OVERVIEW

Aside from enjoying the beauty of snow and winter on a Norwegian mountain plateau, participants will learn skills including:

Trip Planning
Learn how to prepare for a winter expedition by assessing weather forecasts, route options, terrain, daylight hours, and group capabilities. We will discuss how to make informed decisions before and during a trip to maximize safety and enjoyment.

Packing Backpacks and Sledges
Efficient packing is a key expedition skill. Participants will learn how to organize and distribute equipment, clothing, food, and safety gear in both backpacks and pulks (sledges) to ensure comfort, balance, and easy access to essential items throughout the journey.

Winter Camping and Basecamp Management
Gain hands-on experience setting up and living in a winter camp. Topics include selecting a suitable campsite, pitching tents in snow and wind, organizing camp routines, and creating a comfortable and efficient basecamp. Participants will also learn how to build snow walls and other wind protection structures to improve shelter, safety, and comfort in exposed winter conditions.

Outdoor Winter Cooking
Cooking in freezing temperatures presents unique challenges. Participants will learn how to use stoves safely in winter conditions, manage fuel efficiently, melt snow for water, and prepare nutritious meals that support energy levels during cold-weather activities.

Navigation
Develop confidence in navigating winter terrain using maps, compass, and terrain features. We will cover route-finding techniques, navigation in poor visibility, and strategies for maintaining direction when landmarks are obscured by snow or weather.

Risk Assessment and Decision Making
Winter environments require continuous evaluation of conditions and hazards. Participants will learn how to assess weather, terrain, snow conditions, and group factors, and how to make sound decisions that reduce risk during an expedition.

Snow Shelters and Emergency Bivouacs
Learn how to construct snow holes and other emergency shelters that can provide protection from wind and cold in adverse conditions. This practical session focuses on emergency preparedness, survival techniques, and understanding when and how to use emergency shelters in winter environments.

Wilderness First Aid
Participants will be introduced to first aid considerations specific to winter travel, including the prevention and treatment of cold-related injuries such as hypothermia and frostbite, as well as managing common outdoor injuries in remote settings.

We spend two nights wild camping as part of our winter trekking course. On request, tents and equipment can be rented. The course will require you to engage in physical activity for 4-6 hours outside in winter cold. For group discussions, meals, and socializing, there is a large tent with a woodstove.

PRICES

The course fee is 4000 NOK. (Pulka & homemade expedition meals included in the price)

GRADE

This course will prepare for your future winter trekkings and expeditions. To participate, participants must be able to walk on skis while carrying a backpack or pull a sledge and master snowploughing on an easy slope.

GROUP SIZE AND GUIDES

There can be a maximum of 6 participants with a guide ratio of 1:4. In addition to their personal experience, the guides have led groups on winter trekkings and taken part in dedicated courses.

DURATION

Day 1: 14.00-Day 3: 14.00

LOCATION

For this activitiy we choose our location depending on the conditions.

WEATHER CONDITIONS

In bad weather, the arranged activity will continue regardless. If the weather conditions are dangerous, or if there is not sufficient snow the instructor will cancel the activity. If no alternative is found, Norvantur will refund the registration.

SAFETY

Our outdoor activities have a minimal risk to our participants. At Norvantur, we are trained to assess the risks and trained in rescue techniques and first aid. Severe or extreme conditions are not part of our program.

CANCELLATION

In case of cancellation by the participant, we charge cancellation costs. These cancellation costs depend on the number of days remaining until the start of the activity. Participants cannot claim compensation in case of cancellation due to ‘force majeure’. In case of cancellation of the activity by Norvantur, the full registration sum will always be refunded. For safety reasons it may be necessary to change the program during the activity.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Persons who order an activity from Norvantur agree to the terms and conditions.