Type of course

Course content

The course is taught in the 2. semester in the academic year. It is mainly practically oriented, informed by theory and experience. It will provide the students with basic skills, knowledge and experiences in Arctic winter friluftsliv. The course includes field excursions of shorter and longer duration during the Arctic winter season, including overnight stays in tents and snowshelters. For the majority of the field work we use Nordic skiing (cross country) to travel in nature. In addition to field excursions, there are associated practical requirements for each trips. These requirements include the demonstration of various practical winter skills, which must be passed to be able to take the exam. Such as orienteering, primus coocking, building and overnighting in a snow cave. Additionally, there will be assignments focused on the dissemination of theory.

The field trips require the students to have sufficient physical conditions. That means the students must be able to be active on excursions for multiple days in the field. Adequate personal outdoor equipment for winter field trips is required, see equipment list at. Students must be able to speak, write and read English at a proficient level. Previous experience from outdoor activities/friluftsliv is an advantage but it is not a requirement

Objectives of the course

Knowledge

• Describe how to practice basic winter friluftlivs activities in order to take care of basic needs and safety in winter conditions.
• Explain the personal clothing and equipment necessary for practicing winter friluftsliv
• Understand how different aspects of outdoor leadership and group dynamics in the outdoors affects the individual and groups learning and experiences.
• Understand the basics of winter conditions with regards to weather, snow and avalanche-conditions.

• Understand the main concepts of management of Norwegian friluftsliv.
• Have insight into friluftsliv and outdoor cultures in an international context

Skills

• Practice basic winter friluftsliv activities and winter camp life.
• Employ knowledge to assure proper clothing and equipment for winter activities, and be able to take care of self and others in winter conditions
• Travel on and off trail on skis with necessary equipment using backpack and/or pulkas, including ability to handle dogs and/or dog teams
• Demonstrate skills, methods and routines for planning and performing winter trips
• Ability to navigate in winter terrain in Arctic weather conditions and make necessary judgements and decisions regarding safety issues, including avalanche safety

General competence

• Explain and adapt the requirements concerning the competence and equipment required for practising friluftsliv in Arctic winter conditions
• Explain and adapt routines and skills for ensuring safety and comfort during winter activities

• Demonstrate reflective skills with regards to own experiences and learning outcomes
• Be able to engage in discussions on cultural perspectives of friluftsliv and other outdoor cultures.
• Demonstrate and employ care for nature in all activities
• Demonstrate, apply and reflect on cooperative skills and group dynamics required for creating experiences and learning.

Language of instruction and examination

Teaching methods

Information to incoming exchange students

The Arctic Winter Friluftsliv is targeted students interested in winter friluftsliv, Nordic skiing and safety in winter conditions. The field trips require the students to have sufficient physical conditions. Students must be able to be active on excursions for multiple days in the field.

This course is available for inbound exchange students. There are no academic prerequisites to add this module in your Learning Agreement.

Application dead line for exchange students and Fulbright students: 15 October

Recommended reading/syllabus