I'm so used to our winters, I forget not everyone else is!
Yes, I've heard the stories about polar bears hunters arriving on the mainliner jets, getting to the door and peering out at -50 temperatures and umpteen feet of snow, and walking back to their seat, cornering a stewardess about to deplane, and asking them to tell the locals that "Sorry, I didn't understand real cold, I'm not prepared for this, keep the money!" ...It's happened more than once!

It's no different than what I explain for our muskox hunts ....."Yes, we term it a spring hunt, but in March be prepared for -55, and in April be prepared for -35!" ....Hell, it was -35 on the coast 2 days ago.

This is why your outfitter and guides have to understand both their world and yours. A good guide will be checking on you constantly, not only asking if you're cold, but visually watching for any signs of frostbite that you may not notice.

Your prime preparation for such a trip would be to order a full outfit from Northern Outfitters (these are no doubt the very best) Secondly, get a good pillow for your behind as fours hours behind a dog team will stiffen anybody up, and the shout "Bear" will find you unable to stand up!

The intense cold to a newcomer can be unbearable, and for many this is a "macho" hunt more than anything. But with any open mind and the right gear, it's a fantastic experience that you'll never forget!

However, for me, it's a case of "Been there, done that!", so my dream hunt would be Marco Polo in Mongolia!

~Arctic~