OUTDOOR LIFE
Croatia and the Mediterranean
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
Adventure and community. Are you ready for a year where you can really experience nature up close? On our outdoor life line you get the opportunity to explore everything from mountains and fjords to plateaus, forests and glaciers. The nature of Vestland offers spectacular views, and here you get all the opportunities, right outside your door.
Explore nature on your own terms. Do you want to become a safe and versatile outdoor enthusiast? Here you will have the opportunity to develop your skills – whether it's climbing, skiing or spending the night under the stars. Our focus is on enjoying nature, building community and being part of an active and supportive environment.
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Surfing at Stad : Travel to Stad to surf some of Norway's best waves.
Survival skills: Spend the night outdoors and manage on your own in nature.
First aid course: Practice first aid in realistic situations.
River kayaking: Paddle down small rapids and rivers.
61 degrees north: Challenges that test endurance and teamwork.
Via Ferrata Loen: Climb a fixed route in the mountain with spectacular views.
Kayak trip in narrow fjord: Paddle a kayak through narrow fjords surrounded by high mountains.
Climbing outdoors and indoors: Climb on natural cliffs and indoor walls.
Solo trip: Go on a solo trip in nature to challenge yourself.
Glacier trip: Walk on a glacier with crampons and rope.
A year of variety and challenges
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. 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 finish with a canoe trip, climbing and a solo night under the starry sky. We sleep under the open sky, go hiking along the coast.
Study trip. In the fall, we will go to Croatia to go mountain hiking and kayaking in the crystal clear Mediterranean Sea – a unique opportunity to experience nature on a new level.
The goal is for you to end the year as a safer and freer outdoor enthusiast – ready for new adventures, either alone or with friends.
Best of all? You share all these experiences with others who also love the outdoors.
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Hemsedal 3 days: Three days of skiing.
Dog sledding: Drive a dog sled in the mountains in winter.
Skiing in the slopes: Everyone gets a lift pass to Sogndal Ski Center and skis in prepared alpine slopes.
Snow cave trip: Build and spend the night in your own snow cave.
Avalanche studies: Learn about safe travel in the winter mountains and how to assess avalanche danger.
Ice skating trip: Glide across frozen mountain lakes.
Kiting: Be pulled by the wind on skis across snow-covered plains.
Ice climbing: Climb frozen waterfalls with ice axes and crampons.
Study trips
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.
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When the sun warms, the days get longer and the snow is firm and nice, we pack our tents, sleds and mountain skis – and set off on a trip through one of Norway's most iconic mountain areas.
The trip lasts several days, with overnight stays in tents along the way. We go from camp to camp, cross open spaces and rest in shelter from the wind. It's about cooperation, being out in the elements, finding good solutions and experiencing mastery.
This is a trip that requires a little, but gives a lot. For many, it will be a memory for life – and proof that you can do more than you think.
Study trip: Kayaking in the Mediterranean
We travel by train to Croatia to experience both mountain hikes and paddling.
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Do you want to experience both mountains and sea – and travel slowly through Europe by train?
On the study trip to Croatia, you get to kayak between small islands, snorkel in crystal clear water, climb "deep water solo" on cliffs and jump straight into the Mediterranean afterwards.
You'll experience true Mediterranean life – picking olives, tasting local cuisine and spending the night in a tent on an island. This is a paddle trip you won't soon forget.
The tour also includes mountain hikes in Croatia's beautiful national parks. On the longest tour, you spend three days in the mountains, starting with climbing natural rock faces, staying overnight in a mountain hut overlooking the valley and being served traditional Croatian food. The tour ends with a summit hike to Mount Mosor, where the view stretches from mountain to sea.
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 pass at the Sports Center with access to all facilities, and a lift pass at Sogndal Ski Center.
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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
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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
