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Outdoor life & back country skiing

  • Course length: All year
  • Start-up date: 31.08.2025
  • Course teaching amount: 20 hours/week
  • Price: from 149 900,-
  • Foundation:
    Liberal
    The liberal folk high schools are built on values that are not based on one particular belief. They encourage students with different interests and beliefs to apply.
  • Food: Vegetarian, vegan
    Most schools will accommodate food allergies and other dietary needs. If you have questions, please contact the school directly.
  • Environmental certification:
    DebioFairtrade
  • Location: Sogndal
  • Study tour for the course: Interrail Europe, Lofoten - ski and surf
  • Study tour for the school: Bli kjent tur til Fjærland, Hemsedal, Båttur på Nærøyfjorden

Do you ever dream about spectacular vistas? Mighty mountains and steep summits; or skiing silky slopes in pristeen powder? Welcome to the Outdoor life & back country skiing program.

Friluftsliv at a folk high school is about challenging yourself physically and creating memories with new friends. Sleeping in tents and sharing meals around the campfire fosters a unique sense of community. Before the snow arrives, we summit peaks in Western Norway, ranging from short day hikes with light packs to longer expeditions with tents and base camps. You will also participate in glacier courses to access more remote summits. Climbing, both outdoors and indoors, becomes an important part of the year, where you will learn about rope usage, belaying, and climbing gear.

You will learn about maps and compasses, first aid, tent living, and managing challenging weather conditions—topics that will recur throughout the year. In the fall, we go on a surfing trip to Hoddevika, preparing physically and mentally for the challenges of winter.

When winter arrives, backcountry skiing takes center stage. We start in the ski resort to refine our skiing skills, and you will receive a thorough introduction to avalanche knowledge, snow profiles, and safe travel on randonee skis and splitboards. Sogndal is known for its fantastic snow, exciting tree skiing, jumps, and long descents. As spring approaches, we enjoy soft slush and the last ski trips before the snow melts.

Spring in Sogn is unique. The apple trees bloom by the fjord while the mountain peaks are still covered in snow. We combine sunny ski trips in the mountains with refreshing swims in the fjord.

Band

Learn how to play together and start a band! We have lots of instruments and equipment, - double bass, el. bass and guitar, drum kits, and quality sound gear. The band may also perform at the school.

Barista

We explore grind size, the differences between various coffee beans, and—most importantly—brewing the perfect espresso. We visit the local coffee roastery for an introduction to coffee roasting.

Basketball

We warm up and prepare for drills, defensive and offensive techniques, fakes, and gameplay. A mix of fun ball exercises and serious competition—this is basketball!

Beach Volleyball

The goal is to develop technical and tactical skills while increasing knowledge through structured training and different forms of gameplay. We have our own sand-volleyball court on campus.

Bouldering and Road Trip

We road-trip around the region in search of the best bouldering spots, both outdoors and indoors. In Sogndal, we also have a state-of-the-art bouldering gym that we use extensively.

Dessert Workshop

A feast for the taste buds! We make everything from cakes and ice cream to chocolate and lemon tarts. You get to help decide what’s on the menu.

First Aid

First aid is an essential skill no matter what stage of life you’re in. We combine theory and hands-on practice to handle everything from minor injuries to serious accidents.

Guitar

This is a beginner’s guitar course for those who love leading sing-alongs or simply enjoy strumming in a quiet moment. The school provides several guitars.

Cooking for dummies

Avoid living off junk food during your studies—save your money for more fun things! We make simple, tasty, and nutritious meals that are quick and affordable.

Hunting

Want to try hunting, or do you already have some experience? This elective is for you! With excellent hunting terrain near the school, you’ll get to try clay pigeon shooting and rifle use.

Kayaking

We paddle on the world’s longest fjord—Sognefjorden! You’ll learn basic kayaking techniques and rescue skills while enjoying spectacular fjord landscapes.

Climbing and Brattkort Certification

Learn belaying and climbing techniques for both toprope and leading. We cover basic climbing skills, equipment choice, and history. It concludes with a “Brattkort” certification. Equipment loan.

Knife Making

Create your own knife—complete with a sheath! Choose from different types of wood for the handle and design it to fit perfectly in your hand. You can also personalize the sheath.

Chocolate Making

The perfect bite-sized indulgence! Dark or milk chocolate, with basil sugar or caramel? Maybe you’ll discover your own favorite combination in one delicious bite.

Linocut Printing

Seeing your first fresh print from the press is like unwrapping a Christmas present! With simple technique instruction and your own creativity, you’re guaranteed to be surprised by the result.

Longboard

Design and craft your own high-quality longboard for asphalt surfing! Not only is longboarding fun to make, but it's also an eco-friendly and exciting way to get around.

Painting

Work with acrylic paints on canvas! We create large-scale paintings, and you’ll learn painting techniques, color theory, and end up with beautiful artwork to display.

Campfire Cooking

We prepare delicious meals that are easy to bring along on a hike. How about campfire-baked cake, warm cinnamon rolls, or a stuffed flatbread?

Powder Ready

Lactic acid and burning muscles—will be worth it when winter comes and your legs are ready for powder ski and mountain descents! Expect stair running and high-intensity training before the snow comes

Sausage Making

Learn how to make traditional holiday foods like homemade sausages, cured meats, and locally sourced delicacies!

Chalk Bag Redesign

We repurpose old climbing ropes into custom chalk bags. Learn sewing techniques, explore upcycling, and create high-quality products with a cool, personal touch!

Coastal Road Trip

Pack your bags—we’re heading to the coast! Depending on the destination, expect fishing, great vibes, maybe a crab feast, or just enjoying a beautiful sunset together.

Selbu Mittens

Learn to knit beautiful, traditional Selbu mittens! Beginners will master the basics, while experienced knitters can experiment with patterns and even create their own designs.

Skiing

Sharpen your turns or learn to ski from scratch! Lessons take place at Sogndal Ski Center, and you can use your preferred skis—telemark, alpine, cross-country, or touring skis.

Ski Making

Make your own skis from scratch! We have a dedicated woodworking workshop and an experienced "ski maker" who will guide you through the process.

Small-Scale Farming

We visit the organic farm Bøtun in Indre Hafslo, where we gain hands-on insight into food production. Expect an enjoyable experience—with a bit of physical work included.

Carpentry and Woodworking

In the workshop, you’ll work with various types of wood on projects big and small. Sketch your idea, make a plan, and get building! We’re excited to see your results.

Social Media (SoMe)

Learn content creation, improve your photography skills, and work with video editing.

Sewing

Make your own clothes! You’ll learn how to follow sewing patterns and upcycle existing garments. Our sewing room is well-equipped for all your creative projects, from jackets to formal gowns.

Mountain Biking

Sogndal has incredible mountain biking trails that attract riders from far and wide. The trails range from beginner-friendly to highly technical—there’s something for everyone.

Backcountry Skiing Basics

Ski touring offers breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks and valleys. If you’ve never tried it before, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Sogndal is a paradise for ski touring!

Volleyball

Prepare for fast-paced action with technical drills, exercises, and exciting matches. Smashes, blocks, and plenty of energy!

Yoga

Yoga focuses on strengthening and making both body and mind more flexible. This is achieved through physical postures (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayama).

Homebrewing

We brew our own beer and even create our own malt! You'll experiment with different types of beer while learning about brewing history and traditions.

Yearbook

The yearbook team writes, designs, and assembles the school's yearbook. You’ll gain experience in basic photo editing, article writing, and proofreading—all fueled by plenty of coffee!

Between towering mountains and the deep Sognefjord, everything is set for a year filled with experiences, personal growth, and lifelong friendships. At our school, learning goes beyond the classroom—it becomes a home. And this home is filled with people, just like you, who are ready to create unforgettable memories.

Here, the classroom isn’t confined by four walls—it extends to the entire landscape around us! From steep mountain peaks to deep fjords, the opportunities are endless. You’ll learn by experiencing, exploring, and actively participating in everything we do together.

Throughout the year, you’ll enjoy warm evenings by the fjord and crisp winter days surrounded by powder snow. You’ll feel the contrasts, the freedom, and the pure joy of being present in the moment. No matter which program you choose, we offer a daily life where you can embrace everything Sogndal has to offer—both in nature and together with your fellow students.

We are committed to making this a year that truly matters.

We Care

ABOUT YOU: As an open-minded folk high school, we believe in the value of each individual and strive to ensure that you have the opportunity to shape your own daily life.

ABOUT WHAT YOU EAT: Our sustainable food philosophy is about serving meals that are not only delicious but also nutritious and rooted in environmentally conscious choices.

ABOUT THE FUTURE: Here, you will learn to take responsibility for both yourself and your surroundings. We want you to leave our school with hope for a better future and the courage to create positive change.

Sogndal Folk High School stands for a GENEROUS, OPEN, RESPONSIBLE, AND SAFE learning environment. Everyone is welcome here, and we embrace a culture of openness and inclusivity. Our core values are reflected in everything we do, and you will experience personal growth through achievement and shared joy with others.

 

Courses at the school

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Former students

Claus Bruun Viuff

My year at Sogndal Folkehøgskule has been an incredible journey. I have learned so much, both about myself and about being part of a community. The adventures and friendships I have made here have made this a year I will never forget!

Claus Bruun Viuff