Bushcraft Courses

The Heroes of Telemark Expedition 2009

Retracing Their Journey

The saboteurs were chosen for their local knowledge & the survival skills that enabled them to survive in N. Europe's most inhospitable environment, the high mountain plateau of the Hardanger Vidda.

While the saboteurs' target was the hydroelectric power plant at Vemork, near Rjukan in the Telemark region, they were dropped high up in the mountains to avoid detection. The men then travelled through this harsh mountain environment towards their ultimate target, finding shelter as they went.

Even if you are a non/novice skier, this exclusive Woodlore expedition will train you to a level that will enable you to undertake this remarkable journey, retracing the ski tracks of the Norwegian saboteurs.

Brian Desmond, the expedition leader, has lived in Norway for over 20 years. He has represented Great Britain in X-country skiing, ski orienteering, and is a former British biathlon champion. Over the years Brian has led over 70 summer & winter expeditions in Norway both for military and civilians.

The first 6 days will be based in the Setesdal Valley, south of the Hardanger. In a beautifully forested area, this training phase will concentrate on basic skiing skills in forgiving, undulating terrain suited to the novice skier. These are important skills that are necessary to enable you to complete the expedition phase of the trip. These skills will add a dimension to your skiing that will stay with you for years to come.

During the initial training phase you will be based in an ex-Norwegian military training base, used during WWII by the German High Command for the area. Your accommodation now forms the Joint Services Training Centre. This accommodation has central heating, single/double rooms, excellent facilities including en-suite showers, kitchen area and TV room, allowing time to relax in the evenings after a hard day's ski training. Meals are provided nearby in what was once the officers' mess but is now open at weekends as a local restaurant.

This phase will allow you to meet the daily rigors of learning a new skill in a winter environment. It will also prepare you for the challenge of the expedition to come.

On completion of the ski-training phase you will transfer to the Northern end of the scenic Setesdal Valley. From here you will be taken onto the Hardanger Vidda by snow scooter. You will stay for 2 nights at one of the cabins actually used by the Norwegian saboteurs in 1942.

During your time in this area of the vidda you will acclimatise to the local weather and snow conditions as well as making your final preparations for the expedition. The next day you will set off across the plateau with Brian and his team for the adventure of a lifetime.

You will be travelling by cross-country ski and the accommodation will be a mixture of wooden cabins, mountain tent and Lavvu.

After 5 nights out on the vidda, having successfully completed the majority of the sabotage route, you will be treated to a hearty lunch at a local bistro. The last 2 nights will be spent in local accommodation from where (after a good night's sleep!) there will be a short tour of the actual attack route used by the saboteurs over 60 years ago. You will also have the chance to ride the Krossobanen cable car, visit the Vemork museum at Rjukan and the impressive Heavy Water display there, plus indulge in some local shopping.

On the last night there will be a celebration dinner before departing for the UK the next day. Your last 2 days will round off what is bound to be a memorable trip, giving insight to the original operation and adding to the historical context of what you have achieved.

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