Ole Karsten is the principal himself, but not a traditional one! He is at the top of the climbing wall and unbeatable in table tennis. If there is snow and sun, you will see his back heading towards the mountain. He will gladly join you on a bike ride, show you acrobatic skills and slacklining. Now we are all looking forward to joining him at his cabin in Kalymnos, with his beautiful sailboat, "Stjerner i sikte" (Stars in sight).

Principal

olekarsten@sogndal.fhs.no

95032287

Paul Hough

Paul is the backbone of the school. He's a mountain guide, first aid expert, mountain goat and fisherman. What else? An artist! Yep, Paul paints, draws and is as creative as they come. He loves snow and is happy to take a class on a snow cave trip even if the temperature drops below minus 20 C.

Vice-principal
paul@sogndal.fhs.no
952 06 133

Elise Hjelleflat Barsnes

Elise has control over most things – and most people! She is strategically located, easy to find and smiles broadly when you come by. Then she knows she can have a good chat, help you with mail, student loans or all the small and big things that come up throughout the year. She speaks "native", lives in the center with her husband and three children.

Office Manager
Mail: elise@sogndal.fhs.no
Phone: 992 37 623

Renate Vik Vatlestad

Renate is the reserve mom for all the students – she can be strict, but has a heart of gold. She is always there for a chat, whether you are heartbroken, think life is hard, or just need a hug. Renate spreads joy with small quotes around the school, but don't be fooled – she is also full of pranks and surprises!

Dorm Leader
Mail: renate@sogndal.fhs.no
Phone: 958 36 613

Tanita Opheim

Tanita is our fantastic «head chef» and runs the kitchen with a steady hand. She is as good at cooking as she is with her infectious laughter! Tanita always makes sure that the food both looks good, tastes good and does good. She lives with a large workhorse and a small one, so occasionally she has to take a detour. Tanita is constantly surprising – either with pranks or something extra good on the table. We are careful not to joke too much, because we know that her revenge is sweet!

Head Chef
Email: tanita@sogndal.fhs.no

Pål Støylen

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.

Program teacher Outdoor life
Mail: paal@sogndal.fhs.no
Tel: 482 67 398

Tale Holsen Ivarhus

Tale, exuberant Tale, always has a goal, a peak, a record or something new she just has to try. And when she comes back, with a big smile and having had a "cracking good time," you can't help but smile too. The woman from Hardanger has a lot to offer and the world's finest accent. Whether it's in a kayak, on a crag wall, in the climbing field, or on a run to collect peaks, she makes everything look easy.

Program teacher Outdoor life Norway
Mail: tale@sogndal.fhs.no
Tlf: 404 50 763

Helge Lund

Helge is our very own Bob the Builder. Can it be fixed? Of course it can! And if he can't fix it – then it's probably not worth keeping. Our caretaker is easy to recognize in his work clothes and matching, homemade knitted hat. He knows where everything is and has the keys to all 400 (and some) doors at the school. Helge is actually a carpenter, but knows more about cars, drains, cranes, bikes and washing machines than the rest of us can only dream of.

Caretaker
Email: helge@sogndal.fhs.no
Phone: 991 18 662

Marija Kolar

Marija is the school's assistant – and what would we do without her! It takes a lot to keep up with her pace throughout the day. She and her family are from Croatia, and came here a few years ago. Although she doesn't speak that many Norwegian words yet, she makes up for it with body language and signs. It's never difficult to ask her for help, and she is always as happy as the sun. Marija is a lady with many talents – nail design is just one of them, in addition to painting, washing, cooking and speaking several languages.

Dormitary assistant

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.

hendrik@sogndal.fhs.no

995 39 267

Vibe Ørum Rasmussen

Vibe is our sports star, always full of energy and creativity when it comes to finding new ways to move! Well-being and interaction are high on her agenda. In the heart of Sogn, this dynamo from Denmark has found her paradise. Here, she likes to start the day with a dip in the fjord, cycles to work, jogs up to the mountain, straps on her skis to the top, takes a round of yoga and meditation, before she whizzes down the mountainsides with the powder swirling around her. And as the icing on the cake – Vibe is also fantastically good at desserts!

Program Instructor
Email: vibe@sogndal.fhs.no
Phone: 462 96 898

Martin Buch Larsen

Martin is a skilled carpenter with a bachelor's degree in nature, culture, and outdoor guidance from the University College of Southeast Norway. He has also completed a one-year program in social sciences. In addition, he has specialized in snow avalanche forecasting at Prescott College, and alpine skiing at the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. Martin is also an NMGI-certified bike instructor at level 1, and he runs an organic smallholding, where he combines his passion for nature and sustainable agriculture.

Martin is very committed and good at seeing solutions, often with his guitar in one hand. Cycling and skiing were the reason he ended up in Sogndal, but the reasons for staying are completely different. If you need tips for the local winter route, ask Martin.

Program teacher Outdoor life & Backcountry Skiing / Ski, bike and surf
Mail: martin@sogndal.fhs.no
Phone: 976 57 451

Sivelin Kjølstad

Sivelin is the Trønder who fell in love with Sogndal and stayed. Good music, good atmosphere and happy faces – then you know who is in place! She draws, paints, sews and is creative like few others, but don't think this lady sits still much. She whizzes down and across on skis, crosses glacial lakes on snowshoes and speeds up on her bike! A raw talent at revue and honest through and through. And what would Mondays be without her "good morning and welcome to a new and exciting week at Sogndal FHS"?

Marketing and electives
Email: sivelin@sogndal.fhs.no
Phone: 971 66 977

Frida Isungset

Frida is our fresh breath and sets the mood with piano playing and "good vibes"! This Bergen lady, who originally comes from Lærdal, is the closest you get to a quiet Bergen resident. But if you awaken her engagement, then you've got her with you! She is good at skiing, and her mountain skis are well used. She is passionate about recycling and the environment, and is a true festival lady who thrives best in a tent. At the same time, she is happy to take you on a journey in the musical world, either through sing-alongs or music listening.

Program Instructor, Outdoor life Ski touring
frida@sogndal.fhs.no 902 72 852

Staff

Sogndal Folk High School

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