SKI AND CLIMBING
Climbing in Corsica, and Skiing in the Alps
Would you like to spend many days skiing in powder snow, climbing cliffs and mountains, and summiting alpine peaks as a bonus?
This is what you will learn:
Fall:
Learn climbing skills for real here
Lead climbing and multipitch
Bouldering and climbing technique
Alpine ski touring in Jotunheimen
Mountain rescue, rappelling, and safety
Knots and climbing equipment
Glacier climbing and glacier course
Introduction to trad climbing
Climbing on various cliffs
Training
Spring:
Alpine peaks and summit trips
Use of crampons and ice axe in combination with skis
Avalanche course
Learn about snow profiles
Safe travel in the winter mountains
Ice climbing on frozen waterfalls
Trip planning and navigating in the mountains
Finding untouched powder runs
Planning and executing trips in unfamiliar terrain
Rescue, use of emergency bivouac
Top-class climbing
Sogndal is a climbing paradise, both indoors and outdoors! The autumn at Ski and Climbing is largely about climbing. We climb a lot, both indoors and outdoors, and you get challenges that suit your level. You don't have to be an experienced climber before. We build your skills step by step through many hours of climbing.
At Kvam climbing area, right next to the school, there are more than 500 routes at various levels. We also use several other climbing areas around Sogn. When the weather is not on our side, we move into Sognahallen, which has both a climbing wall and a bouldering facility.
Throughout the fall you will learn, among other things, belaying, lead climbing and multipitch. We work with climbing techniques, knots, rappelling, equipment and safety, and you will eventually try climbing with natural belays. We also use the mountains around us for alpine tours and gain experience with crampons, ice axes and glacier travel.
The goal is for you to get a lot of time on the wall, develop your climbing skills and become more confident in making your own choices. If you have climbed a lot before, you will have the opportunity to develop further. If climbing is quite new to you, you will learn the basics and build experience throughout the fall.
Climbing at home in Sogndal also prepares us for the study trip to Corsica, where we get to use our skills on new climbing fields and in a different mountain landscape.
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Climbing outside
We climb a lot at Kvam and other climbing areas around Sogn and in Western Norway, with routes at various levels.Lead climbing and multipitch
You can develop your skills on the trail and try multipitch, where we climb multiple rope lengths up larger mountain walls.Bouldering
We rock climb both indoors and outdoors and work on climbing techniques, strength and problem solving.Alpine peaks over 2000 meters
We use the mountains for alpine tours and gain experience with longer days and more demanding terrain.Glacier and blue ice
We go to a glacier, use crampons and ice axes and get to try climbing on blue ice.61 degrees north
A joint team building project for the entire school, with collaboration, activities and challenges across the curriculum.12 days in Corsica
On this fall's study trip we're traveling to Corsica to climb and experience new mountain areas. Here you'll get to use the skills you learned from the fall on new climbing fields and in a completely different landscape.
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.
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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 fall : Climbing in Corsica
Join us on a journey to one of Southern Europe's most beautiful climbing destinations, Corsica.
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Corsica is an island in the Mediterranean and a fantastic place for climbing. On this study trip you will spend many days on the cliffs, surrounded by high mountains, beautiful nature and the Mediterranean Sea.
We visit famous climbing areas such as Lumio and Bavella , where there is a wide range of routes at different levels. This means that everyone can find a challenge that suits them, whether you are quite new or have a lot of climbing experience. Throughout the days on the cliff you get to try different routes, challenge yourself and develop as a climber, while helping and cheering each other on.
Although the climbing is the focus, there is also time to experience more of Corsica. We go on nice hikes , explore the surrounding area and take rest days when we need a break from the climbing. Then it is time to swim in the Mediterranean, relax and enjoy nature and life on the island.
Community is an important part of the trip. After long days out, we gather for good food and pleasant evenings together. It's time to relax, share experiences from the day, and get to know each other even better.
The combination of climbing, high mountains, the Mediterranean, warm climate and good days together makes Corsica a great place to go on a study trip. Here you can climb a lot, challenge yourself, experience new places and create good memories together.
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.
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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.
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• 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)
• High-ankle mountain boots
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Climbing equipment
Sport climbing harness
Climbing boots (not too tight)
Climbing helmet
Rope brake + carabiner (Edelrid Jul 2, Mammut Smart etc.)
3 screw carabiners + 2 without screw lock
Card sling (if you have one)
Outdoor equipment
Daypack approx. 40L (preferably with helmet mount and space for ice axe)
Sleeping pad + sleeping bag (3-season if you have one)
Drinking bottle & thermos
Headlamp (simple version is enough)
Map folder & compass (360°)
Writing materials
First aid kit (sports tape, chafing plasters, individual pack, painkillers)
Windproof mittens, warm down jacket / thick wool sweater
Travel & practical
Travel insurance
European Health Insurance Card
Passport
Backpack or bag for travel
Simple bike + bike helmet
Ski equipment (after Christmas)
Ski boots
Randonee skis + traps
Telescopic poles
Ski helmet, sunglasses & ski goggles
Avalanche detector (transmitter/receiver, calibrated annually)
Snow shovel & search pole
Ski crampons
Sleeping bag liner
Teacher ski and climbing:
Hendrik Lapp
Hendrik has a master's degree in sports with a specialization in outdoor sports and coaching studies from the Norwegian School of Sports Sciences (NIH). He is also a trained peak guide from Nortind, a qualification that provides extensive knowledge of mountain and climbing guidance at the highest international level. He is a member of the alpine mountain rescue group NARG.
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
