Duration: 5 hours
Time: Tuesdays 11.00-16.00 in week 6 to 10 (other weeks upon request)
Location: Høvringen, Norway
Difficulty Level: Moderate — suitable for people with basic skiing ability and average good fitness
Minimum Age: Approximately 13 years (younger participants by arrangement)
This introductory tour & course is designed for adventurous individuals who want to experience the freedom of skiing beyond groomed trails. Backcountry skiing is not about speed — it’s about exploration, connection with nature, and learning to move confidently through quiet winter landscapes. Whether you are familiar with regular cross-country skiing or completely new to mountain touring, this course will open your eyes to a new, rewarding way of traveling on skis.
Based in Høvringen, Norway — at the entrance to the stunning Rondane National Park — this course blends practical training with an immersive outdoor experience. You will learn essential techniques, how to use specialized equipment such as climbing skins, and how to safely navigate varied winter terrain such as open plateaus, gentle slopes, and birch forests. Under the guidance of an experienced local instructor, you will gain the skills and confidence to explore off-track winter terrain at a comfortable and enjoyable pace.
Midway through the day, we’ll pause for a warm drink and a light snack, taking time to relax, enjoy the mountain scenery, and deepen our understanding of winter travel techniques and safety. By the end of the course, you’ll return to Høvringen with a smile, a sense of achievement, and a solid foundation in backcountry skiing.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand and use backcountry ski equipment, including skis, boots, poles, and climbing skins
- Apply basic backcountry skiing techniques for both uphill and downhill travel
- Move safely and efficiently across varied winter terrain
- Recognize key safety considerations in winter mountain environments
- Appreciate the value of slow exploration and nature-focused skiing
What’s Included
- Experienced local instructor
- Warm beverages and snacks during the breaks
- Safety briefing and introduction to backcountry skiing techniques
What to Bring
- Warm, layered clothing
- Windproof and waterproof outerwear
- Sunglasses and sunscreen (on clear days)
- Small daypack for personal items
- Packed lunch BC ski equipment (possible to rent – you should arrive min 1 hour before depature, if you wish to rent equipment)
Who Should Attend
This course is ideal for:
- Individuals with normal fitness and some basic skiing experience
- Skiers who want to explore beyond prepared tracks
- Anyone seeking an authentic, nature-focused mountain adventure
