what people think of the course

"An excellent course which served not only to teach basic winter survival skills but provided invaluable bonding with fellow athletes in the run-up to the MYAU.  No student was left behind and plenty of time was taken to ensure everyone could make a fire, light a stove (easier said than done in these temperatures), survive overnight in an unheated tent and recognise the threats posed by hypothermia, frostbite and poor diet planning.
Plenty of athletes come to the Yukon with a high degree of fitness from other Ultra events.  Some may fail because their fitness lets them down, but overwhelmingly it is the winter survival aspects that lead to the epic “DNF” rates.  I recommend the course highly.  Oh, and the food was plentiful and excellent!"
Julian Coulter - 100 mile participant MYAU 2020.

"Survive to Race was invaluable for both Gus and I - Stewart and Jo ran a hands-on course where we learnt real, practical skills and drills that undoubtedly helped us complete the race.  There is a great balance of classroom teaching mixed with getting out there in the cold so you can test your kit, pick up advice from the experts, refine what clothing, food and equipment you really need vs what will slow you down.  We started the MYAU (and finished it!) far more confident and competent for having done the course - plus it meant we met a great gang and had friends on the trail!  I highly recommend it."
Alexander Allen and Angus Currie - Team Finishers  MYAU 430,  2019.

"I signed up for the Yukon Arctic Ultra with very little extreme cold weather skills or experience. There was so much I needed to learn about that extreme environment, how my body would respond & how to use my gear (getting in/out of a sleeping bag or lighting a stove at -40 degrees is NOT the same as at home!) I also wanted a few days out in the cold to acclimatise, to get used to the conditions I’d be racing in & get into the right headspace. 

Stew’s Survival Training Course gave me all of this. It helped me answer all the questions I had and, most importantly, helped me get answers to the questions I didn’t even think to ask! 

Stew and the team running the course have so much knowledge to share - it’s certainly worth spending a few days with them before starting the MYAU race." Jethro De Decker - winner of MYAU 2018.
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"The course was great and really gave us the help in preparing for race and although our race didn't last long. 
The only thing I can think of is and it sounds daft but sleeping bags and the need to make sure it's tightened round head as not having been in temperatures that low before didn't realise any gap allows the cold in and checking beforehand in daylight would benefit. We hope to be back in 2019 for the 100. " Mark Wright 2017

 "I would just like to thank you both again for such a great week. You both looked after us so well and  nothing was ever too much trouble. I have never been on a course before, ran by such nice people and which made us feel such at home. 
I thought the course was excellent, certainly preparing us as much as you could in such a short time. As I said before I think your course should be compulsory for any one who has never experienced the cold before.Thanks again Stewart " Kevin Walker 2017
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"Even though I was withdrawn with frost bite I know I definitely wouldn’t have made it even to to Braeburn if not for your fantastic course which was highly relevant to competing in the YAU." Matt Nuttall 2017

Other comments received include,
" I can't imagine doing the race for the first time without the course".
"This course should be recommended as an obligatory for those who are inexperienced in the cold".
"Food Excellent!" "Way outstanding!"
"Essential for anyone competing in the MYAU or even thinking of visiting the Yukon".