Vår 2025

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 ski-based field excursions of shorter and longer duration during the Arctic winter season, including overnight stays in tents and snow shelters. In addition to the field excursions, there are associated practical requirements for each trip. These requirements include the demonstration of various practical winter skills, which must be passed to be able to take the exam. Additionally, there will be assignments focused on the dissemination of theory.

Objective of the course

On successful completion of the course, students will have acquired the following overall learning outcomes in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

Describe how to practice basic winter friluftsliv 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 insights into Norwegian friluftsliv in relation to the 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
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 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 skills, e.g., skiing on their own time, in addition the mandatory course activities.