Learning outcome

After successfully completing the course, the candidate will have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence.

Knowledge

The candidate has knowledge of:

• Skiing in groups on steep inclines of up to 30 degrees in winter, and up to 45 degrees in spring

• Planning trips according to ability
• Safe orientation in difficult terrain
• Avalanche assessments related to steep terrain on both winter and spring snow according to the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) model
• Rescue in difficult terrain
• Assessment of the individual participant's comfort zone and level of skiing ability
• Equipment and its correct use
• Nature and culture related to alpine regions
• Weather in alpine regions
• The history of skiing on steep terrain

Skills

The candidate can demonstrate/explain:

• The correct orientation and safe route choice using a map, compass, GPS and guides on demanding terrain
• Areas with potential for avalanches
• Skiing technique, with a view to be able to move safely and efficiently up and down slopes under demanding snow conditions
• Short turn technique, steep turn technique, large cutting turns

• Important rescue techniques in connection with rescuing members of the group from avalanches, using shovels, probes and transmitters/receivers

• The simple use of securing on snow, ice and rock, including use of ropes
• Solid and appropriate choice of methods, use of skis, crampons and ice axes under intermediate conditions
• Physical and mental resiliency on long ascents and descents
• Current excavation techniques

General competence

The candidate can/has:

• Maintain their own and group safety on snow, with a view to creating a safe learning space
• Knowledge of didactics and methodology related to the training of intermediate skiers on skiing trips on winter snow and steep spring snow
• Competence to communicate safe trip guidelines, procedures, organization and working methods in relation to beginners and intermediate skiers
• The ability to communicate nature and cultural topics related to alpine areas
• The expertise to plan and execute trips and courses on winter snow and steep spring snow
• The competence to design and keep to good schedules for trips in alpine areas in spring

Course Description

• Trips on 30 degree inclines on layered winter snow and up to 45 degree inclines on homogeneous spring snow
• Assessment of avalanche danger in relation to the snow cover, terrain formations, incline and weather conditions
• Human factors that come into play in decision-making in groups
• Summit trips with orientation and route choice
• Rescuing other members of the group in demanding areas
• Collaboration with rescue organisations: the police, the Norwegian Red Cross Search and Rescue Corps, the Norwegian Search and Rescue Dogs, etc.
• Descending steep slopes and runs safely
• Descending moderate to difficult slopes, correct and appropriate use of crampons and ice axes, securing methods on ice and rock
• Descending inaccessible slopes, runs, steep flanks, belay station anchor, rappelling anchors

In relation to content and level, the course may be compared to the Norwegian Mountain Forum's (NF) standard for avalanche courses (3 days). TUC is approved as course organizer at level 1.

Teaching and Learning Methods

• 3 lectures
• 8 days with supervisor
• 8 days of individual trips

Assessment Methods

The course requires 100% compulsory participation in practical activities. The practical component counts for 60% of the course grade; the 3-day written home examination counts for 40% of the course grade. The course grade is awarded on a descending scale using letter grades from A to E for passes and F for fail.

The assessment methods are designed to assess the candidate's knowledge, skills and competence, and ability to communicate the subject; please refer to the learning outcomes above.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean