Supporting Winter Operations on Alaska’s North Slope

Operating on Alaska’s North Slope requires more than technical expertise—it requires the ability to live and work in one of the most remote and challenging environments in North America. For several years, Brice Environmental has operated a mobile winter camp that supports projects across the frozen tundra.

Based out of Deadhorse, Alaska, the camp provides essential infrastructure for crews working far from roads, towns, or permanent facilities. From fuel and water to transportation and housing, the camp allows project teams to safely perform work in areas that would otherwise be inaccessible during the winter season.

A Mobile Camp Built for the Arctic

Unlike a typical construction camp, this operation is a “sleigh camp”—a mobile camp designed to move across frozen tundra as projects progress.

The camp consists of multiple trailers and support equipment that can be transported across the tundra by large tracked tractors. Four modified Steiger tractors pull the camp modules to new locations as work advances. This mobility allows crews to remain close to their project sites while minimizing environmental impact.

In addition to providing camp services, Brice Environmental also supports winter operations by hauling fuel and transporting materials across the tundra. Specialized fuel sleds can carry thousands of gallons at a time, while custom-built side-dump trailers on tundra tracks can haul gravel and other materials in areas where traditional equipment cannot operate.

These trailers—designed specifically for Arctic conditions—are unique on the North Slope and allow Brice teams to support projects in some of the most difficult terrain in Alaska.

Working Within a Short Arctic Season

Winter operations on the North Slope are carefully regulated to protect the fragile tundra ecosystem. Each year, the State of Alaska determines when tundra travel is allowed based on snow depth and ground temperature.

To prevent environmental damage, the ground must be frozen to a depth of at least one foot with sufficient snow cover before heavy equipment can travel. The winter season typically begins in January and ends in early May.

When the season closes, companies operating on the Slope have just 72 hours to demobilize their equipment before fines are assessed. After demobilization, the Brice Environmental sleigh camp returns to its staging pad in Deadhorse, where it remains until the next winter season.

A 24/7 Operation

Running a remote camp in Arctic conditions is a full-time responsibility.

The camp operates around the clock and is supported by a small team responsible for maintenance, utilities, and logistics. One of the most important daily tasks is producing water for the camp.

Because there are no nearby water sources, snow must be collected and processed through specialized equipment that melts and filters it into potable water. At full capacity, the camp can house around 40 people and consumes hundreds of gallons of water each day.

Camp teams also maintain generators, manage fuel supplies, coordinate deliveries, and ensure that crews have the heat, electricity, food, and other resources needed to work safely in extreme temperatures.

As Superintendent Chad Armintrout explains:

“Working in such a remote and challenging environment becomes a lifestyle. Every day brings new problems to solve, and that’s part of what makes it rewarding.”

Supporting Critical North Slope Projects

The camp supports a variety of clients performing work across the North Slope. In recent years, it has supported projects ranging from legacy well abandonment to new telecommunications infrastructure.

One upcoming project will involve transporting the camp nearly 300 miles across the tundra from Deadhorse to Utqiaġvik (Barrow). Once in place, crews will begin installing fiber-optic cable that will ultimately connect communities along Alaska’s northern coast.

As the project progresses, the mobile camp will move every several miles, allowing crews to remain close to the work site while maintaining safe and efficient operations in a remote environment.

Keeping Experience and Expertise in the Field

For the Brice Environmental team, operating the sleigh camp is more than just a logistical challenge—it’s an opportunity to keep experienced Arctic operators engaged in the work they know best.

Many members of the team have spent decades working winter seasons on the North Slope and take pride in maintaining a camp operation that supports critical infrastructure projects across the region.

By combining experienced personnel with specialized equipment and Arctic-tested systems, Brice Environmental continues to provide reliable support for projects in one of the most demanding environments on earth.