Vår 2026

FRI-1040 Winter friluftsliv and field safety - 10 stp

The course is administrated by

Idrettshøgskolen

Type of 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.

Course overlap

FRI-1443 Arctic Winter friluftsliv 10 ects

Course contents

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 5-day overnight winter tenting and 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.

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 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.

Language of instruction

English

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.