Vår 2024

FRI-1443 Arctic Winter friluftsliv - 10 stp

The course is administrated by

Idrettshøgskolen

Type of course

This course is mandatory for students in the one year program in Arktisk friluftsliv, the bachelor program in Arktisk friluftsliv og naturguiding, and is also open for inbound exchange students. Number of exchange students is limited to 15.

Course overlap

FRI-1805 Outdoor Life Activities 3 ects

Course contents

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

Objective 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

English

Teaching methods

A large part of the course program takes place in nature and includes practical exercises and the development of experience. The preparation, execution and follow-up of field trips are important and are fundamental for obtaining the learning objectives. The students shall develop their ability to work together and show joint responsibility, and the majority of the learning-activities are organised in groups of students. The teaching and learning methods will be student-centered and involve e.g. digital learning, lectures, self-study, discussions, problem-based learning, group work, and practical work with supervision. Each student is expected to work 250 hours to achieve the learning outcomes of the subject. We also recommend the students to practice skills on their own time, in addition o the mandatory course activities.