Winter Mountaineering – Foundation
Winter is a beautiful time to explore Norway. There is a certain brutal beauty to the ever-changing landscape, moment by moment the snow shifts making this time of year one of the most exciting and dynamic times to seek adventure.
About the course
The “winter mountaineering course – foundation” main goal is that the participants get a sense of winter and the skills needed to enjoy it. We take the time we need to learn the relevant skills, be it avalanche evaluation or how to travel safely through an ever-changing landscape in a safe manner.
We have a very relaxed approach, mentoring rather than instructing. The best way to describe this is as if your going to the mountains with a group of friends where one has more experience than the rest and wishes to share their knowledge.
The tempo is set by the participants, it’s important to us that you master the subjects and not just experience them.
If you’re new to skiing or never used snowshoes before we take it easy so you feel confident using this form of transport.
Course objectives:
- Getting a sense of snow, weather and the landscape
- Basic understanding of Avalanches
- Decision making and risk management in avalanche terrain
- Buddy rescue (avalanche rescue)
- How to look after yourself in winter, what to wear, eat and drink
- Navigating in an ever-changing landscape
- Using skis or snowshoes for transport
- Using crampons and axes
- Climbing in winter (easy routes on snow and ice)
- Using a rope to safely climb up and down difficult sections
- Emergency shelters, snow caves and snow shelters
Combine it with other courses
This course can be combined with ski-touring and winter skills to make a package.
Accommodation
Accommodation is available on our farm from 250 NOK per person per night. Find it out more here.
Flights, train and getting there
Contact us if you need help planning your trip. We are happy to pick you up at the bus station.
From the Airport, you can take the “flytoget” which is an express train to Oslo central station. From there it is a short walk to the bus station. You can take the Valdres Express bus From Oslo central to Fagernes Skysstasjon which is about 20min from my house. The bus is comfortable, has free wifi and takes about 3 hours. I like taking the bus to Oslo as I can look out the window and see all the waterfalls and dream about ice climbing 🙂
Nearly all participants on previous courses have travelled by the above method, and they have described it as straightforward and easy.
Equipment hire
If you need to rent equipment, that is no problem, just let us known in advance. You will receive a list of required items upon booking.
