Type of course

Course content

To enrol the course basic practical skills in outdoor activities or Arctic tourism are required; for instance, experience as a guide / tour leader, outdoor education qualifications from a university college or other relevant outdoor education qualifications. Also, other proven expertise that substantiates that the applicant will be able to cope with the special arctic climatic conditions can provide a basis for admission. All the teaching in the field in winter mainly involves skiing, so candidates must be experienced skiers and possess sufficient physical condition and technique for long-distance skiing.

Nature guiding as a profession includes a theoretical approach and a practical focus through field trips, practical work and leadership assignments.

It comprises field excursions and courses of longer and shorter duration in the nature of the Arctic.

The course content is in a nature and climate that raise high demands on the students' personal skills, mental strength and group awareness.

The course aims to gradually build-up the candidate’s expertise and competence in guiding in the Arctic nature. The course content and learning outcome is harmonized with the Specification of competencies, knowledge, skills and abilities of the International Mountain Leader in accordance with the UIMLA standard, managed in Norway by the Norwegian Nature Guide Association.

Main training courses and field trips:

• Glacier training: Glacier travel and crevasse rescue. Starts at a basic level. Skills are developed further over the course of study.

• Multiday Excursion with camping over several days, focus on procedures for trekking, camping, and route finding using a map and compass.

• Day trips with a focus on trip planning; conscious decisions along the way and safe leadership of groups in the Arctic nature.

Objectives of the course

Knowledge

The student

• Has broad knowledge of topics related to safe travel and camping in the arctic nature during summer conditions

• Can update his/her knowledge in the methods and procedures of leading groups safely in Arctic summer terrain.

• Insight in arctic glaciology as the background for safe travel and camp on glaciers.

• Can update his/her knowledge in the use and development of trip planning by using both analog and digital tools.

• Can update his/her knowledge in the use and development of compass, altimeter, various orienteering techniques and topographic maps (both analog and digital), accuracy and scale.

• Can update his/her knowledge in the use and development of clothing and equipment for travel and camp in arctic nature during summer.

• Can update his/her knowledge in the use and development of equipment and procedures for emergency communication.

• Can update his/her knowledge of anatomy and physiology as they relate to guiding activities in the arctic nature

• Has broad knowledge of topics related to the nature guide such as transparent guiding, group awareness, planning and decision making.

• Has knowledge of various approaches to experience and learning in nature-based tourism.

• Has general knowledge of the history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society of the Nordic Friluftsliv and eco-philosophy.

Skills

• Can apply knowledge into practical skills in organizing and taking care of oneself and the tourist group in arctic summer nature.

• Master relevant tools, techniques and styles for establishing and safely managing a tent camp on bare ground in vulnerable nature.

• Can carry out planning for single and multiday trips during summer and autumn season

• Master relevant tools, techniques and styles for safe and environmental friendly travel with groups in arctic terrain.

• Can apply knowledge to practical use for orienteering with a map and compass.

• Master relevant procedures and principles of basic glacier travel and rescue on blue ice

General competence

• Can plan and lead a tourist group safely in Arctic summer and winter conditions

• Can plan, and lead assessment of routes, campsites and group organization in a complex arctic nature.

• Can plan and lead an accident situation and apply knowledge of the procedures for emergency communication.

• Can plan and lead a tent camp in summer and winter.

• Can plan and lead a tourist group in establishing snow bivouac and emergency bivouac.

• Has insight of their personal and the groups limitations and plan travel according to ability.

• Has insight of the impact strong winds can have on a camp site and emergency procedures if a tent cannot be used.

• Has insight of the importance of being able to adapt the program to changes in group limitations, conditions and weather.

• Can plan and carry out professional nature guiding in the arctic using personal leadership styles and a diversity of guide skills

• Be aware of the demands tourism makes on a nature guide and their own role in a tourism business.

Language of instruction and examination

Teaching methods

Each student is expected to work 400 hours to achieve the learning outcomes of the subject.

This subject will be taught with a focus on individual development. The teaching will include a combination of theoretical lectures, joint reflection discussions, guide and leadership assignments on all the trips, systematic self-evaluation and student evaluation, and supervisor discussions and case work.

A large part of the study program takes place in nature and includes practical exercises and the development of experience. The preparation, execution and follow-up of field trips are important. Student-work related to field excursions will be organized in groups.

Other themes will be covered in a single course or in a series of courses and includes exercises and practical work. The teaching and learning methods will be student-focused and involve problem-based learning, project work, group work, practical and methodical work with guidance throughout the course, and lectures, discussions and the use of ICT.