Ting-Yu Hu, a polar guide in Finland’s Arctic region, has been making waves in the outdoor adventure scene. Having grown up on the warm and temperate island of Taiwan, she developed a fascination for the frigid climates of the Arctic. This year marks her third winter working as a guide in the Arctic Circle. The peak season, which spans from Thanksgiving through Lunar New Year, draws travelers from all over the world eager to experience the snow and the Northern Lights, keeping her incredibly busy over the past two months.
When the rush hits, Hu often finds herself spending at least eight hours a day outdoors, leading guests through snowy forests, ice floating, sauna sessions, dog sledding, and Northern Lights tours. For Hu, a temperature of -2 degrees Celsius might feel like summer in the Arctic. Balancing her own warmth while ensuring the comfort of her guests makes her job particularly challenging, yet she thrives on the experience. “Working in the Arctic brings me so much joy that I can fend off the cold,” she shares.
“I’m someone who craves challenges, and I truly enjoy every day in the polar region. I feel like I’m really suited for extreme climates and nature!”
Hu studied Applied English in college and had the chance to exchange studies in France and Spain, which deepened her love for Europe. After graduation, she aimed to continue her journey there but missed the opportunity to apply to a Nordic school for her graduate studies. Just when she felt disheartened, a friend touring Finland mentioned a tour company looking for Chinese-speaking guides. “My friend asked if I wanted to give it a try. I applied and surprisingly got the job!”
This serendipitous turn opened the door for Hu to embrace the snowy landscapes of Northern Europe. After the snow season in Finland, she plans to work as a glacier guide in Iceland, keeping her engaged with ice and snow year-round. Living in such a harsh environment comes with unexpected challenges. For instance, the Arctic Circle experiences very short daylight during winter, and Hu recalls feeling symptoms of depression in her first month as a guide. It took some time, conversations with friends, and personal adjustments to overcome those feelings. Being outdoors for extended periods taught her how to dress appropriately, stay hydrated, and care for her skin to maintain her health. Moreover, her fitness routine has helped her handle the physical demands of transporting equipment as a guide.
Recently, Hu was selected for a polar expedition organized by Fjällräven, chosen from 15,000 applicants as one of the lucky 20. Over five days, she and her fellow team members drove husky sleds for 300 kilometers, honing their polar survival skills, such as living in the snow, pitching tents outdoors, caring for the dogs, and cooking with snowmelt.
As the second Taiwanese individual ever chosen for this event, Hu feels extremely fortunate. Reflecting on her experience, she describes it as challenging yet exhilarating. “We were all incredibly tired, and although we were on the go, I slept so well those five nights, even with the dogs barking until 1 AM!” she laughs.
At 30 years old, Hu refuses to set limitations on her life. She knows that if she starts to feel comfortable in her current job or location, it’s time to seek out a new adventure. Looking ahead, one of her New Year’s resolutions is to guide in the coldest place on Earth—Antarctica.
“I’ve been to the Arctic, and now I want to venture to the Antarctic. But if I find that I’m too cold there, I might just end up in 50-degree Dubai!”
