OUTDOOR LIFE

Croatia, the Mediterranean and the Hardangervidda

Are you ready for high mountains, deep valleys and powerful nature experiences? Are you dreaming of a varied year outdoors in nature?

This is what you will learn:

Fall:

Kayaking (beginner level kayaking course)
Campfire atmosphere and cooking over a campfire
Ice climbing
Glacier hiking
Camping and bivouacking in different outdoor environments
Climbing (indoor and outdoor)
Rafting
River kayaking
Expeditions with tent and sleeping bag
Solo 24 hours out in nature
Surfing in Hoddevika

Spring:

Introduction to mountain skiing
Avalanche awareness and safe travel in the winter mountains
Kiting
Cooperation and community
Mastery in various weather conditions
Establishing basecamp
Map and compass
First Aid
Trip planning
Winter outdoor life
Skiing in the groomers

Adventure all year round

At Friluftsliv you get a year with lots of time outdoors and great variety. With fjords, mountains, glaciers, forests and coast all around us, we have many opportunities right outside our door. Together with others who like to be outdoors, you get to try many different things, learn new skills and experience outdoor life through the changing seasons.

We start the year with trips both on foot and on the water. You get to try kayaking, climbing, glacier, surfing, river kayaking and rafting. We go on mountain hikes with tents and sleeping bags, cook outside and learn the basics you need to plan and carry out your own trips.

You will learn, among other things, orienteering with a map and compass, first aid, trip planning and how to assess weather and conditions. Throughout the year, you will gain more experience and become safer and more independent outdoors.

Versatility is the key. Autumn offers beautiful mountain hikes with tents, kayaking on a silent fjord, and glacier hiking in the blue ice. When the days get shorter, there will be campfires, surfing, and climbing – both indoors and outdoors.

You don't need a lot of previous experience. We start at your level and learn along the way. Some days are high-paced and full of new challenges, while others are about hiking, lighting a campfire or waking up in a tent with a new day ahead of you. It's the variety, the experiences and the people you share them with that characterize Friluftsliv.

- Kayak and wetsuit
  You will learn basic paddling techniques and safety and will be able to use the kayak on a trip.
- Tent life and overnight trip
  We go on a trip with a tent and sleeping bag and learn how to set up camp and enjoy being outdoors for several days.
- Map and compass
  You learn to orient yourself and find your way when we are out on a trip.
- Campfire and outdoor cooking
  We light a fire, cook food and spend a lot of time outdoors.
- Glacier hiking and glacier courses
  You will learn how to travel safely on a glacier with crampons, ice axe and rope.
- Blue ice climbing
  You will get to try ice climbing and become familiar with the equipment and techniques we use.
- Climbing indoors and outdoors
  We climb both in Sognahallen and out on the climbing fields around Sogndal.
- Rafting
  Experience the river from the raft, with speed, cooperation and lots of water.
- River kayaking
  You will get to try river paddling and feel the difference from kayaking on the fjord.
- Surfing in Hoddevika
  We travel to Stad and try surfing in Hoddevika.
- Solo day
  You get to spend time alone outside and use the skills you have learned throughout the fall.

A year of variety and challenges

When the days get shorter, there will be campfires, surfing and climbing – both indoors and outdoors. Winter brings ski trips with both daypacks and big bags, and overnight stays in snow caves. You learn to thrive in the winter mountains. When the spring melts the snow, we end with canoeing, climbing and a solo night under the starry sky. We sleep under the open sky, go hiking along the coast.

When winter comes, we discover the mountain skis. We start with skiing technique and learn to move in varied winter terrain, both with a daypack and on longer trips with more equipment. You also get to try kiting and learn about avalanches, orienteering and safe travel in the winter mountains.

We go on overnight trips and learn how to stay warm and dry when it's cold. We set up camp, cook outside, and build and spend the night in a snow cave. Throughout the winter, you'll gain more experience planning trips and making good choices based on weather and conditions.

Some days are cold and challenging, others offer sunshine, great skiing conditions and long breaks outside. We spend time on the entire trip experience, from planning and packing to life in camp and the days on the skis.

When spring comes, outdoor life changes again. As the snow melts, we get out our canoes, climbing equipment, and hiking boots. We use the fjord, the mountains, and the areas around the school, and end the year with a solo night out.

Throughout the year you will get to try many different things, but you will also have time to get better at being outdoors. You will learn to plan, cooperate and take responsibility and gradually become safer and more independent on trips.

Best of all? You share all these experiences with others who also love the outdoors.

- Mountain skiing
  We go on both short and longer ski trips and learn skiing techniques and how to move in varied winter terrain.
- Avalanche theory
  You will learn about snow, avalanche terrain and how we assess weather, conditions and avalanche danger before and during a trip.
- Winter trip with accommodation
  We go on longer trips and learn how to set up camp and thrive outside when it's cold.
- Snow cave tour
  We build our own snow cave and spend the night in it.
- Kiting
  Try letting the wind pull you on skis across snowy expanses.
- Ice climbing
  Try climbing frozen waterfalls with ice axes and crampons.
- Dog sledding
  Join a dog sledding trip and experience winter behind a dog sled.
- Skating trip
  When the ice conditions are good, we get out our skates and head out onto the frozen waters.
- Three days of skiing in Hemsedal
  The whole school is traveling to Hemsedal, where we get three days of skiing and a lot of time together across the lines.
- Canoeing and climbing
  When spring comes and the snow disappears in the lowlands, we find canoes and climbing equipment and use nature in new ways.
- Solo night
  Towards the end of the year, you get to spend a night alone outside and use the experiences and skills you have gained throughout the year.

Study trips

Study trip: Kayaking in the Mediterranean

We travel by train to Croatia to experience both mountain hikes and paddling.

One of our big winter goals is to cross the Hardangervidda plateau on mountain skis. We pack our sleds and backpacks with what we need for several days out and set off on a trip across one of Norway's largest high mountain areas.
The days are spent skiing across open spaces. We orient ourselves with maps and compasses, assess weather and conditions, and find good places to camp. When the day's stage is over, we set up tents, melt snow into water, and cook before crawling into our sleeping bags.
At Hardangervidda you will get to use a lot of what we have been working on throughout the winter. You will learn how to pack and organize your equipment, stay warm and dry, and make everyday life work when you are going to be living outside for several days in a row.
The weather on the plateau can change quickly, and we must be prepared to adjust both the route and plans along the way. It gives good experience in making decisions together and adapting the trip to the conditions we encounter.
Crossing the Hardangervidda plateau is also about community on the trail. We share tasks, help each other when the days get long, and experience the mastery of moving forward together.
When the trip is over, you will not only have crossed the Hardangervidda plateau on skis. You will also have gained experience in planning and carrying out a longer winter trip, and in living and enjoying the outdoors for several days.

Study trip: Spring ski trip across Hardangervidda

One of the highlights of the outdoor life route is the long winter hike across the Hardangervidda plateau.

In the fall we travel south to Croatia, where we exchange western mountains and cold fjords with warm days, mountains, islands and the clear Mediterranean. The journey itself is part of the experience, and we travel together through Europe before arriving in Croatia.
Here, the outdoor life continues in completely different surroundings than at home in Sogndal. We kayak between small islands and along the coast, go on mountain hikes and experience the landscape both from the sea and from above.
Climbing is also part of the trip. We climb outside with a view of the ocean and get to use the skills we have been working on at home. The activities are adapted to the group, so you can join in even if you don't have much experience before.
There will also be time to swim in the Mediterranean, explore the places we visit and get to know the life and culture of Croatia better. In between activities we will have time to slow down, eat together and enjoy warm autumn days by the sea.
The study trip gives us many days outdoors together and the opportunity to experience how different outdoor life can be from place to place. We take our experiences from the autumn in Sogndal with us and use them in new surroundings, with kayaking, climbing, mountain hiking and life along the Mediterranean.

Equipment list

For an active year with outdoor life in challenging West Norway nature, you need some equipment.

The overview below covers what you should have in terms of personal equipment. Remember that old, good equipment is often just as useful as the latest model, so look in the attic or borrow from your family or friends!

Included in the price, all students at Sogndal Folk High School receive a training card at the Sports Center with access to all facilities.

- Shell jacket and shell pants (windproof, waterproof, durable)
- Hiking pants
- Hat and scarf (preferably wool)
- Wool mittens and gloves (simple and warm)
- 2 sets of wool underwear
- Warm mid-layer (wool sweater, primaloft or down jacket)
- Workout clothes and sneakers (indoor and outdoor)
- Mountain boots or shoes with high ankle
Hiking and outdoor equipment
- Daypack approx. 40L
- Backpack approx. 70L
- Sleeping mats (2 needed for winter)
- Sleeping bag (comfort down to –20 °C, possibly combine with a sheet bag or two bags inside each other)
- Plate, cup and cutlery
- Drinking bottle that can withstand boiling water (e.g. Nalgene)
- Thermos
- Headlamp (simple type)
- Map folder and compass (360°)
- Knife
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Writing materials
Practical and travel
- Travel insurance
- European Health Insurance Card
- Passport
- Simple bicycle (for the local area) – help with purchasing if you have a long commute
- Bicycle helmet
Wait to get it (most relevant after Christmas)
- Shell mittens
- Warm down jacket or thick wool sweater
- Ski boots, mountain skis and poles
- Climbing skins
- Gaiters
- Shovel and search rod
- Ski goggles
- Sleeping bag liner

Teacher Outdoor Life:

Pål Korsnes Støylen

Pål has an extensive educational background that includes a master's degree in physical education, sports and outdoor life. He is also a trained agronomist and educator, which gives him broad expertise in both scientific and educational areas, and he exudes a comprehensive knowledge base in his teaching and guidance of students.

Pål with an Å has endless enthusiasm and is eager to get the most out of life. He's keen to get the best out of everyone around him, which he does with a twinkle in the eye and an appropriate comment. It's incredibly easy to fall in love with this talented, calm guy with a huge range of interests.

paal@sogndal.fhs.no 482 67 398