Pasi Ikonen · Hetta Huskies

Within Finland, Pasi's name is synonymous with adventurous expeditions, endurance racing and extreme skiing - although there is also another well-known Pasi Ikonen who is an international level orienteer, so that can get quite confusing.

Pasi started his outdoor career as a border patrol officer, training a commando troop and patrolling the Russian Karelian border with his trusted German Shepherd, Gordon (or Kortsu, as he was known when they won the Finnish border patrol championships together).

First Finn (with partner Poppis) to ski unsupported to the South Pole
Five years as a full-time adventure racing athlete and team captain
Ski guide (level 3 instructor) with 10+ years' wilderness guiding experience
11 years as a Border Patrol Officer; Finnish border patrol champion 1998

From athlete to farm

He went on to be a full-time athlete for 5 years, captaining team Nokia Adventure and team Lapin Kulta to many international victories in X-Adventures, the Raid Gauloises Himalayas, Ukatak and more, and working closely with many international outdoor brands on the design and development of clothing and kit. He is a ski guide (level 3 instructor) with over 10 years' experience as a wilderness guide.

In November 2008, Pasi left Anna at home to set up the dog farm while he skied for two months to the South Pole from the edge of the Antarctic ice-cap. When he and his partner Poppis arrived at the Pole on Christmas Day, they became the first Finns to complete an unsupported expedition there. His focus is now back at the farm, where he handles all the Finnish-language side of the business as well as client safaris in season. His most recent sponsors have been Vaude, Spy Optics, Osprey, Scarpa and K2.

Outdoor qualifications

Pasi's qualifications include Emergency First Responder; Canoe and Kayak Guide (Finnish Canoe Federation); Raft Guide; Ski Instructor (Finnish Association of Ski Instructors); Survival Instructor (Survival Guild Finland); Wilderness Skill Instructor (The Guides and Scouts of Finland); Indoor Climbing Instructor; Tactical Rope Instructor (Finnish Parachute Regiment); Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate; PADI Open Water Diver; and Ski Patrol Emergency Response First Aid (Finnish Red Cross).

Professional background

His professional background spans product development and guiding for Heli-ski.fi; owner and Managing Director of Frog Adventures; sub-editor and writer for Retki Magazine; Field Manager for Harriniva Hotels and Safaris and for Tunturijotos Safaris; Adventure Sports Expert and Consultant for the BBC; marketing, sales and logistics co-ordinator for AR team Lapin Kulta; specialist consultant and commentator for Finnish TV (MTV3); and guiding 10-day Arctic Ocean skiing expeditions. He spent 11 years as a Border Patrol Officer - 5 of them training and patrolling with a dog - was Finnish border patrol champion in 1998, and served as a Second Lieutenant in the Finnish Army.