Nordic Foundation
Military Expedition Planning Guide
Everything you need before your planning call with Op BASE CAMP.
Nordic Foundation 1 is our entry-level military Nordic skiing expedition, designed specifically for UK Armed Forces units looking to introduce personnel to Nordic skiing in a professionally managed environment.
Whether you're planning your first expedition or returning for another season, we'll support you from the first enquiry through to qualification and post-exercise administration.
Who We Are
Military-founded. Internationally experienced.
Op BASE CAMP delivers professionally planned Nordic Foundation expeditions for UK Armed Forces units.
Our Team
Former British Army personnel
Professional Nordic athletes turned coaches
BASI qualified instructors
Experienced Nordic Leaders
Coaches with international experience, including IBU level
What We Provide
We'll manage as much of the expedition as you need.
Accommodation
Quality accommodation selected for military groups.
Qualified Instruction
Experienced instructors throughout the expedition.
Programme & Certification
Training programme designed around Nordic Foundation 1 qualification.
Equipment Support
Advice and support for skis, boots, poles and specialist equipment.
JSATFA Guidance
Support completing JSATFA documentation and planning requirements.
Exercise Administration
Templates, planning documents and administrative guidance.
Programme Design
A tailored programme based on your group's aims.
Track Passes & Facility Hire
Organisation of trail passes, range bookings and facility hire.
Insurance Guidance
Advice on insurance requirements where applicable.
Continued Planning Support
You'll have a single point of contact from enquiry until completion.
To keep costs competitive, the following are normally arranged by the unit:
Flights
Feeding
Ground transport
Participants
Internal approvals
Exercise approval
Nordic Leader Reach Out
What Your Unit Provides
Each serial includes:
Up to 8 participants
1 nominated Group Leader
Group Leader must be an NCO or Officer
Larger groups are delivered as multiple serials.
Important;
Every group must nominate an NCO or Officer as Group Leader.
Package Structure
Before Our Discovery Call
To help us prepare your proposal, please have the following information ready.
Approximate group size
Preferred month
Desired duration
Preferred destination (or ask us for advice)
Desired deployment date
Current planning stage
Qualification required (NF1)
Previous Nordic experience (if any)
The right location can make all the difference to your Nordic experience.
We work across carefully selected destinations in Norway, Sweden and France, chosen for their Nordic skiing opportunities, winter environment and ability to support the different groups we work with.
Each destination has its own character. Some offer extensive trail networks and a traditional Scandinavian Nordic experience, others combine world-class Nordic facilities with a spectacular Alpine setting.
We'll work with you to understand your group, your objectives and your requirements, helping you identify the destination that best fits the experience you're looking to create.
Our Locations
Sjusjøen, Norway - The Home of Nordic Skiing
Sjusjøen offers an authentic Norwegian Nordic skiing experience in an environment where cross-country skiing is part of everyday life.
With an extensive network of prepared trails running through forests and open winter landscapes, Sjusjøen provides an outstanding environment for developing Nordic skiing skills and spending quality time on snow.
Its strong Nordic culture, excellent trail network and winter setting make it particularly well suited to groups looking for a traditional Scandinavian Nordic experience.
Ideal for:
Military NF1 • Teams & Groups • Sports & Endurance Clubs • Nordic Skill Development
Idre, Sweden - Nordic Adventure in the Swedish Mountains
Set amongst the Swedish mountains, Idre provides an excellent environment for Nordic skiing, training and group experiences.
With well-maintained Nordic trails and a fantastic winter setting, the area provides opportunities for beginners developing their first Nordic skiing skills through to more experienced participants looking to spend quality time training on snow.
Idre's combination of Nordic facilities, accommodation and winter activities makes it a versatile destination for many of the groups we work with.
Ideal for:
Military NF1 • Teams & Groups • Sports Clubs • Group Nordic Experiences
Bessans, France - Nordic Skiing in the French Alps
Surrounded by spectacular Alpine scenery, Bessans combines an extensive Nordic skiing area with the experience of being in the heart of the French Alps.
Its established Nordic trail network provides an excellent environment for learning and developing Nordic skiing skills, while the surrounding mountains create a memorable backdrop for groups looking for something different.
Bessans offers the opportunity to experience Nordic skiing within a distinctly Alpine environment, making it an exciting destination for a wide range of groups.
Ideal for:
Military NF1 • Teams & Groups • Charity & Adaptive Groups • Nordic Experiences
Your Journey
Step 1
Initial Enquiry
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Step 2
Discovery Call
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Step 3
Tailored Proposal
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Step 4
Exercise Planning
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Step 5
Booking Confirmation
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Step 6
Invoice
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Step 7
Welcome Pack
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Step 8
Deploy & Qualify
Planning Timeline
We recommend beginning planning 6–9 months before deployment.
6–9 Months Before
Unit approval
Business case
Initial planning
Advertise places
Reserve expedition dates
3–6 Months Before
JSATFA preparation
Diplomatic clearances (where required)
Flights
Equipment planning
1–3 Months Before
Participant confirmation
Kit checks
Final administration
Loan pool
Travel booking
Deployment
Deliver expedition
Training and assessment
Qualification
Certification
Post Exercise
Results uploaded
Finance complete
Equipment returned
Post-activity reporting