Introduction

The aim of the program is to introduce the students to backcountry skiing and outdoor life in the wintertime. By gaining experience in various settings, they will be given an opportunity to develop their basic outdoor skills in various environments. Through experiential learning and theoretical lectures students will gain practical and pedagogical knowledge needed in nature guiding, management and leadership. The students will learn to plan hikes according to ability with focus on “no trace” hiking. The program will also give the students knowledge about the history and development of Norwegian “friluftsliv” and how the Norwegians use the outdoors today.

Target Group and Admission Requirements

For students who will will personally discover the history and deep cultural tradition rooted in backcountry skiing, as well as how skis are a means of transportation, survival and fun in the snow.

Minimum one year of higher education in sport or equivalent studies. The student should be physically fit with some skiing experience. Application through partner institution.

Aim of the Programme

The aim of the program is to introduce the students to backcountry skiing and outdoor life in the wintertime. By gaining experience in various settings, they will be given an opportunity to develop their basic outdoor skills in various environments. Through experiential learning and theoretical lectures students will gain practical and pedagogical knowledge needed in nature guiding, management and leadership. The students will learn to plan hikes according to ability with focus on “no trace” hiking. The program will also give the students knowledge about the history and development of Norwegian “friluftsliv” and how the Norwegians use the outdoors today.

Learning outcome

After having completed the program the student should have this learning outcome devided into Knowledge, skills and Generel competencies:

Knowledge

• Knowledge about trip planning, and how to choose destinations and routes in accordance with one’s ability and safety in the wintertime
• Knowledge about how to recognize avalanche terrain, snowpack, search and rescue in avalanche terrain
• Knowledge about different types of equipment used for ski touring
• Knowledge about orienteering in the wintertime
• Knowledge about how to find and establishing a campsite in the forest and mountains
• Knowledge about nature- and cultural topics connected to the Norwegian winter
• Knowledge about outings in the wild: laws and regulations; the importance of leaving no traces
• Knowledge about didactics: guidelines for outings, procedures, organisation, working methods, management and leadership
• Norwegian perspectives on educational guiding in paddling activities

Skills

• Be able to use map and compass
• Be able to choose a safe route according to avalanches
• Be able to establishing a campsite, setting up a tent, lean to shelter and snow caves in the winter
• Be able to keep the surplus of energy on longer trips in the winter
• Different technical skills connected to ski touring with a backpack
• Be able to participate in search and rescue in an avalanche
• Be able to discuss practical and pedagogical issues according to nature guiding, management and leadership

General competencies

• Be able to lead smaller groups on ski trips in an easy winter environment with overnight stay

Curriculum and structure

• Basic skills in skiing and hiking outdoors in the wintertime
• Insight into management of Norwegian outdoor life
• Knowledge of the history and development of outdoor life
• Guiding and pedagogical challenges in the outdoors
• Knowledge of the history and development of outdoor life
• A basis for reflecting on attitudes and experiences related to outdoor life, society, culture and nature

The students are expected to bring their own personal equipment, like skis, skiboots, sleeping bag, backpack etc

Expences:
The Norwegian authorities stipulate the cost for a foreign student in Norway to be approx. 8500,- Nkr a month. This should cover room and board, pocketmoney, books and other necessities. Extras will be extensive travelling, nightlife etc. At Telemark University College the students will also have to pay some extras when going on hikes, seminars etc (This could be busfares, indoor overnight stays etc)

Teaching and Learning Methods

Lectures, individual work and group work, experiential learning

Theory and Practical Training

50/50

Assessment Methods

The hikes and excursions are compulsory. Approved group work. Written exams, individually and in groups

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