore be handled directly by the participants, who can nevertheless count on the assistance of the Fjällräven team and professional mushers throughout the journey.
This is precisely one of the fundamental principles of Fjällräven Polar: with the right equipment, the necessary knowledge, and the support of experts, even those who have never faced the Arctic can put themselves to the test in such an extreme environment.
How to apply to Fjällräven Polar 2027
The selection of participants will consist of three phases.
1. Discover the challenge
On September 29, 2026, Fjällräven will publish all information regarding the challenge and how to participate on its social media channels, via its newsletter, and on the dedicated website.
2. Complete and publish the challenge
Candidates must complete the required challenge and publish their content online by 11:59 PM on November 3, 2026.
3. Submit the application form
Once the content has been published, you will need to fill out the official form, entering your details and the link to the challenge. The form must be submitted by 11:59 PM on November 3, the deadline for consideration in the selection process.
Once the application period closes, a Fjällräven jury will select the twenty participants who will take part in the expedition. The names of those selected will be announced on December 9, 2026.
Two Italians already playing a leading role
Italy has already had representatives at the Fjällräven Polar. In 2019 and 2025, two Italians—hailing from Turin and Rome, respectively—were selected as participants in the expedition.
Among these experiences is that of Maged Srour, a native of Rome—a story defined above all by perseverance. Passionate about sports, nature, and the mountains, Maged finally succeeded in participating in the Fjällräven Polar in 2025, at the age of 35, after having applied for six previous editions.
He first applied in 2017. After several attempts, he was selected in 2019 for the 2020 edition, which was subsequently suspended due to the pandemic. However, Maged persisted in pursuing his goal, applying again in the following years and once more testing himself against the competition’s challenges. This journey ultimately led him to secure a spot in the 2025 edition.
On the eve of the departure for the 2025 edition, he offered a simple piece of advice to anyone wishing to have the same experience: “I’d tell them to have fun and to give their all in the various challenges that are part of the competition. And, above all, not to give up.”
A phrase that perfectly captures the spirit of Fjällräven Polar: you don’t need to be a professional explorer to take on this experience. Above all, what is required is curiosity, a desire to challenge yourself, and a willingness to learn.
DATES TO REMEMBER
- Applications open: September 29, 2026
- Application deadline: November 3, 2026
- Announcement of participants: December 9, 2026
- Fjällräven Polar 2027: March 31 – April 5, 2027
For Informations and to apply
