Want to learn how to cross country ski? Want to feel more confident and safe leaving the trails and going downhill on cross country skis? Join our three day intro to backcountry skiing in Norway course.
Experience required:
No experience necessary!
Physical requirement:
3/5 (see below).
Group Size:
Up to 6
Accommodation:
Shared rooms in a Norwegian mountain cabin.
Food:
Hearty and healthy; homemade Norwegian meals in the cabin.
Dates:
January to April
Want to book a private course?:
Learn Backcountry Cross Country Skiing
Often called Nordic backcountry skiing, this course teaches you to move uphill under your own power with cross-country skis and skins, rather than skiing lift-served resort runs.
With this traditional style of Nordic skiing, your heel remains free and the vibe is more exploring rolling hilly terrain than crashing down in a ski resort carving steep turns.
Who's the course for?
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Beginners who want to get into backcountry skiing
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Cross-country skiers who want to leave groomed tracks
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Adventurers who want to learn skiing for polar expeditions*
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Travellers who want to experience a traditional Norwegian skill
It's not for you if:
- You want to learn to ski steep and gnarly slopes
- You're seeking an adrenaline sport
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You're not interested in learning mountain awareness skills
*We run iterations of this course in collaboration with Polar Expedition Training and it serves as a pre-requisite to join their polar training course for those who require it.
What You Will Learn:
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Understand your equipment
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Introduction to balance and movement
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Efficient technique for skiing on the flat
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Efficient uphill skiing technique
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Safety downhill skiing techniques
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Flow and mindset
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What to do if your caught out
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Decision making and how to decide which technique to use when
Example Course Itinerary*:
Day 1:
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Arrival to Finsehytta for dinner (sittings at 7pm or 9pm) and meet your guide and fellow participants
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Accommodation in Finsehytta
Day 2:
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Introduction, gear check, understanding your equipment and introduction to balance and movement
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Intro to uphill and flat skiing techniques
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Flow and mindset coaching
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Accommodation in Finsehytta
Day 3:
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Practise of uphill and flat skiing
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Introduction to downhill
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Skiing for safety and fun
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Accommodation in Finsehytta
Day 4:
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Further downhill skills
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Consolidation of all ski skills
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Final tour and departure
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Accommodation in Finsehytta
*Note: Course content and itinerary is modified to suit each course's participants and conditions.
Physical Requirements
3/5: Suitable for those with normal physical fitness. Participants will be exposed to arctic weather (cold and sometimes high winds) and must be willing to learn how to look after themselves in these conditions.
Bring:
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Fjellski, comaptible ski boots, half skins and ski poles (we can rent them to you if you need)
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Wool base layers
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Warm hiking socks
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Wind/water proof jackets and pants
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2-3 extra layers of clothing (warm sweater / puffy jacket)
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Warm hat and buff
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1-2 pairs of warm ski gloves
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Ski goggles
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Backpack (25-35 liters)
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Thermos (at least 1 litre)
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Sunglasses & Sunscreen if your course is after February
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Some dry bags to store things in
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Your favourite snacks
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Something to carry your lunch in
Please no jeans or cotton layers. They become very cold when they are wet.
Included:
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Dinner on the first night then breakfast, lunch and dinner through to lunch on the last day
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Trained and qualified guide/instructor
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All safety and group equipment
Not Included:
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Flights and transfers to get to Finse
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Travel or personal insurance
Getting to Finse
Finse can only be accessed by train; there is no road. Book train tickets at www.vy.no Read about getting to Finse in detail in our blog 'Getting to Finse by train.'
Accommodation & Food: The mountain cabin
Our nights inside, we will rest and recharge at Finsehytta, one of Norway’s largest and most beloved mountain cabins.
The lounge boasts breathtaking views, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure. Rooms are cozy and shared, fostering a sense of camaraderie. Modern facilities are shared as well, adding to the authentic mountain experience.
Dinner is a highlight. We gather with fellow travellers for a three-course feast of hearty, healthy Norwegian cuisine, lovingly prepared and introduced by your hosts, Sonja and Rune.
Don’t miss the chance to sample Rune’s handcrafted beer, a local legend in its own right and brewed in Finse at 1,223 metres above sea level!
