FORT RESOLUTION TO YELLOWKNIFE - THE TRAVERSE A winter traverse of proximately 170Km through the Great Slave Lake in total autonomy. The Great Slave Lake was put on European maps in the mid 18th century due to the emergence of the fur trade towards the northwest from Hudson Bay. The name ‘Great Slave’ came from the Slavey Indians, one of the Athapaskan tribes living on its southern shores at that time. The name was influenced by Cree disdain for this rival tribe, with whom they shared a sordid history. As the French explorers dealt directly with the Cree traders, the large lake was referred to as “Grand lac des Esclaves” which was eventually translated into English as “Great Slave Lake” THE TRAVERSE A S to N traverse of the lake DURATION The ice conditions will determine how fast we can move with the sledge and the skis. We are aiming for 30km a day on average, although, based on past expeditions, we are fully aware these calculations may prove too promising. EQUIPMENT PULKAS For the traverse pulkas weights close to 50 kilos. Pulling a pulka of such weight is not the big effort it may seem, since it is not comparable to carrying the same weight in one’s back. Temperatures may reach or even exceed -30º C. We will camp in the middle of the ice and cook with petrol stoves. Although the low temperatures could be a handicap, the greatest problem we will face in this part of the Arctic is the wind. However, this will all be part of the learning process, since the wind can blow in the polar plains and plateaux. TECHNICAL GEAR – Recycled and 100% PFC Free We will be equipped by Ternua, leaders in the outdoor industry for innovation and sustainability.  All our down jackets, trousers and gloves are recycled down, a natural material and 100% biodegradable that comes from garments whose previous use has come to an end. The feather, picked in Europe, is selected, processed and washed, with a controlled origin via the NVP traceability standard and audited via a third party EDFA traceability standard. The rest of the equipment provided is PFC FREE (100% Free).  PFCS are chemical compounds that are used for water-proofing garments. They are toxic. Ternua replaces the chemicals for others that are more respectful with the environment, yet perform the same function as a water repellent. Check this video for more Ternua.