INTRODUCTION TO BACKCOUNTRY CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

Dates

Course 1 - Thursday 11th - Sunday14th February 2027

Course 2 - Thursday, 4th March to Sunday 7th March 2027

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.

Cost

16,000 NOK (approximately $1,600 USD)

Included:

• Accommodation

• Dinner on the first night then breakfast, lunch and dinner through to lunch on the last day

• Trained and qualified guide/instructor

• All safety and group equipment​​

Not Included:

• Flights and transfers to get to Finse

• Travel or personal insurance

Who's the course for?

• Beginners who want to get into backcountry skiing

• Cross-country skiers who want to leave groomed tracks

• Adventurers who want to learn skiing for polar expeditions*

• 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

• You're not interested in learning mountain awareness skills

What You Will Learn

• Understand your equipment

• Introduction to balance and movement

• Efficient technique for skiing on the flat

• Efficient uphill skiing technique

• Safety downhill skiing techniques

• Flow and mindset

• What to do if your caught out

• Decision making and how to decide which technique to use when

​​​Example Course Itinerary

Day 1:

• Arrival to Finsehytta for dinner (sittings at 7pm or 9pm) and meet your guide and fellow participants

• Accommodation in Finsehytta

Day 2:

• Introduction, gear check, understanding your equipment and introduction to balance and movement

• Intro to uphill and flat skiing techniques

• Flow and mindset coaching

• Accommodation in Finsehytta

Day 3:

• Practise of uphill and flat skiing

• Introduction to downhill

• Skiing for safety and fun

• Accommodation in Finsehytta

Day 4:

• Further downhill skills

• Consolidation of all ski skills

• Final tour and departure

• Accommodation in Finsehytta

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

• Fjellski, comaptible ski boots, half skins and ski poles (we can rent them to you if you need)

• Wool base layers

• Warm hiking socks

• Wind/water proof jackets and pants

• 2-3 extra layers of clothing (warm sweater / puffy jacket)

• Warm hat and buff

• 1-2 pairs of warm ski gloves

• Ski goggles

• Backpack (25-35 liters)

• Thermos (at least 1 litre)

• Sunglasses & Sunscreen if your course is after February

• Some dry bags to store things in

• Your favourite snacks

• Something to carry your lunch in

Please no jeans or cotton layers. They become very cold when they are wet.​