Vinterkurs i Jotunheimen@JørnAreLongfjeld (20)

Winter course in Jotunheimen

Learn all you need to know about ski expeditions

Winter course in Jotunheimen

Learn all you need to know about ski expeditions

From USD 787

Our winter course in Jotunheimen is specially designed for those of you who want to learn more about ski expeditions. During a long weekend in Jotunheimen, we guarantee you an informative and educational course where we go from theory to practice so that you get a solid introduction to the good routines, tips and tricks that can make ski expeditions both safer, more fun and more comfortable.

Highlights

  • One night at Bygdin Mountain Lodge
  • Trip planning: Orientation, safe route choices, etc
  • Correct clothing and equipment on the trip
  • Tent and camp routines
  • Learning to use a petrol burner for cooking
  • Packing of pulk
  • Risk factors such as frostbite, hypothermia, tent fire, etc

The winter in the mountains can be insanely beautiful - but it can also be cold and challenging. During this long weekend, we will take you through everything a ski expedition entails. We start with the necessary theory at Bygdin before packing up the pulk, going through some practical exercises outside the hotel, then heading out into nature. Here, the days will be spent putting theory into practice. We practice orientation, safe route choices, we eat lunch along the day's stages, discuss what we have learnt, before we set up camp in the afternoon where we go through tent and camp routines, safe use of petrol burners, and more. We adjust the days according to weather and wind conditions to get the most out of the weekend.

NOTE! The first course from the 15. - 18. February will be held in Norwegian, while the second course from the 22. - 25. February will be held in English (if we receive bookings from international participants on this departure). If we only receive bookings from Norwegian participants on the second course, this will be held in Norwegian too.

4

6-8

4-12

2/6

2/6

NO/EN

Dates and booking
There are no departures on this trip.

Are you interested?
If you are interested in traveling on this trip, you can sign up on our interest list and we will contact you when departures on the trip are set up.
Register interest

Send request
This trip is also offered as a private tailormade trip. Travel alone, with your friends or family whenever you want.
Send request

Opening hours Phone
Mon-Fri : 08-20
Sat-Sun : 14-17
Opening hours Chat
Mon-Fri : 07-23
Sat : 10-18
Sun : 13-21
CET

Safety

  • 24 hour emergency standby team
  • Guides with training in first aid
  • First aid equipment available
  • Cooperation with Turlegen.no for medical advice while in the field

Safety and grading of trips

Physical level

2/6 Physical

We have to work a little to reach the destination. These are trips most people can handle, if they have a basic level of fitness. We sleep in comfortable tents and / or in cabins and hotels, but you do not have to have experience with tent life to join. The physical activity is the main element of the trip, such as cycling, kayaking, hiking, skiing / hiking or glacier hiking, but you do not need prior knowledge of the activity.

Safety and grading of trips

Risk level

2/6 Risk

Activities / trips with low risk. There are usually few incidents, and they are usually of such a nature that they can be treated locally.

Safety and grading of trips

Training and preperations

You should be used to being out in nature, and be in normal good physical shape to participate. The pulks we use normally weigh 20-30 kilos on this course. 

Conditions in the mountains can be demanding in winter. It can be cold and windy, but if you are interested in testing whether ski expeditions are something for you, and at the same time learn more about ski expeditions, this can be a very good opportunity. If we're lucky, we can also get really great winter weather!

Accommodation and food

The first night we sleep at Bygdin Mountain Lodge, where we share a twin room with someone of the same sex. If you want a single room this night, you can reserve this when you register at an additional cost of 500 NOK.

The next two nights we sleep in tents. Two people of the same sex per tent. If you want to sleep alone in a tent, we recommend that you bring your own.

Other information

The easiest way to get to Bygdin Mountain Lodge is either to drive there, or to take a bus from Oslo via Beitostølen. These buses run several times each day. If you want to drive your own car to Bygdin, it is important that you arrive before 20.00 (8.00 PM) since the road going into Bygdin closes after this.

Since everyone will be pulling their own pulk, we recommend packing as lightly as possible. This is very important to have a successful trip. Excess luggage that you do not take with you on the skiing expedition can be left at the hotel or in your car. Remember to bring the correct equipment for your pulk. See equipment list for more information on this.

Highlights

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Day by day

Vinterkurs i Jotunheimen@JørnAreLongfjeld (14)
Vinterkurs i Jotunheimen@JørnAreLongfjeld (34)
Snowshoeing and Dogsledding Jotunheimen@NinaNeste

Day 1:Arrival at Bygdin Mountain Lodge

Arrival at Bygdin Mountain Lodge is at 18.00 (6.00 PM). Before we are served a 3-course dinner in the evening, we have a quick introduction, talk a little about the weekend and what expectations each one of you has for the course, and If we have enough time, we will start on some theory today. NOTE! The road into Bygdin closes at 20.00 (8.00 PM), so it is important to be here well ahead of this.

Arrival at Bygdin Mountain Lodge is at 18.00 (6.00 PM). Before we are served a 3-course dinner in the evening, we have a quick introduction, talk a little about the weekend and what expectations each one of you has for the course, and If we have enough time, we will start on some theory today. NOTE! The road into Bygdin closes at 20.00 (8.00 PM), so it is important to be here well ahead of this.

Bygdin Høyfjellshotell

-,-,D

Vinterkurs i Jotunheimen@JørnAreLongfjeld (11)
Vinterkurs i Jotunheimen@JørnAreLongfjeld (6)
Vinterkurs i Jotunheimen@JørnAreLongfjeld (7)

Day 2:From theory to practice

After breakfast, we start with the necessary theory, going through some exercises, before we start packing the pulks. Once this is done, we head out to learn more about how the petrol burner works, and how to set up the tents in the best possible way. Then we strap on our skis (and pulks), and head out into nature. Weather and wind conditions determine the choice of route. After a short lap this afternoon, we are now left to ourselves and this is where the theory will be put into practice. We set up tents, go through camp routines, boil water, make dinner, and jump into our sleeping bags for the night, before a new day awaits tomorrow.

After breakfast, we start with the necessary theory, going through some exercises, before we start packing the pulks. Once this is done, we head out to learn more about how the petrol burner works, and how to set up the tents in the best possible way. Then we strap on our skis (and pulks), and head out into nature. Weather and wind conditions determine the choice of route. After a short lap this afternoon, we are now left to ourselves and this is where the theory will be put into practice. We set up tents, go through camp routines, boil water, make dinner, and jump into our sleeping bags for the night, before a new day awaits tomorrow.

Tent

B,L,D

6-8 hours

Vinterkurs i Jotunheimen@JørnAreLongfjeld (17)
Vinterkurs i Jotunheimen@JørnAreLongfjeld (22)
Vinterkurs i Jotunheimen@JørnAreLongfjeld (36)

Day 3:Expedition course

We fire up the primus and eat breakfast, then pack down the tents and continue the trip after hopefully a comfortable night. Along the way, we get tested in navigation, and take breaks where we get tips and training. In the afternoon we find a suitable place where we set up camp. Here we will go through much of the same stuff as yesterday so that we get the hang of our routines. Because that's what ski expeditions are all about! The good routines.

We fire up the primus and eat breakfast, then pack down the tents and continue the trip after hopefully a comfortable night. Along the way, we get tested in navigation, and take breaks where we get tips and training. In the afternoon we find a suitable place where we set up camp. Here we will go through much of the same stuff as yesterday so that we get the hang of our routines. Because that's what ski expeditions are all about! The good routines.

Tent

B,L,D

6-8 hours

Vinterkurs i Jotunheimen@JørnAreLongfjeld (24)
Vinterkurs i Jotunheimen@JørnAreLongfjeld (26)
Vinterkurs i Jotunheimen@JørnAreLongfjeld (29)

Day 4:Back to Bygdin

We pack up the tents for the last time and head back towards Bygdin. We use the day to practice navigation and choice of route. When we arrive at Bygdin Mountain Lodge we eat lunch, then start unpacking before a final chat about the trip awaits. The course ends in the afternoon. In order to get the most out of what you have just learned, we recommend that you carry out such a trip on your own, in a safe environment that you are comfortable with, or by signing up for one of our ski expeditions.

We pack up the tents for the last time and head back towards Bygdin. We use the day to practice navigation and choice of route. When we arrive at Bygdin Mountain Lodge we eat lunch, then start unpacking before a final chat about the trip awaits. The course ends in the afternoon. In order to get the most out of what you have just learned, we recommend that you carry out such a trip on your own, in a safe environment that you are comfortable with, or by signing up for one of our ski expeditions.

B,L,-

6-8 hours

Arrival at Bygdin Mountain Lodge is at 18.00 (6.00 PM). Before we are served a 3-course dinner in the evening, we have a quick introduction, talk a little about the weekend and what expectations each one of you has for the course, and If we have enough time, we will start on some theory today. NOTE! The road into Bygdin closes at 20.00 (8.00 PM), so it is important to be here well ahead of this.

Bygdin Høyfjellshotell

-,-,D

After breakfast, we start with the necessary theory, going through some exercises, before we start packing the pulks. Once this is done, we head out to learn more about how the petrol burner works, and how to set up the tents in the best possible way. Then we strap on our skis (and pulks), and head out into nature. Weather and wind conditions determine the choice of route. After a short lap this afternoon, we are now left to ourselves and this is where the theory will be put into practice. We set up tents, go through camp routines, boil water, make dinner, and jump into our sleeping bags for the night, before a new day awaits tomorrow.

Tent

B,L,D

6-8 hours

We fire up the primus and eat breakfast, then pack down the tents and continue the trip after hopefully a comfortable night. Along the way, we get tested in navigation, and take breaks where we get tips and training. In the afternoon we find a suitable place where we set up camp. Here we will go through much of the same stuff as yesterday so that we get the hang of our routines. Because that's what ski expeditions are all about! The good routines.

Tent

B,L,D

6-8 hours

We pack up the tents for the last time and head back towards Bygdin. We use the day to practice navigation and choice of route. When we arrive at Bygdin Mountain Lodge we eat lunch, then start unpacking before a final chat about the trip awaits. The course ends in the afternoon. In order to get the most out of what you have just learned, we recommend that you carry out such a trip on your own, in a safe environment that you are comfortable with, or by signing up for one of our ski expeditions.

B,L,-

6-8 hours

What's included in the price

Included

Not included

Changes may occur

We reserve the right to change prices. The day by day program is a guideline and changes may occur. You can refer to our general travel conditions for more information.

Travel insurance

On all our trips, we require you to have full health and accident insurance which will also cover any emergency transport home. Read more about travel insurance.

Equipment list

This list is intended as a guideline, so that we have what we need regardless of the weather we get on the trip. Remember that you can also get used hiking equipment that works perfectly. Get in touch if you have any questions. TIP: We recommend that you have the most important hiking equipment in your hand luggage, for example hiking boots and gore-tex jacket/trousers.

Obligatory

Clothing

We recommend wool underwear for both men and women. Wool sportstop is recommended for women. A boxershorts with windstopper is recommended for cold days. 

Not too thick, bring more layers if necessary.

2-3 paris. Wool is recommended.

2-3 pairs. Wool or synthetic material.

Fleece or wool. 

With hood, and long enough to cover the butt.

Gore-Tex or similar. Must have a decent hood, and hold out wind and rain. Should have space for midlayers underneath. Ventilation under the arms is recommended. 

Gore-Tex or similar. Must be waterproof and windproof,  zips for ventilation are recommended.

Warm hat for cold days.

Wind proof mittens with warm inner mittens. Has to cover the underarm, and must be spacious. Must give a good grip, even with inner mittens. 

Or a face mask.

Footwear

Warm BC or 75mm ski boots. Slightly large, so that there is room for thick socks. The shoes must be well used to avoid blisters. May have integrated gaiters.

Equipment

Good, warm sleeping bag that can withstand -30°C in comfort temperature. Down is the best. They are lighter, and become smaller in package volume. If you already have a good sleeping bag, but are not sure if it is warm enough, this overbag from Halite could be a good alternative.

For winter use. For example Exped down mat or Thermarest NeoAir. Used together with the "flat" sleeping mat.

Band-aid, compeed, sportstape, Paracet/Ibux, medicine for soar throat, running nose, irritable stomach, etc, and personal medication. 
We need to know about all medicines you are taking, in case something happens. 

Compact and light.

Preferably a spoon with a long handle if you are going to eat freeze dried food.

High SPF, 30-50. Remember chapstick for lips and nose. 

A solid pair, with dark glass. With a cord to hang around the neck.

Alpine snow glasses. To protect your face and eyes in snow, wind and cold conditions.

"Flat" type made of closed-cell foam, for example Thermarest Z-lite. To use in combination with the inflatable sleeping mat.

Nordic back country skis, preferably with steel sledges. BC bindings with manual closure, or 75mm bindings. The poles must have large baskets. 

For hot drinks in breaks and in camp.

2 x 1 litre bottles, with insulation cover, so they dont freeze. For example Nalgene bottles with wide mouth. They can handle hot water, so you can use them to keep warm in the sleeping bag. If you do not have 2 bottles you can bring an extra thermos instead (must be 3 litres of water capacity all together).

1-2 litre (3 litres all together in thermos and waterbottles).

Robust, waterproof pack bags, important to keep your clothes, electronics and sleepingbag dry. Different sizes and colours is practical. It is important that they are made of strong material so that they do not tear to pieces during the trip.

We mostly use short skins, but should we be unlucky with the route (hard and icy or lots of powder snow), long traps are a must.

Recommended

Clothing

A warm hat that also should be windproof.

For warmer days, and as a hat when sleeping.

Can also be used inside the down mittens.

To protect your boots against mud, dust and water.

Nice to take it outside the shell trousers. Preferably with a zipper all the way.

Footwear

Lightweight  and back up very small. Keep your feet warm inside the tent, sleeping bag or while walking around camp. Down or synthetic filling. In addition, warm and good footwear in case of emergency, if your feet are very cold.

Equipment

Tooth brush, tooth paste, small towel, ear plugs, wet wipes, biodegradable soap, etc.

A small bag with antibac, and dog poop bags for used wet wipes etc. Here you can also keep toilet paper, and matches to burn used toilet paper.

Remember new/extra batteries. Lithium batteries are good in the cold. NOTE: A headlamp is only necessary until around mid-April.

Useful

Clothing

Thin, ultra lihgt.

Equipment

To increase the comfort temperature in your sleeping bag.

As light at possible. 

Nuts, chocolate, energy bars, etc.

If youre a light sleeper.

For example Piteraq HD. Be sure to have the right size, that fits your sleeping mats.

Might be a good idea if you're going on a trip when it's bright at night (you can possibly use a buff/neck gaiter).

We provide

We have the following common and safety equipment

2 full + 1-2 half bags (nice for organising) - Piteraq HD version.

Paris Expedition transportation sled.

GPS, kart og kompass.

Food is included on the ski trip, and you pick what you want to take with you from our warehouse - porridge for breakfast, vacuum-packed freeze-dried tour food for lunch and dinner, drinks (coffee/tea), chocolate, nuts, biscuits. If you would like more chocolate/snacks, you must bring this yourself.

Harnesses, ropes, carabiners etc.

It is important that you pack your clothes and sleeping bag 100% waterproof. Even if you already have a cover on your sleeping bag, it is important that you pack it in a waterproof drybag bag as well.

Here you can find more information about gear & clothing for trips like this.

TIP: Travel in your outdoor clothes. We recommend that you have the most important outdoor equipment in your hand luggage, for example ski boots and gore-tex jacket/trousers.

 

Testimonial

"Very useful for gaining experience with navigation in everything from bright sun to white out with absolutely zero visibility. Pleasant and informative guide. Highly recommend."

– Nina, 2021

Testimonial

"A great experience!"

– Åse, 2021

Testimonial

"Fantastic surroundings and professional staff."

– Oscar, 2021