As tourism in northern Sweden and the arctic region grows, so does the demand for guides with the right skills. The program Sustainable Arctic Guiding teaches you how to lead guided experiences in Arctic environments – from hikes to northern lights nights – with respect for nature, people, and culture. We spoke with head teacher and experienced guide, Robert Westin.

What does the interest look like for guiding in northern Sweden and Arctic environments?

“More and more people are discovering the great need for guides in the industry. This has led to a significant increase in interest over the past few years. Many are also drawn north. People are interested in nature and long for a different kind of environment. If you have a genuine passion for the outdoors and nature, guiding in the tourism industry is a great fit,” says Robert Westin.

Robert himself has many years of experience working as a guide in Norrbotten and today runs Arctic Adventure, offering experiences such as ice fishing, aurora safaris, and snowmobile tours.

Why is the sustainability perspective important when it comes to guiding and tourism?

“It’s important for several reasons. One is the climate change we are facing right now. In the tourism industry, we need to take responsibility for our local environment – the one we work in every day. It’s also crucial for the industry itself. Without a functioning ecosystem, we will have fewer activities to offer our visitors,” Robert explains, and continues:

“The subarctic environment is unique. It has created a strong interest for people to come here and experience our region, our cold climate, and our activities. All of this means we need to think sustainably and regeneratively as we design our products and in our daily work.”

The Sustainable Arctic Guiding program is aimed at those with at least one year of professional experience in guiding, pedagogy, leadership, or service. It provides in-depth knowledge of ecology, Sámi culture, climate impact, and safety. At the same time, you will train in storytelling, hospitality, business development, and guiding in the field.

What can participants expect after completing the program?

“You can expect to have a solid foundation to start working as a guide. Participants gain both theoretical and practical knowledge of how to create different types of experiences, how to price them, and how to plan and carry out activities – both in summer and winter.”

Applications are now open for Sustainable Arctic Guiding. The program starts on November 24, 2025, and runs full-time for about six months. It is a remote program with two on-site meetings in Boden / northern Sweden. CSN-approved Higher Vocational Education (YH) program.