spring 2026
FRI-1040 Winter friluftsliv and field safety - 10 ECTS
Type of course
This course is mandatory for students in the one-year program Arktisk friluftsliv and the bachelor program Arktisk friluftsliv og naturguiding. The course is also included in the elective package for students from other programs, and open for exchange students. If capacity, it will open also for other students.Course content
The course starts in January during the 2. semester in the academic year. It is practically oriented, informed by theory, mentorship and shared experience. It will provide the students with basic skills, knowledge and experiences in Arctic winter safety issues. The course varies from lectures to ski-based field day trips and 5-day overnight winter tenting and snow shelters. There are also practical requirements for each trip that include the demonstration of various practical winter skills. These and addition theorical assignments must be passed to be able to take the exam.Objectives of the course
On successful completion of the course, students will have acquired the following overall learning outcomes in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge
- Describe how to practice winter friluftsliv activities to take care of basic needs and safety in winter conditions.
- Explain the personal clothing and equipment needed for winter friluftsliv
- Understand how aspects within outdoor leadership and group dynamics affects individual and group learning experiences.
- Understand the basics of winter conditions with regards to weather, snow and avalanche-conditions.
- Understand Norwegian friluftsliv and safety in relation to international contexts
Skills
- Manage basic winter friluftsliv, tent life, snow shelters and the winter fire.
- Reveal a basic understanding of avalanche safety through terrain and snow management
- Demonstrate proper clothing usage and equipment for winter activities and be able to take care of oneself and others during winter conditions.
- Travel on skis in varied terrain during different snow conditions with necessary equipment using a backpack and pulkas.
- Demonstrate dynamic methods and routines for planning and performing winter trips.
- Be able to navigate during Arctic weather conditions and judge human factor issues continuously.
General competence
- Understand and apply the requirements needed for practising basic winter friluftsliv
- Explain and apply the routines and skills needed to ensure basic safety and comfort during winter activities
- Be able to reflect on friluftsliv safety perspectives in relation to other cultures.
- Demonstrate and employ skills that include leave no trace in nature
- Demonstrate reflective skills regarding experiences and learning outcomes
- Demonstrate, apply and reflect on how cooperative group dynamics influences learning and experience buildup.
Teaching methods
A large part of the course program takes place outdoors, in nature and includes practical exercises to develop experience. The preparation, execution and field trip debrief are fundamental for obtaining the learning objectives. The students must work together and share learning outcome responsibility since most of the activities are organised in groups. The teaching methods will primarily be student centred and problem-based learning supported by the supervision and mentorship from the teachers. Furthermore, teaching and learning methods will use e.g., digital learning, lectures, self-study, discussions and group work. Each student is expected to work 250 hours to achieve the learning outcomes of the subject. We expect that the students practice, e.g., their skiing skills, on their own time, in addition the mandatory course activities.Information to incoming exchange students
There are no academic prerequisites to add this module in your Learning Agreement.
The field trips are ski based. It is recommended that students have prior skiing experience with Nordic cross country (fjell) ski or ski touring/randonnee equipment. The students need to have sufficient physical capacity, enabling them to be active on excursions for multiple days on fjellski or skitouring/randonnee equipment. The required personal equipment list for the winter field trips must be obtained prior course start. Previous experience from outdoor sports/activities/friluftsliv is an advantage, but not a requirement. The students must have basic first aid skills.
Schedule
Examination
| Examination: | Duration: | Grade scale: |
|---|---|---|
| School exam | 5 Hours | A–E, fail F |
Coursework requirements:To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements: |
||
| Participation teaching | Approved – not approved | |
| Participation field excursions | Approved – not approved | |
| Participation pre- and post-work | Approved – not approved | |
| Skill-tests | Approved – not approved | |
More info about the coursework requirements
- lectures and teaching sessions (80% participation)
- field excursions and projects (100% participation)
- pre-and post-work for excursions and projects (100% participation)
- required skill-tests, oral student presentations and written papers
Overview of coursework and criteria for approval will be presented to students at course start.
- About the course
- Campus: Alta |
- ECTS: 10
- Course code: FRI-1040
- Responsible unit
- School of sport sciences
- Earlier years and semesters for this topic