SKIING AND CLIMBING OUR

Skiing in the Alps

Do you want to spend many days skiing in loose snow, and climb alpine peaks as a bonus?

This is what you will learn:

Spring:

Alpine peaks and summit trips
Use of crampons and ice axe in combination with skis
Avalanche course
Safe travel in the winter mountains
Ice climbing on frozen waterfalls
Trip planning and orientation in the mountains
Finding untouched powder runs
Planning and executing trips in unfamiliar terrain
Climbing outdoors and indoors

A golden dorado

By choosing Sogndal, you are choosing a school that is exceptionally well-located for winter mountain tours. In winter, the mountains around Sogndal transform into a skiing paradise. A short drive from the school you can experience untouched loose snow. The mountains here are known for being snow-sure, and you will become familiar with one of Norway's best areas for randonee skiing. High mountain areas such as Hurrungane, Jostedalen and Breheimen are also nearby. Winter on randonee

When winter comes, we move much of the teaching to skiing. Sogndal is close to many different mountain hikes, and we use the mountains around us throughout the winter. We also go on trips to Jostedalen, Hurrungane and Breheimen when the weather and conditions are right.

You will have many days on randonee skiing and encounter different types of terrain, snow and conditions. Some days we go in the forest, other days we head for the high mountains and longer summit hikes. Along the way you will gain more and more experience in planning the trips and finding good route choices both up and down.

Avalanche knowledge is an important part of the teaching. You learn about snow profiles, terrain selection, avalanche assessment and how weather and temperature affect the snowpack. We also train in buddy rescue and the use of a transmitter/receiver, search pole and shovel.

Maps and orientation, trip planning and good assessments along the way are a natural part of the ski days. The goal is that throughout the winter you will become safer and more independent on top trips and gain knowledge and experience that you can take with you on your next trip.

The climbing continues through the winter. We use Sognahallen for climbing and bouldering, and we get to try ice climbing when the conditions are right. When spring comes, we can move the climbing outside again. Then we can ski in the mountains one day and climb out by the fjord the next.

- Randonee and ski tours
  We get many days skiing in varied terrain, from forest skiing to long mountain hikes, with a focus on skiing technique, good route choices and safe travel.
- Top hikes in Sogn
  We use the mountains around Sogndal and also go to Jostedalen, Hurrungane, Breheimen, among others, when the weather and conditions are right.
- Avalanche course
  You will learn about snow, avalanche terrain, snow profiles and risk assessment, and how weather and temperature affect the snow cover.
- Comrade rescue
  We practice practical search and rescue with a transmitter/receiver, search rod and shovel.
- Trip planning and orientation
  You will learn to plan mountain hikes based on weather, snow and terrain and use maps to find good and safe routes.
- Long ski trips with cabin accommodation
  We go on longer ski trips and stay overnight in mountain cabins along the way.
- Ice climbing
  When conditions are right, we climb on natural ice with ice axes and crampons.
- Climbing and bouldering
  The climbing continues through the winter in Sognahallen, and when spring comes, we move back out onto the climbing fields.
- Three days of skiing in Hemsedal
  The entire school travels together to Hemsedal for three days of skiing and fellowship across the board.
- Spring skiing and climbing outdoors
  In the spring we can go skiing in the high mountains one day and climbing out by the fjord the next.
- 12 days in Austria
  On the study trip to the Alps we go on mountain hikes. We also embark on a multi-day hut-to-hut ski trip, with the possibility of climbing peaks well over 3,000 meters.

Study trips

Study trip spring: Skiing in the Alps – Austria

We travel to the Alps, specifically Austria, where an unforgettable hut-to-hut trip awaits. Here we will climb some of the area's highest and most impressive peaks.

On this study trip we combine skiing, climbing and a longer hut-to-hut hike in the Austrian Alps . The journey starts with the Kiel ferry from Oslo, before we continue south through Europe by train. The destination is the Alps, with high peaks, steep mountain sides and a magnificent landscape that is different from what we are used to at home.
The first few days we spend skiing, and when the conditions are right, there will also be the opportunity for climbing in Innsbruck . Weather and snow conditions help determine how the days are planned, and we use the opportunities we get along the way.
The main part of the trip is a multi-day ski trip from cabin to cabin . We move through the high mountains on skis, surrounded by high peaks and magnificent mountains, and stay overnight in mountain cabins along the way. Here you get long days outdoors, new areas and the feeling of being on a proper trip, with everything you need with you from cabin to cabin.
On such a trip we have to be flexible. Weather and snow conditions can cause routes and plans to change along the way. It is a natural part of being on a trip in the Alps, and provides good experience in assessing the conditions, making good choices and adapting the trip to the mountain.
After several days among high peaks and magnificent mountains, we head north again. The journey through Europe, the days skiing, life in mountain huts and time together make this a varied study trip with lots of skiing, climbing and great nature experiences .

Equipment list

If you are missing equipment, we advise you to wait to make purchases until you arrive in Sogndal. You will receive advice and tips from us on what equipment is smart to have. If you want to buy equipment before you arrive, feel free to contact the program teacher for advice and tips.

Climbing equipment is personal, and it is important that you acquire equipment that is both practical and safe. We can help you with this if you are missing something.

In the winter, we will be out in the snow and on the ice, and then you need clothes and skis. That means randonnée skis, which are skis with bindings for walking uphill. Alternatively, you can use telemark skis with a walking function for ski touring.

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 and waterproof – or rainwear)
  • Hiking pants
  • Hat and scarf (preferably wool)
  • Wool mittens
  • Wool underwear
  • A warm mid-layer (wool sweater, Primaloft or down jacket)
  • Workout clothes and sneakers (indoor and outdoor)
Skiing and winter
- Randonee skis w/traps, poles
- Ski helmet, sunglasses & ski goggles
- Snow shovel, search pole & avalanche transceiver
Climbing
- Climbing shoes & harness
- Rope brake (Edelrid Jul 2, Mammut Smart, Singing Rock Rama)
- 3 screw carabiners + 2 regular carabiners
- Slings (if you have them) & climbing helmet
Hiking and outdoor activities
- Backpack (30–40 liters)
- Sleeping bag + sheet bag
- Sleeping pad
- Thermos & headlamp
- Compass & map folder
- Cutlery, cup & plate
Other
- Bike for education/leisure
- Travel insurance
- European health insurance card

Our Ski and Climbing Teacher:

Hendrik Lapp

Hendrik has a master's degree in sports with a specialization in outdoor recreation and coaching studies from the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences (NIH). He is also a trained UIAGM mountain guide from Nortind, a qualification that provides extensive knowledge of mountain and climbing guidance at the highest international level.

He is certified as a ski instructor level 1 and has previously been a member of the national orienteering team. In addition, he has a background as a toolmaker and pursues his passion as a hobby furniture maker.

He's the one you want to have with you in the snowstorm, or be belayed by on the climbing wall. With extensive knowledge and experience, he is confident and competent in everything to do with snow and mountains.

hendrik@sogndal.fhs.no | 995 39 267