Course code: FRI-1040

Winter friluftsliv and field safety

Se how you can apply

Apply between November 1 and January 6

Campus Alta

Semester / Year Spring 2027

Level Grunnleggende emner, nivå I

Credits 10

About the course

This course is mandatory for students in the one-year program Arktisk friluftsliv and the bachelor program Arktisk friluftsliv og naturguiding. The course is also included in the elective package for students from other programs, and open for exchange students. If capacity, it will open also for other students.

The course starts in January during the 2. semester in the academic year. It is practically oriented, informed by theory, mentorship and shared experience. It will provide the students with basic skills, knowledge and experiences in Arctic winter safety issues. The course varies from lectures to ski-based field day trips and multiday overnight winter tenting including snow shelters. There are also practical requirements for each trip that include the demonstration of various practical winter skills. These and addition theorical assignments must be passed to be able to take the exam.

Admission requirements

The course is available as a singular course. Application code 9199.

Objectives of the course

Knowledge

Describe how to practice winter friluftsliv activities to take care of basic needs and safety in winter conditions.
Explain the personal clothing and equipment needed for winter friluftsliv
Understand how aspects within outdoor leadership and group dynamics affects individual and group learning experiences.
Understand the basics of winter conditions with regards to weather, snow and avalanche-conditions.
Understand Norwegian friluftsliv and safety in relation to international contexts

Skills

Manage basic winter friluftsliv, tent life, snow shelters and the winter fire.
Reveal a basic understanding of avalanche safety through terrain and snow management
Demonstrate proper clothing usage and equipment for winter activities and be able to take care of oneself and others during winter conditions.
Travel on skis in varied terrain during different snow conditions with necessary equipment using a backpack and pulkas.
Demonstrate dynamic methods and routines for planning and performing winter trips.
Be able to navigate during Arctic weather conditions and judge human factor issues continuously.

General competence

Understand and apply the requirements needed for practising basic winter friluftsliv
Explain and apply the routines and skills needed to ensure basic safety and comfort during winter activities
Be able to reflect on friluftsliv safety perspectives in relation to other cultures.
Demonstrate and employ skills that include leave no trace in nature
Demonstrate reflective skills regarding experiences and learning outcomes
Demonstrate, apply and reflect on how cooperative group dynamics influences learning and experience buildup.

Credit reduction

If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:

FRI-1443 Arctic Winter friluftsliv 10 ects

Teaching methods

A large part of the course program takes place outdoors, in nature and includes practical exercises to develop experience. The preparation, execution and field trip debrief are fundamental for obtaining the learning objectives. The students must work together and share learning outcome responsibility since most of the activities are organised in groups. The teaching methods will primarily be student centred and problem-based learning supported by the supervision and mentorship from the teachers. Furthermore, teaching and learning methods will use e.g., digital learning, lectures, self-study, discussions and group work. Each student is expected to work 250 hours to achieve the learning outcomes of the subject. We expect that the students practice, e.g., their skiing skills, on their own time, in addition the mandatory course activities.

Language of instruction and examination

English

Schedule

The schedules are normally finalized and published well in advance of the start of the semester, often a few weeks beforehand. This gives students the opportunity to organize their studies and prepare for upcoming activities.

It is recommended to check the schedule regularly, as changes may occur.

See complete schedule for FRI-1040

Information to incoming exchange students

There are no academic prerequisites to add this module in your Learning Agreement.

The field trips are ski based. It is recommended that students have prior skiing experience with Nordic cross country (fjell) ski or ski touring/randonnee equipment. The students need to have sufficient physical capacity, enabling them to be active on excursions for multiple days on fjellski or skitouring/randonnee equipment. The required personal equipment list for the winter field trips must be obtained prior course start. Previous experience from outdoor sports/activities/friluftsliv is an advantage, but not a requirement. The students must have basic first aid skills.

Examination

School exam

Varighet: 5 Hours Karakterskala: A–E, fail F

Coursework requirements

To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements

Participation teaching	Approved – not approved
Participation field excursions	Approved – not approved
Participation pre- and post-work	Approved – not approved
Skill-tests	Approved – not approved

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More info about the coursework requirements

Lectures and teaching sessions (80% participation)

Field excursions and projects (100% participation)

Pre-and post-work for excursions and projects (100% participation)

Required skill-tests, oral student presentations and written papers

Overview of coursework and criteria for approval will be presented to students at course start.