Beginners Ice Climbing

Included

• Guides
• Accommodation
• Technical equipment

Excluded

• Transfers
• Food
• Winter mountaineering boots (these can be rented from the hostel if needed). 

When you sign up, we also recommend that you join the Facebook event. It is here that you will meet the other course participants, and be able to arrange a car-share. It's a great way to get to know everyone, and it has worked really well in the past. There is also a public transport option which takes around 4 hours, however, we recommend the car-share option as it's more affordable and convenient.

Absolutely yes - most people book alone. It can feel a bit intimidating, but your guides will do introductions when you arrive and you’ll get to know the others in no time!

The minimum age for all our courses is 18.

A moderate level of fitness is required. Climbing experience is not required. The locations are great for beginners - with something for everyone. The climbs are never too far from the hostel, and walk-ins take no more than 5 - 10 minutes, from your parking spot. The guides set up a big range of routes so that there's plenty to do for all abilities.

Yes. Popular providers include the BMC, Snowcard and Dogtag Insurance.

The local supermarket has a broad selection, with equivalent prices to a higher-end supermarket in the UK (e.g. Waitrose). It's a 5-minute drive from the hostel, and you can see the opening hours here.

Similar clothing to ski clothing works well for the Beginners Course (several warm layers and waterproofs). When you sign up you'll also receive a full packing list, and discount codes for some retailers.

Most people fly to Oslo Gardermoen (OSL).

Yes, there is usually availability to stay extra nights - just drop the hostel a message if you want to do this.

Yes, no problem - just let us know when you complete your registration form.

Temperatures can range from -10C to -20C.

The hostel is a small and friendly hostel with basic dormitory-style accommodation. It has comfortable beds, good cooking facilities, warm showers, a sauna, Wi-Fi and a drying room. There is no reception desk – If you arrive early, then just come inside and make yourself a tea or coffee. Jakob is the hostel owner and the lead guide. Bed linen is all included.

The currency used in Norway is the Norwegian Krone (KR). There is 1 ATM machine in Rjukan, but it is worth getting money before you arrive.

Documents

• Passport

• European Health Insurance Card (if appropriate)

• Travel insurance details

• Boarding passes for flights

• Wallet

• Driver’s license & rental car details (if needed)

Clothing

Please make sure all clothing is not cotton – cotton clothing is great for the summer but loses heat very quickly in the winter.

• 2 base-layer t-shirts (e.g. running t-shirts)

• Fleece/soft-shell jacket

• ‘Booster layer’ e.g. second fleece

• Waterproof jacket

• Down jacket for warmth, if possible (from e.g. Rab, Alpkit, Mountain Equipment)

• Spare clothes for evenings

• Underwear

• Base-layer trousers (optional)

• Soft-shell trousers or other warm trousers

• Waterproof trousers

• Swimwear for the sauna

• 2 thick wool mountaineering socks

• 2 pairs of waterproof/snowproof gloves or mitts

• Wool hat that can be worn under a helmet

• Winter mountaineering boots that fit crampons (these can be rented directly from the hostel if not owned. The cost of rental is 200NOK)

Other

• Small rucksack

• Water bottle/thermos

• Sunglasses

• Glasses/contact lenses (if needed)

• Sleeping bag liner for the hostel (you can rent sheets if not owned)

• Bathroom items including towel

• Electronics - Head torch, travel adaptor (French plug style), phone & charger

• Lipsil

• Book/mp3 player for flights

Climbing Equipment (optional

If you own any of the following, you may bring them along as well:

• Harness

• Helmet

• Ice axes

• Crampons

Rjukan Old School Hostel, Knut Dahlesvei 31, 3660 Rjukan, Norway 

Here is their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rjukanoldschoolhostel/