Bushcraft Courses

Introduction to Nordic Skiing 2009

The original way to travel on snow

To get started all you need is average fitness, a little coordination & balance, combined with basic rhythm - then you are off! This is a skill that allows young and old to move successfully and freely over undulating terrain in any winter environment. It allows independent travel over snowcover in a manner that is both efficient and low-impact. The cross-country skier thus becomes closer to the environment through which he or she is travelling, as well as being able to cover relatively large distances.

On our Introduction to Nordic Skiing week we take you to Norway, the home of cross-country skiing. Here Brian Desmond (see biographies), our resident instructor, will lead you through a very comprehensive week of Nordic skiing techniques culminating in a short ski touring expedition, overnighting in the local (Setesdal) mountains. During this latter phase of the course you will put into practice all you will have learned in the previous 5 days. Under expert leadership, you will venture into a winter mountain environment & experience a night in one of the Norwegian tourist association's log cabins.

The course is run in the Setesdal valley in S.Norway. Set in a beautifully forested area, the undulating terrain used for training is well suited to the novice skier. The mix of training areas we use is chosen to provide students with the opportunity to learn all of the basic techniques required of a competent cross-country skier. These techniques form a foundation on which you will be able to safely progress to more expedition-style touring. The skills & techniques taught during this week will stay with you for life.

In the evenings there will be opportunities to view various documentaries related to Nordic skiing as well as talks on equipment, preparation & planning for winter expeditions. The Norwegian tourist association (DNT) hut system will also be explained.

The accommodation in which you will be based will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay, giving those attending the opportunity to fully concentrate all their energy and efforts on learning the various techniques to be covered throughout the week.

Single rooms are standard in centrally heated accommodation that has excellent facilities including en-suite showers, kitchen area & TV room, allowing time to relax in the evenings after a day's ski training. While staying here you will be provided with substantial, good quality meals to fuel your daily activity. With Brian's help you will plan your menu for the expedition to the cabin. Suitable foodstuffs will be purchased locally.

During the week, in addition to cross-country skiing, Brian will give a very brief insight into other Nordic winter skills such as snow shoeing & Telemark skiing. You will also have the chance to visit the local town, where you can get a feel for the local way of life as well as peruse the various outdoor equipment shops.

No previous skiing experience of any kind is required. We provide all the specialised skiing equipment that you will need; skis, boots, poles, ski wax, etc. In terms of personal equipment & clothing required for the week, you will probably be surprised at how much you already have. We do, of course, provide a comprehensive suggested kit list.

We recommend this course for anyone who is interested in taking their first steps into the world of cross-country skiing, for those who have attended our Arctic Experience & wish to take their skiing further, or for those who would like a stepping-stone to our Heroes of Telemark expedition.

If you have arrived at here following a cancellation and all courses are shown as then the place(s) have already been taken.

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