What about setting up base camp up there for the purpose of consolidation, and from they're branch to the west. It'll be alot easier to do since step 1 gave a foundation in that solidarity...
I have to say I hate cold, but lack of comfort for freedom is a small exchange, the knowledge that they're would be a chance to be one of the first in the western expansion would make that cold a hell of alot more bearable...
Ideas are portable. If peaceful people cannot consolidate in a given area, they could and certainly should spread freedom concepts wherever they are. For me, the point is, to take these ideas and introduce them to others, backed by logic or examples. Being open to receiving the truth and to stop defending tired concepts of might makes right is a good first step.
Political solutions rarely occur because they are based in the idea that the sickness (government by force) will somehow cure itself. Changing masters or becoming the master by using force isn't the solution for me, embracing the idea that if a person is peaceful they should always be their own master is my solution. Being around people that agree with that concept is refreshing, if that can't happen, then teach others by both your actions and your words wherever you happen to be.
Many people understand when there is a problem, yet they do not understand that to be part of the solution they must stop enabling the problem.